Doug Wildey is probably best remembered for his role designing the distinctive look of Hanna-Barbera's "Jonny Quest". Wildey also worked on numerous comic books including Jonah Hex, Sgt. Rock and Tarzan.
Wildey was a fantastic draftsman with a real flair for realistic anatomy and characterization.
Here we get a look at Wildey's own Western creation, RIO. My best guess is that Wildey did his inks and an ink wash over his pencils, then went back in with watercolor. The results are tremendous, giving a very believable feeling of light to the piece. From 1984's Eclipse Monthly #5, here's "Satan's Doorstep!":
Always figured Wildey put far too much work into this for what he must have gotten paid but i did SO appreciate that work! Love the snow scenes. They actually feel cold!
ReplyDeleteI remember reading RIO back in the day. This was awesome!! Wildey was a genius.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I call starting off the a bang, partner! For my money, Wildey produced the most beautiful western-themed comics ever done with Rio. Great start.
ReplyDeleteLove that photo of you at the tree. That was the year I graduated High School. You suck.
Booksteve: I know, right? The desert scenes feel hot, too. Wildey apparently knew how to manipulate his palette.
ReplyDeleteHobbyfan: I concur.
Mykal: Thanks. I've been a fan of Wildey for years (Jonny Quest adict)I had seen RIO off and on on the internet, but just recently found a couple of these Eclipse Monthly back-issues in a dollar box. I think Wildey's westerns are right up there with Jean "Moebius" Girard's "Blueberry"...maybe even better.
I have some John Severin coming up later this week.
Hmm... That means you're not quite old enough to be my father! Say! it's 6:30 PM. Now that you're back from the MCL Cafeteria, shouldn't you be taking your pre-bedtime nap? ;)
Love ya, brother!