This weeks Batman #663 was done in a text with graphics style and the Graphics Style was POSER!

Sixus1's Macabre Clowns were evident on page 1
Dystopia was used on Chapter 2's image.
Stonemason's Level was also used as part of the Bat-Cave
Pretty sure that's Aiko and the Harlekins as Harlequin
Even the Mil Baby shows up
The Dystopian Console

Wow. Thanks for the treat Jon Van Fleet!

For those who are curious, and don't have this issue yet:

http://comics.ign.com/articles/761/761983p1.html

And I recall someone mentioned they got scoffed at during a job interview when they said they used Poser for their 3D CG.  

The publication of Batman #663 is certainly a great encouragement to all Poser users, professional and hobbyists alike.

"Art by: John Van Fleet"

who is a PA over at DAZ :)

And interviewed at ArtZone last year ....

http://artzone.daz3d.com/chatlogs/john_vf.php

Hi To all I'm John VanFleet The guy that did the art in issue #663 of Batman. I want to say thanks to all the venders who in there own way were responsible for this project. As to 3D art in comics, there are many who would rather eat razors than have 3D art gain a foot hold in comics. I say many but they may be dwindling, after all the folks at DC were trilled with the book. There are always detractors. They are almost always the most vocal in the bunch. Oddly they go under cryptic names using clever avatars while on their virtual witch hunt. All this from the comfort of their their digital chat rooms. Sometimes it helps to put things into perspective. It's not up to me to say if you'll see more of this type of work coming from the mainstream publishers. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It is in fact up to the readers and people like all of you reading this. As I said the squeaky wheels are an active bunch who fight change like the plague. If you want to see more artist working in comics using 3D art, I urge you to post those feelings on DC's forums. Yes they may want your head for such thoughts, but keep in mind the "they" I speak of are an unhappy lot to start with. http://www.dccomics.com/

I think a lot of people are pleased because it's a break from the norm.  In general the dynamics of doing 3d art as compared to 2d art is completely different in most aspects.  A LOT of 2d artists are REALLY apprehensive about 3d art because everyone fears things they do not understand.

I was a 2d artist almost all my life.  I went to 3d in May 0f 2003 and haven't gone back. 3d art is more like film-making than drawing!  You have to craft the characters for the drama.  Once you have your Vactors, then the REAL work can start!  Posing and lighting can be harsh masters for stories.

3d art is generally more difficult than 2d art ever was to me, which is why I love it!  I love challenges.

I will look for Batman 663.  I've been running a graphic story for years and can always learn from people who actually get paid for it! LOL :lol:

I agree with you on many points. This is my fourth Batman story but the first to be all 3D. The others were graphic novels and had 3D in some aspects of the book but they were 2D just the same. I have always seen comics as films on paper where you get to be everything form the director to the guy that gets the coffee. It's not just 3D they fear. I did a series for Vertigo called Shadows Fall in the 1990's and I used xerox transfers and paint. That may be more common now but it was new to comics than. I actually got hate mail. I would no doubt get hate mail now as well but people use the web. The fact is 3D art is a wonderful way for everyone to express the artist inside them. So you didn't go to art school, does that mean you have no art in you? I know when I'm sick and I'm no doctor. And for that matter I have diagnosed myself using Web-MD. OK I still would go to the doctor for a second opinion, I'm not nuts.... at least not according to Web-MD, I'm as sane as you;) The ones who hate 3D art always seem to think someone got lucky while pushing a series or random keys and art fell out. Heck anyone could do it. And to that I say yes anyone could. Luck is funny that way. The real trick is to do it again. And in the case of the average comic you will need to keep doing it another 500 times, give or take. So do you feel lucky punk? Do you? Apologies to Mr. Eastwood. Well It's much to do about nothing in the end. Art is for everyone not just those born with an unnaturally skilled hand at it. They make hate we make art; Who's the richer in the end.

Thanks for posting this dlfurman.  I haven't been to the local comic shop in months, but I'll have to make a special trip out to see if I can pick this up.

Hi John VanFleet.  I've honestly never seen any of your work prior to this and I have to say it appears I have missed out.  Just checked out some of your stuff and it looks great.

I always miss those ArtZone interviews and missing yours was a shame because I would have loved to speak with a comic artist who has successfully used such a variety of media in the industry, specifically 3d (and more specifically Poser), to the extent with which you have.

I will definitely keep an eye out for your future works.

Thanks. There is an amazing amount of talent out there so I'm always surprised when someone recognizes me by name. I worked up a web-site with some 3D aspects I did with Hexagon and Strata. It's interactive and kind of fun if you have any spare time. Not for dial ups, as it has flash and is image heavy. http://www.johnvanfleet.com/staging/ For those who are following this thread I spoke to a friend at DC yesterday and asked if anyone had an opinion on the book around the office. He said the word was very positive, so there may be hope yet!!!

It was sold out of one of my shops in town so that might be a good sign too :)

For you, I'll hold a copy. If they ever send me that is. It's hit or miss.

I got one at the other store in town so I am good but thanks John.