Few artists have moved as seamlessly between mainstream superheroes and creator-owned projects as Frank Cho. From redefining Marvel icons like Wolverine and Hulk to launching his own Liberty Meadows, Cho’s career has been a study in versatility and defiance of convention.
As a new career-spanning exhibition runs this fall at the Philippe Labaune Gallery, Cho reflects on his legacy, process, and the inspirations that continue to drive his one-of-a-kind art.
Frank Cho.
Career and Legacy
Cho’s path has always been defined by independence.
“I’ve always had a deep passion for all art forms,” Cho said. “I’ve never confined myself to comic art alone.”
He added, “Whenever I tackle comics, my independent streak takes control. I frequently disregard current styles or trends to discover what will make each comic project truly stand out. I try to incorporate various artistic styles and mindsets onto the page to craft a visually captivating comic.”
The aforementioned exhibition, which features published pages, sketchbooks, and new paintings, reveals another side of Cho’s practice. It’s one that reflects that open-ended approach/style.
“My curiosity led me beyond the comic panel grids to tackle a variety of art disciplines and genres,” Cho said. “I hope viewers will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of my artistic approaches, which extend beyond comic narratives.”
Courtesy of Frank Cho.
Technique and Philosophy
Cho is perhaps best known for his meticulous crosshatching, a technique that gives his figures sculptural weight.
“I’ve always been fascinated by old masters like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Rubens — classical artists from the bygone era,” Cho said. “I have long admired how they depicted anatomy and fabric folds using crosshatched lines. Their skillful use of linework to convey tone and depth inspired me to improve my own drawing skills.”
Asked whether he identifies more as illustrator or storyteller, Cho has a hard time deciding.
“This is a tough one since I transition between the two areas comfortably,” Cho said. “I’ve always been both a naturally skilled storyteller and visual artist. Since I’m more comfortable with the visual medium, though, I would consider myself as more of an illustrator who tells stories.”
That duality has even shaped his ambition to bring Golden Age illustration into modern comics.
“I often feel I was born in the wrong era,” Cho said.. “There’s something about the Golden Age of illustration that inspires and excites my very soul. The biggest challenge is the deadlines. Working on a monthly book creates a repetitive production-line feel that can dampen my artistic vision. Even with the hindrance of comic book deadlines, I strive to design and compose my comic book pages with deliberate composition and solid classical anatomy.”
Courtesy of Frank Cho.
Influence and Inspiration
Though critics often connect his work to giants like Frank Frazetta, Milo Manara, and Geof Darrow, Cho casts a wider net artistically speaking.
“My inspirations are all over the map,” Cho said. “It’s not just limited to comic book artists. I often look at classical paintings, illustrations, and movies for inspiration.”
And despite his reputation as a master draftsman, Cho insists he’s never satisfied.
“This may sound strange, but whenever I look at my art, I see all the flaws, struggles, and missteps,” Cho said. “I always see room for improvement. I believe my hypercritical eye and need for self-improvement keep me grounded and help me grow and evolve as an artist.”
A Playful Touch
Cho’s mix of power and humor has always set him apart. Asked to imagine Hulk and Shanna the She-Devil on a date, he laughs, “Since the Hulk and Shanna the She-Devil are famous for their savage natures, I would illustrate them enjoying a big brontosaurus rib in a Stone Age-style diner with the Flintstones.”
Courtesy of Frank Cho.
Quite The Exhibition
The Frank Cho Exhibition runs through October 25 at the Philippe Labaune Gallery, 534 West 24th Street in New York. The show spans Cho’s mainstream and independent work, along with personal sketchbooks and fine art, offering a rare window into the creative journey of an artist who has always lived at the intersection of comics and classical illustration.
Courtesy of Frank Cho.
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