Artist's Profile: Jim Aparo

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.

****