We have learned in our first two parts that most artists' first appearances are generally not that well-known. The comics industry seems to be the polar opposite of that than traditional art where a first work commands a premium price. Usually, comic artists and writers start on lesser-known labels or on struggling titles that end up having little value. Today we will look at 3 more huge names in the comic industry. Todd McFarlane, Alex Ross, and Tyler Kirkham and see where they all started.

Todd McFarlane

Canadian comic book creator and entrepreneur. Best known for his artwork on The Amazing Spiderman #298-300 (First Symbiote Suit/Venom) as well as being the creator, writer, and artist of Spawn. McFarlane's first introduction to comics is actually in 1981 DC ComicsSuperman #365 where a young McFarlane wrote a fan letter to DC describing his fandom for Superman comics as well as his likes and dislikes about the issue. At an early age, McFarlane developed an interest in comics and acquired as many as he could. He practiced drawing them daily. At the age of 16, he invented the character Spawn and spent countless hours working on the visual appeal of the character.

In college, McFarlane began sending 30-40 packages of submissions every month to comic publishers. After 700 submissions in 1984, the editors of Marvel imprint Epic Comics hired him for a backup story for "Coyote". McFarlane soon began drawing for both DC and Marvel with his first appearance on a cover being Infinity Inc. #14. After working for DC and Marvel, McFarlane and 6 other artists and writers teamed up to create Image Comics. This would allow them to have more creative control. He introduced his refined character Spawn and it was an immediate hit with over 1.7 million copies sold, still the sales record for an independent comic label. He has gone on to build an empire with McFarlane Toys and McFarlane Entertainment.

Alex Ross

At 3 years of age, Alex Ross began drawing. Ross was influenced by watching Spiderman cartoons on the local TV channel. At 17 years of age, Ross began studying at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He discovered the works of artists like Salvador Dali whose hyper-realistic quality fascinated him. It was during this time that he formed the idea to paint his own comic books. After graduating in 3 years, Ross took a job at an advertising agency as a storyboard artist.

Ross's first appearance in a published comic book was in 1990 Terminator: The Burning Earth #1 by Now Comics. This work was done all in pencils. In 1993, he completed his first painted superhero assignment, the cover of a Superman novel, Superman: Doomsday & Beyond. He has gone on to win countless awards for best artist and has become one of the premier cover artists of our time. His recent 2020 Marvel Timeless run is impeccable.

Tyler Kirkham

Tyler Kirkham started drawing at a young age. The local newspaper recognized his talent and had him draw comic panels. After his friend showed his work to Top Cow Comics they helped Kirkham get a job drawing for an independent series.  His first appearance is The Gift #1 for Raven Productions in 2003. From there he went on to draw for Top Cow for many of their series. In 2010 he signed an exclusive deal with DC Comics to pencil Green Lantern Corps #53. Kirkham has gone on to work with Marvel, DC, Dynamite, Image, Top Cow, Aspen, Zenoscope, Devil's Due, and IDW Comic Labels. Most recently in 2020, he is working on Venom variant covers as well as many others.