In
the course of drawing twenty two of the first two dozen issues of Conan
the Barbarian, Windsor-Smith
underwent a remarkable artistic evolution. Forsaking the inspiration
of Jack Kirby, Barry developed a style of thoughtful dynamism and art
and design entirely unknown to American comic books.
|
|
Incorporating
his early influences of Art Nouveau’s organic flourishes, and the
extraordinarily detailed naturalism of the Pre Raphaelite school of painting,
Windsor-Smith’s ever- evolving methods of storytelling brought
a sense of ornate classicism to the monthly Conan comic books that even
now, over thirty years later, remains without peer.
|
Above:
The cover of Conan the Barbarian #19,
October, 1972
|
Above:
The cover of Conan the Barbarian #21,
December, 1972
|