Posted By Dan Greenfield on Apr 9, 2024 | 10 comments

The time is now for the José Luis García-López classic that’s never been released…

By CHRIS FRANKLIN

DC’s announcement Tuesday of a series of special variant covers using the artwork of José Luis García-López is more than just a simple “stunt.” It is an acknowledgment of a demand for not only García-López’s seminal work, but for the book that it all sprang from: the fabled 1982 DC Comics Style Guide.

Fans have been after DC to publish this massive tome of character-defining art since whispers of its existence entered into public circles four decades ago. There’s no time better than now for its release, and we fans have it within our power to help push DC in that direction. Together, we can make this happen, by voting with our dollars, and showing the publisher we have more in our pocket when it comes to the lush material from that legendary Style Guide. It’s a win-win scenario for everyone, if we all get behind it. Why is it so important that we do this? Read on.

The image samples included here are NOT being used for variant covers. And these just scratch the surface of what’s in the book.

Before García-López (with an assist from Dick Giordano on inks) was commissioned to produce the style guide, DC Comics had never had a dedicated source of original art for licensing and reference. Oh sure, original art was produced for merchandising dating back to the ’40s and into the Batmania of the ’60s, but never was there such an exhaustive project designed to give every major player in the universe key art for not only merchandise, but for artists within DC to follow as well. Because of this, García-López ’s renditions of the characters became just as iconic as those of artists who drew them regularly for years. Two years after the style guide was created, the Super Powers line of products, toys and media was launched, cementing the García-López style as the definitive look of the latter half of the Bronze Age at DC.

Because that art has graced so many products DC fans hold dear, from action figure packaging, to T-shirts, pajamas, video covers, puffy stickers, etc., fans have long clamored to own and hold in their hands the source: The DC Comics Style Guide, only sent to licensors to design their products, and internally at DC for staff and freelancers to reference. When a copy does make it to the hands of the public, the books go for a humongous sum on the aftermarket. I myself recently saw one for sale at a show with an asking price of $1,500!

Obviously, the demand is there. Fans are waiting for something, anything DC could give us, that would scratch that itch. Much like an alternate cut of a beloved and long out-of-print film, or a vinyl release of a rare concert by an influential artist, the DC Style Guide belongs in the hands of the fans. It’s not just a marketing piece. It’s art. García-López managed to capture the essence of each character in every piece he drew, with his economic and elegant linework. It’s simply gorgeous.

It deserves a spot on any enthusiast’s shelf. Right next to recent efforts like IDW Artist’s Editions, or Abrams ComicArts’ various Marvel books reprinting their black light posters, value stamps and calendars. Marvel has really hit on something with these releases. It gives fans a chance to own pricey collectibles without breaking the bank, much like the Facsimile Edition comics the Big Two have been producing for the last several years. The DC Style Guide is the ultimate example of this, as it was never available for sale! Just stop and think about that: A single volume containing arguably the most iconic art ever produced of some the most popular fictional characters of all time has NEVER been available to purchase. Money has been left on the table for nearly half a century.

So, say these covers are a trial balloon, and DC is possibly thinking about releasing the Style Guide, perhaps with a publishing partner. How do we want it? Any way we can get it. But certainly, it would be wonderful to have options. A hardcover coffee table artbook? Sure! How about sticking close to the original format: a three-ring binder with removable sheets for each piece. Maybe even perforate the hole-punched areas for removal, so the plates could be framed for posterity? Perhaps the art could come in individual packets like the 90s “loose-leaf” version of Who’s Who? A more affordable poster book of some of the key pieces? Yes, to all of the above, please!

It’s an interesting time for the comic industry. There seems to be an awareness that comics can move forward, progressing the characters and their world without totally ignoring their past; acknowledging not only the versions of the characters that came before, but the creators who crafted that legacy, and the fans who still hold those versions dear. The DC Comics Style Guide is unique even among such examples, because it’s still relevant today! Walk into any retail store, and you’re bound to find a product using some piece of JLGL art culled from this legendary book. It truly is timeless, existing both as an artifact of the past, but also as a universe bible for future generations to fire their imaginations with. THESE are the heroes and villains of the DC Universe, in their purest form. It’s high time the world had a chance to take this wonderful creation home with them.

So, buy those variant covers — better yet, pre-order them — and let DC know you want MORE. You want the whole shebang. The 1982 Style Guide, and all the updates made throughout the remainder of the decade, and beyond. In about every format they can give us. The audience is waiting, money in hand, and has been for over 40 years. We fans are ready and willing.

It’s time to make it happen.

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MORE

— 1982 DC COMICS STYLE GUIDE: DC to Release Run of Variant Covers With JOSE LUIS GARCIA-LOPEZ’s Classic Artwork. Click here.

— 13 GREAT STYLE GUIDE ILLUSTRATIONS: A JOSE LUIS GARCIA-LOPEZ Birthday Salute. Click here.

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Regular 13th Dimension contributor Chris Franklin is a graphic designer, illustrator, writer, and podcaster, who co-hosts and produces several shows on the Fire and Water Podcast Network, including JLUCast. His love for the art of José Luis García-López (Praised Be His Name) and the 1982 DC Comics Style Guide goes back to the very first product he bought that featured art from that project: a 1982 Batman and Robin kite. This article is dedicated to the memory of his late friend, Xum Yukinori.