Prolific DC artist Jorge Jiménez teams up with Clover Press for his first art book, The DC Art of Jorge Jiménez.
The new art book (now available to back on Kickstarter) is a collection of Jiménez’s work on all of his DC material, including covers, interior art, designs, and sketches.
We spoke to the artist about assembling the artbook and what fans can expect to see in the deluxe hardcover in this exclusive interview.
Thoughts on your first art book and how it came about?
Jorge Jiménez: This has been a magical opportunity for me. It’s an honor, and I’m truly grateful. I’ve been working at DC for about 14 years—I never know exactly how long—with different stages in which I’ve matured and evolved as an artist. Having a book that somehow compiles all of that makes me very happy. It came about because the guys at Clover Press felt my profile was suitable for a book of this nature, and they contacted DC and me.
Was it difficult to select the pieces for the art book and were there any that surprised you or that you had forgotten about?
Jiménez: I must admit that it has been quite demanding. On the one hand, I didn’t want to leave out pieces that have been important to me in some way, and of course, I also had to take into account the images that were the most viral and iconic of all those I’ve worked on. I think the most difficult decision is to discard material. But that search and revisit of my past works has made me remember very beautiful stages of my career and value what I have achieved over the years. I couldn’t help but smile more than once during that search.
You are well-known for Batman and Superman, but is there another character in the collection that you are excited to show to fans who may be a little more obscure or that you really enjoy drawing?
Jiménez: I think I’d love to do a Harley Quinn miniseries or something like that. I can’t tell you why, but I’m fascinated by the character. I’ve also fantasized about doing an Elseworlds story about our Super Boy from Super Sons, in a timeline where he grew up with Damian, in my own style and with my own vision of the character.
People have really responded to your run on Batman, especially the character Punchline. Can you describe how you designed her and why you think she has been a break out character for you?
Jiménez: Honestly, the more time goes by since I designed her, the harder it is for me to understand what produced the perfect storm for the character to explode like that in the fandom, in a very short time she did not leave anyone indifferent and that is something that caught me totally by surprise, people either loved her or hated her! lol
When I designed her I wanted her to be a worthy rival for a character as visually powerful as Harley Quinn, so I played a little hard, I made her quite attractive and sinister at the same time. I remember that those types of high leather boots were going through a great moment in the fashion world, or that was my perception, also violet was a color that I was clear that had to be included, and the makeup that reminded me of a clown because of her love for the Joker. Also the dots under her eyes was something that I was seeing lately in the makeup of influencers, and finally the flamenco scarf on her back as a small touch of my land, Andalusia, in Spain. It was designed in a very specific time context, so I don’t know how that design can age. However, I think it has some characteristic patterns that make each design renewal quite consistent with the original and simply adapt it to whatever is happening at the time.
Upcoming projects?
Jiménez: Right now all my energy is on Batman, I’m really enjoying everything that’s coming up with Matt Fraction, we both love the character, and we’re looking forward to showing you what we’re cooking up. I hope you like it!
You can back The DC Art of Jorge Jiménez until Thursday, April 25 on Kickstarter.
