‘Art & Comic Book Art’ Webinar by Comic Book Art Historian Arlen Schumer

Today, art historians study the great Renaissance masters of the human figure like Michelangelo and Raphael — and 500 years from now, comic book artists will join these ranks, as the great masters of the human figure of our time.

In December 2013, Vanity Fair magazine conducted a poll of 100 art-world luminaries — mainly artists, professors of art, and curators — and asked them to name “the six most important living artists;” not one cartoonist or comic book artist received a single vote. Is it possible to compare the fabled historic works of fine art with the more modern works of comic book art? It’s time to challenge the art world’s status quo and uncover how some of the most talented and creative art pieces of our generation have been created in the medium of comic books.

Join New York Adventure Club as we embark on a fascinating art journey that examines the great artists within the fine art and comic book art worlds, and how similar — or different — their artworks really are.

Led by award-winning comic book-style illustrator and historian Arlen Schumer, this uplifting “visualecture” filled with stylized images from comic books and broader popular culture will include:

• A look at classic works of the Italian Renaissance seen through a superheroic prism
• The influence of comic strips on Modern Art, and conversely, Pop Art and its comic book inspirations 
• An overview of the prolific comic book artists and their groundbreaking illustrations, including Jack Kirby, Neal Adams, Joe Kubert, Carmine Infantino, and Gil Kane
• A discussion around why cartoonists should be considered ‘great artists’ in the same league as fine artists whose works appear in museums and galleries

Stick around after the webinar for a Q&A with Arlen, who will be ready to answer any-and-all questions about comic book art!

See you there, virtually! $10.

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***A full replay will be available after the experience for all registered guests

About Arlen

Arlen Schumer, MFA is one of the foremost historians of comic book art, named by Comic Book Artist magazine in 1998 as “one of the more articulate and enthusiastic advocates of comic book art in America.” His coffee table book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, won the Independent Publishers Book Award for best Popular Culture book.

Schumer is also one of comic book art’s most idiosyncratic practitioners, creating award-winning illustrations for the advertising and editorial markets.

“One of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on comics and culture.” —Jon Meyerson, Producer, ABC News’ 20/20

“Nobody speaks about comics with more authority, understanding and love than Arlen does. He is to comics what Pauline Kael was to movies.” —Clem Robins, letterer for DC and Marvel Comics

Testimonials

“Arlen is profoundly informative, engaging, and clear.” -Joel

“Arlen knew his stuff and was able to explain to common folks. Great comparisons of art in the presentation. Linked to current trends or popular movies of which most people would have a connection. Presented at a level that wasn’t too geeky.” -Brent

“Extremely knowledgeable presenter; amazing visuals, great pacing!” -Jesse

“Arlen was super knowledgable, and did a really good job relating the information to current day comic book movies and characters. It really was a great job by all.” -Joseph

“Really engaging speaker with polished presentation and command of the subject” -Al