🥳Celebrating Klaus Janson

A tribute to talent

Every episode of Into the Storymaze = writing ideas or writing-in-progress; something creative I’m excited to share; a highlight from my comic book writing; and a quote that’s worth a think.

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A truly impressive retrospective of artist Klaus Janson came out recently, and I was asked to contribute some thoughts about this singular talent. Here’s what I had to say…

I really got to know Klaus when he was the artist on a book called St. George, which I co-wrote. St. George was a priest who'd stepped down from his faith but instead rose to heroism, driven by supernatural technology and his inner character. In many ways, that represents Klaus as an artist and a person. The difference is that Klaus' supernatural power is his talent, and his character is in his drive to excel at his art form.

Klaus has tremendous integrity, both in his artistic vision and as an individual — he gives you faith in the medium of comics. He treats his work with great precision, considering every choice he makes in terms of a line, a panel, or a page. I was fortunate to be part of that process and to learn from it.

Even If Klaus wasn't speaking it aloud, what he communicated visually — in Interpreting my writing — were lessons in caring and commitment.

When I created a scene and then saw how he represented it, it was a declaration to me to take the creative charge and opportunities we had been given very seriously. Klaus’ work taught me how to step up because of everything he embodies and brought to each story. His exceptional quality lies in how he represents himself and his skill — extraordinary skill that pulls in readers, delivers excitement — and helps others rise to the occasion by his example.

Doubling down on the Klaus for this Storymaze — go check out this book, Black & White Stories: Klaus Janson. It’s more than a tribute, it’s an intimate, hold-in-your-hands master class in comics and visual storytelling. You’ll find many a lesson in the exceptional examples of his work presented throughout this very high quality production.

Among the art gems are also compelling interviews with Klaus, along with many more recollections from his peers and collaborators across the years on the standout projects he has been instrumental in bringing to life.

(And if by some stretch you’re wondering, “Who’s this Klaus guy?” — consider this a worthy and overdue introduction.)

If you can zoom way in on that teensy little winged thing at the bottom of that pic, you’ll find a phoenix. This particular version of that flame-bursting bird marks the way to Phoenix Fan Fusion, a 3 day celebration of pop culture in the Arizona capital — and my destination on today’s journey. (I’m leaving as soon as I hit “publish!”

I’m a guest at the show from June 6 - 8, where I head up the “D” section in the program. (From “D.G. Chichester” to “Dungeons and Domes.”) I’ll be at table 1869 — a significant year for the completion of the transcontinental railroad, according to The Google. First person to drop by with a copy of my new comic Rysk — that autograph is free!

One way or another, if you’re in the area I hope you’ll stop by and say hi in person.

"The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller."
- Steve Jobs

Amazing Times

If D.G. Chichester looks pretentious, feel free to just call me “Dan”, and have a go at the last name as Chai (like the tea) Chester (like it looks). I’ve written comic books like Daredevil, Terror Inc., Nick Fury Agent of SHIELD and Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, along with all manner of digital widgets in the world wide web of marketing. I like weird tales, so if things here bend that way — now you know why!

Folks seem to like the comic book adventures I’ve written, so if you haven’t checked one out — please do. Many are now available in fab collected editions.

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