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Jim Cheung

Jim Cheung (born November 13, 1972) is a British comic book artist known for his dynamic illustrations in superhero genres, particularly with Marvel Comics where he co-created the acclaimed Young Avengers series. Born in England, United Kingdom, Cheung grew up reading superhero comics and developed an early passion for the medium, influenced by artists such as John Byrne and John Romita Jr. from their 1980s works. He entered the industry in the mid-1990s, securing his first professional penciling job at Marvel UK on titles like Force Works. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Cheung contributed to several Marvel series, including Iron Man, X-Force, Black Knight, and Maverick. In 2000, he briefly left Marvel to co-create and launch Scion for CrossGen Comics, a sci-fi epic that showcased his detailed world-building and character designs. Returning to Marvel, Cheung gained widespread recognition for his collaboration with writer Allan Heinberg on Young Avengers (2005–2006), an award-winning series that introduced a new generation of teen heroes and earned praise for its fresh take on legacy characters. He followed this with New Avengers: Illuminati (2006–2007), exploring secret superhero alliances, and Avengers: The Children's Crusade (2010–2012), a crossover event delving into magical and familial conflicts within the Avengers universe. Cheung's versatility extended to major Marvel events, such as (2013), whose cosmic storyline influenced the 2018 film Avengers: , as well as (2012), (2014), and Spider-Man: The Clone Conspiracy (2016–2017). He has also provided cover art and interior work for DC Comics, notably on . Over his more than two-decade career, primarily with , Cheung has been celebrated for his clean linework, expressive character portrayals, and ability to handle large ensemble casts, contributing to over 250 credits. His work continues to appear in and variant covers, solidifying his status as a key figure in modern artistry.

Early life

Upbringing and education

Jim Cheung was born in 1972 and raised in , where he developed an early passion for comic books during the 1980s. Growing up in the , he had access to affordable reprints of American superhero comics in weekly publications, which became a staple of his after-school routine. His first exposure came through stories, which captivated him as a and sparked his lifelong interest in the medium. From a young age, Cheung immersed himself in and titles, with emerging as his favorite character due to its relatable storytelling and dynamic artwork. He cited the abundance of in the UK as a key factor in his upbringing, allowing him to explore a wide range of narratives without significant barriers. This environment fostered his creative inclinations, as he began drawing inspired by the heroes he read about. Cheung's artistic development was heavily shaped by emulating leading comic artists of the era, including John Byrne and , whose detailed and expressive styles he copied extensively to hone his skills. These influences emphasized strong narrative structure and character design, principles that guided his self-directed practice during his formative years. While specific details on formal education remain scarce in public records, Cheung's early efforts reflect a hands-on approach rooted in the comics culture of his childhood.

Initial artistic influences

Jim Cheung's initial artistic influences stemmed from his childhood exposure to American superhero comics in the United Kingdom, where such titles were widely available through reprints and weeklies. Growing up, he was particularly drawn to , with emerging as his favorite superhero, inspiring his early interest in dynamic storytelling and character design. As a young reader in the 1980s, Cheung closely studied the work of prominent comic artists, learning to identify their distinct styles and emulating them to develop his own drawing skills. He cited and as key early influences, admiring Byrne's detailed layouts and character expressions in titles like and Romita Jr.'s energetic penciling on . These artists shaped his foundational approach, as Cheung would copy their techniques to understand anatomy and composition before evolving toward a more personal style. This period of marked Cheung's transition from casual reading to serious artistic practice, fostering a deep appreciation for the structural elements of rather than mere surface aesthetics. By analyzing Byrne's and Romita Jr.'s contributions, he built core skills in and panel pacing that informed his professional entry into the industry in the mid-.

