Tag Archives: Suzanne Forbes artist

My earliest superhero drawings!

Buy or Die drawing by Rachel Ketchum aka Suzanne Forbes fall 1985Just a bunch of drawings from around 1985 to 1992, when I was working to become a comic book artist!

Wolverine and Kitty, with Letratype, for a flyer for my friends Chris and Gary’s comic book store in the meatpacking district. Late 1985 or early 1986.

Koriandr by Suzanne Forbes working as Rachel Ketchum Sketchbook 1985 Kory editKoriandr, Dec. 27 1985.

This was the first comic drawing I did that I felt was successful.

Namor and Marrina by Suzanne Forbes working as Rachel Ketchum probably 1987The Sub-Mariner and Marrina!

With an attempt at color. Around 1986 or 1987.

Cloak and Dagger by Suzanne Forbes working as Rachel Ketchum probably 1985Cloak and Dagger, around 1985.

Another pin-up that I felt good about, early on.

Betsy and Ororo by Suzanne Forbes working as Rachel Ketchum probably 1986Ororo and Betsy, pre-problematic transformation.

I loved Betsy’s original costume. Around 1986.

Jean and Rachel by Suzanne Forbes working as Rachel Ketchum probably 1985Jean and Rachel, circa 1985.

The text says, “Every mutie has a mother who loves her”.

Roy Harper aka Speedy by Suzanne Forbes maybe 1992My boy Roy Harper, from 1992.

 Not long before I actually broke into comics. I loved Roy as a character so much. 

Roy Harper aka Speedy by Suzanne Forbes maybe 1992

Imagine, a boy superhero who’d been a junkie on the street, like me!

Comics were wild in the ’70s.Vampirella by Suzanne Forbes working as Rachel Forbes probably 1998

Vampi, 1998.

After I’d left comics and moved to California, there was a very brief period when I considered going back into the industry, and I think I applied to whoever had the Warren properties at that point. I actually would have loved to draw Vampi, but even then I knew I didn’t really want to draw comics anymore.

Honestly, all I’ve ever wanted to draw is people. 

I finally figured that out in the Oughts, and I’ve been full of purpose and certainty ever since. But even though working in comics wound up being really complicated and mostly messed up for me, I’m always grateful for the joy superhero comics gave me, in the ’80s.

Most of these drawings had never been photographed; until now, no record of them existed – if we had a fire or flood they would just be gone forever.

I am so grateful to my Patrons on Patreon, whose monthly financial support makes it possible for me to take time to document my art archives.

 

 

Drawing SFxBerlin artist Rachael Jablo working on The Hysteria Project!

Rachael Jablo working on art for The Hysteria Project drawn by Suzanne Forbes Feb 17 2022Such a treat to have a zoom visit with my friend Rachael Jablo, a fellow former Bay Arean!

I met Rachael here in Berlin, at Sadie Lune’s birthday party years ago. Even though we were in the Bay at the same time, and both knew Sadie among other folks, we never met there!

Thank goodness we connected here. I can’t imagine not knowing Rachael! Sick person baker artists rule! Due to both of us being chronically ill, we don’t visit IRL that often, yet our spiritual connection is amazing. And our techie husbands get along great too.

Rachael is creating an incredible collaborative storytelling project called The Hysteria Project.

“The Hysteria Project is a one-on-one storytelling project dealing with menstruation, reproductive, and pelvic disorders, illustrated by individual ‘portraits’ of their reproductive organs based on their stories. These life-size, intimate works start in a traditional darkroom where I use lace instead of negatives to make color prints that I cut up and collage onto a gold leaf background.” – Rachael Jablo

Uterus portrait by Rachael Jablo for the Hysteria Project of Suzanne Forbes with fibroids

Portrait by Rachael Jablo for the Hysteria Project of Suzanne Forbes’ menstrual system with fibroids

I told my fibroids story for the project and Rachael made a portrait of my uterus!

Isn’t it beautiful? You can read my story here, it has lots of swearing and so. much. blood. Other folks I know have also told their stories and had portraits made. Being listened to and witnessed by Rachael’s compassionate spirit is such a healing experience. Rachael describes how the project started here.

Rachael’s website, Rachael’s insta, The Hysteria Project website, insta and twitter.

The Hysteria Project is Funded by Die Beauftragte der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien.

I of course am funded by my  Patreon Patrons, who have my eternal gratitude and love for keeping me working, making art and documenting Berlin creators as a vaccinated but Covid-vulnerable disabled person.Rachael Jablo working on art for The Hysteria Project drawn by Suzanne Forbes Feb 17 2022 detail