1. Early Life and Background
Chris Samnee's foundational experiences, from his childhood environment to his early artistic explorations, significantly shaped his path toward a career in comic books.
1.1. Childhood and Education
Chris Samnee grew up in De Soto, a suburb located near St. Louis. His initial exposure to the world of superheroes came through the Super Friends cartoon. He was unaware of the print source material for these animated series until his grandmother began purchasing three-packs of comic books for him from a grocery store. His first comic book was a Batman title, which he read at the age of five or six, quickly establishing Batman as his favorite character.
1.2. Artistic Influences and Early Passion
Samnee began to copy the work of prominent 1980s artists whose comics he encountered, including Tom Mandrake, Jim Aparo, and Alan Davis. He also delved into researching the artists who influenced these creators, such as comic strip artist Milton Caniff, whom Samnee learned was an influence on Aparo through an interview in The Comics Journal, and Frank Robbins. His grandmother further encouraged his artistic development by introducing him to the Dick Tracy comic strips, which he found in a collection at a local library. By his mid-teens, Samnee had also developed a strong interest in Japanese manga and anime.
It was around the age of 10 that Samnee realized his aspiration to produce comics professionally. He convinced his parents to drive him approximately 1.5 hours to local comic conventions held at the airport Holiday Inn. There, he would eagerly approach writers and artists, bombarding them with questions about the process of creating comics and how to enter the industry. One particularly helpful creator was Conan artist Mike Doherty, who offered advice on what to draw and provided him with 11 in by 14 in Marvel Comics illustration board. Samnee was so captivated by holding professional board bearing the Marvel logo that he found himself unable to draw on it, and as of a 2013 interview, he still possessed the untouched board.
2. Career
Chris Samnee's career spans various publishers and projects, marked by a consistent evolution of his artistic contributions and a growing reputation in the comic book world.
2.1. Early Career and Independent Publications
Chris Samnee's first published work appeared when he was 15 years old. This was an eight-page story in the style of a Silver Age Batman, featured in Gary Carlson's Big Bang Comics, which was being published by Image Comics at the time. Although he was not paid for this initial work, he viewed it as a crucial stepping stone toward future paid opportunities. To support himself while pursuing his comic book aspirations, Samnee worked various odd jobs, including as a caricature artist at a flea market, a pizza cook, and a cable installer. He also contributed unpaid art to FemForce for AC Comics while employed as a barista at Borders Books. Around 2004 or 2005, he drew the Oni Press graphic novel Capote in Kansas, inking his own pencils due to the book's budget not accommodating a separate inker. This work was published in 2006 and led to his nomination for the Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award. Today, Samnee continues to ink his own pencils, describing his preliminary pencil work as "just awful" and not something he would expect another person to ink.
2.2. Work with Major Publishers
While still working at Borders, Samnee secured a contract to illustrate a graphic novel for Vertigo, an imprint of DC Comics. However, months passed before the writer completed the script, delaying Samnee's start on the project. During this interim, he worked on several short stories, including a piece for American Splendor, an issue of Exterminators for which Tony Moore had recommended him, and three issues of Queen & Country with writer Greg Rucka. Before completing the final issue of Queen & Country, he also drew an issue of Area 10 for Vertigo.
In 2009, Samnee drew a story penned by Ed Brubaker for Daredevil #500. That same year, he illustrated The Mighty for DC Comics, collaborating with writer Peter J. Tomasi. Tomasi subsequently recommended Samnee to draw a couple of short stories he wrote for DC's 2009-2010 "Blackest Night" storyline. Tomasi later hired Samnee to complete the latter portion of Tomasi's creator-owned Image Comics series, Battlegrounds, after the initial artist, Peter Snejbjerg, had to depart the project before its completion.
