Dave McKean - guest 2027

DAVE MCKEAN (comic book artist; United Kingdom)

Guest appearance: all 3 days

Dave McKean is an English artist, illustrator, writer, filmmaker, photographer, and designer. McKean first presented his portfolio to editors at Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Continuity Comics during a visit to New York in 1986. There, he met Neil Gaiman, beginning one of the most celebrated creative partnerships in comics. Their first collaboration, Violent Cases (1987), was followed by the acclaimed Black Orchid miniseries and a long run of memorable Hellblazer covers for DC Comics.

In 1989, McKean illustrated Batman: Arkham Asylum – A Serious House on Serious Earth, written by Grant Morrison. The graphic novel became one of the best-selling Batman stories of all time and is widely considered a landmark in the history of graphic novels, thanks in large part to McKean's haunting and experimental artwork.

From 1989 to 1997, McKean created the iconic covers for Neil Gaiman's The Sandman, defining the visual identity of one of DC Comics' most influential series. He also produced artwork for many of its spin-offs, establishing himself as one of the industry's most recognizable cover artists.

Alongside his collaborations, McKean has developed an impressive body of creator-owned work. Between 1990 and 1996, he wrote and illustrated Cages, an ambitious graphic novel exploring art, creativity, philosophy, and human relationships. More recently, he launched the science-fiction adventure Raptor (2021), introducing the mysterious character Sokol.

Beyond comics, McKean has enjoyed an acclaimed career as a designer and illustrator. He has created album artwork for artists including Alice Cooper, Dream Theater, Tori Amos, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Fear Factory, Testament, Counting Crows, and Skinny Puppy, among many others. He has also directed feature films, short films, and documentaries, including MirrorMask (written by Neil Gaiman).

Throughout his career, McKean has received numerous prestigious honours, including multiple Eisner Awards, Harvey Awards, British Fantasy Awards, and World Fantasy Awards, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to comics, illustration, and visual storytelling. Today, he is widely considered one of the most influential comic artists and cover illustrators of the last four decades.

www.davemckean.com
www.instagram.com/davemckeanhourglass