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Walt Simonson

Walter Simonson (born September 2, 1946) is an American comic book writer and artist, best known for his acclaimed run on ' Thor from 1983 to 1987, during which he revitalized the series with mythological storytelling, dynamic artwork, and the creation of the character . Simonson graduated from the in 1972, where his senior thesis was the 50-page creator-owned story Star Slammers, which later became a in 1983 and marked his early interest in science fiction and epic narratives. His professional debut came in 1973 with the DC Comics backup series , scripted by Archie Goodwin, which earned him immediate recognition for its noir-inspired art and pacing, winning the Shazam Award for Outstanding New Talent that year. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Simonson contributed to various titles across publishers, including and for DC, and The Hulk and Star Wars for Marvel, showcasing his versatile style influenced by and . In the 1990s, he co-wrote and illustrated X-Factor with his wife and worked on licensed properties like and . In the early 2000s, he explored Jack Kirby's in the DC series (2000–2002). His career highlights include introducing innovative elements to , such as in Thor and alien cultures in Star Slammers, blending with superhero action. Simonson received the in 1985 for his Thor work and was inducted into the Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2017, recognizing his enduring impact on the industry. Married to writer since 1980, he continues to contribute covers and stories, including recent projects like Venom War: Fantastic Four in 2024 and Godzilla vs. Thor slated for 2025.

Early Years

Childhood and Family Background

Walter Simonson was born on September 2, 1946, in Knoxville, Tennessee. His family soon relocated, and he grew up in College Park, Maryland. Simonson's parents were of Norwegian descent, with his paternal grandparents having emigrated from Norway, contributing to his Scandinavian heritage. He was raised in a household led by his father, a scientist, which fostered an environment conducive to intellectual pursuits. During his childhood in the , Simonson developed a strong fascination with , , and . These publications ignited his interest in adventure storytelling, while his exposure to and further fueled his imaginative worldview. He also immersed himself in science fiction narratives, which would later influence his thematic explorations in . Simonson's early hobbies included model-building and sketching, activities that honed his artistic skills and foreshadowed his future career in visual storytelling. These pursuits provided a creative outlet amid his formative years, blending technical precision with narrative invention.

Education and Early Influences

Simonson attended from 1964 to 1968, initially pursuing a degree in with aspirations to specialize in . During his time there, he discovered , including works by and , which ignited his passion for illustration and storytelling, prompting a shift away from scientific pursuits toward artistic endeavors. This newfound interest in , encountered through college reading and early exposure, laid the groundwork for his creative redirection. After graduating from Amherst, Simonson enrolled at the (RISD), where he majored in and , earning a in 1972. His studies at RISD emphasized , design principles, and visual problem-solving, skills that would later define his comic book layouts and symbolism. The program's focus on comprehensive projects honed his ability to blend narrative and visuals in . As his RISD senior thesis, Simonson created the 50-page black-and-white graphic story The Star Slammers in 1972, a self-contained exploring interstellar conflict and heroic archetypes. This ambitious project, produced over two years, marked his first major foray into long-form and was innovative for RISD, as no prior student had submitted a thesis. It introduced recurring themes of epic sci-fi adventure that would recur in his later works. Simonson's early artistic influences included American comic pioneers Jack Kirby, whose mythological epics in Thor and New Gods profoundly shaped his sense of shared universes and grandeur, and Neal Adams, admired for his distinctive, personal style evident in covers like Thrilling Adventure Stories #2. He also drew inspiration from European bande dessinée artists such as Moebius (Jean Giraud), whose Lt. Blueberry informed his preference for substantial 48-page graphic novel formats, and Sergio Toppi, whose visionary Italian comics contributed to his experimental approaches—discoveries facilitated by college explorations and fanzine communities in the late 1960s.