Career

Early work in the 1990s

Jim Cheung, a comic book artist born in 1972, began his professional career in the mid-1990s with ' UK imprint. His debut work was a 6-page mini-comic published by in 1994, featuring a story where Magneto attacks the President, marking his entry into the industry through sample pages that caught the attention of editors. In 1995, Cheung contributed pencils to Force Works #15–17, a Marvel series focusing on a superhero team led by Iron Man, where he illustrated key issues involving time rifts and team dynamics under writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. His style during this period emphasized dynamic action and detailed character anatomy, aligning with the era's superhero trends. Cheung's first major ongoing series came in 1997 with Maverick #1–12, where he served as the primary penciler, collaborating with inker Andrew Pepoy on stories exploring the titular mercenary's battle against the Legacy Virus and foes like Alpha Flight. This run, written by Jorge Gonzalez, showcased Cheung's evolving ability to handle gritty, introspective narratives amid high-stakes action. By the late 1990s, Cheung expanded to prominent X-Men titles, penciling #82–90 in 1998–1999, including arcs like "The Gryphon Agenda" that introduced new mutants such as and delved into intrigue under writer John Francis Moore. He concluded the decade with #371 in August 1999, contributing to the "" storyline involving Project: , plotted by and scripted by Terry Kavanagh. These assignments solidified his reputation for rendering complex team interactions and explosive battles within Marvel's mutant universe.

Mid-2000s breakthrough with Marvel

In 2005, Jim Cheung made a significant return to as the penciler and cover artist for , a 12-issue series written by that launched in the wake of the storyline. The book introduced a team of young heroes—including legacy characters like Wiccan (Billy Kaplan), (Teddy Altman), and (Eli Bradley)—whom Cheung co-created alongside Heinberg, emphasizing themes of identity, legacy, and teamwork through his expressive, cinematic illustrations. The series quickly gained acclaim for its fresh take on superhero dynamics, becoming Marvel's "sleeper hit of 2005" and a critical favorite that showcased Cheung's ability to handle ensemble casts with fluid action and emotional depth. This project propelled Cheung to prominence within the industry, earning him selection as one of 's ""—a prestigious group of emerging talents handpicked by in August 2005 to represent the future of comic art. Despite nearly a decade in the field, including earlier stints at and , the recognition underscored Cheung's evolution into a versatile artist capable of elevating high-profile launches, with promotional materials highlighting his contributions as pivotal to the series' innovative appeal. Cheung's mid-2000s momentum continued with his penciling duties on the 2006 miniseries New Avengers: Illuminati, co-written by Brian Michael Bendis and Brian Reed, which retroactively detailed the formation of a covert alliance among Marvel's most powerful heroes like Iron Man, Mr. Fantastic, and Black Bolt. Across its five issues, Cheung's artwork brought gravitas to the narrative's exploration of moral dilemmas and global threats, further establishing him as Marvel's go-to illustrator for interconnected universe-spanning stories. He also provided covers for select issues of New Avengers and Avengers: The Initiative during this era, blending his signature style with the publisher's evolving event-driven landscape.

Work with other publishers

Cheung began his professional career outside Marvel with the independent publisher CrossGen Comics, where he served as the primary penciler and cover artist for the fantasy series Scion from 2000 to 2003. Written by Ron Marz, the series followed a young protagonist's journey in a richly detailed world, allowing Cheung to showcase his evolving style in epic fantasy illustrations across 26 issues. In 1995, Cheung contributed to DC Comics as a penciler on Justice League Task Force #26, marking his early entry into the DC Universe with interior artwork for a storyline involving the team's confrontation with villains. His collaboration with DC expanded significantly in the late 2010s, primarily through high-profile cover art. For the 2018 Justice League relaunch by writer Scott Snyder, Cheung provided the main cover for issue #1, depicting the core team against a cosmic threat, and subsequent variant covers for issues #7, #14, #15, #16, and #17, emphasizing dramatic team dynamics and large-scale action. He also illustrated the cover for Wonder Woman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 in 2021, celebrating the character's legacy with a dynamic pose. These contributions highlighted Cheung's ability to capture iconic DC heroes in photorealistic yet heroic compositions, often inking his own pencils for a polished finish. Cheung's work extended to in 2019, where he created a series of covers for the ongoing series (Volume 3), including the main cover for and black-and-white variants for issues #1 and #2. These pieces portrayed Daniel Craig's likeness as in sleek, espionage-themed scenes, blending with cinematic flair. He further contributed a rare 1:150 virgin foil for #1 in 2023, depicting the sword-and-sorcery heroine in a fierce, detailed battle stance. As of 2025, Cheung continues to engage with through variant covers, such as the / variant for the / crossover Batman/ #1, released in November, which mashes up heroes from both universes in a collaborative spirit. Additionally, announced ongoing Batman projects featuring Cheung's artwork earlier in the year, though specifics remain forthcoming.

