In Art and Ink: A Homage to Masters and Masterpieces

The world of comic arts can often seem like an infinite canvas streaked with the unique colors of multiple artists. Among the vibrant palettes stand some Signature Series, whose creations have left indelible marks on this canvas. Cue in Sanji variant covers. Kicking this off, Barbaric: Wrong Kind of Righteous #1 will pay tribute to Berserk, acknowledging the legendary artistry of the late Kentaro Miura. Its release is the advent of a journey to 2024 when Angie Hewitt’s Lone #1 will take a bow to Uzumaki, honoring the spine-tingling horror artist, Junji Ito.

Crossing Borders with the Stroke of a Brush

"Comics has always been a global mosaic of creative expressions chose to echo beyond borders, even when it seemed that they were only whispered in small smoke-filled New York City cubicles," quipped Tim Daniel. Together, they’ve evolved into an illustrious league of creative minds. With the launch of Sanji, this homage cover line, we aim to acknowledge these international influences in comic arts. Who better to pull off such tribute than Angela Wu, an artist whose prowess is evident in every stroke she paints.

A Fusion of Cultures and Experiences

Angela Wu’s art, an endearing blend of 1920’s pulp art and Showa era pop, is a testimony to a childhood steeped in the confluence of eastern and western pop culture in Singapore. "There was no clear line separating Manga from Comics for me; they were the same, captivating worlds that made me want to create my own," said Wu. This vision became a reality when she was asked to design vintage manga homages for upcoming Vault titles. "Wearing my influences on my sleeve while paying tribute to artists who laid the foundation for my work, is a dream come true," she added.

Looking Forward to a Blend of Past and Future

Every new Vault issue to be released in 2024 will come with a Sanji Manga homage variant. Vault has plans to announce more Sanji manga homage variants in the upcoming months. The anticipation is palpable among fans and artists alike, as they look forward to iconic tributes to long-standing creative giants, and new tales told through panels and pages. So, lovers of the inked page, hold on to your spectacles because the journey from the past to the future is about to get even more exciting.

Article by Daniel Burns, ATC.