The Draftsmanship of Dave Gibbons

Dave Gibbons’ work on “For the Man Who Has Everything…” showcases the inimitable talent of a comics artist with a rare (and somewhat underappreciated) talent for contributing a complex depth and richness to the scenes and superheroes that he brings to life. #Superman 1/9

A veteran of 2000AD and one of the first talents recruited by editor Len Wein for the so-called “Briitsh Invasion” that reinvigorated superhero comics in the 1980s, Gibbons’ career success speaks for itself, despite a subdued aesthetic by the standards of his time. 2/9

Gibbons’ skill lies in precision and subtlety. His works showcase an incredible sense of clarity, pacing, and spatial awareness, all of which combine to create immersive experiences for the reader – worlds that feel in-depth, lived-in, and especially nuanced. 3/9

This skill isn’t just important within the context of “For the Man Who Has Everything…” it’s essential to capture the layered performances of the characters. It’s one thing to draw a sad Superman, but it takes a uniquely talented artist to draw the sadness behind the smile. 4/9

As scholar Jack Teiwes notes, “Gibbons’ mastery of subtle facial expressions (a relatively uncommon talent amongst mainstream superhero artists) was vital to Moore’s deeply emotional tale of the hero’s inner turmoil.” 5/9

Teiwes also calls attention to Gibbons’ capacity for innovative techniques in his draftsmanship, including “formal panel arrangements, highly detailed backgrounds containing obscure references & the juxtaposition of panels depicting the disjunction between fantasy & reality.” 6/9

Finally, Teiwes points to Gibbons’ portrayal of “parallel action, as in this sequence where Robin’s efforts to revive Batman are shown as roughly simultaneous to the beginning of Superman’s epic battle with Mongul.” 7/9

Gibbons does all of this while operating within the confines of DC house style and within what can safely be called a visual homage to legendary Superman illustrator Curt Swan (Moore even refers to his partner on this issue as “Dave ‘fanboy’ Gibbons”). 8/9

In short, despite the risk of being overshadowed that often comes in working with writers like Moore, Gibbons, the first Comics Laureate of the UK, steals a bit of the spotlight by turning in pages capable of both capturing and advancing the intricacies of Moore’s script. 9/9