Recent projects and conventions (2018–present)

Since 2018, Jim Cheung has primarily contributed as a cover artist for major publishers, focusing on high-profile and titles while occasionally providing interior artwork or promotional pieces. In 2018, he illustrated the main for #1, featuring Reed and in a post-Secret Wars storyline. That same year, Cheung provided a for #1, depicting the team's resurrection and return under Jonathan Hickman's run. Cheung continued his Marvel collaborations into the 2020s, delivering covers for ongoing series such as (issues from 2018–2022) and (2022–2023), emphasizing dynamic action sequences with web-slingers. He also contributed a to ' Fire Power by Kirkman & Samnee #20 in May 2022, showcasing his versatility beyond genres in this epic. More recently, in 2019, Cheung created artwork for #1000, a milestone anthology celebrating the publisher's , and provided an interior illustration of Diana and Steven for the / crossover #1. As of 2025, he remains active on various assignments for both and , including promotional art like a Bone-themed piece for the Comic Con yearbook. Throughout this period, Cheung has maintained a strong presence at comic conventions worldwide, engaging with fans through sketches, signings, and panels. He appeared at the Fairfax Comic Con in , in August 2018, and was scheduled for the Amazing Las Vegas Comic Convention that year, though it faced cancellations. In 2022, he attended the Amazing Comic Con, highlighting his Young Avengers co-creation in artist alley discussions. Cheung has been a recurring guest at the Baltimore Comic-Con, participating annually from 2018 onward, including in 2025 where he contributed to the event's yearbook and manned booth 2213 for commissions. Internationally, he debuted at Dutch Comic Con in Spring 2025, discussing his and work, and is slated for the Winter edition of Heroes Comic Con in October–November 2025. Other 2025 appearances include Tidewater Comicon in Virginia Beach, Pop Con, and Roster Con events, underscoring his ongoing fan interaction amid a cover-heavy workload.

Notable contributions

Co-creation of Young Avengers

Jim Cheung co-created the Young Avengers superhero team with writer Allan Heinberg under the editorial guidance of Tom Brevoort at Marvel Comics. The series debuted in Young Avengers #1 on April 6, 2005, introducing a group of teenage heroes with ties to the original Avengers, including Hulkling (Teddy Altman), Wiccan (Billy Kaplan), Patriot (Eli Bradley), Stature (Cassie Lang), Iron Lad (Nathaniel Richards), Speed (Tommy Shepherd), and Kate Bishop as Hawkeye. The concept faced significant internal resistance at Marvel prior to launch, with Brevoort describing it as a "dopey idea" amid broader skepticism about reviving an Avengers-style team so soon after the disbandment of the adult roster in Avengers Disassembled. Heinberg, transitioning from television writing on shows like The O.C., collaborated with Cheung to craft a fresh narrative focusing on legacy heroes navigating identity and heroism, while marketing efforts emphasized the tagline "They’re Not What You Think" to counter preconceptions of a derivative teen book. Despite these challenges, the series quickly proved its viability through strong sales and critical acclaim. As the and cover artist, Cheung played a pivotal role in visualizing the team, designing costumes that blended modern, street-level aesthetics with nods to classic Avengers icons to appeal to a younger audience. His dynamic, cinematic style—characterized by expressive poses and detailed environments—helped establish the characters' personalities and relationships from the outset, contributing to the book's immediate popularity and its recognition as an award-winning title. The collaboration extended to later projects, including Cheung's artwork on Avengers: The (2010–2012), which reunited the original creative team to explore the ' role in larger events.

