(illustration in upcoming Fables original graphic novel)

My awareness of the unique art of James Jean came with issue one of the DC: Vertigo Comics series Fables when it debuted about 4 years ago. Since that time James Jean’s painted works have graced every issue of Fables (47 at the time of this writing) as well as art for Batgirl, Green Arrow and others. His work for DC Comics has garnered two consecutive Eisner awards and a Harvey award.

(cover to issue 12 of Fables)

Quick side note: Fables is the Eisner award winning series created and written by Bill Willingham. It features the many and varied characters from our childhood fairy tales. They have been driven from their homelands by a force known as The Adversary and now live among us, the mundanes, disguised as real people with real jobs, etc. They work to remain undetected while they plot to take back their world. The story is so deep and complex that it is impossible to describe briefly. Suffice it to say that it deserves the many awards it has received and is one of the best comic series produced today.

(cover to Fables number 18…my absolute favorite Fables cover. Very springlike and it just glows. The detail on her hair is stunning)

(cover to Fables 33)

Born in 1979 in Taiwan and raised in New Jersey, James Jean is a fairly young artist who exploded onto the art scene fresh out of the School of Visual Arts in NYC. Soon after graduating in 2001 he landed the Fables job for DC Comics and in a brief time has become quite prolific. In addition to his comic work he has done illustration work for Time Magazine, The New York Times, Rollingstone, Spin, ESPN, Entertainment Weekly, Atlantic Records, Target, Playboy, Knopf, among others.

(Cover to the second Fables trade paperback. James Jean does original artwork for the covers of each Fables trade and it is hard not to buy them in addition to the individual issues just because these collage images are so fantastic.)

(Cover to the Fables trade paperback number 7

James Jean credits the internet for his quick success in finding work. He put together a website with samples of his work and when he dropped off his card a DC Comics they accessed his site, were amazed by his work, and quickly hired him.

(cover to issue 52 of Batgirl)

James Jean’s work starts with his stunning pencils. If you go to his site you can see many of his pictures in their first pencil form and he has such a soft, detailed touch that shows through in the final work. From the pencil stage through painting with acrylics, oils, and Photoshop Jean’s pieces become radiant visions of art.

(Cover for the book, Among the Dolls, by William Sleator)

I find Jean’s work very fresh and exhilarating. I look forward each month to see what he has done for Fables and I recognize his work on other comic books and always pick those up to stare at the gorgeous covers. I hope an art book is in his future because he has so much work out there already.

(Illustration for Men’s Health magazine entitled Fashion)

(Illustration for Men’s Health magazine entitled Jealousy)

James Jean’s art has a radiant quality. His paintings appear almost incandescent, giving the illusion that they are lit from behind. His coloring is always very unique. It is rare that his color palette approaches anything realistic. Instead the colors convey a mood. They are soft and glowing and yet are very powerful and draw the viewer into them. James Jean is an artist whose work I stare at in awe.

(Illustration done for a client who asked him to render an image of pink)

James Jean grew up inspired by comics and at a young age wanted to work in the comics field. His work is just one part of a group of artists and writers who continue to elevate comics above their decades old stereotype. In the near future Jean will have an 8 page story in an original Fables graphic novel. The picture at the top of this post is the first page of his story. I really look forward to seeing more than just a single image, to see how he paces a story and how his artwork translates into panel form.

(Cover to Green Arrow number 46. I love the muted colors and how well they work together)

I hope the future continues to hold much more of James Jean’s work. Like Dave McKean on Sandman I hope James Jean continues to be the cover artist for Fables as long as the book continues as he has lent a unique look and feel to this book from the very beginning. I would also love to see some children’s illustrated books from Jean. They would be fantastic.

(Cover to Green Arrow number 52 featuring one of my favorite DC Comics characters, Zatanna. Another one in which there aren’t many and varied colors and it works wonderfully)

Go to James Jean’s website and check out all of his work. There is a wider variety than I have touched on here, from the innocent to the slightly macabre and his art is well worth perusing and enjoying.

(Illustration for Best Life magazine for an article about one man’s obsession with Star Wars. Click on picture for a larger version)

And just like that another Friday Favorite is born. James Jean’s website has been in my favorites folder for a long time and it is a privilege to share him with you. Have a great, creative weekend everyone.