SHANE DAVIS, THE JLA AND THE JSA

[MattBrady]

by Brendan McGuirk

Shane Davis is an artist on the rise. He has paid his dues on smaller venue titles such as Robin and the Marvel Adventures Spider-Man title, and now that hard work is paying dividends. After some spot issues of Batman, he recently wrapped up his share of the Mystery in Space miniseries he launched with legend Jim Starlin. This week he takes the reins on one of DC’s highest profile projects, the Justice League of America/ Justice Society of America/ Legion of Superheroes crossover The Lightning Saga. This crossover event is historic in that it will be the first time that a story has crossed between DC’s two premier super teams. Davis is sitting on the cusp of breaking out as an industry superstar, and with his JLA #8 hitting stores this week, we thought it would be a good opportunity to catch up with the dynamic penciller.

Newsarama: Where you a big comics fan as a kid? Which books or artists were you a fan of?

Shane Davis: I loved Spider-Man and the Hulk as a kid. I remember buying Spider-man books at the 7-Eleven, and watching The Incredible Hulk TV show. My mom and I used to watch Batman re-runs together before I even started going to school. As far as artists go, I was very big into Art Adams. I still am. I used to have this kick-ass X-Men poster of his. He drew Nightcrawler, my favorite character, best by far.

NRAMA: What was it that inspired you to draw? Was it a particular comic or artist?

SD: I’ve drawn ever since I can remember. Looking back, it caused me a lot of conflict in school. I always drew in my notebooks. My father always said it was a phase and didn't encourage it. My mother picked up the slack from there. At age thirteen my parents divorced. I saw an art table in an art store that I liked, and she bought it for me. I still use that same table to this day.

A lot of criticism came from wanting to draw comics professionally. I was told by teachers to paint, or go into "a real art medium." Looking back, I’ve found that those people's opinions were great obstacles for me. I had to overcome and prove them wrong. Life is littered with these hurdles and you have to push forward.

NRAMA: What contemporary artists or books do you particularly dig? Who, if anyone, has influenced your work? Or do you look more out of comics for that type of influence?

SD: As an artist I have great respect for is Yoji Shinkawaz, the artist for Metal Gear Solid. I find I like to draw with shadow and he has been a great influence in that area. Winsor McCay has been very inspirational as well. In modern comics, I love the Kuberts’ work.

NRAMA: What was your first pro work? Did you do any of your own comics, or did you jump straight into work for hire?

SD: Shortly after college, I got my first professional work doing some Robin issues at DC Comics. I was hired by Bob Schreck or Matt Idelson. Not sure which it was, but it sort of felt like both.

NRAMA: You're a DC exclusive, what does that mean to you personally and professionally?

SD: Personally, I feel it’s a landmark for a comic artist; first because your work is that in demand, secondly, steady work is always a plus. Professionally, I feel honored because of the time we're working in. I get to do a lot of great comics at a great company.

NRAMA: About Mystery in Space, what was it like working with Jim Starlin? Were you a fan of his earlier cosmic stuff?

SD: It was awesome working with Jim. I was a big fan of his work on Silver Surfer and Cosmic Odyssey. I saw Mystery in Space as a great opportunity for me. Jim had a great story and we were given a lot of room to create that great story. [Editors] Bob Schreck and Brandon Montclare were very supportive and open minded.

NRAMA: Was it tough to draw such a cosmic story with so few everyday touchstones? Did you get to do many new designs?

SD: I didn't want to overlook the superhero aspect of Comet, but I did want his environment to reflect more modern sci-fi elements. Everything had to be designed. We had a clean slate, and I was hell-bent that MIS wouldn’t just look like a superhero with a starlit background, but like a real sci-fi book. Redesigning character proved to be a lot of fun. We tried to keep parts of Comet’s traditional superhero look, but with that sci-fi edge to him. Then there was Tyrone [MIS’ resident talking dog]...lets leave it at that...*sniff* ...You’re my boy Tyrone, You’re my boy. *Sniff* (laughs).

NRAMA: Can you tell us a bit about your drawing process? Do you listen to music, watch TV, etc?

SD: I listen to a lot of music while drawing. Some of my favorite bands are Funker Vogt, Mindless Self Indulgence, and Nine Inch Nails.

NRAMA: Getting to JLA/JSA, what did it mean to you to be on this project?

SD: It was an honor that DC asked me to commence work on the JLA/JSA crossover, but I was sad to leave Mystery in Space. It was difficult to leave, but everyone felt that there were other big things in store for me. Plans for my next project are already in the works. Sorry, but I can't give you a hint as to what they are...yet.

NRAMA: Who has proven to be your favorite character to draw? What about least favorite?

SD: Of course Batman was a favorite, as well as Mr. Terrific. Least favorite was Hawkgirl. That mask is cool, but man it was a pain to draw at different angles!

NRAMA: How challenging is it to draw such a sprawling cast? What difficulties have you faced on this project? Conversely, what personal payoffs and successes have come with it?

SD: I have never worked on a team book before and found it sort of difficult. There were so many characters to keep in mind along with their character traits. Truthfully, I went into this issue not knowing if I could handle so many characters. Now I'm proud to have drawn half of DC’s characters in one issue! I was able to see which characters I could handle best, and which ones I could improve on a little more. I must admit this issue was a challenge and hopefully fans will like the outcome.

