Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Jason Fabok

Jason Fabok (born April 14, 1985, in ) is a Canadian artist, designer, and illustrator renowned for his contributions to DC Comics, particularly on high-profile titles such as Batman, , , , , and . Raised in , , Fabok currently resides in Kingsville with his wife and three children. He entered the industry after apprenticing under artist David Finch, with whom he collaborated on Batman: The Dark Knight. Fabok's career gained prominence through his dynamic artwork on major storylines, including the epic Justice League: The (2016) co-created with writer , which explored cosmic threats and character depths within the . He further solidified his reputation with Batman: Three (2020), also with Johns, a critically acclaimed that delved into the multifaceted origins of the , drawing inspiration from classic Batman tales like The Killing Joke and the 1989 Batman film; the project became one of DC's top-selling books of the decade. In 2019, Fabok received an Eisner Award for Best Short Story for "The Talk of the Saints," co-created with Tom King in Winter Special, recognizing his versatility beyond epics. Beyond DC, Fabok has expanded into publishing as co-founder and co-owner of Ghost Machine, a media company launched in 2023, where he co-created the science-fiction series Rook: Exodus with Johns, emphasizing creator-owned narratives. His design expertise extends to merchandise, including action figures, statues from Prime 1 Studio, and collectible coins from the Royal Canadian Mint, blending his artistic style with fan-driven products. Influenced by artists like Jim Lee, Frank Miller, and Brian Bolland, Fabok's precise penciling and storytelling have made him a defining voice in modern comics, often channeling nostalgic elements of Batman's history while innovating for contemporary audiences.

Early life and education

Upbringing and influences

Jason Fabok was born on April 14, 1985, in , , and raised in the nearby town of . Growing up in this region of , he developed an early fascination with visual storytelling, influenced by the local scene. The area's proximity to established artists, such as native Finch—a prominent illustrator for DC Comics and —exposed Fabok to professional comic book creation from a young age, fostering his interest in the medium even before formal mentorship began. As a child, Fabok harbored a passion for filmmaking and animation, often sketching characters inspired by television cartoons and aspiring to direct films. This enthusiasm for cinematic narratives evolved in his teenage years when he discovered comics as a powerful form of visual storytelling. Batman stories, in particular, captivated him, shifting his focus from film direction to comic book art as he recognized the medium's potential to blend illustration and narrative in ways reminiscent of his early film interests. Fabok's upbringing also included a strong religious foundation, shaped by his Christian family.

Education and training

Following high school, Fabok attended Word of Life in , , for one year. It was during his time at the that he met his future wife, . During this time, he began reevaluating his career path, ultimately deciding to pursue illustration more seriously. Fabok then enrolled in St. Clair College's Tradigital Animation program in , graduating in 2007. The curriculum emphasized practical skills in storyboarding, , and digital tools such as Photoshop, , and Toon Boom Harmony, which provided a foundation in visual storytelling and technical proficiency. These elements were particularly valuable for developing techniques, even though the program focused on rather than . During his college years, Fabok transitioned from general animation studies toward a specialization in art, drawing on the program's storyboarding exercises to refine his approach to panel layouts and narrative flow. Complementing this formal training, he pursued self-directed learning in comic penciling and inking by studying the works and tutorials of established artists, including David Finch's detailed anatomy and dynamic compositions, as well as Andy Kubert's storytelling in Batman narratives. This blend of structured education and independent practice honed his illustrative style for the comics industry.

Career

Entry into the industry

Fabok's entry into the professional comics industry began through a mentorship with established artist David Finch, who resided in the same town. After Fabok emailed his portfolio to Finch seeking advice, the latter agreed to provide intensive training in a six-month "boot camp" focused on anatomy, backgrounds, perspective, and industry standards, helping Fabok refine his skills and develop a competitive portfolio. This guidance, which started around 2009, also included practical advice on navigating editorial relationships and meeting deadlines, with Finch personally submitting Fabok's improved portfolio to DC Comics editors. Finch's influence directly led to Fabok's debut professional assignment, penciling portions of Superman/Batman #70–71 in 2010, written by Joe Casey. Struggling with the tight deadlines on this first project, Fabok received hands-on assistance from Finch to complete the work on time, marking his initial collaboration under the mentor's script. Following this, Fabok took on short assignments and covers for DC, such as the Teen Titans: Cold Case variant, while continuing to build his portfolio through self-directed practice and occasional freelance opportunities. These efforts culminated in a breakthrough when Finch recommended Fabok to pencil the final two issues of his own series, Batman: The Dark Knight #4–5 in 2011. Fabok's performance on these issues impressed DC editors, leading to a two-year exclusive contract with the publisher shortly thereafter. Prior to fully committing, Fabok briefly freelanced outside DC, penciling the 2011 Soulfire Vol. 3 series (#0–8) for Aspen Comics, written by J.T. Krul, which provided additional experience in full-issue storytelling.

