Every now and then I skim my hands over my trade paper backs and hardcovers for some inspiration. Over the years Marvel, DC and Dark Horse have done a fine job of supplying me with great comps. But lots of times, the books just sit there.

One book in particular was Enemy Ace by George Pratt [link]

Years ago I was told by a friend of mine at the time told me that his work wasn't worth the examination. I didn't think to look into it myself. Even if I did, I doubt I would of been able to appreciate what I was looking at. I had a very narrow scope of what comic book art was supposed to look like. I certainly didn't like painted comic book work. To be honest, it's still not my favorite approach to the comic book medium. But as my tastes begin to change and I continue trying to improve my work with color - I find myself looking more and more at painters that, well, paint. There's something to putting paint to board or canvas as opposed to a Cintiq. That's some serious courage and trust in your abilities.

Enemy Ace isn't the first painted graphic novel. But it really opened my eyes to what can be done with paint in the comic book arena. Now I'll have to pick through all my Muth, Hampton and Kent Williams books again. Pratt made some magic. He really transports the reader to a different time and the mood/tone is incredibly haunting. Great pacing too.

I love that bookshelf of mine...