Beau Smith: Underrated, But Never Over Powered.

by Beau Smith

Terry Moore: “Hey Beau, Is your fly unzipped or is this like that scene from Alien? Please tell me it’s unzipped….Naw, that’s creepy too.”

Terry Moore is creepy.

Without a doubt, in my never humble opinion, Terry Moore is the most underrated psychological horror writer in comic books today. When you think of horror in comic books, the usual press release suspects’ always come up, but rarely does the name of Terry Moore. That needs to change.

His current comic book from Abstract Studios, RACHEL RISING, is a true “turn the imagination’s nite-light on” kinda read. Every month I get RACHEL RISING and every month I turn the pages like some kid that’s alone in a dark basement and there’s one more door to open. I’m always afraid of what Terry Moore may have jump out on me.

Rachel Rising #13

RACHEL RISING started out at a very subtle pace and then slowly, but surely, turned into the creepiest comic book I have ever read. I mean that in the best way. RACHEL RISING is masterfully written. With Terry also doing the art on the book, he is able to lead you down that scary path and insert you into some very frightening thoughts. This is not your zombie-sight kind of horror, this is Stephen King at his best horror. It’s smart and disturbing without being demented….well, okay, sometimes it is demented, but again, in a good way.

RACHEL RISING screams to be a TV series or film. Right now, I rather see it as a TV series, because it would be able to slowly pull you into Terry’s dark matter world of brain fright.

I’m not usually the one to enjoy scary stuff, not books, TV or films, but this is an addictive pull with vice-like grips I can’t escape. I think if you give it a try from the beginning, you’ll be trapped in this creepy coffin with me.

Give it a shot and tell “Terror” Moore that Beau sent you.

Don’t ever try and hold Amanda Conner’s hand.

Now I’m not saying that because her man, Jimmy Palmiotti, might get all Italian-Style on you (he could). I’m saying it because if you did then she wouldn’t be able to draw. Even with all her success and resume, Amanda Conner is still one of the most underrated artists in comics.

Art by Amanda Conner

When I was writing Guy Gardner for DC Comics, I begged for her to be named the new artist after Mitch Byrd left the book. At the time she was drawing Gargoyles, which was based on the TV animated series. DC wouldn’t grant me my wish at that time (I will have my revenge yet), but I know that one day I’ll get to work with Amanda. My suggestion to you is this, if you ever get to see Amanda’s pencils, please jump on that opportunity. Her pencils are simply amazing. Granted, her work looks great inked, but in pencil form, you will get a wonderful treat for the eyeballs.

Mike Deodato is not human.

He can’t be and draw like he does. I was lucky enough to work with Mike once on a Boba Fett story for Dark Horse Comics (Star Wars Tales). I remember when the pencils for the story were faxed over to me I was slack jawed, and that’s considering it came in on a thermal paper fax. It was amazing to me to see my story and words transformed into near living things with Mike’s pencils.

His work at Marvel Comics in the last few years has been nothing short of super-human. Mike does fine art in the form of comic book superheroes. As I mentioned above with Amanda, you HAVE to see Mike’s pencils to truly appreciate what a master he is. Yes, I realize he does high profile Marvel Comic books, but he is still underrated by the general comic book reading public. His name should be used as a verb!

Mike Deodato. Like I said, the guy ain’t human.

To top it all off, Mike, like Amanda and Terry, is a wonderful person. Even if he couldn’t draw a straight line with a ruler, he would still be one of the best people you could ever know. Sign up for his upcoming work in Avengers #13. You’ll be glad to put your name on the Deodato line.

As always, I’d love for you to share your thought with me and all of your fellow Beauology 101 classmates here at the Westfield Comics. Just tell me who you think is underrated in comics right now. We’d all love to help shove that spotlight on some of your unsung favorites. Don’t be shy, post up your comments right here. I’ll be waiting………

Your never shy amigo,

Beau Smith

The Flying Fist Ranch

www.flyingfistranch.com