Work with DC Comics

Fabok's involvement with DC Comics began prominently during the New 52 initiative, where he provided cover art and occasional interior pencils for Detective Comics issues #13–27 from 2012 to 2013. Collaborating with writer John Layman on arcs like "Emperor Penguin" and "The Wrath," Fabok's dynamic illustrations captured the gritty urban atmosphere of Gotham, emphasizing Batman's tactical prowess against villains such as the Penguin and Harvey Dent. His work also intersected with Scott Snyder's broader Batman narrative, contributing to the continuity of the New 52 era through detailed cover designs that highlighted key character moments. In 2014–2016, Fabok took on a major role in the Justice League series, penciling and inking issues #36–50 under writer . This period included tie-ins to the "" event, where his art depicted the League's absence and the ensuing chaos led by the Crime Syndicate, showcasing epic battles and moral dilemmas among heroes like and . The storyline culminated in the "," a sprawling conflict pitting the against and the , with Fabok's intricate paneling and shadowy visuals enhancing the cosmic scale and character transformations, such as Batman's temporary god-like powers. His contributions earned praise for blending high-stakes action with emotional depth, solidifying his reputation as a key artist in DC's flagship team book. Fabok extended his Batman-centric work to the weekly series in 2014, delivering pencils for issues #1–3 and additional contributions like #21 and #33, co-created with writers , , and John Layman. His art opened the series with a sprawling narrative involving a conspiracy threatening Gotham's future, featuring ensemble action with allies like Dick Grayson and . In 2016, he provided cover art for vs. Suicide Squad #1, illustrating the tense alliance between the League and Task Force X against a mutual threat. A notable crossover followed in 2017 with "The " event, spanning Batman #21–22 and The #21–22, where Fabok co-illustrated alongside Howard Porter under writers Tom King and Joshua Williamson. The story explored a mysterious from the Watchmen's universe, linking it to Batman's quest for answers about his parents' murder, with Fabok's precise linework conveying the psychological tension and multiversal intrigue. His dual role in penciling and inking key sequences amplified the event's impact on DC's Rebirth initiative. Fabok reunited with Geoff Johns for the 2020 DC Black Label miniseries Batman: Three Jokers, a three-issue exploration of the Joker's origins through multiple incarnations. As both penciler and inker, Fabok crafted a noir-infused narrative where Batman, Batgirl, and Red Hood investigate a trio of Jokers—Criminal, Comedian, and Classic—delving into themes of trauma and legacy. His stark, expressive artwork, often in black-and-white with selective color accents, heightened the story's emotional weight and deconstructed the iconic villain's psyche, marking a significant return to Batman-focused projects.

Other projects and collaborations

Fabok's early foray outside DC Comics came in 2011 with his work as the penciler on Aspen Comics' Soulfire volume 3, issues #0–8. Collaborating with writer J.T. Krul, he illustrated a supernatural fantasy narrative centered on the resurgence of magic in a world divided between forces of light and chaos, marking his only sustained project with another publisher at the time. Beyond his primary DC assignments, Fabok contributed to limited-format stories and one-shots, often teaming up with prominent writers on experimental tales. In 2018, he partnered with Tom King to illustrate "The Talk of the Saints" for Swamp Thing Winter Special #1, a DC Vertigo anthology issue depicting Swamp Thing's unpowered struggle through a blizzard-ravaged bayou to safeguard a lost boy from mythical threats. This poignant, 40-page short story, colored by Brad Anderson, won the 2019 Eisner Award for Best Short Story. Fabok has also provided variant cover artwork for cross-publisher collaborations, including the 1:25 incentive cover for Batman/Spawn #1 (2022), a one-shot event jointly published by and that pitted Batman against in a high-stakes supernatural clash. His dynamic composition, featuring the two antiheroes in tense confrontation amid a hellish backdrop, highlighted his versatility in bridging distinct universes. In select limited projects, Fabok reunited with writers like Tom King for non-serialized formats, such as the introspective horror elements in King's contribution.

