Steve Rude — What Is That Thing?

Nexus #26, November 1986

Recipe for a Steve “The Dude” Rude artist dish:

Start with a full-size portion of Russ Manning, then add a very generous helping of Jack Kirby. 

Mix in in a cup of Alex Toth, a shot of Doug Wildey, and a pinch of Joe Schuster, and… voila, you have yourself a full Steve Rude gourmet meal.

Unfortunately, it’s a one-of-a-kind meal, near impossible to replicate.

Clean and distinctive, Rude is among my favorites of the “modern” artists working in graphic storytelling. (In other words: Old guys who, like me, are not that old.)

Nexus, created by Rude and writer Mike Baron, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.  Pages from early issues featuring the titular character rarely become available, and this great one isn’t going anywhere soon.

We continue with our month long celebration of the “Independents” — Independent creators and projects that continue to impact the comic book medium. We’re back on Tuesday (7/27) with… Jim Lee. Have a great weekend.