Rob Liefeld

One of the most criticized and maligned American comic book artists in recent memory, Rob Liefeld still drew a handful of comic books that I thought looked great.  I really enjoy the enthusiasm and energy of his earlier work.  Rob showed signs of promise, but has not grown much artistically since he began working regularly.  He's lapsed a lot into stock poses and tired rendering that keeps his art from advancing unlike the phenomenal evolution of Travis Charest.

• New Mutants #87 p.6:  This page is notable for the first full appearance of Cable.  It's also a nice example of what I enjoy in Rob's earlier work: the likeable angularity and the simple but effective rendering.  Rob was drawing some clean and fun superhero stuff with a lot of youthful enthusiasm and energy.  (Inks: Bob Wiacek)