Bachalo is one of my favorite artists. There is simply something about the way the gentleman draws boots and gloves that I really enjoy and appreciate. Maybe it goes back to hearing how artists do not like to draw feet. Which is silly, as how can you show a guy being kicked in the face, and not draw a foot (as well as a face)? One would think it is impossible. I know one of his biggest criticisms is that it can be hard to follow what he is showing. I will admit that there are times when I have to look at it twice, or just read the speech bubble and move on to the next panel, but for the most part, I just like seeing his art. He may have a team of inkers with him at all times, but he does his own coloring, which I like, as you get the exact image he had in his head, or in the very least, we see the image he wants us to see. Inkers add depth, shading and mood. They probably do so much more, but that’s what I’ve always been told what inkers do and what I recognize them doing.
I have enjoyed his runs on Uncanny X-Men (the first and third volumes), Generation X (which he co-created with Scott Lobdell), Wolverine and the X-Men, New X-Men, I haven’t read his Spider-work as I was not following the character at that point, but I am interested in seeing what he did over there. Generation Next is probably the title I saw of his first and really dug his style, really stood out there in the 90s. Though his style hasn’t changed, but has improved, he is very daring these days.
I like that Marvel used him to open both Wolverine and the X-Men and the third volume of Uncanny X-Men. He really set the tone and style of those titles. Especially with redesigns that are still being used today. Not so much in terms of costumes in Wolverine and the X-Men, but the school’s overall design is the lasting impact. The Uncanny costume changes are still very present and used in every appearance that team makes. Which is in several different titles.
His Ultimate War is an interesting use of his, it looks better on the Motion DVD than it does in print.
It wasn’t until Grey’s End in Uncanny 466, 467 and 468 that I realized the name of that artist that I really liked. He rarely ever has more than four issues in him but what he gives in that short amount of time is stunning.
He also did Death: The High Cost of Living, which is a quieter book and I couldn’t believe that was him then, but that is a very nice read.
He has started writing now as well, writing a very nice Black Widow and Rogue short in A+X 2. He wrote it and drew the story. He could be the next Walt Simonson if he isn’t careful! Also, the second story in that issue is Peter David’s Kitty Pryde, Lockheed and Iron Man short story, which is very funny and awesome.
I haven’t gotten around to reading his creator own work, Steampunk, but one of these days. Written by Joe Kelly, so it has to be wonderful.
Shadow and Flame with Magik 