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Michael Turner, a talented comic artist, left an indelible mark on the industry before his untimely death due to chondrosarcoma. The Michael Turner artwork, particularly his renditions of Supergirl, Witchblade, and Superman, made him a recognizable and valuable asset to companies like Top Cow Productions and DC Comics. The story of how this Michael Turner artist was discovered by Marc Silvestri is recounted in an interesting interview.
What many may not realize is that Turner created his own comic book company, Aspen MLT (also known as Aspen Comics), which continues to operate today. One of the standout titles from Aspen MLT, originally published by Top Cow and later Image Comics, was the Fathom comic book series. Fathom featured a character so alluring that Michael Turner ended up writing an article for Wizard Magazine on drawing with sex appeal, using Fathom drawings as examples. Personally, I think his secret was simply displaying scantily clad women.
Fast forward about 15 years, and the new Fathom comic was rebooted by Aspen, despite Michael Turner’s passing. So how did the two versions compare side by side? Let’s take a closer look at this underwater science fiction adventure.
Fathom issue 1 from 1998 is a grand leap from Fathom issue 1 from 2013. Interestingly, the difference lies not in the plot, but in where the story begins. The original 1998 version starts from the very beginning of the story, as one might expect. However, the 2013 reiteration jumps into the plot with both feet. Readers of the new Fathom might find themselves initially confused, although there’s a brief paragraph inside the front cover explaining the entire original plot. It seems the new version was attempting to use the technique of starting the story in the middle, rather than spending time explaining how the plot arrived at its current state.
To elaborate quickly: Aspen Matthews, the protagonist of the Fathom comic book series, is a marine biologist who later discovers that she is the offspring of two species, one of which lives underwater. This unique heritage grants her water control abilities, allowing her to manipulate water in extraordinary ways. Aspen’s role as a bridge between both species forms the central plot point of the Fathom comics.
The artwork in the updated Fathom is arguably superior to the older version. While Michael Turner art was groundbreaking for its time, his body proportions were often criticized. Turner was undoubtedly a surprise talent who emerged from nowhere and honed his craft at an impressive speed. Without him, neither Fathom nor Aspen Comics would exist. However, compared to his successor, Alex Konat, Turner’s work had its limitations. Konat has done a marvelous job making characters look like actual people. The downside, of course, is the lack of the original style that made Turner’s Michael Turner comics so recognizable, popular, and iconic.
Throughout the Fathom comic book series, we encounter various characters from the Blue, the underwater species. Notable characters include Killian, a powerful leader among the Blue, and Taras, another significant figure. The series also introduces Cannon Hawke and Vana, adding depth to the underwater world Turner created.
It’s worth noting that Michael Turner’s talent wasn’t limited to Fathom. His work on Supergirl for DC Comics, often referred to as “Michael Turner’s Supergirl,” was highly acclaimed. Similarly, his Michael Turner Superman artwork left a lasting impression on fans. Turner even worked on a Superman/Batman series, showcasing his versatility across different comic book universes.
Before his work with DC Comics and Marvel Comics, Turner made a name for himself at Top Cow Productions and Image Comics. He later founded Aspen MLT, where he created other popular titles like Soulfire. Turner collaborated with various talented individuals in the industry, including writer Ron Marz and artist Ale Garza.
The Fathom comic book series explores the world of the Blue, an ancient race of aquatic humanoids with advanced technology. The story often revolves around conflicts between the surface world and the underwater civilization, with Aspen Matthews caught in the middle. Key locations in the series include the Deep Marine Discovery facility and the mysterious Valley of Stairs in the underwater city of Chanarnay.
Any Fathom comic you might want to pick up is worthless monetarily but grand in story. There’s a great cover variant of Fathom 1 (Affiliate Link) from 1998 featuring the lead heroine leaping out of the water with dolphins following. Unfortunately, it’s rarely seen or appreciated, as the cover version of her nude and surrounded by bubbles is far more popular.
The legacy of Michael Turner and his creation, Fathom, continues to inspire new generations of comic book artists and readers. From his early days at Image Comics to his work with DC and Marvel, and finally with his own company Aspen MLT, Turner’s impact on the comic book industry remains significant. The Fathom comic book series, with its unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and stunning visuals, stands as a testament to Turner’s creativity and artistic vision.