Co-founding Ghost Machine

In October 2023, Jason Fabok co-founded Ghost Machine, a creator-owned and operated media company, alongside writers and artists including Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Peter J. Tomasi, Lamont Magee, Maytal Zchut, and Diego Lopez. The company was officially announced on October 12, 2023, during New York Comic Con, marking Fabok's transition from exclusive work at DC Comics to independent publishing. As a co-owner and primary artist, Fabok contributes to the venture's goal of producing original content free from the constraints of traditional publishers, allowing creators to retain full rights and equity. Ghost Machine partners with Image Comics for the distribution and printing of its titles, enabling wider reach while maintaining creator control over editorial decisions. The company develops a shared universe framework comprising interconnected storylines across multiple imprints, including the superhero-focused Unnamed universe (featuring titles like Geiger and Redcoat), the sci-fi Rook: Exodus, the family adventure Family Odysseys, and a dedicated horror universe. Rook: Exodus, co-created with Johns, debuted with issue #1 in April 2024; the series concluded its first arc with #6 in October 2024 and began a second arc, with issue #8 released in November 2025. This structure emphasizes genres such as horror, science fiction, and superheroes, fostering crossovers and collaborative world-building among the founders. Fabok's decision to leave his DC Comics exclusivity stemmed from a desire for greater creative control and long-term ownership of his work, viewing the move as a calculated risk that offered more fulfillment than mainstream assignments. He has cited the opportunity to design and own characters outright, building on his prior collaboration with Johns on projects like Three Jokers, as a key motivator for joining Ghost Machine. This shift allows Fabok to prioritize artistic freedom and shared success with fellow creators in an industry increasingly focused on independent ventures.

Bibliography

DC Comics

Fabok began his contributions to DC Comics in 2010 with interior art on Superman/Batman #70–71, where he served as penciler for the "Big Noise" storyline involving Superman and Batman confronting a shape-shifting threat. In 2011, he provided artwork for Batman: The Dark Knight #4–5, illustrating key issues in the series focused on Batman's ongoing battles. Fabok's extensive run on spanned #13–27 from 2012 to 2013, acting as penciler for stories featuring Batman in the era, including arcs that explored his detective work and alliances. From 2014 to 2016, he illustrated #36–50 as artist, notably contributing to the crossover event that depicted the League's confrontation with and the . During 2014, Fabok provided art for select issues of the weekly series #1–52, enhancing the year's long-form narrative on Batman's world. In 2016, he served as artist on vs. #1, capturing the clash between the superhero team and the villainous squad. Fabok co-artisted the 2017 "The Button" crossover in Batman #21–22 and The Flash #21–22, illustrating pivotal moments tying into the larger narrative. For the 2018 Swamp Thing Winter Special, he provided artwork for the story "The Talk of the Saints," delving into the horror elements of the character. In 2020, Fabok illustrated the three-issue miniseries Batman: Three Jokers #1–3, exploring the origins and implications of multiple versions of the . Throughout his DC tenure, Fabok has also created cover art and variant covers for numerous titles, including Batman, , and related events, often featuring dynamic depictions of heroes and villains.

Aspen Comics

Fabok's sole contribution to Aspen Comics was as penciler on Soulfire #9 (2011), written by J.T. Krul. This one-off assignment occurred during his early career transition to an exclusive contract with DC Comics.

Ghost Machine

Fabok co-created and provides the artwork for Rook: Exodus, an ongoing science fiction series written by Geoff Johns and published by Image Comics as part of the Ghost Machine imprint. The narrative centers on Rook, an avian Warden navigating survival on the desolate planet Exodus amid escalating conflicts among animal-hybrid guardians. Issue #1 debuted on April 3, 2024, with subsequent issues released monthly through 2024 and continuing into 2025, reaching #8 on November 5, 2025, and #9 scheduled for December 3, 2025. The first trade paperback collection, Rook: Exodus Volume 1: Fight or Flight, compiling issues #1–6, was released on April 15, 2025. A deluxe hardcover edition followed on November 11, 2025. In addition to penciling and inking the series alongside colorist Brad Anderson, Fabok contributes to the Ghost Machine shared universe through his visual storytelling and designs for the Exodus setting, including hybrid Warden characters that interconnect with other imprint titles. Issue #7, released October 1, 2025, introduces Matterhorn, the solitary Warden of Mountain Goats who resides in snowy highlands with her herd, expanding the lore of Exodus's guardian hierarchy.