Key Marvel series illustrations

Jim Cheung's illustrations for have been instrumental in defining several landmark series, particularly those involving ensemble superhero teams and cosmic-scale narratives. His debut on the main series (2005–2006) marked a significant collaboration with writer , where Cheung served as the primary penciler and co-creator of the team, introducing young heroes like Wiccan, , , and Stature. His dynamic artwork, characterized by expressive character designs and intricate action sequences, helped establish the series as a fresh take on legacy characters, earning praise for blending youthful energy with mature storytelling. The series' success led to collected editions and influenced subsequent Marvel adaptations, including explorations of team dynamics in the . Following this, Cheung illustrated the New Avengers: Illuminati miniseries (2006–2007), written by Brian Michael Bendis and Brian Reed, where he provided pencils and covers for all five issues. This work delved into the secretive alliance of Marvel's most powerful heroes—Iron Man, Mr. Fantastic, Black Bolt, Professor X, Doctor Strange, and Namor—revealing behind-the-scenes decisions that shaped major events like Civil War and Secret Invasion. Cheung's detailed depictions of high-stakes confrontations and group compositions emphasized the Illuminati's moral complexities, contributing to the series' role in expanding Marvel's interconnected universe. The miniseries was later republished in omnibus formats, underscoring its enduring impact on crossover lore. Cheung reunited with Heinberg for Avengers: The Children's Crusade (2010–2012), a nine-issue maxi-series where he handled penciling and cover art. The story followed the on a quest to resurrect , clashing with the adult Avengers and introducing elements like the villainous Doom. His illustrations excelled in emotional depth, particularly in family-themed panels and epic battles, while his covers became iconic for their vibrant, team-focused compositions. This series served as a bridge for lore, influencing later titles and reinforcing Cheung's reputation for character-driven visuals in large-scale events. In the , Cheung contributed to major events like (2012), providing cover art that captured the ideological conflict between the two teams over the Phoenix Force, and (2013), where he penciled key issues alongside writer and artists like Jerome Opeña. For , his work on the opening chapters depicted Thanos's invasion of Earth and the Avengers' interstellar response, with sweeping cosmic vistas and intense hero-villain clashes that heightened the event's scale. These illustrations not only advanced plotlines involving the Black Order but also inspired the 2018 film . Cheung's versatility in handling both intimate team interactions and galaxy-spanning threats solidified his status as a go-to for Marvel's narratives.

DC Comics collaborations

Jim Cheung's primary collaborations with DC Comics occurred during the late 2010s and early 2020s, beginning with his contributions to the 2018 relaunch of . Partnering with writer , Cheung provided penciling for the debut issue (#1), delivering intricate depictions of the team's core members—Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, , and —in a storyline exploring multiversal threats and the concept of the Totality. His artwork emphasized heroic scale and emotional depth, setting a visual tone for the series' cosmic adventures. Jorge Jiménez joined as the primary artist on subsequent issues. Cheung rejoined Snyder for additional interiors in Justice League #7 (2018), where his panels vividly portrayed high-stakes battles against the , including Hawkgirl's confrontation with . He also illustrated the one-shot Justice League: The Totality (2018), a pivotal that expanded the series' mythology with sweeping, otherworldly sequences. These efforts highlighted Cheung's versatility in handling ensemble dynamics and large-scale action, distinct from his Marvel-focused portfolio. Beyond Justice League, Cheung contributed a short story to Wonder Woman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 (2020), penciling pages that celebrated Diana Prince's legacy through introspective and action-oriented vignettes. His work on this anthology underscored his affinity for strong female leads, blending classical heroism with modern flair. Additionally, Cheung has provided variant covers for numerous DC titles, such as Detective Comics #1027 (2021), DC's Year of the Villain #1 (2019), and Wonder Woman #794 (2022), often featuring striking compositions of Batman, Wonder Woman, and other icons to boost issue appeal. In subsequent years, Cheung continued providing variant covers for DC titles, including Batman: The Brave and the Bold #1 (2023) and contributions to omnibus editions as of 2025.

