Drawing Success

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Photos by: Ross Mason

Four years ago, when comic-book artist Steve Rude turned 50, he didn’t hit the creative brick wall so many other artists complain about.

Instead, Rude, who has worked for the likes of DC and Marvel comics, actually felt revived.

“I was aware that the trend is actually of burnout for people at this place in their lives,” says Rude, sitting comfortably in his home studio. “They’ve worked under deadlines for too long. They’re just kind of fried in their head, and their creativity’s kind of on the low end, compared to when they were youthful.

“When I turned 50, more ideas came flooding into my head than I had ever known before. There’s no accounting for it. I couldn’t tell you where or why that happened, but it did. It was amazing.”

Born in Madison, Wis., Rude’s career began in 1981 when he and co-creator Mike Baron launched the groundbreaking comic series Nexus. The space saga series catapulted Rude into the upper echelon in the world of comics, where he became highly sought after by major publishers. During his first several years in the industry, Rude’s efforts earned him numerous awards, such as the 1984 Russ Manning Newcomer Award, the Kirby Award for best artist in 1986 and numerous Eisners for artistic achievement.

For more than 20 years, Rude has drawn hundreds of the industry’s greatest iconic heroes. A comic book illustrator by trade, Rude recently began to embark on his second career in fine art.