References

  1. [1]
    Jason Fabok | Official Publisher Page - Simon & Schuster
    Jason Fabok is a professional comic book artist, designer, and illustrator mostly known for his work for DC Comics. After being mentored by comic superstar ...
  2. [2]
    Batman's Ontario illustrator draws own dreams | CBC News
    Aug 22, 2012 · Jason Fabok, a 27-year-old from Harrow, Ont., has sketched his way onto the cover of DC Comics' annual Batman edition.
  3. [3]
    Batman Eternal: An Interview with Jason Fabok - DC Comics
    Apr 9, 2014 · Jason Fabok, the astounding artist who has been making a name for himself among Batman fans for his work on Detective Comics.
  4. [4]
    Are You Ready for Justice League's Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok?
    Jun 2, 2015 · Earlier this year, we spoke with writer Geoff Johns and artist Jason Fabok about this massive new story and what it means for the Justice League ...
  5. [5]
    Jason Fabok Channels the Past in Bringing Batman: Three Jokers to ...
    Sep 29, 2020 · Batman: Three Jokers #2 by Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson is now available in print and as a digital comic book.
  6. [6]
    Past Recipients 2010s - Comic-Con International
    2019 Eisner Awards for works published in 2018. Best Short Story: “The Talk of the Saints,” by Tom King and Jason Fabok, in Swamp Thing Winter Special (DC) ...2019 Eisner Awards For Works... · 2018 Eisner Awards For Works... · 2015 Eisner Awards For Work...
  7. [7]
    2014 Honourees - Windsor - St. Clair College
    Jason Fabok is an artist who works for DC Comics on the new Batman Eternal ... Following graduation, he studied for a year at the Word of Life Bible College in ...
  8. [8]
    Jason Fabok (b. 1985) - GCD :: Creator - Grand Comics Database
    Jason Fabok (b. 1985) ; Born: 1985 April 14 in Harrow, Ontario, Canada ; Type: Name at Birth ; Given name: Jason ; Family name: Fabok ...
  9. [9]
    Creating the Bat #11: Jason Fabok | HuffPost Entertainment
    Jan 16, 2014 · The young Jason Fabok went to school for storyboarding and (CG) animation, but he quickly changed gears and made comics his career goal upon ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    Creating a Comic Book Portfolio: The Ramblings of an Artist
    Oct 30, 2011 · Jason Fabok is a Canadian comic book artist living in Southern Ontario, Canada. He is currently working on Batman: The Dark Knight for DC comics ...Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood
  11. [11]
    My Most Influencial Artists List - Jason Fabok
    Apr 24, 2012 · After David Finch, I think Jim Lee would be my number 2 influence ... Jason Fabok is a Canadian comic book artist living in Southern ...
  12. [12]
    Superman/Batman #70 | DC Comics Issue
    Written By: Joe Casey ; Pencils: Ardian SyafJason Fabok ; Inks: Norm RapmundMarlo AlquizaVicente Cifuentes ; Cover By: Ardian SyafVicente CifuentesUlises Arreola ...Missing: first professional work 2009
  13. [13]
    https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/comics/book/supermanbatman-2003-70/8ac96b8b-53f2-4349-b12c-a5043dc12a8f
  14. [14]
    BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #4 - DC Comics
    Series: BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT 2010 ; U.S. Price: 2.99 ; On Sale Date: Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 ; Volume/Issue #:. 4 ; Color/B&W: Color.Missing: #4-5
  15. [15]
    Soulfire Vol. 3 #0 Reviews (2011) at ComicBookRoundUp.com
    Rating 6.5/10 (2) Writer: J. T. Krul Artist: Jason Fabok Publisher: Aspen Comics Release Date: March 9, 2011 Cover Price: $1.99 Critic Reviews: 2 The magic has returned!
  16. [16]
    DETECTIVE COMICS #13 | DC
    DETECTIVE COMICS #13. • All kneel before Emperor Penguin! • There's a hit out on Bruce Wayne! • This new story from ...
  17. [17]
    JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE DARKSEID WAR (DC ESSENTIAL EDITION)
    6–7 day delivery Free 30-day returnsTalent. Written by: Geoff Johns. Art by: Francis Manapul · Scott Kolins · Various · Jason Fabok · Phil Jimenez · Jim Lee. Cover by: Jason Fabok ; SPECS. Series:.
  18. [18]
    BATMAN: THREE JOKERS - DC Comics
    6–7 day delivery Free 30-day returnsIn this powerful, emotional story, Batman, Batgirl, and Red Hood—all past victims of the Joker—work together to solve a mystery unlike anything they've ever ...
