One of my very favorite comic book artists is Erik Larsen. He not only impressed me with his writing and drawing ability, but his style and he also is the creator of my favorite title “The Savage Dragon”.

Born here in the tundra of Minnesota, Erik found himself on the west coast where he spent most of his life. He had several comics with a character named “Dragon”. During this period he published a fanzine which got him recognized by Megaton creator Gary Carlson. It was in Megaton where “The Dragon” got his public start.

After doing the usual circuit networking at comic cons, Erik met up with Jim Shooter, then Marvel’s Editor-in-chief. Together, they came up with the story idea of a Hulk Vs. Thor storyline and Erik was then given more high profile work at the bullpen doing an “Amazing Spider-Man” story and also a 5 issue stint with “The Punisher”.

He also spread his talents around to “DNAgents” for Eclipse Comics and “Doom Patrol” for D.C.

When Todd McFarlane left the Amazing Spider-Man, Erik was asked to pick up the title as artist. Though he enjoyed drawing, he wanted to write just as much as draw his books.

He attempted to gain a storyline for Marvel’s title “Nova” which seemed to keep getting put on the back burner time and time again. He was then asked again to take on a new Spider-Man title that Todd McFarlane started and left. He happily took it to be able to write and draw.

Shortly after this, Rob Leifield asked Erik to join him in a start up company “Image” comics where “The Savage Dragon” found his home.

The Savage Dragon was originally a mixture of Captain Marvel, Batman, Speed Racer and the Incredible Hulk. He morphed into a few different incarnations and back stories until he eventually found his permanent home at Image comics. Officer Dragon even found himself a home on the USA Network in a short-lived animated series.

Still, to this day “The Savage Dragon” is done entirely by Erik Larsen. There was a 4 year stint as publisher at Image comics but he stepped down in 2008 as he wanted to concentrate more on Dragon then his current duties were allowing.

The Savage Dragon is not his only project, there has been myriads of titles with his creation on them, but for the most part, Dragon is his number one son.