{{short description|American comics artist|bot=PearBOT 5}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2017}} {{Use American English|date=May 2017}} {{Infobox comics creator | name = Brent Anderson | image = Brent-Anderson-in-2018.jpg | caption = Anderson in 2018 | alt = A photo of Brent Anderson in 2018. | birth_name = Brent Eric Anderson<ref>Per the cover of ''Marvel Graphic Novel'' #5: ''X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills'' (1982)</ref> | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1955|6|15}} | birth_place = San Jose, California, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | area = | cartoonist = | write = | art = y | pencil = y | ink = | letter = | color = | edit = | alias = | notable works = ''X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills''<br />''Astro City'' | awards = Inkpot Award, 1985<br />Harvey Award, 1996, 1997<br />Eisner Award, 1996–1998 | website = http://www.BrentAndersonArt.com }} '''Brent Anderson''' (born June 15, 1955<ref>{{cite web |author-link=John Jackson Miller |last=Miller |first=John Jackson |url=http://cbgxtra.com/knowledge-base/for-your-reference/comics-industry-birthdays |title=Comics Industry Birthdays |work=Comics Buyer's Guide |date=June 10, 2005 |location=Iola, Wisconsin |access-date=December 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218031356/http://cbgxtra.com/knowledge-base/for-your-reference/comics-industry-birthdays |archive-date=February 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>) is an American comics artist known for his work on ''X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills'' and the comic book series ''Astro City''.

==Early life== In junior high school, Brent Anderson discovered the pantheon of characters in Marvel Comics. The first Marvel comic he read was ''Fantastic Four'' #69, "By Ben Betrayed" (Dec. 1967),<ref name="ComicsVine" /> "They were a family who had super-powers and helped each other out. I wanted to be part of a family like that," he says.<ref name="Bio">{{cite web |url= http://www.brentandersonart.com/bio.asp|title= Bio|first= Brent|last= Anderson|date= n.d.|publisher= Brentandersonart.com|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130602210828/http://www.brentandersonart.com/bio.asp|archive-date= June 2, 2013|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref> Anderson began writing and drawing his own comics on school binder paper, creating a pantheon of his own that included "Radium the Robot" and "The Chameleon".<ref name="Bio" /> After doing fanzine illustrations, Anderson's first professional comics work appeared in the mid-1970s in independent/underground publications such as ''All-Slug'', ''Tesserae'', and ''Venture''.<ref name="WhosWho">{{cite web|url= http://www.bailsprojects.com/%28S%28o3ybip55kq0pvqe2h4lkyg35%29%29/bio.aspx?Name=ANDERSON%2c+BRENT|title= Anderson, Brent|first= Jerry|last= Bails|author-link= Jerry Bails|year= 2006|work= Who's Who of American Comic Books 1928-1999|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120304002804/http://www.bailsprojects.com/%28S%28o3ybip55kq0pvqe2h4lkyg35%29%29/bio.aspx?Name=ANDERSON%2C+BRENT|archive-date= March 4, 2012|url-status= live|df= mdy-all|access-date= December 29, 2013}}</ref>

==Career== Anderson was one of several artists to draw the comics adaptation of ''Xanadu'' in ''Marvel Super Special'' #17 (Summer 1980).<ref>{{cite journal|last= Friedt|first= Stephan|title= Marvel at the Movies - The House of Ideas' Hollywood Adaptations of the 1970s and 1980s|journal= Back Issue!|issue= 89|page= 64|publisher= TwoMorrows Publishing|date= July 2016|location= Raleigh, North Carolina|quote= The interior [art] was a group effort with over a dozen people credited with different aspects of the artwork (including layouts by Rich Buckler and Jimmy Janes, and finished pencils by [[Michael Netzer|Michael Nasser [Netzer]]], Brent Anderson, Joe Brozowski, Al Milgrom, and Bill Sienkiewicz).}}</ref> In 1981, ''Ka-Zar The Savage'', written by Bruce Jones, became Anderson's first regular series.<ref name="GCD">{{gcdb|type=credit|search=Brent+Anderson|title=Brent Anderson}}</ref> The ''X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills'' graphic novel followed,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.lambiek.net/artists/a/anderson_brent.htm|title= Brent Anderson|date= August 14, 2009|publisher= Lambiek Comiclopedia|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130526071123/http://www.lambiek.net/artists/a/anderson_brent.htm|archive-date= May 26, 2013|url-status= live|df= mdy-all|access-date= December 29, 2013}}</ref> as well as artwork on a number of Marvel Comics series, including the heroic space-opera ''Strikeforce: Morituri''. During this period, Anderson was active doing artwork for independent publishers Pacific Comics and Eclipse Comics,<ref name="GCD" /> including the innovative cinematic comic ''Somerset Holmes''.<ref>{{cite journal|last= Schweier|first= Philip|title= Somerset Holmes|journal= Back Issue!|issue= 90|pages= 48–55|publisher= TwoMorrows Publishing|date= August 2016|location= Raleigh, North Carolina}}</ref>

