Night Raven: copyright David Lloyd/ MarvelComics Inc

Until the end of February, you have the chance to see original artwork by David Lloyd at The New End Gallery, London. David Lloyd is a renowned comic artist, venerated for his work on V for Vendetta on which he collaborated with Alan Moore, as well as illustrator of, amongst others, Night Raven, The Horrorist and War Stories. His most recent project is graphic novel he has both drawn and written, Kickback.

Shamineh Ali Khan, owner of the New End Gallery, explains the attraction of seeing the original comic works: "I love the work of David Lloyd. Every picture, from V for Vendetta, Kickback or Night Raven for example, if taken out of the story context can also be something beautiful to hang on the wall. His pictures tell stories, are graphically powerful, and exceptional works of art. He puts life back into art which is long overdue."

This exhibition is an extraordinary opportunity to see how David creates his images, with some works in pencil and paint, revealing his mark-making processes. There are layers of ink and white paint that would not be evident in the final reproduction. David explains: "The white paint is there either because mistakes have been made, or because I'm reconsidering the work and think a line I've drawn is superfluous or distracting. Or sometimes it's there because the work was done quickly and roughly in its inking stage because of a need to make a deadline, and has a ragged look, which needs transforming. Areas of white paint can make originals less attractive-looking than they might be without them, but they're as much a part of the creative process as anything else on its surface, so they should be as appreciated as the rest of it is. I like showing my original art at exhibitions and in sales situations at conventions. And the response I get from people who see it is never less than positive."

The original works on show reveal just how much narrative can be told without the use of any text. The works are exquisite, with a subtlety and deftness of line that disappears in the often garish colours and blurred lines of reproduction. David acknowledges: "In the mainstream industry, things are much better than they used to be, because computer use has facilitated much better results from comic book printing. Also the attitudes to comics have changed from the days when poor quality was seen by some reproduction staff as unimportant, because they thought they were producing things that were unimportant."

Nevertheless, after seeing these remarkable works on paper, it will be a challenge to look at a printed comic page the same way.

KICKBACK - An Exhibition of the Dynamic Sequential Art of David Lloyd
At the New End Gallery
New End Gallery
27 Carnegie House
New End, Hampstead
London NW3 1JE
Until February 28th 2009
Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
www.newendgallery.com
www.lforlloyd.com