Jim Aparo started his comics career at Charlton Comics
where he did a little bit of everything,
and eventually he landed a regular gig at DC Comics
where he provided some of the most well-known
and well-loved versions of many of their heroes.
In the 1960s, '70s, and '80s, he was a premier
artist, a workhorse who churned out an
incredible workload for the quality maintained!
His characters were rich, dynamic, and filled with
story. a single pose or facial expression could
tell you volumes!
His inks, his expressiveness, his fashion and
architecture were unmistakable.
Although more of a realist in his approach, there
was an excitement and an over-the-top feel for
his stories that translated very well onto the comics page.
His lavish panels, filled with details and grit, brought
a wonderful darkness to the 4-color page.
Aparo could draw anything with his versatile hand, too,
as he deftly proved when working on a series like
"The Brave & the Bold," wherein the featured
characters changed every month; supernatural murder with
the Spectre one moment, and light-hearted fun with the
Metal Men the next. No beats skipped.
His cover work is among the most remembered
and beloved of the time; the contents of the book
seeming to burst forth with pizazz.
Jim drew the Batman in one form or another
for nearly twenty years, becoming synonymous
with the character and his style during that time
period.
The poignancy of melodrama is encapsulated with
Jim Aparo's powerful lines and spacing.
This cover (and others pictured here) remain cemented
in my mind as some of the best comics art ever done,
still providing an emotional kickback.
Aparo drew well into his 60's, still providing
covers and other pieces. He died in 2005 at the age of 72.
He leaves behind a huge legacy of comics art
and story that fans will relish for years to come.
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