In 1995, Anderson co-created with writer Kurt Busiek and cover artist Alex Ross, the award-winning ''Astro City''. Other work included J. Michael Straczynski's ''Rising Stars: Untouchable'' spin-off series written by Fiona Avery covering the life story of special assassin Laurel Darkhaven.<ref name="GCD" /> Work continues on a 200-plus page graphic novel, ''Jar of Ashes'', written by Shirley Johnston. Anderson worked with writer Marv Wolfman on a one-shot featuring Green Lantern and Plastic Man entitled ''Green Lantern/Plastic Man: Weapons of Mass Deception'', released in December 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2010/09/16/first-look-green-lanternplastic-man-weapons-of-mass-deception|title= First Look: ''Green Lantern/Plastic Man: Weapons of Mass Deception''|first= Alex|last= Segura|date= September 16, 2010|publisher= DC Comics|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131230015201/http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2010/09/16/first-look-green-lanternplastic-man-weapons-of-mass-deception|archive-date=December 30, 2013|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref> A ''Phantom Stranger'' ongoing series written by Dan DiDio and drawn by Anderson began in September 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/dc-new-52-four-series-didio-phantom-stranger.html |title=DC Adds Four to New 52, Including DiDio's ''Phantom Stranger'' |first=Vaneta |last=Rogers |date=June 8, 2012 |work=Newsarama |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611151650/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/dc-new-52-four-series-didio-phantom-stranger.html |archive-date=June 11, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all |access-date=June 10, 2012 |quote=Written by [Dan] DiDio with art by Brent Anderson, ''The Phantom Stranger'' will spin out of the character's recent appearances in ''Justice League'' and DC's Free Comic Book Day story. }}</ref> In June 2013, Busiek and Anderson relaunched their ''Astro City'' series as part of DC's Vertigo line.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsarama.com/17318-astro-city-moves-to-vertigo-with-new-series-in-june.html|title= ''Astro City'' Moves to Vertigo with New Series in June|first= Albert|last= Ching|date= April 1, 2013|work= Newsarama|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130626155524/http://www.newsarama.com/17318-astro-city-moves-to-vertigo-with-new-series-in-june.html|archive-date= June 26, 2013|url-status=dead|df= mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2013/06/03/kurt-busiek-astro-city-comic-book-series/2383501|title= Busiek takes fans on another trip through ''Astro City''|first= Brian|last= Truitt|date= June 3, 2013|newspaper= USA Today|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180811101939/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2013/06/03/kurt-busiek-astro-city-comic-book-series/2383501/|archive-date= August 11, 2018|access-date= September 30, 2013|df= mdy-all|url-status= live}}</ref> The ongoing ''Astro City'' series concluded as of issue #52 in 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.newsarama.com/38281-astro-city-ongoing-ends-with-plans-for-ogn-future.html|title= ''Astro City'' Ongoing Ends in April, With Plans for OGN Future|first= Chris|last= Arrant|date= January 22, 2018|work= Newsarama|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180811095945/https://www.newsarama.com/38281-astro-city-ongoing-ends-with-plans-for-ogn-future.html|archive-date= August 11, 2018|url-status= dead|df= mdy-all|access-date= August 11, 2018}}</ref>

