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Okay, that isn't just a play on words from Klaus' days working on Daredevil (who is the real man without fear, by the way). It's a heartfelt statement from us about what he brings to the game as an inker and a finisher.
Over his 30 year career, he's embellished a plethora of pencilers and always brings out the best in them. From Sal Buscema to Gil Kane to Frank Miller to John Romita, Jr, Klaus Janson continues to rise to the challenge and make it all good.
Since his start in the comic book business back in the '70s, Klaus has worked on literally thousands of pages of comic art. He's either drawn or inked nearly every character in both the Marvel and DC universes—and is still going strong.
In 2008, along with writer Mark Millar and penciler Romita Jr, he helped launch the very successful Kick-Ass mini-series through Marvel's Icon imprint. And between Kick-Ass, Spider-man, Punisher War Zone and now, Avengers, many Marvel editors consider Klaus to be the JRJR inker.
We spoke to Janson for the first time on this very podcast about a year ago when he generously agreed to take part in an Alex Toth tribute we were doing (he himself being a big fan of Toth). I hit him up then about coming back on for his own proper interview, and with schedules slowing down for the holidays, we thought now was a perfect time (Christmas with Klaus).
One of the things that makes him such an interesting guy to talk to, other than his staying power, is his versatility. He's best known as an inker, of course, but he's also a penciler (most inkers are), a colorist and an occasional comic book writer.
And in recent years, he's added a few more notches to his belt—author and teacher! He's written two books on creating comics—2001's The DC Comics Guide to Penciling Comics and 2003's The DC Comics Guide to Inking Comics. Both great reads and both great resources for budding artists.
And to his teaching at SVA (The School of Visual Arts) in New York City, Klaus says it's been one of the real highpoints of his career (as fate would have it, he himself is a self-taught artist).
Stan Lee said, "With great power comes great responsibility". Klaus, with his drawing and inking, has already shown 30 plus years of great power. By sharing his knowledge and experience of this medium with young minds, he's now showing his responsibility, too. And he's to be applauded for that.
- SWAIN
A great interview with an awesome creator. What a nice Christmas gift :)
(RE: Thanks, Alex and Happy Holidays! - D)
Posted by: Alex Sheikman | December 19, 2010 at 09:34
From inking Gil Kane to Spider-Girl's cheekbones, it was great to hear Klaus talk about the craft.
It really is too bad that he hasn't colored recently; it would be interesting to see his solutions given the advantages/setbacks of digital coloring.
...and digital inking, too! I'd love to see how he would apply his inking style to a screen. But you already know how I feel about such things, Adrian!
(I definitely do, Michel and I am the same way. In the back of my mind, I did want to ask Klaus about digital inking. However, in the Comics Foundry interview that Swain mentioned during the episode, Klaus all but says that digital inking is not for him and probably never will be. And that's for the better, I think. Inkers like Janson and Sienkiewicz are tactile. They have to be able to feel the scratch of your nib or be able to smudge the ink with your fingers at a whim. Can't do that digitally, that's for sure. Or at least without a healthy amount of premediatation and how much fun would that be? As an aside, keep rocking those AWESOME articles, Michel! -A)
Posted by: Michel Fiffe | December 19, 2010 at 21:38
I always loved Klaus's work, but I have a new found respect. I felt such a relief to hear Klaus talk about how difficult it is to make a comic.
Posted by: Bryan Moss | December 21, 2010 at 09:05
awesome interview. I loved the insight. daredevil man without fear was one of my first comic books. I still have it on my shelf. nice to hear this stuff. ( Thanks for listening, Alex! If you are going to start reading comics and choose a book, you can't go wrong with DD: Man Without Fear! And while Klaus didn't work on that one, he and John Romita, Jr. are still a team to be reckoned with. May I recommend the Punisher War Zone tpb? It's early in there collaboration together, but they are ON POINT! -A)
Posted by: alex | January 09, 2011 at 09:13
Great interview guy. Klaus is a real personality. Seemed like just a warm up - I would love to hear a part two.
Posted by: Martinho Correia | February 10, 2011 at 07:30
Loved this! Klaus is one of the all-time greats! Wish I could sit in on one of his classes.
Posted by: Kevin Nowlan | March 10, 2011 at 09:58
Darn, I want to listen to this Janson is one of the best inkers ever. I loved when he inked Gil Kane & Frank Miller in the 70's.
Posted by: Nld33 | March 24, 2012 at 13:27