Phil Noto’s Comic Book Covers

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The thing about writing about artists that exhibit at Stranger Factory is that I am genuinely a big fan of most of them. Brandt and Kathie are amazing curators, and no crap makes it through the doors of their gallery. So, yeah, I’m a fan, and it’s really wonderful being able to write about artists you love. But sometimes, an artist is scheduled to show at Stranger Factory, and I’m kind of not just a fan, I am a total fangirl. And then, I have to get my act together because no one wants a wide eyed blubbering fool writing about their show. Fortunately, Phil’s work has been a frequent guest at Stranger Factory, so at least I’m reasonably calm about it now.

(Scott and Jean, from The Art of Narrative show this January)

So, today, I’m just gonna show you a few of Phil Noto’s gorgeous comic book covers, all rendered in his trademark retro-inspired style and his unfailing eye for colour. I’m not going to dwell too much on how his cover for Batgirl #2 stopped me in my tracks in a comic book store a couple years ago(and there’s a nice retrospective of his Batgirl covers here), or about how his Birds of Prey covers have been the most consistently stunning, or about how glad I am that in a comic book world still filled with impractical women in uncomfortable poses, Phil Noto’s ladies are consistently strong, coy, elegant and playful – all at the same time.

So, right. I’m a fan, and here are some of my favourite Noto covers.

The aforementioned Batgirl #2(It’s a good run, and has my second favourite Batgirl).
BG Cv2 ds.qxp

Click “more” to read on.

Widowmaker #4 (It’s a really good miniseries.)
widow_maker_4

And then, there are his covers and variants for various X-Men series, which should really be considered classics.

astonishingxmen55
Astonishing_X-Men_Vol_3_61_Phil_Noto_Variant

Anyway, enough fangirling from me. Two of Noto’s art books are currently available in the Circus Posterus store: JET SEVEN and Trans Am Champions.

Phil Noto’s solo show runs July 5th – July 28th, with an opening reception on Friday, July 5th from 6 – 9 PM at Stranger Factory. Phil will be present, and is also teaching a painting workshop on Sunday, July 7th.

 

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