In April 2022, Anderson was reported among the more than three dozen comics creators who contributed to Operation USA's benefit anthology book, ''Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds'', a project spearheaded by IDW Publishing Special Projects Editor Scott Dunbier, whose profits would be donated to relief efforts for Ukrainian refugees resulting from the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/zoop-launches-benefit-anthology-comics-for-ukraine-sunflower-seeds/|author=Kaplan, Rebecca O.|title=ZOOP launches benefit anthology Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds|publisher=The Beat|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=April 18, 2022|access-date=April 26, 2022|archivedate=April 18, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418170150/https://www.comicsbeat.com/zoop-launches-benefit-anthology-comics-for-ukraine-sunflower-seeds/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aiptcomics.com/2022/04/18/comics-for-ukraine-sunflower-seeds/|publisher=AIPT|title='Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds' to benefit Ukrainian refugees|author=Brooke, David|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=April 18, 2022|accessdate=April 26, 2022|archivedate=April 26, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426153140/https://aiptcomics.com/2022/04/18/comics-for-ukraine-sunflower-seeds/}}</ref> Anderson and Kurt Busiek teamed up to contribute a new ''Astro City'' story to the anthology, which will harbor themes relevant to the events in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/comic-book-anthology-sunflower-seed-ukraine-relief-effort-1235131833/|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|author=Kit, Borys|title=Comic Book Creators Team for Ukraine Relief Effort Anthology 'Sunflower Seed'|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=April 20, 2022|access-date=April 30, 2022|archivedate=April 20, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420202544/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/comic-book-anthology-sunflower-seed-ukraine-relief-effort-1235131833}}</ref>

== Art style == Anderson's work fits into the category of "realism" defined by Neal Adams, one of Anderson's many artistic influences.<ref name="ComicsVine">{{cite web |url= http://www.comicvine.com/articles/comic-vine-interview-with-brent-anderson/1100-133242/|title= Comic Vine Interview with Brent Anderson|first= Tony|last= Guerrero|date= July 1, 2008|publisher= Comic Vine|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131230014607/http://www.comicvine.com/articles/comic-vine-interview-with-brent-anderson/1100-133242/|archive-date=December 30, 2013 |url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref> Anderson's work is known for its focus on character. "My greatest joy in drawing comics comes when I've added nuance to a character with just the right expression and illustrated a scene that captures the perfect moment of mood. When the characters come to life I feel alive. That's why I've dedicated my professional life to creating comics."<ref name="Bio" />

== Awards == * Inkpot Award, 1985<ref name="WhosWho" /> * Eisner Award<ref name="WhosWho" /> ** Best New Series, 1996 ** Best Single Issue, 1996, 1997, 1998 ** Best Continuing Series, 1997, 1998 ** Best Serial Story, 1998 * Harvey Award<ref name="WhosWho" /> ** Best New Series, 1996 ** Best Single Issue or Story, 1996 ** Best Graphic Album, previously released work, 1997 * Don Thompson Award<ref name="WhosWho" /> ** Best Achievement by Penciler, 1996 ** Favorite Single Creative Team (with Kurt Busiek), 1998

==Bibliography==

===DC Comics=== {{div col|colwidth=20em}} * ''9-11: The World's Finest Comic Book Writers & Artists Tell Stories to Remember, Volume Two'' (2002) * ''Action Comics'' vol. 2 #2 (2011) * ''Anima'' #7 (1994) * ''Batman: Gotham Knights'' #46 (2003) * ''Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight'' #31 (1992) * ''Batman: Turning Points'' #4 (2001) * ''Fanboy'' #3 (1999) * ''Gen<sup>13</sup>: Medicine Song'' #1 (2001) * ''Green Lantern Legacy: The Last Will & Testament of Hal Jordan'' HC (2002) * ''Green Lantern/Plastic Man: Weapons of Mass Deception'' #1 (2011) * ''Judge Dredd: Legends of the Law'' #1–4 (1994–1995) * ''Night Force'' vol. 2 #1–3 (1996–1997) * ''Phantom Stranger'' vol. 4 #0, #1–2, 4–5 (2012–2013) * ''Silver Age: Green Lantern'' #1 (2000) * ''Superboy Annual'' #4 (1997) * ''Superman'' #90–91, 185 (1994–2002) * ''Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe'' #2, 4–5 (1985) * ''Wonder Woman Annual'' #4 (1995)

====Vertigo==== *''Astro City'' vol. 3 #1–11, 13–16, 18–21, 23–24, 26, 29–30, 32–34, 37–38, 41, 43, 45–46, 49–52 (2013–2018)

