Comic Book Art Goes On Show In Glasgow

31 March 2017, 13:01

A "magnificent'' exhibition of work by one of the world's top comic book artists opens in Glasgow this weekend.

Frank Quitely: The Art Of Comics explores the work of the Glasgow-born artist, who has worked on titles such as DC's Superman, Batman and Marvel Comics' X-Men.

It also looks at the work of Mark Millar (of KickAss fame) and Grant Morrison (DC's Batman and All Star Superman), revealing Scotland's influence on and contribution to the global comics industry.

The exhibition, which opens at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on April 1, will be the largest collection of work by Quitely ever displayed.

Quitely, born Vincent Deighan in 1968, still lives and works in the city.

This year he will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow in recognition of his achievements.

He said: "When I was growing up I thought everything exciting that was happening was happening somewhere else, usually America. That was never the case, but it's even less so now. In this digital age it's never been easier to collaborate with others, and to find an audience for what you do.

"What I had always done as a hobby, I started doing as a low-paid job and I just built on it from there.

"I hope young people leave this exhibition with a renewed belief in the possibility that you can make a career out of what you love doing most, but, more importantly, whether you make it a career or not, I hope they get the idea that if there's something you love doing you should do it and enjoy it and strive to become better at it, because it really enriches your life.''

His book collaborations with Scottish writers Alan Grant, Mark Millar and Grant Morrison have sold millions.

Visitors will see some of Quitely's most visually stunning poster designs, including original artworks from major titles such as All Star Superman and Batman and Robin, including drawings from his first Batman Story, The Scottish Connection, which was written by Alan Grant and is set in and around Edinburgh.

The public will also be able to see the intricate process from script through sketches to the meticulous final drawings then print and hear/read interviews with Scottish giants of the comic book industry.

Curator producer with Glasgow Museums Martin Craig said: "We are delighted to work with Vin Deighan to bring this magnificent exhibition to Kelvingrove.

"Frank Quitely's work is beautiful, it's meticulous and it has helped cement the amazing impact Scotland has had on the comic book world. Once you see the work in person, it is easy to see why Vin is considered to be one of the top comic book artists working in the world today.

"Audiences can marvel at the largest collection of his work ever displayed. They can get up close and admire the painstaking detail in every iconic frame. We have a wealth of stunning original artwork from giants of the comic book industry, interviews and interactives.

"We're quite sure Frank Quitely: The Art Of Comics will inspire a new generation to take up the mantle and continue Scotland's influence in the comic book and superhero sphere.''

The exhibition runs until October 1 2017.