Who is your favorite artist and why?

I personally don't have an absolute favorite, but these guys are certainly worth mentioning: 
 

jim lee is tha man. he's been my number one since i set sights on his x-men. after him goes chris bachalo, then tha adam & andy kubert. and rounding out my top five is either jrjr, ed benes, or salvador larroca. i think tha last time i posted a top five list somewhere online, or at least thought about it, i may have had jrjr in tha fifth spot.

Francis Manapul 
 
Why?  Because his artwork is AWESOME!!!!!!!

1. Adam Kubert (Hulk run is the greatest) 
2. Billy Tan (X-Men especially) 
3. Mark Bagley (Defined Spider-Man for years to come) 
4. Mike Deodato Jr. (Just look at anything he does) 
5. Jim Lee ( The best of the original Image guys) 
 
 
S/N: Steve Skroce is a sentimental favorite of mine for his Amazing Spider-Man run

Jack Kirby! When I think of comics, his striking signature imagery is one of the first things that pops into mind.  
 
I do agree with just about everyone above and all your picks definitely belong in the pantheon of great artists, but I gotta stick with the King. lol. 

Mike Choi - especially when combined with Sonia Oback's colors.
 

"Mike Choi - especially when combined with Sonia Oback's colors.
 

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Sorry, but there are so many threads called 'Favorite Artist'.  Yu ocan still search for Topics in the main Search Box:   Favorite Artist