====Wildstorm==== *''Astro City'' vol. 2 #16–22 (1999–2000) *''Astro City: A Visitor’s Guide'' #1 (2004) *''Astro City: Local Heroes'' #1–5 (2003–2004) *''Astro City: The Dark Age Book One'' #1–4 (2005) *''Astro City: The Dark Age Book Two'' #1–4 (2007) *''Astro City: The Dark Age Book Three'' #1–4 (2009) *''Astro City: The Dark Age Book Four'' #1–4 (2010) *''Astro City: Supersonic'' *''Astro City: Samaritan'' (2006) *''Astro City: Beautie'' #1 (2008) *''Astro City: Astra'' #1–2 (2009) *''Astro City: Silver Agent'' #1–2 (2010) *''Astro City/Arrowsmith'' #1 (2004) *''Astro City Special'' #1 (2004) {{div col end}}

===Eclipse Comics=== * ''Somerset Holmes'' #5–6 (1984) * ''Total Eclipse'' #1 (1988) * ''Valkyrie!'' #1–3 (1988)

===Image Comics=== *''Kurt Busiek's Astro City'' #1–6 (1995–1996) *''Kurt Busiek's Astro City'' vol. 2 #{{1/2}} , #1–15 (1996–1998) * ''Kurt Busiek's Astro City: That Was Then...Special'' #1 (2022)

===Marvel Comics=== {{div col|colwidth=20em}} * ''The Avengers'' vol. 3 #51 (2002) * ''Battlestar Galactica'' #21 (1980) * ''Captain America'' vol. 3 #29 (2000) * ''Fantastic Four Roast'' #1 (1982) * ''Heroes for Hope Starring the X-Men'' #1 (1985) * ''Hulk'' #23 (1980) * ''Ka-Zar the Savage'' #1–15, 18–19 (1981–1982) * ''Marvel Fanfare'' #30 (Moon Knight) (1987) * ''Marvel Graphic Novel'' #5 (''X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills'') (1983) * ''Marvel Treasury Edition'' #27 (Angel backup story) (1980) * ''Moon Knight'' #33 (1983) * ''Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe'' #6, 8–9 (1983) * ''Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition'' #8 (1986) * ''Power Pack'' #9–10, 13, 18–19, 21 (1985–1986) * ''The Pulse'' #6–7 (2005) * ''Punisher Movie Special'' #1 (1990) * ''Strikeforce: Morituri'' #1–9, 11–15, 18–20 (1986–1988) * ''Uncanny X-Men'' #144, 160, ''Annual'' #5 (1981–1982) * ''Universe X: 4'' (2000) * ''Universe X: Iron Men'' #1 (2001) * ''What If...?'' #34 (one page) (1982) {{div col end}}

===Now Comics=== * ''Kato of the Green Hornet'' #1–2 (1991)

===Pacific Comics=== * ''Somerset Holmes'' #1–4 (1983–1984)

===Slave Labor Graphics=== * ''Spin World'' #1–4 (1997–1998)

== References == {{reflist|30em}}

==External links== *{{official website|http://www.brentandersonart.com}} *{{comicbookdb|type=creator|id=250|title=Brent Anderson}} *[https://www.mikesamazingworld.com/main/features/creator.php?creatorid=75 Brent Anderson] at Mike's Amazing World of Comics *[http://www.maelmill-insi.de/UHBMCC/nama24.htm#N948 Brent Anderson] at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators

{{S-start}} {{Succession box|title=''Ka-Zar the Savage'' artist|before= n/a|after=Ron Frenz|years=1981&ndash;1982}} {{Succession box|title=''Strikeforce: Morituri'' artist|before= n/a|after=Huw Thomas|years=1986&ndash;1988}} {{Succession box|title=''Phantom Stranger'' vol. 4 artist|before= n/a|after=Gene Ha|years=2012&ndash;2013}} {{s-end}} {{Inkpot Award 1980s}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Anderson, Brent}} Category:1955 births Category:20th-century American artists Category:21st-century American artists Category:American comics artists Category:Artists from San Jose, California Category:DC Comics people Category:Inkpot Award winners Category:Living people Category:Marvel Comics people