Bibliography

Marvel Comics

Jim Cheung's contributions to Marvel Comics span a wide range of titles, primarily as a penciler and cover artist, beginning in the mid-1990s and continuing into the 2020s. His work often features dynamic superhero illustrations in series involving the , , and related teams, with a focus on high-profile events and team books. The following is a selected bibliography of his key Marvel credits, drawn from verified comic databases and official publisher listings.
TitleIssuesYear(s)Role(s)
(vol. 1)#327–3281996Penciler
(vol. 1)#951998Penciler
(vol. 1)#3711999Penciler
(vol. 1)#141999Penciler
(vol. 1)#1–6, 9–122005–2006Penciler, Cover Artist
Civil War: & #1–42006Cover Artist
New Avengers: Illuminati (2006 limited series)#1–52006–2007Penciler, Cover Artist
#1–5, Annual #12007–2008Cover Artist
(vol. 1)#13, 182008Cover Artist
Avengers: The (limited series)#1–92010–2012Penciler, Cover Artist
#0, 9, 122012Cover Artist
#12013Penciler, Cover Artist
Avengers (vol. 5)#352014Cover Artist
(vol. 1)#12015Cover Artist
(vol. 4)#12017Penciler, Cover Artist
Spider-Man: The Clone Conspiracy#1–52016–2017Cover Artist
(vol. 5)#12018Cover Artist (variant)
House of X / Powers of X#1–62019Cover Artist
Scream: Curse of Carnage (limited series)#12020Cover Artist
(limited series)#32022Cover Artist (variant)
(vol. 9)#252023Cover Artist (variant)
This selection highlights his most impactful and frequently cited contributions, emphasizing team dynamics and event tie-ins rather than exhaustive minor covers or reprints.

DC Comics

Jim Cheung began his notable collaborations with DC Comics in 2018, primarily as a cover artist and occasional interior illustrator, bringing his dynamic style to flagship titles featuring the publisher's iconic characters. His debut on the relaunched Justice League series marked a significant entry, where he provided the main cover for issue #1, co-created with writer Scott Snyder to introduce a new era centered on cosmic threats and team dynamics. This artwork depicted the core Justice League members—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg—in a poised, heroic formation against a starry backdrop, setting the visual tone for the "The Totality" storyline. Cheung continued contributing variant covers to the series, including issues #7, #15, and #16, emphasizing key plot moments like interstellar conflicts and character introspections. In 2019, Cheung expanded his interior work with DC through the anthology DC's Year of the Villain Special #1, a 25-cent promotional issue launching the publisher's "" event. He illustrated one of the three lead stories, focusing on Lex Luthor's alliance with Perpetua and the , alongside artists and Francis Manapul. Writers , , and scripted the tales, with Cheung's segments highlighting villainous machinations and multiversal stakes, contributing to the event's theme of moral inversion across the . His variant covers for this issue, including a rare 1:500 Batman incentive edition, further showcased his ability to capture intense antagonist portraits. Cheung's cover contributions extended to other DC series in the late 2010s and early 2020s, often as variant editions that highlighted ensemble casts or pivotal duels. For the Legion of Super-Heroes (2020) relaunch by Brian Michael Bendis, he designed cardstock variant covers for issues #1–3, featuring foundational members like Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, and Cosmic Boy in futuristic settings, evoking the team's 31st-century legacy. In Detective Comics #1027 (2020), part of the "Joker War" prelude, Cheung's variant cover portrayed Batman confronting Bane in a gritty, shadowed confrontation, underscoring themes of corruption and vengeance in Gotham. These pieces aligned with his style of blending realism with superhero grandeur, enhancing the series' atmospheric tension. By the early 2020s, Cheung's DC output included variant covers for Batman-centric titles, such as Batman #135 (2023) with a foil cardstock edition and Batman: The Brave and the Bold #1 and #7 (2023–2024), where his artwork emphasized the Dark Knight's solitary resolve amid ensemble adventures. In 2021, he contributed a portrait of to the DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration, part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month initiatives, alongside artists like and . This piece celebrated diverse heroism within the DC pantheon. In 2025, Cheung participated in the highly anticipated / crossover Batman/ #1, providing a featuring [Wonder Woman](/page/Wonder Woman) and in a thematic pairing that bridged the universes' icons. This highlighted his versatility in inter-publisher projects. Additionally, announced new Batman projects involving Cheung as an artist in June 2025, signaling ongoing engagements with the character and Gotham's lore, though specifics remain forthcoming as of late 2025. His tenure, spanning covers and select interiors, has consistently elevated event-driven narratives and character spotlights, complementing his background.

