Ah, summer 2020! A time when the world was locked down, and creativity had nowhere to go but up! Like many, I found myself marooned with a wealth of time—an ocean of solitude that stirred the artistic soul within me. It was crucial for my sanity to keep creating art and to elevate my passion, Mind Invader Comics, along with our giant hero, Cobbzilla!
In this imaginative space, my best buddy Rik became my creative collaborator. His enthusiasm for Cobbzilla was infectious, and he frequently pitched me wild ideas that were impossible to resist. One day, he suggested crafting an homage to the unforgettable poster for Attack of the 50 Ft Woman by the legendary Reynold Brown. A stroke of genius, if I do say so myself! When you think of the B-movie landscape of the ’50s, that towering woman is as iconic as it gets!
Brown’s masterful artwork embodies the exaggerated proportions and campy charm that epitomize the over-the-top sci-fi horror of that era. His posters didn’t just advertise films; they transformed the marketing game for B-movies, showcasing how powerful visuals can elevate a film’s allure—even when the production itself was, let’s say, less than stellar. His talent and the studio’s tactical approach was a solution that appealed to me since at this time CobbZilla was only a concept without a fully fleshed out narrative. The surreal quality of Brown’s artwork often stood in stark contrast to the more pedestrian execution of the films, serving as a crucial lesson: always create art that captivates, regardless of the medium!
The vibrant and campy essence of Attack of the 50 Ft Woman resonates through the decades, reminding us of the enduring impact of visual storytelling. So, when I dive into the process of drawing inspiration from Reynold Brown, it isn’t merely about replicating his style. It’s about embracing the deeper narrative and emotional resonance that his work evokes. Whether through the striking visuals of a B-movie poster or the larger-than-life character of Cobbzilla, the real magic lies in our ability to transport audiences to worlds both fantastical and familiar.
The spirit of Brown lives on in every brushstroke and pixel of my work, reminding us all that in times of uncertainty, art can still reign supreme!
