GFF 2011: Quite(ly) Interesting

Since the 1990s comic books have re-emerged into modern day sensibilities; empowered by the rise of the graphic novel format, the premise that comics are only for teenage boys is long deceased. Two dimensional characters have been revitalised by transforming flat storytelling with complex arcs, psychological choices and engaging situations. Within this time of change inside an evolving industry a key strand of DNA emerged from Scotland. Writers such as Mark Millar, Grant Morrison and a certain young artist used the proverbial pen to put power to the comic book renaissance. You see, Frank Quitely my dear you should give a damn about this Glasgow born artist, aka Vincent Deighan.

Since using the spoonerism of 'quite frankly' as a pseudonym to hide his early work on Broons parody The Greens from his family, the name has endured, as has his place as one of the foremost artistic talents within the comic book industry. Whilst cutting his teeth on underground titles such as Electric Soup in the 1990s, Quitely was quickly brought to the attention of the industry and his break came stateside in a collaboration with fellow Glaswegian Morrison on Flex Mentallo for DC in 1996. The rest, as they say, isn’t quite history, as Quitely still has an ever expanding horizon in front of him.

His collaborations with Morrison have been some of the most groundbreaking of the past decade, including New X-Men for Marvel and All Star Superman for DC. As the latter receives the adaptation treatment from DC and Warner Brothers into a feature length animation, Quitely will be at the GFF to give a workshop on his original take on visual storytelling. Having also collaborated with Mark Millar on The Authority, his unique aesthetic style is in great demand and to have an insight into this man's creative process would be invaluable for anyone interested in the art of graphic storytelling.