Monthly Archives: April 2022

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.