NEAL ADAMS MONTH: The Buzz of Working With Adams

A protege ponders the master.

Week 3 books, out 2/17.

Week 3 books, out 2/17.

It’s NEAL ADAMS MONTH here at 13th Dimension, and we’re featuring daily commentary by Adams on his variant-cover project for DC Comics. Each of his 27 variants is a twist on one of his famous covers from the past. He provided the pencils, and the inks and colors were handled by some of the biggest names in the business like Bill Sienkiewicz and Terry Dodson.

For the full NEAL ADAMS MONTH INDEX of stories — including commentary by guest inkers like Mick Gray and Walt Simonson click here.

Pencils by Neal Adams, inked by Buzz and colored by Hi-Fi

Pencils by Neal Adams, inked by Buzz and colored by Hi-Fi.

Aldrin Aw is probably the least known of the inkers collaborating with Neal Adams on his variant covers. Aw, better known as simply “Buzz,” is a regular at Continuity Studios and part of the tight-knit, extended Adams clan.

Adams who talks about their collaboration on Titans Hunt #5, here — speaks of Buzz with great affection and predicts big things for him.

Buzz, who calls Adams his idol, returns the favor in our latest mini-interview with Neal’s inkers.

And I tell you, he hits it on the head with his first answer. Our favorite covers may differ (his is nonetheless a fantastic choice) but his sentiment is right on the money. No artist has ever made me feel inside the action like Adams does …

Dan Greenfield: What’s your favorite classic Neal Adams cover?

Buzz: Strange Adventures #214. This cover had everything. Action, suspense, and it pulled you right into the moment. You can almost feel what Deadman and the girl were feeling. Neal Adams’ art did just that — made you believe you were right in the story.

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Cover-dated Oct. 1968

Dan: How has Adams influenced you as an artist?

Buzz: Fantasy realism. His approach to the comic art form brought realism yet never lost the fantastical aspect of fiction. I try to do that with my own work.

And the amazing work ethic he has, working nonstop for over 50 years and still being on top of his game.

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Dan: You have your own style. Neal Adams has his. How did you work to meld the two on this homage cover?

Buzz: One of the main influences on my work is Neal Adams, so in inking Neal’s pencils I tried to bring in ink a permanency of what he was conveying in pencil, fused with my own flair. A conglomeration of both, without losing the intent and message of the pencils.

You can also find more on Neal Adams at his website, here.

 

Author: Dan Greenfield

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