Bryan Talbot

Born in in the 1950’s and interested in comics since an early age, it was almost inevitable that Bryan Talbot would become involved in the Underground comics movement of the late 60’s. Along with other British notables, such as Alan Moore, Jim Bakie, Alan Grant, Kevin O’Neill and a host of others, he influenced the birth of a new type of comics that appealed to an older audience. The foremost publication for this emerging genre was 2000AD and Talbot provided artwork for both JUDGE DREDD and SLAINE, 2000AD’s most popular strips.

Talbot’s independent contribution to “The British Invasion” of comics was BRAINSTORM COMICS, the first three issues of which would profoundly change comic books forever. The story arc formed what was later to be known as the Chester P. Hackenbush Trilogy.  “Chester P. Hackenbush” became the character “Chester Williams” in Alan Moore’s run of SWAMP THING, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Originally appearing in the publication, NEAR MYTHS in 1978, Talbot’s most well known work is THE ADVENTURES OF LUTHER ARKWRIGHT. The spinning of this tale of ’s favorite son was continued in HEART OF EMPIRE. Both graphic novels were published by Dark Horse.

Other works by Talbot include THE TAIL OF ONE BAD RAT, which chronicles recovery from child abuse and several mini-series from the short-lived publisher, Tekno Comix. He’s also contributed to a number of DC projects such as FABLES, SANDMAN, HELLBLAZER and BATMAN.

ALICE IN SUNDERLAND, an independent effort that I don’t really quite understand, was published in 2007. The next Talbot endeavor is due this spring. It’s a detective story called GRANDVILLE.