LEINIL FRANCIS YU’S TOP PICKS
The master Marvel artist shares his essential reading with you. Check out more of Leinil’s signature work in the pages of Secret Empire! And revisit his blockbuster collaboration with writer Brian Michael Bendis in 2008’s Secret Invasion!
Leinil’s Recommended Reads
Old Man Logan by Mark Millar & Steve McNiven
In Wolverine (2003) #66
Two of my favorite creators build a post-apocalyptic world with alternate versions of our favorite heroes. Amazing story that stokes the imagination. What also excites me about this arc is its Mad Max and Fallout-like world. As a fan of those movies & videogames, seeing those elements mixed together is a blast. Logan + Fallout and the satisfyingly violent twists of a Millar story drawn by one of the industry’s best.
In Ultimate Wolverine Vs. Hulk (2005) #1
Shameless plug. Really proud of this series as it’s still being brought up to this day. There were a couple of years between #2 and #3 due to Damon Lindelof’s commitment to the TV series, LOST. I was put on great projects in between, but I myself doubted if we were ever going to finish. We finally put out a very enjoyable read, modesty aside. It’s the first time I did all pencil artwork so it’s visually interesting.
In Uncanny X-Men (1963) #281
This series shaped my art style tremendously. Whilce Portacio is probably my first hero and influence in comics (along with Travis Charest and John Buscema). Whilce came up with amazing visuals and layouts that still impress me. I had worn-out copies of #281-286 glued to my drawing table for years when I was starting out. I copied Whilce, and was horrible at it. I’m glad I can revisit these beautiful pages online.
House of M by Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel
In House of M (2005) #1
Another alternate reality story. I guess I’m a fan of seeing a slightly different version of our heroes! Bendis and Coipel’s House of M is an exciting mini-series – it’s imaginative and just absolutely beautiful to look at. I’m a huge Coipel fan and this is the first series that impressed the heck out of me. Great portrayals of heroes and amazing layouts that translate Bendis’ script to a visual reality. Must read!