I can nonetheless vividly recall the primary time I pulled a Dave Stevens’ subject of The Rocketeer from a again subject bin at a comic book e book store. I’ve seen a terrific many comics in my day as an avid collector since childhood, however the completely drawn paintings on the quilt wowed me instantly. I excitedly purchased the e book, and I used to be not upset, to say the least. Director Kelvin Mao’s Dave Stevens: Drawn to Perfection is a deep dive into the work and lifetime of the meticulous, genius-level artist. We get to listen to from shut mates, fellow artists, and former lovers about what really impressed Stevens’ stunning, award-winning artwork.
Dave Stevens was obsessive about the Nineteen Thirties, together with the shapely feminine kind, significantly that of the legendary Nineteen Fifties pin-up mannequin Bettie Page. The movie even attributes Page’s movie star renaissance within the Nineteen Eighties largely to the flattering paintings he created. In a tickling accident, Stevens and Page really grew to become nice mates late in her life. He admitted to confidants that doing issues like grocery purchasing along with his idol and muse was surreal.
Numerous the enjoyable of Dave Stevens: Drawn to Perfection comes from the speaking heads equivalent to luminous actor Thomas Jane, who was a good friend, and filmmaker Joe Johnston, who directed the movie adaptation of The Rocketeer. Even ex-wife Brinkie Stevens lovingly and candidly shares tales concerning the man behind the comedian e book fantasy. They all say that Dave Stevens was painstakingly gradual at finishing his initiatives resulting from being such a perfectionist. It pissed off his publishers and followers, who waited with bated breath, however like Sinatra, he did it his means.
“…Stevens was painstakingly slow at completing his projects due to being such a perfectionist.”
There’s a section devoted to The Rocketeer film, and as a fan of the Disney cult basic, I longed for extra. However, it’s a minor gripe as a result of there are some cool tidbits about how Johnston needs he might sit down on the sofa with Stevens and discuss concerning the issues he would’ve executed in a different way. He even expresses an concept that they had for a sequel, which apparently appears like it might have been related in type to the Johnston-directed Captain America: The First Avenger. There’s additionally some great things with screenwriter Danny Bilson about struggles with the studio and adjustments he produced from the supply.
Stevens was a daily fixture at San Diego Comic Con (SDCC), and there are tales about his encounters with among the different legendary artists, such because the equally obsessive about type and compelling particular person in his personal proper, Jim Steranko. Back within the Nineties, it wasn’t the popular culture mega occasion that it’s now, however extra geared in the direction of the comics and artists, which was excellent for individuals like Stevens. He made a long-lasting impression as a result of he was inducted into the Eisner Hall of Fame at SDCC. I visited an superior exhibit devoted to his work on the Comic-Con Museum.
Dave Stevens led an fascinating life as a struggling artist, however it was sadly minimize quick resulting from leukemia. Dave Stevens: Drawn to Perfection does a wonderful job of inspecting all facets of his life with a purpose to get a full image. Fans of his work, in addition to the uninitiated, ought to discover Stevens’ eccentric methods fascinating.
Note: Numerous nude paintings is featured within the movie, so it will not be applicable for everybody.
