Antioch College to host cartoonist Kevin Somers

Cartoonist Kevin Somers will discuss his life and work in the presentation “Entertaining Kids of all Ages! A Creative Career In Publishing, Advertising, and Entertainment” at 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 8, in the Coretta Scott King Center for Cultural and Intellectual Freedom. The event is free and open to the public.

An illustrator, color artist, and writer, Somers has worked for a variety of clients, including: Marvel Entertainment Group, D.C. Comics, Hyperion Books for Kids, Penguin Putnam, Disney Magazine, and Nickelodeon. His talk is presented by the Office of Community Life.

“I am really thrilled to have Kevin back to share his work,” said community outreach coordinator Jennifer Berman ’84, the author of four books whose cartoons have appeared in Harper’s, Ms, In These Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle, among many other publications. “I have known Kevin since he worked for me as a co-oping, squirrel-feeding student, and he is an incredibly funny and talented guy.”

Somers grew up in Dayton and spent some time at Antioch College, where he studied sculpture. In the early 1990s he moved to New York where he worked as an editor and freelance artist for Marvel Comics Group. While working in comics Somers developed a passion for the art of sequential storytelling. Through his work in comic books, comic strips, animation, storyboarding, and children's books, Somers developed a diverse range of visual styles and a keen sensitivity for storytelling.

Somers approaches every project differently, believing each story should convey a unique visual statement. By considering a particular story's mood, theme, and writing style, he is able to fashion a distinct illustrative look, tailored for each project. Somers’ art uses a variety of mediums, palettes, compositions, perspectives, and drawing styles to compliment the writing and reinforce the reality of the story's universe.

Somers deeply respects the process of collaboration and has extensive experience working closely with writers, editors, designers, and other illustrators. Somers will have many samples of his work on hand, from claymation images to cartoon strips.