Art by Ben Perkins
Interview by Troy-Jeffrey Allen
Throughout my travels on the Internet, I frequently stumble upon an artist that makes me pause and go, "Oh my damn...that's good." Seriously, it's often criminal how many under-appreciated, flat-out dynamite artists are floating around on the Internet -- showcasing their amazing depictions of superheroes, movie monsters, anime icons, and the like. Fortunately for them, nerds never get tired of discovering a new artist on their timelines. So let's add another to the mix, eh?
This is the art of Ben Perkins, an admitted animation junkie and Lobo fan. Late last year, in a Facebook group, he posted a few fan images of some of his favorite characters. My immediate reaction was that not only do his characters feel like they're going to jump off the page, but his work reminds me of other tremendous talents like Amanda Conner, Mike Weringo, and Ed McGuiness. But enough about me! Ben deserves the spotlight! So I'm going to hand over the mic and let his work and words speak for themselves.
"My name is Ben Perkins and I was born and raised in Vermont but have spent the last twenty-three years living and working in Portland, Oregon."
-Ben Perkins
"I have always been drawing and have been interested in art since I was very young, most likely around four or so. I was completely fascinated with animation and the daily newspaper strips, like Blondie, Peanuts, and Calvin and Hobbes."
-Ben Perkins
"I started reading comics in grade school and a thirst for the reruns of ’66 Batman only furthered my interest. Once I understood people actually make comics, I was off and running to become a cartoonist. I’m not sure I’ve “gotten into” comics in the traditional sense since I don’t work for any main publishers, but I’ve helped people publish their comics pretty much since I moved to Portland in ’97."
-Ben Perkins
"I always end up drawing Lobo at one point or another. He’s just an interesting character to draw. There are a lot of shapes and motifs you can pull out to really make an interesting piece. Plus, the attitude is always fun to play with."
-Ben Perkins
"I like to draw any character really, but I always come back to doodling Wolverine or Batman. Having said that I spend most of my time drawing my own characters."
-Ben Perkins
"Right now, people can find a trade paperback of Galaxy Gator, written by the incomparable, Aaron Stewart at www.galaxygator.net."
-Ben Perkins
"People can check out my Instagram @brattyben or check out my online gallery at https://www.deviantart.com/brattyben."
-Ben Perkins
Keep an eye on PREVIEWSworld.com's Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram for more up-and-coming artists spotlights!
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS
(W) Charles M. Schulz (A/CA) Charles M. Schulz
by Charles M. Schulz
As with the previous two holiday seasons, we are simultaneously offering a boxed set of the fifth and sixth volumes, designed by the award-winning graphic novelist, Seth. Shipping shrinkwrapped, with volumes 1959-1960 and 1961-1962 packed in a sturdy custom box designed especially for this set, it's the perfect gift book item of the season.
In Shops: Oct 04, 2006
SRP: $49.95
PREVIEWS Page #290
BOOM! STUDIOS
(W) Charles M. Schulz (A/CA) Charles M. Schulz
Linus Van Pelt. The benevolent, blanket-clutching philosopher always has a kind word for everybody, especially his best friend, Charlie Brown, and even for his bossy older sister, Lucy.
This hardcover collection includes stories from across all eras of Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts, so grab your favorite blanket, and get ready to share some laughs as you await the Great Pumpkin!
In Shops: Aug 21, 2019
SRP: $14.99
PREVIEWS Page #230
Click to View
ANDREWS MCMEEL
(W) Bill Watterson (A/CA) Bill Watterson
Many moons ago, the magic of Calvin and Hobbes first appeared on the funny pages and the world was introduced to a wondrous pair of friends - a boy and his tiger, who brought new life to the comics page. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of this distinguished partnership, Bill Watterson prepared this special book, sharing his thoughts on cartooning and creating Calvin and Hobbes, illustrated throughout with favorite black-and-white and color cartoons.
In Shops: Nov 11, 2015
SRP: $18.99
DC COMICS
(W) Keith Giffen, Alan Grant (A) Denys Cowan, Keith Giffen, Christian Alamy, Kevin O'Neill (A/CA) Simon Bisley
It's the big, bad Lobo book that has something to offend everyone! In these fast-shooting, gut-wrenching tales from the 1990s, Lobo's out for revenge on whoever wrote an unauthorized biography of his life as a gun for hire! Then, the Easter Bunny hires Lobo to kill his biggest rival: Santa Claus! And Lobo signs on to kill the galaxy's greatest criminal, but promptly gets killed. And 200 of the main man's illegitimate offspring team up to knock off dear old dad! Collects LOBO #1-4, LOBO PARAMILITARY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL #1, LOBO'S BACK #1-4, LOBO: BLAZING CHAIN OF LOVE #1 and LOBO CONVENTION SPECIAL #1.
In Shops: Jan 24, 2018
SRP: $24.99
DC PREVIEWS Page #138
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Troy-Jeffrey Allen is the producer and co-host of PREVIEWSworld Weekly. His comics work includes BAMN, Fight of the Century, the Harvey Award-nominated District Comics, and the Ringo Awards-nominated Magic Bullet.
