DON KRAAR
Comic book writer, broke into comics as a writer in the early 1970s with short stories for DC’s anthology titles. He became one of the mainstays of Marvel’s Conan comics line in the ’80s with work on The Savage Sword of Conan, two Conan graphic novels and an extended run on Conan the King that saw the character expand his empire.
CHRISTOPHER PRIEST (AKA JIM OWSLEY)
Priest (as Jim Owsley) entered the comics industry as a Marvel Comics intern in 1978. He joined Marvel's editorial staff in 1979, working for Paul Laikin as a managing editor on Crazy Magazine and becoming the first African American editor in mainstream comics. He next became assistant editor for Larry Hama on the Conan titles. As a writer, Owsley/Priest worked on the series Conan the Barbarian, King Conan, The Ray, Steel, Deadpool, and Black Panther. He co-created the series Quantum and Woody, Xero, and The Crew, among others.
MIKE DOCHERTY
A Scottish comic book and animation artist known for his extensive work in Marvel Comics' Conan titles during the 1980s and 1990s. He was a prolific artist in the Conan universe, penciling Conan the Barbarian, Conan the King, Savage Sword of Conan, and illustrating graphic novels like The Horn of Azoth and The Ravagers Out of Time. In the mid-1990s, Docherty transitioned to animation, working as a storyboard artist on shows such as The Incredible Hulk, Godzilla: The Series, and Captain Simian & The Space Monkeys.
MIKE MANLEY
An American artist, most notable as a comic strip cartoonist and comic book inker and penciller. Manley has worked as an artist for major publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Dark Horse Comics. Manley, with writers Danny Fingeroth and Tom DeFalco, co-created Darkhawk for Marvel Comics, which he drew for the first half of its run. He has also contributed to other comic book titles such as Batman, Quasar, Captain America, and The Power of Shazam! Manley currently draws two syndicated comic strips, Judge Parker and The Phantom.
JUDITH HUNT
An American illustrator, painter, cartoonist, and designer, who has produced a diverse array of artwork for books, magazines, television, comics, videos, and toys. In 1987, Hunt pencilled three issues of Conan the King, including an entire issue inked by Al Williamson. As of 2018, she illustrates educational texts and children's books from her studio in Kennebunk, Maine, and showcases her fine art in local art shows.
TONY DeZUNIGA
A pioneering Filipino comic book artist, best known for co-creating the iconic characters Jonah Hex and Black Orchid for DC Comics. DeZuniga was the first Filipino artist to work for major American comic publishers, opening the door for a wave of Filipino talent in the industry. Over his 18-year career at Marvel and DC, he became known for his distinctive, gritty style and for inking major titles. Later, DeZuniga worked as a videogame designer, before returning to comics to illustrate Jonah Hex: No Way Back. His pioneering efforts left a lasting legacy in the comic book world, particularly in bridging the gap between Filipino and American comics.
MICHAEL KALUTA
An American comic artist and writer best known for his acclaimed 1970s adaptation of The Shadow with writer Dennis O’Neil. While rarely working in the superhero genre, Mr. Kaluta still found fame with his incredible style covering works including House of Mystery, The Books of Magic, and House of Secrets! His awards include a Shazam for Outstanding New Talent (1971), an Inkpot (1977), and the 2003 Spectrum for Grand Master.
