Phil Hester’s career began at the right time. The comic book artist from North English is able to work from home thanks to modern-day conveniences like FedEx and computer scanners.
“It used to be people with my job had to live in New York City,” Hester said. “FedEx started about the same time my career took off.”
In fact, Hester’s inker, Ande Parks, lives in Kansas. The two best friends have worked together for 20 years, but never shared an office.
But the great timing doesn’t end there. It used to be that comic books had a select audience. I always thought of comics, not counting those you read in the newspaper, were a boy thing. And maybe it was the way, but not anymore. Graphic novel section in book stores are getting bigger and everyone — boys, girls and adults — are devouring the illustrated adventures. Even Ann M. Martin’s iconic “Baby-Sitters Club” series were released as a graphic novel in 2006, with more books following. Director Joss Whedon’s decision to continue his popular “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” television series in comic form brought even more newcomers to the genre.
“It’s the perfect time to do what I do,” Hester said.
Read more about Phil Hester and his work in Sunday’s Gazette.
– Meredith
