Some artists burst upon the scene on their own, but others find themselves a guiding hand to work under as they hone their skills. Artist Michael Broussard broke in by winning Top Cow’s Talent Search contest back in 2007, and has become one of the primary artists of the California-based publisher, including being the artist who launched the Artifacts series last year. But it wasn’t easy for the young artist, but it’s those challenges that made him the artist he is today.
After moving to California to work in Top Cow’s studio (nicknamed ‘The Pit’), Marc Silvestri reviewed the unpublished artist’s portfolio and promptly tore it up in front of him. Despite that, Silvestri saw something in the artist and offered him a job on the spot. Broussard’s first project was drawing the one-shot The Darkness: Butcher, but the first work of his to hit shelves was the publisher’s crossover with Marvel, Unholy Union. That one-shot saw the Darkness clash with Dr. Strange, the Hulk and others, and foretold the artist’s supernatural future in comics. After that, Broussard took over the art duties on Top Cow’s The Darkness series, and also did art assists on Silvestri’s various projects for Marvel. After working on The Darkness for over a year, he was tapped to lead off Top Cow’s event series Artifacts. After drawing the first four issues, Broussard rotated off the book and next assisted Silvestri in drawing the Incredible Hulk series. Broussard’s next major project hasn’t been announced yet, but look for that in the coming months.
Broussard’s style, especially early on, shows the heavy influence of his mentor Marc Silvestri, but as he completed issues of The Darkness his style veered away from Silvestri’s into a slightly more angular work like a heavily rendered Jon Bogdanove. He really came into his own with the first four issues of Artifacts, creating more dynamic layouts and employing spotted blacks more-so than rendering.
Broussard has done a lot to step out of the lofty shadow of Marc Silvestri, and is following the traditions of other artists graduating from the Pit such as Michael Turner, Francis Manapul and Kenneth Rocafort. Check out some select samples of Broussard’s work below, and tell us what you think.
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I don’t understand Silvestri tearing up his portfolio and then offering him a job…
Wow! Really great stuff. Does anyone else get a Lenil Yu vibe?
There’s definitely some Yu influence in his recent stuff. Especially on Artifacts, as Sunny Gho was the colorist (also colored Yu on Superior).
*Especially visible on Artifacts
I love his design of the Darklings, working the creepy demonic factor in.
Silvestri sure knows how to find them!
I’m curious why Silvestri ripped up his portfolio, I’m sure he had his reasons though. I really like the image of the boy and monster in the woods. It looks digital and similar to what he did in the FCBD issue. I can hardly wait to see more of his work.
i kinda get the portfolio ripping thing. Kind of an old school “i’m the Jedi Master you’re talented but everything you made before apprenticing under me is worthless” kinda deal. I had a design professor who was old school and known for crap like that. He set someone’s crappy logo on fire during a crit when she just would not give up with the attitude and know-it-all-ness. It was pretty awesome.
wow, i’m now a little more depress after seeing these great panels of art. wish i had those skills. i love the pencils.
Silvestri would make me cry.
But he does know how to pick ’em. Three out of five of my favorite artists found work thanks to him.
(Other two, Jim Lee & Brett Booth)
R.I.P Turner. We miss you, man.
Hi,
This is Michael Broussard. Appreciate the article and the comments.
There is a few things that aint accurate. I am from California, born in LA 🙂
I got hired because I submmited a portafolio that Silvestri never tore up LOL and I never entered a contest.
Right now I’m working on a video game title published by Konami.
If you want to follow my artwork and if you have any questions check my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/MichaelBroussardArtwork
Thanx again!
Michael
btw iFanboy is awesome, Chris Arrant did a wonderful job on researching! Thanx man! :D!!