  19. [19]
    Soulfire TPB (2008-2018 Aspen) Michael Turner's comic books
    4.9 108 · $12.95 delivery"Seeds of Chaos!" Collects Soulfire (2011 Volume 3) #0-8. Written by J. T. Krul. Art by Jason Fabok. Dark times have fallen on our heroes as Grace, Malikai ...
  20. [20]
    SWAMP THING WINTER SPECIAL #1 | DC
    ### Credits Confirmation
  21. [21]
    Swamp Thing Winter Special (DC, 2018 series) #1 - GCD :: Issue
    Swamp Thing / comic story / 40 pages​​ Awards: Eisner Award - Best Short Story (2019)
  22. [22]
    Ghost Machine, First-of-its-Kind Creator-Owned and Cooperative Media Company Launches at New York Comic Con
    - **Founding**: Ghost Machine launched on October 12, 2023, at New York Comic Con.
  23. [23]
    A Comic Book Upstart Seeks to Shake Up the Industry
    Oct 12, 2023 · They have formed Ghost Machine, a media company that is being announced on Thursday, the first day of New York Comic Con, the pop culture convention.
  24. [24]
    Ghost Machine: Behind the Comic Industry's Biggest Shake-Up in ...
    Feb 1, 2024 · Ghost Machine's founders include some of the biggest names in the industry, including Johns, Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Lamont ...
  25. [25]
    Geoff Johns & Co Find New Frontiers With Ghost Machine - CBR
    Jan 23, 2024 · In an exclusive interview with CBR, Ghost Machine founding creators Geoff Johns, Bryan Hitch, and Jason Fabok detailed the exciting stories ...
  26. [26]
    Jason Fabok - Ghost Machine
    Jason Fabok is a professional comic book artist, designer, and illustrator mostly known for his work for DC Comics. After being mentored by comic superstar ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  27. [27]
    NYCC '23: GHOST MACHINE announces comic printing partnership ...
    Oct 12, 2023 · Creator-owned and -operated comics press Ghost Machine officially launched at New York Comic Con with an Image Comics partnership.
  28. [28]
    SUPERMAN/BATMAN #70 | DC
    As Batman springs his trap for the shape-shifting Durlan terrorist stranded on Earth, Superman and NRG-X battle out Round Two in the Fortress of Solitude!
  29. [29]
    SUPERMAN/BATMAN #71 | DC
    Talent ; Writer: Joe Casey · Joshua Williamson ; Art by: Rebecca Buchman · Derek Fridolfs · Jason Fabok · Walden Wong · Prentis Rollins ; Colorist: Ardian Syaf.
  30. [30]
    Jason Fabok - DC Comics
    Jason Fabok · ARTIST · COLORIST · COVER · VARIANT COVER. DETECTIVE COMICS #23 · DETECTIVE COMICS #27 · FOREVER EVIL: ARKHAM WAR #1 · FOREVER EVIL: ARKHAM WAR #6.
  31. [31]
    Jason Fabok - Comic Vine
    DC/Aspen artist, who is known for his work on the New 52 Justice League and Batman Eternal. He worked on Justice League vs Suicide Squad's first issue.
  32. [32]
    Aspen Comics Michael Turner's Soulfire NM-/M 2011 - eBay
    In stock $6.50 deliveryAspen Comics Michael Turner's Soulfire NM-/M 2011 - Picture 9 of 13. Aspen ... J.T. Krul, Jason Fabok, John Starr. Publication Year. 2011. Publisher. Aspen.
  33. [33]
    Michael Turner's Soulfire (Volume) - Comic Vine
    Michael Turner's Soulfire » 9 issues. Volume » Published by Aspen MLT. Started in 2011. Volume 3.
  34. [34]
    Rook Releases - Image Comics
    Rook Releases ; Rook Exodus #9 cover Rook Exodus #9 Dec 3, 2025 ; Rook Exodus #8 cover Rook Exodus #8 Nov 5, 2025 ; Rook Exodus #7 cover Rook Exodus #7 Oct 1, 2025.
  35. [35]
    Rook: Exodus - Ghost Machine
    Rook settled on Exodus for a new life, but now he's a lone avian Warden on the dying planet with one burning question to face: Fight or flight?
  36. [36]
    Rook Exodus Deluxe Edition HC, Vol. 1 - Image Comics
    Written by GEOFF JOHNS with art by JASON FABOK and BRAD ANDERSON, this first collection introduces readers to the man known only as Rook.
  37. [37]
    Rook Exodus #7 | Image Comics
    Rook Exodus #7 ; Published: October · October 1, 2025 ; Lunar Code: · 0825IM0302 ; Page Count: · Count: 32 ; Artists · Jason Fabok · Brad ; Cover A · Jason ...
  38. [38]
    Rook: Exodus #7 review - AIPT
    Rating 9.5/10 · Review by Collier JenningsSep 30, 2025 · In addition to Bloodhound, there's Materhorn, a solitary warden who takes refuge in the snowy mountains with her goats, and Stag, a warden who ...