Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez
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Undoubtedly, change can be good. It can be especially good when change is undertaken to enliven already successful comic book characters. Though Wayne Boring’s 1950s Superman evolved into Curt Swan’s conservative and minimalist ‘60s version, it was Artist Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez’s ‘70s version of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, that set the stage for one of the most radical style changes yet to these iconic characters. Garcia-Lopez, an artist for DC Comics since 1974, designed the stable of DC Comics superheroes to be physically defined yet purposeful. Through Garcia-Lopez’s efforts, these characters were not drawn to be overtly large and bulky, but to have a body shape more associated with a graceful yet powerful athlete. Garcia-Lopez’s involvement gave what is now known as an appealing mix of tradition and innovation, which enabled the DC Comics heroes to keep established fans while also indoctrinating new converts. This is particularly true with Wonder Woman, who Garcia-Lopez first drew in 1976 for an appearance in the tabloid “Superman vs. Wonder Woman.” As Garcia-Lopez states, the challenge then as today with Wonder Woman is to find the optimum blend of power, athleticism, intelligence and a strong attitude while preserving her femininity and beauty. Garcia-Lopez was born in Spain in 1948, and moved to Argentina in 1953. It was while attending private school that he cultivated his distinct drawing technique. In the late-60s, Garcia-Lopez took interest in American comics. By the mid-70s, while providing art for Charlton Comics mystery books, Garcia-Lopez was given his first DC Comics assignment. This enabled him to work not just on Superman, Batman, Hawkman and Wonder Woman, but expand his talents to Tarzan and the Jonah Hex stories and covers. |