ROY THOMAS
Roy joined Marvel as a writer and editor under Stan Lee, scripting key runs of nearly every Marvel title: The Amazing Spider-Man, The Avengers, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, The Sub-Mariner, Thor, The X-Men and more. He wrote the first ten years of Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian and Savage Sword of Conan; and launched the Defenders, Iron Fist, The Invaders and Warlock. At DC, he developed All-Star Squadron, Infinity Inc. and related titles, proving instrumental in reviving the Golden Age Justice Society of America. He co-scripted the sword-and-sorcery films Fire and Ice and Conan the Destroyer. Throughout it all, Thomas has edited the award-winning magazine Alter Ego, contributing heartily to the research and history of the medium.
GERRY CONWAY
An influential American comic book writer, editor, and screenwriter, best known for co-creating Marvel’s The Punisher, Scarlet Spider, and Ms. Marvel. Gerry made waves with his iconic "The Night Gwen Stacy Died" storyline in The Amazing Spider-Man. At DC Comics, Conway co-created Firestorm, Power Girl, Jason Todd, and Killer Croc, and had a significant eight-year run on Justice League of America.
CHUCK DIXON
Dixon is a prolific comic book writer, best known for his work on action-packed series such as Batman, Nightwing, and The Punisher. Renowned for his fast-paced, gritty storytelling, Dixon’s contributions to Savage Sword highlight his talent for crafting intense, character-driven sword-and-sorcery adventures.
ANDY KUBERT
A wildly popular comic book artist known for his dynamic work across both Marvel and DC Comics. Son of legendary artist Joe Kubert, Andy began his career as a letterer and quickly established himself as a top-tier talent. At Marvel, he became renowned for his work on X-Men, contributing to iconic storylines such as "Age of Apocalypse" and Origin (Wolverine's backstory). At DC Comics, he co-created Damian Wayne with Grant Morrison during his celebrated run on Batman and illustrated major titles like Flashpoint and The Dark Knight III: The Master Race. Kubert also teaches at The Kubert School founded by his father.
JORGE ZAFFINO
A highly influential Argentinian comic book artist, renowned for his dark, moody, and atmospheric style. Jorge gained prominence with his work on Winterworld (1988) alongside writer Chuck Dixon, where his expressive linework and use of shadow left a lasting impression on readers. Zaffino's art was marked by its gritty realism, which perfectly suited noir and post-apocalyptic settings. His contributions to titles like The Punisher and Clive Barker’s Hellraiser showcased his ability to bring a visceral intensity to his illustrations. Though his career was tragically cut short in 2002, Zaffino’s work remains iconic and continues to inspire comic book artists worldwide.
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.
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.
GARY KWAPISZ
A celebrated comic book artist, renowned for his striking black-and-white illustrations in Savage Sword of Conan. His detailed and dynamic artwork brought Conan's brutal adventures to life, with a gritty realism that perfectly complemented the series’ dark, sword-and-sorcery tone. Kwapisz's work remains iconic in the Conan legacy. He’s also drawn Wolverine, Ka-Zar, Moon Knight, Hawkworld, Punisher War Journal, Airboy, Badger and Civil War Adventure.
ERNIE CHAN
A prolific comic book artist, best known for his work on Savage Sword of Conan and Conan the Barbarian. His powerful, dynamic style defined many of Conan’s iconic battles. Chan also had a notable career with DC Comics, contributing to titles like Batman and Detective Comics.
JOE JUSKO
Joe Jusko is an acclaimed comic book artist, best known for his highly detailed and realistic painted artwork. He gained widespread recognition for his iconic Savage Sword of Conan covers, capturing the raw power and intensity of Conan’s world. Jusko is also celebrated for his work on Marvel Masterpieces trading cards, which cemented his reputation as a master of fantasy and superhero art.
EARL NOREM
An acclaimed artist best known for his stunning painted covers and illustrations. Norem's bold, dynamic style graced covers for a wide range of titles, including Savage Sword of Conan, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Planet of the Apes, and The Silver Surfer. His work, characterized by vivid action scenes and heroic figures, became iconic during the 1970s and 1980s, often bringing a sense of grandeur and realism to the world of sword-and-sorcery, sci-fi, and fantasy. Norem's legacy as one of the premier comic cover artists endures through his memorable contributions to pop culture.
DORIAN VALLEJO An accomplished painter and illustrator, renowned for his ethereal and emotionally evocative portraits. Son of famed fantasy artist Boris Vallejo, Dorian began his career as a fantasy illustrator, contributing artwork to book covers, comic books, and game designs. Over time, he shifted his focus to fine art, creating deeply introspective paintings that explore the human condition, often featuring dreamlike, figurative compositions. His work is noted for its delicate blend of realism and surrealism, capturing the beauty and complexity of human emotions. Vallejo’s paintings have been exhibited in galleries worldwide, earning him recognition as a master of contemporary figurative art.
