Watchmen Artist Brings Back Rorschach in Tribute to John Paul Leon
Dave Gibbons has brought back one of Watchmen’s most notable characters, Rorschach, to create a touching tribute to the late comic artist John Paul Leon. Leon passed away in May of 2021 after a 14 year battle with cancer. Multiple artists assembled a gallery of tributes to Leon in the Batman/Catwoman Special, the artist’s final credited work for DC.
John Paul Leon's illustrious career began studying under artists like Walter Simonson and Will Eisner at New York’s School of Visual Arts. He provided pencils for the miniseries RoboCop: Prime Suspect, and later drew for the Milestone title, Static — an opportunity that launched his career working for Marvel and DC. Leon worked with writers such as Alex Ross, Jim Krueger and Kurt Busiek to craft beloved titles including Earth X and Batman: Creature of the Night. After passing away, Marvel and DC's titles during the first week of June contained tributes from notable figures in the comic industry. With the release of Batman/Catwoman Special #1, more comic book icons have come together to honor Leon’s influential career.
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The comic includes a collection of several industry figures honoring the late John Paul Leon, but among the pieces is a new sketch of Rorschach by Watchmen artist Dave Gibbons. Gibbons’ piece is an inked, black and white image of the fan-favorite character. Looking dead center at the reader, Rorschach remarks “John Paul Leon? Good man, drew well. Black and white, never compromised.” in the short speech pattern he was well known for. Gibbons’ heartwarming compliments delivered through the mouthpiece of Rorschach speak several truths about how well-regarded Leon was in the comic book
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