Career

1970s Breakthrough

Simonson's entry into professional comics began with his illustration of the six-page war story "Cyrano's Army," written by Len Wein and published in DC Comics' Weird War Tales #10 in January 1973. This inventory story, edited by Joe Orlando, marked his debut as a professional artist and showcased his ability to blend historical detail with dramatic action in a World War I setting involving anthropomorphic animal soldiers. In late 1973, Simonson collaborated with writer Archie Goodwin on the backup feature , reviving the character Paul Kirk as a clone-enhanced operative hunting Axis war criminals during . The series debuted in #437 (November 1973) and ran through #443 (May 1974), concluding with a Batman crossover in #5 (1975), where Simonson also handled the scripting for the finale. The storyline's innovative fusion of , , and moral complexity, paired with Simonson's dynamic, detailed artwork, garnered significant praise and helped establish his reputation for sophisticated storytelling and visuals early in his career. Throughout the mid-1970s, Simonson contributed to the independent anthology StarReach*, published from 1974 to 1979, where he explored themes in both adaptations and original tales. His work included the "The Armageddon Campaign" in issue #1 (April 1974) and segments of his creator-owned Star Slammers in later issues, such as #3 (1975), introducing mercenary pilots and interstellar conflict that foreshadowed his later epic narratives. These contributions highlighted his versatility in the scene, blending high-concept plots with intricate, Kirby-influenced designs. Simonson's growing profile led to assignments across publishers, including penciling issues of The Destructor for in 1975, a short-lived line that offered higher page rates and attracted top talent. By 1979, he provided dynamic covers and interior art for ' Battlestar Galactica series, adapting the popular sci-fi TV show with action-packed depictions of colonial warriors battling , further demonstrating his adaptability to licensed and large-scale battles.

1980s Iconic Runs

Simonson's tenure on The Mighty Thor from 1983 to 1987 marked a pivotal era in his career, revitalizing the series through deep integration of and innovative storytelling. Taking over with issue #337 in November 1983, he introduced the character , an alien warrior worthy of wielding Mjolnir, who temporarily assumed Thor's form and powers in a groundbreaking narrative that expanded the Asgardian lore beyond traditional boundaries. This run, spanning issues #337 to #382, emphasized epic cosmic battles, the return of classic foes like Malekith the Dark Elf, and themes of destiny and heroism, earning widespread acclaim for its bold artistic style and mythological authenticity. In 1986, Simonson collaborated with his wife, writer , on X-Factor, providing artwork for the series' launch and early arcs that redefined the original team's dynamic. Their joint effort on issues #1 through #18 and select later installments propelled the title's success, particularly through the "Angel-to-Archangel" storyline, where undergoes a tragic transformation into the death-obsessed under Apocalypse's influence, beginning in issue #15 (1987) and culminating in issue #24 (1988). This narrative arc, blending horror elements with mutant heroism, highlighted Simonson's dynamic paneling and expressive character designs, contributing to X-Factor's role in the broader universe during the late 1980s. Simonson's versatility shone in his contributions to other Marvel titles, including fill-in artwork on Fantastic Four issues #265–267 in 1984, where he depicted the team's encounters with futuristic threats and time anomalies, infusing the stories with his signature grandeur. From 1987 to 1988, he illustrated key Avengers issues and annuals, such as Avengers Annual #17 (1988), integrating crossovers that tied into larger events like Secret Wars II, notably in Thor #363 (1986), where the Beyonder's interference amplified Asgardian conflicts with the creation of the villain Kurse. Extending his influence to DC Comics, Simonson demonstrated adaptability with artwork on World's Finest #300 (1984), a milestone anniversary issue featuring Superman and Batman in a high-stakes interdimensional adventure, and contributions to Metal Men stories earlier in the decade that showcased his ability to handle ensemble casts and sci-fi elements, though his primary DC focus remained exploratory rather than long-running. These 1980s projects solidified Simonson's reputation as a cornerstone of mainstream superhero comics, bridging mythological depth with collaborative innovation.

