One day while browsing on eBay, you can imagine my surprise when I recognized a name on some art for sale; that name was Gary Shipman. He had several mixed media illustrations for sale, all made with an interesting style to them. Something he called ‘Outsider Art’.
The reason I recognized the name was because I like to collect original artwork from artists who worked for Silverwolf and Greater Mercury Comics, a small company (and it’s reincarnation) that was around in the late 80’s and into the 90’s. Gary Shipman was the co-creator and artist for one of the major characters at Silverwolf, a character named Edge. And there he was on eBay.
Gary Shipman
Original art from Silverwolf or GMC is near impossible to come across, so I have made a habit of trying to commission work from the original artists when possible. When I realized I could get a piece of Edge art from the co-creator and original artist, I jumped at it. According to Mr. Shipman, it was the first time he had drawn Edge in a very, very long time. I am so glad he was willing to indulge my request, and a couple weeks or so later I got a little art in the mail. Check it out:
Edge from Silverwolf Comics by co-creator Gary Shipman
EDGE
Real Name: Jason Holden
Hieght: 6′ 1″
Weight: 165 lbs
Eyes: Green
Hair: Brown
Age: 19
From birth, Jason has had an unusual ability to improvise almost anything at his disposal for offense or defense. Jason eventually found, while learning martial arts, that this uncanny ability was extremely tuned when in ‘battle’ situations . He eventually learned three styles of martial arts, becoming proficient in all three.
As usual, it’s funny how the timing on things works out. While putting this post together, I hopped over to Gary’s Facebook page and it seems he is releasing his first sketchbook. It looks like the pre-order is closed, but you might drop him a line and see if he has one available.
Also, you might check out Gary’s YouTube channel for plenty of videos on making art and such, interesting stuff.
More on Silverwolf and Greater Mercury to come. Moby is waiting on another commission to come in…a GRIPS commission piece! For now, here’s a few more pieces from Gary (not in my collection) for your enjoyment.
Yeah I bought the “Pakkin’s Land” TPB by Gary and…his wife? I think that is who wrote it. The book is not to my taste (kind of a C.S. Lewis, thinly veiled religious apologist book) but his art is SO much better now days (not that he was bad back in the SW days).
I need to ask Roman Morales II why he isn’t selling artwork on ebay. There are some comparatively bad artists making money selling drawings (mostly of nude or semi-nude super-heroines) and a few really good artists making a good deal of money. I think Roman could be one of those. Gary’s artwork sells there and RM III might be better than him.