It’s been a while since I took part in one of the sketch jam threads over on DRAWINGBOARD.ORG. They’ve started one recently that features characters with the title ‘DOCTOR’ in their names. This prompted me to work up a sketch of a character I’ve wanted to draw for some time… but never had the spark of inspiration to give me that kick in the pants I some times need. As a kid, I was aware of DR. FATE… but I was never that big a fan of the character. Not, that is, until I saw issue of FIRST ISSUE SPECIAL on the stands featuring Walt Simonson’s DR.FATE story. I don’t have to tell anyone familiar with Simonson’s work just how brilliant a creator he is… he’s been breaking ground and thrilling fans for decades in the comics industry. Simonson made FATE just so damned cool in FIS #9… it was eye opening. I’ve never seen the character handled as wonderfully since. Walt’s work on that one comic left an indelible impression on my imagination that carries through to this day. When I think of DR. FATE, I think of Simonson’s version. If you don’t have a copy of this comic, you can find it on eBay pretty easily, I’d bet… it would be well worth adding to your collection. The amazing thing about Walt Simonson’s work is that it’s timeless. You can pick any period of his work– and it’s just as fresh and thrilling today as it was when it was originally published. He’s truly unique in that respect.

Sorry the post’s so late today… I had a chiropractor’s appointment this morning, and that threw me off.

This is Entry 395.

Mike