NRAMA: Have you felt the need to "match" any of the other artists on the crossover visually? Or are you pretty much free to do your thing?

SD: Of course I was not able to draw Batman in a tutu, but I was pretty much free to do my thing.

NRAMA: Any particular challenges you faced in executing this book beyond just the cast?

SD: Other than the full-house cast, my biggest challenge was actually turning my head off work mode. With a cast this big, I was constantly thinking of how to best showcase them.

[Doombug]

I'm really really excited for this. Though I'm sure if I knew more about this incarnation of the legion i'd be even more excited.

The art looks amazing and hell, both books are great fun to read.

[Filter03]

Before I clicked on the pic I thought that was a sinestro corp ring, not a legion ring

[DaVeO]

Well, my fears for a bad fill-in has been put aside. Is stuff looks pretty solid.

[tracedog]

karate kid pwn3ed. awesome.

although he'll probably smack bats around a few panels later.

[bcondray]

Most excellent.

[J.D. Lombardi]

I loved the guy's work on Winnick's Batman Annual and he definitely was the force behind my getting the first couple issues of MIS, which I'd planned to get in trade instead. Now that it seems via this interview that he may not have finished it...I don't know if I'll get the trade afterall. Anyone know who finished it with Starlin?

Saying he is on the "cusp" of stardom though...that'd be putting it mildly.

[car2nst]

I Knew Shane from The Joe Kubert School. I remember I was mostly at the School before they opeened in the mornings. By this Time I was in Third Year (The final year of the school 3 yr program) and almost every morning Shane would walk upstairs in to the classroom, check out my artwork and any other artwork on the walls, or art tables. and always ask questions on How Joe Kuberts class wasas well as the other teachers. I think Shane was in Second Year. He was ALWAYS interested (and enthusiastic) toward the art assignments in 3rd Year. I regret not getting to know him better. I also has the privelage to work with him briefly @ Joe Kuberts own Graphic Art Studio called Tell-A-Graphics, Inc. I don't know if he remembers me but I wish him the best of luck. I have admiration for his talent......and a little jealousy.... : )

[Michael D.]

Not sure how I feel about the art yet. It looks a little like Michael Turner-lite to me. I'll have to reread the issue to decide how I feel. I do wish a more "name" artist could have done the whole historic story arc...

[bebopeva88]

Shane's the man! Definitely one of DC's soon-to-be superstars. I'm really happy he got to do JLA #8, and I'm really looking forward to his next project.

[Tobey Cook]

Wow. He listens to Funker Vogt - I like this guy already! Good taste in music

And they couldn't have picked a better artist for the fill-in. He's fast and able to keep up a monthly schedule so no worries about late fill-ins!

[Ragnarokker]

Shane Davis is the next big thing. Mark my words.

[Amoebas]

Let's be honest Bats - Val did just wake up from a coma like sleep after being mentally controlled by a robotic Starro that bored into the back of his neck (leaving a good sized - painful - hole).

But if you want to pretend that you're better than Val (for now) go right ahead.

[sexyjesus]

Originally Posted by Michael D.

Not sure how I feel about the art yet. It looks a little like Michael Turner-lite to me. I'll have to reread the issue to decide how I feel. I do wish a more "name" artist could have done the whole historic story arc...

If anything, he looks like a good Ed Benes.

[J.D. Lombardi]

Originally Posted by Michael D.

I do wish a more "name" artist could have done the whole historic story arc...

So you only support what you know, regardless of talent-level? Everyone was a no-name at one point dude.

[SouthtownKid]

Shane Davis on JLA? YES!!

[PreCrisisDC]

I was so excited about this I went and reread the original JL of A issues 147 and 148---still one of my favorite crossovers ever. And Shane's art has always been good, I just wished he could have done all of Mystery in Space...oh well, looking forward to more of his crisp clean art!

[Speedball93]

His art is kind Jim Lee-ish, but comes out on time. That makes it all kinds of awsome! This guy will be in the top 10 comic artists lists very soon. He is that good.

[OM]

"Clark thinks the boy is better. I love proving Clark wrong."

...Oh lawdy, this is going to be one *hell* of a team-up!

SD: Of course Batman was a favorite, as well as Mr. Terrific. Least favorite was Hawkgirl. That mask is cool, but man it was a pain to draw at different angles!

...Well, then you should have drawn her wearking Carter's costume, then

[Maurice M]

Batman a better martial artist than Karate Kid

[Kevenn]

Shane Davis' work on Mystery in Space BLEW. ME. AWAY. THis guy is an absolute superstar. Mark my word, he's a name to know. MIS was brilliant, brilliant art!!!!

[JeffCapo]

This crossover is going to be awesome!

[Juss]

"This crossover event is historic in that it will be the first time that a story has crossed between DC’s two premier super teams."

What does *this* mean? Does the Silver Age not even exist any longer? JSA/JLA crossovers used to be annual events!

[Eric Haar]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

This crossover event is historic in that it will be the first time that a story has crossed between DC’s two premier super teams.

I think you mean has crossed between DC's two premier super team titles...

[Floyd Lawton]

Originally Posted by Amoebas

Let's be honest Bats - Val did just wake up from a coma like sleep after being mentally controlled by a robotic Starro that bored into the back of his neck (leaving a good sized - painful - hole).

But if you want to pretend that you're better than Val (for now) go right ahead.

True that. Val would beat his a$$.