Ralph Steadman

 

 

Sherlock Holmes

Ralph Steadman is a renowned British artist best known for his work with Hunter S. Thompson.  Providing illustrations for Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", "The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved" and "The Curse of Lono" to name a few, he has also illustrated such classics as "Alice in Wonderland", "Treasure Island" and "Animal Farm" in addition to his own books.  His artwork can be found on everything from posters and album covers, to phone covers adn wine bottles.  He is truely an amazing artist.

I've been a huge fan of Mr. Steadman's work since first reading "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" in high school.  I just love the look and feel of his work and find it timeless.  I contacted him a few years ago and told him about my collection and he did this wonderful drawing for me of Sherlock Holmes.  At the time I believe this was the first time he had drawn Sherlock Holmes.    

 

Jeff Lemire

Holmes & Watson

 

 

Jeff Lemire is a very talented artist and writer here in Toronto.  His "Essex County Trilogy" was nominated for both a Harvey and Eisner award.  In 2008 he won both a Doug Wright and a Joe Shuster award.  The DC comics imprint Vertigo published his "The Nobody" graphic novel and his ongoing series "Sweet Tooth".  He has continued to work with DC on a number of other titles including a series of Atom adventures in "Adventure Comics", "Superboy", "Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.", "Animal Man",  and is now working on the "Justice League Dark" title.  He also has an upcoming story in Vertigo's "Ghosts" one-shot called "Ghost for Hire" with Geoff Johns. 

 

I contacted Jeff through his blog after I read the first volume of the Essex County Trilogy.  It is a great story and if you haven't read it I highly recommend it.  Growing up just outside of Toronto I thought the story was great and I love Jeff's artwork.  He hadn't done Sherlock before so he was excited to do the piece, and I was excited to see what he would do.  When I picked up the piece I was thrilled.  It is one of my favourite pieces and is one of the first pieces you see where I have them displayed.