1990s Expansions

In the early 1990s, Walt Simonson expanded his Marvel contributions by taking over writing duties on Fantastic Four, producing issues from late 1989 through 1991, including key arcs in volumes such as #334–341, #343–350, and #352–354. His run emphasized high-concept science fiction adventures and family dynamics, echoing the mythological scope of his earlier Thor work while adapting to the team's exploratory ethos. During this period, Simonson's narratives paved the way for experimental team configurations, culminating in the introduction of the "New Fantastic Four"—comprising Ant-Man (Scott Lang), Namorita, Scarlet Witch, and The Shroud—as a temporary lineup to combat threats like Doctor Doom amid the original team's absence. Simonson diversified into DC Comics projects around the same time, contributing covers to the launch of Superman: The Man of Steel #1 in 1991 and illustrating select issues that highlighted Superman's heroic resilience. He further showcased his versatility with the 1992 Superman Special, a 50-page one-shot he wrote and drew, reimagining a classic Sand Superman tale from 1971 with dynamic action sequences and innovative visual storytelling. His DC output extended to Justice League International (later retitled Justice League America), where he provided for issues in 1992, including contributions to crossover events that integrated the League's ensemble dynamics with broader DC continuity. Simonson's creator-owned ambitions resurfaced with the revival of Star Slammers under ' imprint, launching as a four-issue from 1994 to 1995. This continuation of his 1980s concept followed a group of elite mercenaries navigating conflicts, blending high-stakes with intricate world-building; the series concluded its initial run at Malibu before a fifth issue appeared at in 1996, solidifying its status as a passion project amid the era's indie boom. Mid-decade, Simonson took on an editorial role as a founder of Malibu's line, curating titles that spotlighted established creators like himself, , and to foster mature, creator-driven stories. This position allowed him to influence Malibu's expansion into licensed properties, particularly after the company acquired in 1994. Earlier in the decade, he had provided cover artwork for Valiant titles, including the Unity crossover event (1992), helping shape narratives involving characters such as and . Through and Valiant integrations, Simonson bridged mainstream and independent spheres, mentoring new talent while steering ambitious inter-company tales during the speculative comics market peak.

2000s Diverse Projects

In the early 2000s, Walt Simonson launched for DC Comics, a 25-issue series from June 2000 to June 2002 that he wrote and illustrated, expanding on Jack Kirby's universe by centering on the anti-hero Orion's internal conflicts and epic confrontations with . The narrative intertwined themes of destiny and family legacy, featuring recurring characters like the and delving into the cosmic war between and , with Simonson's signature bold linework and mythological scope earning acclaim for revitalizing the mythology. Following the conclusion of , Simonson transitioned to writing (vol. 2) for DC Comics, penning issues #189–194 from late 2002 to mid-2003, illustrated by . In the storyline "The Game of the Gods," suffers amnesia and loses her powers after a mysterious event empties Themyscira, forcing her to navigate mortal life in while uncovering a divine conspiracy involving rival gods; this interim run bridged creative transitions and emphasized themes of and resilience. Simonson also contributed to DC's JLA/Hitman miniseries in 2000, a two-issue crossover written by him that paired the with the gritty anti-hero Tommy Monaghan in a tale blending spectacle with street-level noir. Expanding into ' Wildstorm imprint (under DC ownership), he provided cover art for The Authority in 2003, capturing the team's high-stakes, ultra-violent adventures with his dynamic, Kirby-inspired compositions that highlighted the series' bombastic action. On the Marvel side, Simonson contributed to a Thor: Ragnarok prelude in 2004 through reprints and new framing material in Thor Legends Volume 3, revisiting his iconic Ragnarok saga to foreshadow apocalyptic Asgardian events with fresh context for modern readers. Later in the decade, he adapted Blizzard Entertainment's for (initially via ), writing the 2007–2009 comic series that ran 25 issues and followed amnesiac warrior Lo'Gosh and druid Bearmantle in a quest across , bridging gaming lore with comic storytelling through epic battles and factional intrigue.

2010s Revivals and Cameos

In the early 2010s, Simonson contributed variant covers to Marvel's Thor: God of Thunder series (2012–2014), including the high-demand 1:50 variant for issue #13, which depicted Thor battling Malekith the Accursed and highlighted his enduring stylistic influence on the character. He also provided breakdowns and pencils for Avengers vol. 4 #30 (September 2012), inked by Scott Hanna, as part of Brian Michael Bendis's storyline tying into the Avengers vs. X-Men event, where the Avengers confronted the Phoenix Force's impact during an invasion at a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility. Simonson made a brief cameo appearance as an Asgardian warrior in the 2011 Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thor, directed by , where he is visible laughing and conversing with Lady Sif during the celebratory feast scene following Thor's return to . This nod to his iconic 1980s Thor run underscored his cultural footprint in the franchise. In 2014, Simonson launched his creator-owned series at , a 12-issue epic (2014–2017) that served as a spiritual sequel to his Marvel Thor work, centering on a post-Ragnarok world with elements echoing Beta Ray Bill's introduction, including themes of vengeance and amid 's ruins; the story followed assassin Regn seeking retribution for his daughter's death. Later collected in hardcover editions, the series allowed Simonson full creative control, blending his signature mythological grandeur with original narratives. During the decade, he returned to Heavy Metal magazine with short stories, including a revival of his Star Slammers property in issue #300 (2016), marking his first new work on the space opera since the 1990s and featuring high-stakes interstellar conflicts in the anthology's signature sci-fi vein.

