Word Out 2013

One of my all-time favourite graphic novelists is Toronto's own James Turner. An illustrator by trade, Turner's art appears in all manner of highfalutin' magazines on the regular (like The Globe and Mail, or Toronto Life). He also produces darkly hilarious graphic novels and web comics using his super blocky, black and white technique.

Given my occupation, I've got to give a shoutout to his Rex Libris series, whose protagonist is a time-and-space travelling gun-toting librarian, intent on collecting late books from all manner of interstellar demons and warlords.

For this year's booklist however, I picked another of my favourite of James' titles, Warlord of Io. In it, a young and immature prince suddenly finds a galactic empire thrust on him, when all he wants to do is play video games and jam with his band. Issues take a turn for the complicated, when various shady characters try to seize control of his throne.

A fun story on its own, I particularly love James Turner's chunky, black and white art. It's very obviously computer generated which I often don't like visually (I think it can look a bit corny). In this case however, its really expertly executed and complements the subject in a fun creative way.

So, in my humble opinion, James Turner draws awesome robots. What do you think? And are there any comic artists who's work really stands out as amazing to you? Suggest some of your favourite books/artists below!