Other publishers

Cheung's early career outside the major publishers included significant contributions to Comics, an independent outfit known for its interconnected fantasy and titles in the early . He served as the lead penciler for the launch and initial arc of , written by , illustrating the protagonist Ethan's journey across dimensions in a ritual-bound world; his detailed, dynamic artwork helped define the series' visual style across its first 14 issues from 2000 to 2001, with additional penciling credits on later installments such as #31–32 and #39 in 2003. At the same publisher, Cheung provided cover artwork and interior pencils for Brian Pulido's : The #1–2 in 2004, blending gothic horror with medieval fantasy elements in this licensed miniseries featuring the iconic character amid a demonic hunt; the project was cut short by CrossGen's bankruptcy, leaving some issues unpublished. In more recent years, Cheung has contributed to , starting with interior artwork for #1 (2021), a oversized anthology issue expanding Todd McFarlane's mythos through interconnected tales of new heroes and villains, where his sequences emphasized epic scale and character emotion. He followed this with a variant cover for Fire Power by Kirkman & Samnee #20 (2022), capturing the action and family drama central to the ongoing series by and Chris Samnee.

Personal life

Family and residence

Jim Cheung was born on November 13, 1972, in England, where he grew up and began his career in comics with Marvel UK in the mid-1990s. In 2000, he relocated to the United States to co-create Scion for CrossGen Comics, marking a significant shift in his professional trajectory. Since then, Cheung has resided in the US, working extensively with Marvel and DC Comics while maintaining an active presence at American conventions such as San Diego Comic-Con and Baltimore Comic-Con. Little verifiable information exists regarding his family, as Cheung appears to keep such personal details private from public sources.

Public appearances

Jim Cheung has been a frequent guest at major comic book conventions worldwide, where he engages with fans through panels, signings, sketches, and interviews. His appearances often highlight his contributions to Marvel and DC titles, such as Young Avengers and Justice League. For instance, at San Diego Comic-Con International in 2019, Cheung participated in an interview discussing his career trajectory from independent comics to mainstream superhero work. He returned to the event in 2025, appearing in Artist's Alley at Table FF-24 to meet attendees and showcase original art. In 2022, Cheung attended the Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con, where he joined panels on storytelling, signed autographs, and provided live sketches, emphasizing his role in co-creating . Internationally, he made his debut at the Singapore Toy, Games and Comics Convention (STGCC) in 2015, participating in s about his artistic influences and process. More recently, in June 2025, he appeared at Heroes Dutch Comic Con, sharing insights on his projects like during a dedicated session. Cheung continued his convention circuit in late 2025, attending the Baltimore Comic-Con from October 17-19 at Booth 2213, interacting with fans over his extensive portfolio. He also guested at Heroes Comic Con Winter Edition from October 31 to November 2, focusing on European audiences with talks on cross-cultural influences in . These events underscore his ongoing commitment to fan engagement, with over 60 documented appearances across , , and since the early .