2020s Recent Contributions

In the early , Walt Simonson contributed artwork to X-Men Legends #3 (Marvel Comics, May 2021), co-created with his wife , which featured a new story revisiting elements from his 1980s X-Factor run and exploring the original X-Men's encounters with Apocalypse's Horsemen prior to X-Factor #43. This issue, penciled and covered by Simonson, marked a selective return to mutant themes amid the series' anthology format celebrating eras. Simonson's charitable involvement included an original in the Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds (Zoop, 2022), featuring a new tale from his Star Slammers universe, with all proceeds benefiting Ukrainian refugees through organizations like Razom for Ukraine. The 96-page collection, edited by Joe Corallo and featuring creators such as and , highlighted Simonson's enduring commitment to independent and cause-driven projects. In 2024, Simonson provided variant cover art for Marvel's Venom War: Fantastic Four #1. In 2025, he contributed variant covers to Godzilla vs. Thor #1 and DC's New History of the DC Universe #2. Marvel also released a new printing of the Thor by Walter Simonson Omnibus (Marvel Universe, June 2024), a 1,192-page hardcover collecting his seminal 1980s run from Thor #337–382 and Balder the Brave #1–4, remastered to introduce his influential work to contemporary audiences. Simonson provided cover art for Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor Vol. 24 (Marvel Comics, November 2025), collecting issues from his "Surtur Saga" storyline with contributions from collaborators like Sal Buscema. These archival editions underscore the ongoing influence of his 1980s Thor innovations in modern reprints. Throughout the decade, Simonson maintained visibility through appearances at conventions, including New York Comic Con (2023), Big Lick Comic Con NoVa (2024), and Baltimore Comic-Con (2024), where he participated in panels and signings reflecting on his career.

Artistic Approach

Signature Style

Walt Simonson's signature style is characterized by angular, Kirby-inspired page layouts that employ dramatic perspectives to heighten narrative tension and visual impact, particularly evident in his run on Thor where he infused the series with rune motifs to evoke mythological authenticity. Drawing from Jack Kirby's dynamic compositions, Simonson refined these elements during his evolution from the 1970s Manhunter backup to his 1980s Thor tenure, creating immersive panels that guide readers through epic battles and cosmic vistas. A hallmark of his artwork is the seamless incorporation of sound effects as integrated art elements, transforming onomatopoeic bursts into bold, graphical components that enhance action sequences and contribute to the overall composition. Collaborating with letterer John Workman, Simonson treated these effects as design features in Thor, where they mimic the thunderous scale of Asgardian conflicts and peak the art of sound integration. Simonson's backgrounds exhibit architectural precision, informed by his early geology education at and interest in earth sciences, which contributed to detailed depictions of sci-fi and mythological environments, such as the rugged terrains of or alien landscapes in Star Slammers. This scientific foundation lent authenticity to his vast, otherworldly settings, grounding fantastical narratives in tangible detail. His character designs consistently emphasize heroism through bold lines and dynamic posing, portraying figures like Thor and with muscular forms and expressive gestures that convey unyielding strength and mythic grandeur; for instance, 's equine features drew from Simonson's knowledge of horse skulls. These elements, refined over decades, underscore Simonson's commitment to visual that celebrates larger-than-life protagonists in a style both robust and evocative.

