Where the "comic book font" came from

Summary

This video delves into the artistry of comic book lettering, highlighting how the distinct 'comic book font' we recognize today evolved from practical constraints. From hand-lettered pages in the 1960s to modern digital fonts, the process reveals the unique influence of letterers like Artie Simek and Richard Starkings. It explores how the early use of tools like nib pens and guides shaped the style, making comics both readable and expressive. The video uncovers the role of letterers in creating signature styles and how technology has transformed the comic book industry, offering a deeper appreciation for the craft.

Takeaways

• 😀 Superheroes dominate mass culture, but comic books remain a niche market, with significantly lower sales compared to movie viewership.
• 😀 The 'comic book font' is universally recognized, even though comics were originally handwritten by artists and didn't use a standard font.
• 😀 Comic book lettering, traditionally done by hand, was created by letterers who helped define a distinct visual style over time.
• 😀 Early comics like 'Little Nemo' used all-caps lettering to maintain readability on cheap paper, a practice that influenced comic book typography.
• 😀 Comic book lettering developed out of necessity, with practical constraints shaping the style — such as the use of guides and specific pen nibs.
• 😀 Letterers like Artie Simek and Sam Rosen, who worked with Marvel in the 1960s, established the iconic lettering style seen in comics like Thor.
• 😀 In the 1960s, all caps were used to ensure legibility on low-quality paper, and rules were developed to aid readability, such as italicizing and bolding for emphasis.
• 😀 Richard Starkings and John Roshell led the charge in bringing digital fonts to the comic book industry, which had previously resisted technological changes.
• 😀 Companies like Comicraft and Blambot now provide a variety of downloadable fonts for modern comic letterers, replacing traditional hand lettering with digital tools.
• 😀 The 'comic book font' is a misconception — there are countless variations, each reflecting the personal style of different letterers, which fans and experts can identify.

Q & A

What is the main difference between superheroes in mass culture and comic books as a niche?

Superheroes, like those in movies such as *Captain America: Civil War*, are widely recognized by millions, whereas comic books, such as *Civil War II* by Marvel, cater to a much smaller, niche audience, with only a few hundred thousand copies sold.

Why is the 'comic book font' universally recognized despite comics once being handwritten?

The 'comic book font' became widely recognized because of its use in popular media like movies and TV shows. This font style, although initially handwritten, has been standardized through the work of letterers and adopted across various comic books.

How did early comic book lettering emerge, and what role did necessity play?

Early comic book lettering emerged out of practical necessity. Letterers had to adapt to the limitations of technology and the quality of printing. The consistent use of capital letters, for example, helped make text legible on cheap paper.

What tools did early letterers use to create their comic book lettering?

Early comic book letterers used tools like the Ames guide to maintain consistent line heights and Speedball Nib pens or technical pens, which produced consistent stroke widths for letters.

How did the quality of paper affect the style of comic book lettering?

The low-quality paper used in early comics required letterers to use all caps and specific design techniques to ensure readability. This led to the creation of rounder letters and the elimination of finer details that might be lost on poor-quality paper.

What is the role of consistency in comic book lettering?

Consistency in comic book lettering was essential to ensure that the text remained readable and cohesive, especially when multiple letterers worked on the same project. It also helped maintain a uniform style across different issues and publishers.

How did the advent of digital technology change comic book lettering?

With the rise of digital technology, lettering became more standardized through digital fonts, which replaced the hand-lettering process. Companies like Comicraft and Blambot now create digital fonts that letterers can use in programs like Adobe Illustrator.

What are some examples of distinctive letterer styles mentioned in the script?

Distinctive letterer styles include Todd Klein's unique 'R' and Dave Gibbons' recognizable 'D' and 'G', with the latter featuring a looped design. Richard Starkings is also noted for a jagged hook on the 'S' in his lettering.

Why do some comics still use hand-drawn elements in their lettering despite digital advancements?

Despite digital advancements, some comics still use hand-drawn elements because they can convey a unique artistic style, especially in independent or experimental comics where creativity is prioritized over readability or uniformity.

How do letterers today balance tradition and modern technology in their work?

Today, letterers balance tradition and modern technology by using digital fonts while still adhering to the artistic principles of classic comic book lettering. They design expressive dialogue bubbles and text, maintaining the character and readability of comics while benefiting from the efficiency of digital tools.