![The Saga of the Swamp Thing #53 page 24 [art by John Totleben]](http://illustrationfriday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/The-Saga-of-the-Swamp-Thing-53-page-24-art-by-John-Totleben.jpg)
![The Saga of the Swamp Thing #34 cover [art by Stephen Bissette and John Totleben]](http://illustrationfriday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/The-Saga-of-the-Swamp-Thing-34-cover-art-by-Stephen-Bissette-and-John-Totleben.jpg)
John Totleben happens to be one of the finest illustrators to ever work in comics. His first published work was in the popular science fiction/fantasy magazine Heavy Metal in the late 70’s. He first became well known for his collaboration with artist Stephen R. Bissette, and writer Alan Moore on their ground breaking run on Swamp Thing for DC Comics in the early/mid 80’s. Their run also included the introduction of popular character John Constantine AKA Hellblazer. Totleben continued to impress with his distinct, ultra-detailed inks, and lush painted covers with his work on Eclipse Comics’ Miracleman. After many years in legal limbo, Marvel Comics secured the rights to re-publish issues of Miracleman, which is once again shining a light on Totleben’s timeless art.
Sadly, John Totleben has suffered from the eye disease retinitis pigmentosa for years now, so he’s had to slow down his output as an artist. Yet, he’s still capable of rendering some of the most beautiful scenes you can imagine albeit at a much slower rate.
John Totleben has won numerous Kirby & Inkpot awards throughout his career, and was the co-founder/editor of the famed Taboo horror anthology.
You can learn more about John Totleben’s life & career here.
For more comics related art, you can follow me on my website comicstavern.com - Andy Yates
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