Comic Book Guy: A few words with Gibson Quarter

As Glasgow publishers Bad Press Ltd’s Wasted #6 hit the shelves, Comic Book Guy caught up with Gibson Quarter, the artist responsible for delivering one of the book’s standout strips in War on Drugs featuring uber-narc Johnny K.

“I love to draw Johnny K” enthused Quarter, a Canadian illustrator who grew idolising the works of John Byrne and Terry Austin on Marvels Uncanny X-Men. He also ranks a certain clawed mutant as a favourite to sketch: “I’m rather fond of drawing Wolverine, and the work I’ve done with him has been very well received at comic-cons. I’m a softie for Judge Dredd too, and hope I’ll have the opportunity to draw him one day.”

Quarter recalled how he got involved with Bad Press, the purveyors of twisted tales, crazy yarns, outrageous boasts and superbly strong (yet maliciously whimsical) sexy babes. “I got in touch with Jamie Grant while looking to track down some early Frank Quitely art in Northern Lightz. After I mentioned I was an artist, Jamie invited me to send in some samples. I guess he liked what he saw, since he emailed me back a few Alan Grant scripts to choose from, asking if I’d like to draw one. After picking my jaw up off the floor - the Batman, Lobo, Anarchy, Judge Dredd Alan Grant! - I made sure to pick the script that I thought was the most likely to be on going if I did it well, and thus War on Drugs and Johnny K. was born.”

Quarter and All Star Superman artist Frank Quitely are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the eclectic mix of talent coming together to create Wasted. Bad Press’ flagship title continues with its unique sense of humour and fresh strip rotation, all the while maintaining staples such as War on Drugs (still continuing its strong run). Quarter, meanwhile, has been handed cover duty for issue eight of Wasted; advanced artwork can be seen on his website, as well as his contributions to other titles such as Murky Depths and his own rabid Wolverine.

Wasted #6 is out now at selected newsagents around the UK; a selection of Gibson Quarter's work is available here.