Creative Process

Walt Simonson employs a structured approach to known as the Marvel Style, where he first plots the overall narrative arc before proceeding to detailed visual planning. This method allows him to outline complete storylines in advance, ensuring cohesive progression across multiple issues while maintaining flexibility for improvisation as the work develops. Once the plot is established, Simonson creates thumbnails—quick sketches of each page—to map out layouts, focusing on composition, eye flow, and pacing to prioritize visual narrative over textual elements. He refines these thumbnails iteratively, sometimes revising pages multiple times to achieve clarity and dynamic , which forms the foundation for his distinctive, kinetic arrangements. In collaborations, Simonson remains open to creative input from writers and editors but emphasizes the primacy of visual storytelling, often adjusting dialogue to serve the artwork's composition and rhythm. For instance, he coordinates closely with co-creators on elements while insisting that page design and panel flow drive the narrative's emotional impact, ensuring that images convey story beats more powerfully than words alone. This balance fosters productive partnerships, as seen in his work with writers like Archie Goodwin, where he contributed to plotting while adapting scripts to enhance visual dynamics. Simonson's process is deeply research-oriented, drawing from extensive reading in mythology and history to ground his narratives in authentic detail. For projects involving elements, he consults texts on Norse myths, Celtic fairy tales, and northern , a habit cultivated since his junior high years to infuse stories with cultural depth. Similarly, for tales set in historical contexts like World War II-era , he references pulp adventure traditions and specific historical references, such as Asian for weaponry, to ensure period accuracy and thematic resonance. Regarding tools, Simonson adheres to traditional techniques, primarily using pencils for initial designs and inking his own pages with pen and brush to achieve bold, expressive lines. He favors brushes like the Raphael 8404 in sizes No. 2 or No. 3, along with technical pens such as the Rapidograph, for their control in creating varied line weights and textures that enhance dramatic effect. While he has experimented with digital methods for occasional cover work in recent years, his core inking remains analog, preserving the tactile quality central to his artistic voice.

Legacy

Awards and Honors

Walt Simonson's early contributions to comics were recognized by the Academy of Comic Book Arts through its Shazam Awards in the 1970s, particularly for his work on the Manhunter backup series in Detective Comics. In 1973, he shared the Outstanding New Talent award with Klaus Janson and Jim Starlin, acknowledging his debut impact. That same year, the story "The Himalayan Incident," co-created with writer Archie Goodwin, earned the Best Individual Short Story (Dramatic) honor. In 1974, Simonson and Goodwin received the Best Individual Short Story (Dramatic) for "Night of the Stalker" and the Best Individual Story (Dramatic) for the concluding "Götterdämmerung," highlighting the series' narrative and artistic excellence. His influential run on Marvel's Thor in the 1980s led to further acclaim, including the in 1985 from Comic-Con International, celebrating his transformative storytelling and dynamic artwork on the title. Later in his career, Simonson was honored with the Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, presented at the ceremony during the Comic-Con, recognizing his enduring contributions to the comics industry. In 2012, an archival collection of his Thor work, Walt Simonson's The Mighty Thor: Artist's Edition published by IDW, won the Comic Industry Award for Best Archival Collection/Project—Strips or Comic Books, underscoring the lasting value of his 1980s run. Simonson was inducted into the Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2017. Simonson's inking prowess was celebrated by the Inkwell Awards, which focus on excellence in comic book inking. He received the All-in-One Award in 2022 for his self-inked pencils on projects like Ragnarok, voted as the favorite in that category. In 2025, he was one of three recipients of the Stacey Aragon Special Recognition Award, honoring veteran inkers for their lifetime body of work.

Influence and Impact

Walt Simonson's tenure on The Mighty Thor from 1983 to 1987 revitalized the character's mythology by deeply integrating lore with 's cosmic elements, introducing iconic elements like the fire demon Surtur's Ragnarok saga and the villain , which expanded Asgard's narrative scope and influenced subsequent interpretations. This run elevated Thor's status within , paving the way for his prominence in modern adaptations, including the (MCU), where producer Brad Winderbaum cited Simonson's work alongside Jack Kirby's as a key influence on Thor: Ragnarok (2017). A prime example is , the alien warrior Simonson created in Thor #337 (1983), who proved worthy of wielding Mjolnir and became the second-most prominent hammer-bearer after Thor, maintaining enduring popularity in and inspiring appearances in and fan discussions around MCU integrations. Simonson's approach to epic storytelling, blending mythological grandeur with personal stakes, inspired later artist-writers tackling similar scopes, such as J. Michael Straczynski's 2007 Thor run, while building on his foundational expansions. Similarly, Esad Ribic's artwork in Jason Aaron's Thor: God of Thunder (2012–2014) incorporated Simonson's dynamic visual flair, particularly in rendering massive, god-like battles and environmental details that evoke the run's sense of scale. These influences highlight how Simonson's mythic reimagining provided a blueprint for handling Thor's cosmic and personal epics in later decades. Simonson's innovative integration of sound effects—often hand-lettered and woven into the artwork as graphical elements—along with his bold page layouts, set a new standard for visual storytelling in during the 1980s. Collaborating with John Workman on Thor, he created immersive, kinetic effects like the iconic "DOOM!" that enhanced narrative rhythm and became a hallmark of his style, influencing the medium's evolution toward more cinematic pacing. Beyond his creative output, Simonson has mentored emerging talent through active participation in comic conventions. At events like Ithacon and Baltimore Comic-Con, where he has served as a and panelist, Simonson shares insights on mythological and sci-fi , fostering discussions that guide new artists in blending traditions with personal vision. His contributions to the Hero Initiative, including custom sketches for membership drives, have supported industry newcomers while promoting ethical practices in comics' speculative s.

