| John S. Lucas | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Sterling LucasMichigan City, Indiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Area(s) | Cartoonist, Artist |
| Notable works | Katy Keene |
John Sterling Lucas is an American graphic artist, cartoonist, and designer best known for his artwork on the Archie Comics' Character Katy Keene. Lucas became a professional cartoonist after emerging from the world of fandom.
Contents |
Born in Michigan City, Indiana, Lucas attended Ball State University on the Honors Program with a double major in Art Education and Advertising Art. While at Ball State, Lucas was president of the Theta Xi social fraternity.
Lucas was a lifelong fan of Katy Keene, who was created originally by Bill Woggon for Archie Comics in 1945, and running through 1961. The character was revived after reprints appeared in various Archie comics in the 1970s-1980s. In 1979, with Archie Comics' permission, Katy fan Craig Leavitt began publishing the Katy Keene Fan Magazine, which ran 18 issues until 1983. Lucas's art was instrumental in her revival, as his work was featured in the magazine along with other artists' and fans' work.
After seeing Lucas's art in the Katy Keene Fan Magazine and receiving letters from fans encouraging them to do so, Archie contacted Lucas, asking him to do the art for the revived Katy Keene Fan Club, which included pens, lapel buttons, membership cards, notepads, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. Not long afterward, Archie brought Lucas on as regular Katy artist for the title (which had been revived during this period). During the 1980s, Lucas carried on the Katy tradition with his comics and paper doll books. Lucas's art for the comic and fan magazine ran from 1979 to 1990 and his art continues in various other Archie titles today .
After Katy was put on "vacation," Lucas continued his work with Archie by drawing Archie, Betty and Veronica, and Jughead. Lucas also did the art for four successful Katy Keene Paper Doll books for Hobby House Press, Maryland. Their titles included "Katy Keene Hollywood Premiere" (1994), "Katy Keene Swimsuit Illustrated" (1995), "Katy Keene Romance" (2000) and "Katy Keene Movie Premiere" 2002.
Lucas's annual Christmas card continues to celebrate and feature his favorite character. It also includes her Annual Paper Doll, with designs by and credited to those many fans who continue to submit their ideas to Lucas.
From 1990–1995, Lucas worked on Marvel Comics Barbie and "Barbie Fashion" comics. Later, Lucas continued freelance work for various publishers, including the Brenda Starr Fan Magazine, Archie Fan Magazine, independent commissions, and art design work for Disney Studios, Mattel Toys, Station Casinos, and Marvel Comics, including their graphic novel adaption of the movie Hook.
Lucas has exhibited in various local and regional art shows and fairs, and also worked as art director for Taylor-Chalmers Advertising, Bick Advertising, and Odegard Advertising. His independent and commissioned art has sold all over the world. Presently, besides these continuing art assignments and commissions, Lucas is assistant operations manager for two regional television stations.
Lucas resides and works out of his studio, Colossal Studios, in his hometown of Michigan City, Indiana.