2.3. Work at Marvel Comics
In 2010, Nate Cosby offered Chris Samnee the art duties for the all-ages comic book Thor: The Mighty Avenger. Initially, Samnee was hesitant, feeling he might not be the right fit for the character. However, after reading Roger Langridge's script, he accepted the assignment. This project garnered him significant recognition from readers of the superhero genre and earned him the 2011 Harvey Award for Most Promising New Talent, along with nominations for Best Artist and Best New Series. He remained the artist for the entire series, drawing all eight issues before its cancellation in March 2011.
In 2012, Samnee drew Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #6. Later that year, he returned to Daredevil as the regular artist, collaborating with writer Mark Waid, starting with issue #12. He continued on that series until issue #36, and both he and Waid remained the creative team when Marvel relaunched the series with a new #1 issue in April 2014. His work at Marvel also includes contributions to the Black Widow series.
2.4. Creator-Owned Projects
In 2019, it was announced that Chris Samnee would co-create Fire Power with acclaimed writer Robert Kirkman. This ongoing series, published by Image Comics, launched in July 2020 with a prelude volume, followed by a monthly format beginning in August 2020.
In 2021, Samnee launched another creator-owned fantasy series titled Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters. This series, co-written with his wife, Laura Samnee, and drawn by Samnee himself, is published by Oni Press.
3. Artistic Techniques and Materials
Chris Samnee employs a specific set of tools and materials in his drawing and inking process, contributing to his distinctive artistic style. He primarily uses 300 series two-ply Strathmore Bristol board for his artwork. For his preliminary sketching, Samnee does not use specialized non-photo blue pencils or other equipment typically purchased from art supply stores. Instead, he opts for 0.0 in (0.9 mm) mechanical pencils that he acquires from general retailers like Target.
For his inking work, Samnee previously used sable hair Rafael 8404 brushes in sizes number 3, 4, and 5. However, he discovered that he could produce convention sketches more rapidly using implements that were easier to store in pencil bags or boxes, such as brush pens. This eliminated the need for cleaning brushes and the concern of ink spills. Eventually, he began incorporating these tools into his professional work as well. The brush pens he utilizes include models from Zebra and Kuretake, though the majority of his work is done with a Pentel color brush. The Pentel brush's synthetic hair and refillable, squeezable barrel allow Samnee precise control over the amount of ink on the brush. Samnee notes that this tool provides a feel similar to a traditional dipped brush but offers the convenience of not requiring cleaning, enabling him to work wherever he chooses.
4. Personal Life
Chris Samnee is married to Laura Samnee, with whom he co-writes the creator-owned series Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters. In June 2013, Samnee took paternity leave during the production of Daredevil (Vol 3) #28 and #29 to spend time with his new baby.
5. Awards and Nominations
Chris Samnee has received significant recognition throughout his career, including several prestigious awards and nominations within the comic book industry.
5.1. Nominations
- 2006 Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award (for Capote in Kansas)
- 2011 Harvey Award for Best Artist (for Thor: The Mighty Avenger)
- 2011 Harvey Award for Best New Series (for Thor: The Mighty Avenger)
- 2013 National Cartoonist Society Award for Comic Books (for Daredevil)
5.2. Awards
- 2011 Harvey Award for Most Promising New Talent (for Thor: The Mighty Avenger)
- 2013 Eisner Award for Best Penciller/Inker (for Daredevil and The Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom; shared with David Aja)
- 2021 Inkwell Awards All-in-One Award
6. Impact and Evaluation
Chris Samnee's artwork has garnered widespread critical acclaim and significantly impacted the comic book medium. His distinctive style, characterized by its clarity, dynamic energy, and expressive character designs, is frequently praised for its ability to enhance narrative depth and thematic exploration. The numerous awards and nominations he has received, including the Harvey Award for Most Promising New Talent and the Eisner Award for Best Penciller/Inker, underscore his recognized talent and influence within the industry. Samnee's contributions across various titles and publishers demonstrate his versatility and consistent quality, making him a highly respected figure among peers and readers alike.