Personal Life

Simonson met Louise Jones (later ), a fellow comic book professional, in 1973 while working at DC Comics. The couple began dating in August 1974 and married in 1980. They collaborated professionally on titles such as X-Factor from 1986 to 1989. The couple has one daughter. As of 2024, they reside in , having moved closer to their daughter after living in the same home for over 36 years. They made a together in the 2011 film Thor.

Works

Bibliography

Simonson's major contributions to Marvel Comics include his influential run on The Mighty Thor, where he wrote and illustrated issues #337–382 from 1983 to 1987, redefining the character's mythology with epic Norse-inspired tales. He co-created and illustrated key arcs in X-Factor from 1986 to 1988, collaborating with writer Louise Simonson on stories featuring the original X-Men as an investigative team. Additionally, Simonson wrote and drew significant portions of Fantastic Four from 1990 to 1991, covering issues #333–341, #343–350, and #352–354, blending cosmic adventures with satirical elements. At DC Comics, Simonson debuted with the backup feature in #437–443 from 1973 to 1974, co-created with writer Archie Goodwin, exploring a cloned vigilante's quest for justice in a noir style. He later wrote and illustrated the 25-issue series from 2000 to 2002, expanding Jack Kirby's mythology through the anti-hero's battles against . Simonson also scripted vol. 2 #189–194 in 2003, a storyline involving divine trials and the Amazon's temporary loss of powers. Among other publishers, Simonson developed Star Slammers, a space opera about elite mercenaries; it appeared as a 1994 miniseries at Malibu Comics (issues #1–4) before a new storyline and collected edition at IDW Publishing from 2014 to 2017. He illustrated Alien: The Illustrated Story (1979 graphic novel, scripted by Archie Goodwin) and RoboCop vs. The Terminator (1992 miniseries #1–4 at Dark Horse, written by Frank Miller). He wrote the World of Warcraft comic series for DC/WildStorm from 2008, producing issues #1–25 that adapted the video game's lore into tales of heroism and conflict in Azeroth. At IDW, Simonson created Ragnarök (2014), a 12-issue series retelling Norse end-times mythology, followed by the 2017 sequel Ragnarök: The Breaking of Helheim. Key collected editions of Simonson's work include the Thor by Walter Simonson Omnibus series from Marvel, with multiple volumes compiling his run and related miniseries like Balder the Brave; the latest edition was released in June 2024. His Fantastic Four contributions are gathered in the Fantastic Four Visionaries: Walter Simonson trade paperbacks (vols. 1–3, 2007–2009), reproducing the original issues with restored artwork.

Filmography

Walt Simonson made a brief cameo appearance as an banquet guest in the 2011 film Thor, directed by , alongside his wife, writer , who also appeared in the scene. His influential 1980s comic run on Thor, which revitalized the character's mythological roots, informed elements of the film's portrayal of and its inhabitants. Simonson received credit for creating Malekith, who played a central antagonistic role in Thor: The Dark World (2013). He provided similar comic source material contributions, including credit for creating Malekith in an episode of the Disney+ series What If...? (2024). In addition to live-action film involvement, Simonson appeared in the documentary-style interview series Comic Culture (2017), discussing his storytelling techniques and contributions to .