John S. Lucas (comics)

John S. (Sterling) Lucas is an American Graphic Artist/Cartoonist/Designer best known for his art work on the Archie Comics' Character "Katy Keene". Born in Michigan City, Indiana, Mr. Lucas attended Ball State University (Muncie, Indiana) on the Honors Program with a double major in Art Education and Advertising Art.

His art studio, (Colossal Studios), is set up in his home town where he continues creating various art and design projects. He has exhibited in various local and regional art shows and fairs and also worked as Art Director for Taylor-Chalmers Advertising, Bick Advertising and Odegard Advertising. His independent and commissioned art has sold all over the world.

Lucas has worked in conjunction with Bill Woggon, creator of "Katy Keene", "Betty & Veronica" artist Dan DeCarlo, "Superman's" creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster, "Brenda Starr" creator Dale Messick, Barb Rausch ("Jem" & "Vicki Valentine"), "Garfield" creator Jim Davis (of whom Lucas is a Ball State University Theta Xi Fraternity Brother), Trina Robbins, Amanda Conner, Anna Maria Cool, June Brigman , Mary Wilshire and Jack Evans.

His most noted work is with Archie Comics' "Katy Keene". Created originally by Bill Woggon for John Goldwater of Archie Comics in 1945 and running through 1961, the character was revived after reprints appeared in various Archie comics in the 1970s-1980s. With Archie's permission, Craig Leavitt decided to publish the "Katy Keene Fan Magazine" (1979-1983, 18 issues). Having been a lifelong fan of the character, Lucas' art was instrumental in the revival as it was featured in the magazine along with other artists and fans work. Several "Katy-Kons" (Conventions) were held in Santa Barbara and then later in conjunction with the San Diego Comicon celebrating Woggon and "Katy".

Archie Comics decided to revive the character themselves in 1983 by giving the character her own comic title by using reprint art of Woggon's as well as new art by Don Sherwood, Vince Colletta, Hy Eisman and Dan DeCarlo. After seeing Lucas' art in the Katy Keene Fan Magazine and receiving letters from fans encouraging them to do so, David Silberkleit, son of Archie Comics' publisher Michael Silberkleit, contacted Lucas asking him to do the art for the revived "Katy Keene Fan Club" which included pens, lapel buttons, membership cards, notepads, T-Shirts and sweatshirts. Not long after this, Michael Silberkleit, Richard Goldwater and Victor Gorelick, Archie Comics' top executives, contacted Lucas asking if he would take over doing the art on "Katy". Lucas' art for the comic and fan magazine ran from 1979 to 1990 including 18 Fan Magazines, 33 Comic issues, 10 Katy Digests and specialty paper doll publications from Hobby House Press. These included "Katy Keene Hollywood Premiere", "Katy Keene Romance", "Katy Keene Movie Premiere" and "Katy Keene Swimsuit Illustrated" which celebrated Katy's 50th Anniversary.

After Katy was put on "vacation", Lucas continued his work with Archie by drawing "Archie", "Betty & Veronica" and "Jughead". He was then asked by Marvel Comics Editor Fabian Nicieza to work on Marvel Comics "Barbie" and "Barbie Fashion" Comics (1990-1995).

Once Barbie was then put on "vacation", Lucas continued free lance work for various publishers including the "Brenda Starr Fan Magazine", "Archie Fan Magazine", independent commissions and art design work for Disney Studios, Mattel Toys, Station Casinos and Marvel Comics including their graphic novel adaption of the movie "Hook" starring Robin Williams.

Presently, besides these continuing art assignments and commissions. Lucas is also Assistant Operations Manager for 2 regional television stations - see [ALCO.org].

Lucas' Annual Christmas Card continues to celebrate and feature his favorite character. It also includes her Annual Paper Doll with designs by and credited to those many fans who continue to submit their IDeaS to Lucas for "Katy Keene, America's Queen of Pin-Ups, Fashion and Fantasy".

Even though his work has taken him all over the United States, he resides and works in his hometown of Michigan City, Indiana. Samples of his art May Be found all over the internet by looking under "John Lucas Katy Keene".

Please note Lucas is not to be confused with another American Comic Book Artist named "John Lucas" who lives in Austin, Texas, or with the former NBA Basketball Player/Coach "John Lucas".

References

1 Katy Keene History - John S. Lucas

2 Katy Keene Stars as "Wonder Woman" - Lucas

3 Katy Keene's Friend Tooter the Elephant Paper Doll - Lucas

4 Katy Keene Swimsuit Illustrated Paper Doll by John S. Lucas - Hobby House Press

5 History of Katy Keene

6 Michigan State University Comics Archives

7 Michigan State University Comics Archives 2

8 Katy Keene Fans

9 Katy Keene History - John S. Lucas

10 Katy Keene Romance Paper Dolls by John S. Lucas - Hobby House Press

11 Katy Keene Comic Series

12 Katy Keene History

13 Katy Keene History

14 Katy Keene Movie Premiere Paper Doll by John S. Lucas - Hobby Hose Press

15 Katy Keene Paper Doll - John S. Lucas

[http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=34&=264&ai=42968&arch=yssd=3/29/...] Katy Keene History

16 Katy Keene Comics - John S. Lucas

17 Katy Keene Romance Paper Dolls - Lucas - Hobby House Press

18 Katy Keene Comics Digest - Lucas

19 Archie Fan Forum

20 Katy Keene History

21 Katy Keene Background

22 Katy Keene Revival - Lucas

23 History of Archie Comics

24 Lucas Radio Talk Show Interview

25 History of Paper Dolls

26 Katy Keene background

27 Paper Dolls

28 Katy Keene Artist Lucas

29 Katy Keene Swimsuit Illustrated Paper Dolls - John S. Lucas

30 Katy Keene News - John S. Lucas