Butch Guice

Jackson "Butch" Guice (June 27, 1961 – May 1, 2025) was an American comics artist who worked in the comics industry beginning in the 1980s.

Biography

Guice was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee.. Retrieved March 21, 2008. Growing up in the 1960s, Guice was fond of "the legendary stop-motion animator and filmmaker" Ray Harryhausen, whose influence can be seen in some of Guice's work, most notably the Humanoids project ''Olympus''.

1980s

Guice began his career with fanzine work and "designing patches and emblems for a small company in North Carolina." His first credited comics work was penciling and inking the independently published '' The Crusaders'' #1 (November 1982), although he had previously ghosted for Pat Broderick on ''Rom Annual'' #1 (1982). On the strength of his fanzine work, (and, Guice believes, at the behest of ''Rom'' writer Bill Mantlo) Marvel editor Al Milgrom offered him a tryout on the toy-spin-off title ''Micronauts''. Referring to ''Rom Annual'' #1 and ''Micronauts'' #48 (Dec. 1982), he remarked that " th were breaking points for me getting into comics".

Guice continued penciling ''Micronauts'' until #58 (May 1984). In July 1983, "The Butch Guice Portfolio" appeared in the pages of ''Marvel Fanfare'' #9, and Guice contributed to ''The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe'', Chris Claremont and Bill Mantlo's ''X-Men and the Micronauts'' four-issue miniseries as well as occasional issues of a number of different titles. In 1984, he drew the Marvel Comics adaptation of ''Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'' and inked '' Dazzler''. In 1986, he penciled ''X-Factor'', while concurrently contributing pencils to ''The New Mutants''. In mid-1987, he was credited with inks to "''Brian'' Guice" 's pencils for five issues of Adventure Publications' ''Adventurers'', which was written and edited by Scott Behnke. That same year, Guice collaborated on several different titles with writer Mike Baron, including issues of First Comics' ''Badger'', ''Nexus'' and ''The Chronicles of Corum''. Guice worked with Baron on projects for DC Comics. He penciled '' Teen Titans Spotlight'' #7 and #8, before gaining more popularity among DC readers with his work on the relaunched, post-''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' ''The Flash'' #1. This third ''Flash'' series featured Wally West after the demise of Barry Allen in the ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' series. Guice drew ten of the first eleven issues.

In 1988–89, Guice produced a series of covers for the Quality Comics/Fleetway 2000 AD reprint-title ''2000AD Showcase'', while penciling the ''Iron Man'' title for Marvel. In 1989 he became the artist on '' Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme''.

1990s

Guice's cover for ''Doctor Strange'' #15 (March 1990) used Christian music singer Amy Grant's likeness without her permission, leading to her management filing a complaint against Marvel Comics, saying the cover gave the appearance she was associating with witchcraft. A US District Court sealed an out-of-court settlement between Grant and Marvel in early 1991, with a consent decree that Marvel did not admit to any liability or wrongdoing.

Guice and writer Walt Simonson co-created the Ahab character in ''Fantastic Four Annual'' #23 (1990). In 1991, Guice took over penciling '' Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.'', before moving back to DC. Guice drew ''Action Comics'' #676–711 (April 1992–July 1995) and worked with writers Roger Stern and David Michelinie. During this run, Guice and Stern (along with editor Mike Carlin, Dan Jurgens, Louise Simonson and others) were the architects of "The Death of Superman" storyline, in which Superman died and was resurrected. Stern and Guice incorporated the Eradicator character into the "Reign of the Supermen" story arc beginning in ''The Adventures of Superman'' #500 (June 1993). Spinning out of that event, Stern and Guice collaborated on a ''Supergirl'' miniseries.

While drawing ''Action Comics'', he also worked with writer James Robinson on Dark Horse Comics' '' The Terminator: Endgame'' miniseries (September–October 1992), and with Chris Claremont on the first four issues of the ''Aliens/Predator: The Deadliest of the Species'' (July 1993–January 1994).

Towards the end of 1995, Guice moved to Valiant Comics, becoming the regular penciller of ''Eternal Warrior''. Guice penciled part of the ''Sliders: Narcotica'' comic book, based on the TV series ''Sliders'' and written by the show's star Jerry O'Connell. Having Guice draw the series was:

"a personal treat for Jerry 'Connellas "Butch" Guice (as he used to be called during his successful run at Marvel Comics) was a favorite of his during his comic-reading years."

Guice illustrated the four-issue '' DC/Marvel: All Access'' mini-series (December 1996–February 1997) follow-up to the cross-company '' DC Versus Marvel/Marvel Versus DC'' event. He was one of many artists to contribute to the landmark marriage of Superman and Lois Lane in '' Superman: The Wedding Album'' (December 1996). In May 1997, Guice launched '' Resurrection Man'' with writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, pencilling all 27 issues and inking most of them including the special #1,000,000 issue for the ''DC One Million'' event. The series was cancelled in August 1999.

2000s

In March 2000, Guice became the artist on ''Birds of Prey'' for issues #15 to #34. In addition, Guice drew a "Robin and Oracle" story in ''Batman: Gotham City Secret Files and Origins'' and the ''Universe X Spidey'' one-shot, from Marvel. After his run on ''Birds of Prey'', Guice left DC Comics and moved to Tampa, Florida to work for CrossGen. He was brought in to launch '' Ruse'' with writer Mark Waid, in November 2001. Effectively a Victorian steampunk detective story, although set on an analogue of Earth in the far-distant future, and part of CrossGen's 'Sigilverse'. Guice continued as the penciller of ''Ruse'' until its cancellation with #26 (January 2004). Guice resigned from CrossGen "just prior to the layoffs" and before the remaining staff were released from "exclusivity status".

Writer Geoff Johns, "one of Humanoids' biggest supporters from the very beginning of heirUS publishing program," pitched a story with Kris Grimminger featuring "every great monster from Greek mythology, from Medusa to the Stymphalian Birds." Humanoids editor Paul Benjamin began the search "throughout the world for a great artist who would appeal to both an American and a European audience. Butch was always on our mind for the book, but he was busy drawing Ruse for CrossGen. We began talking to Butch once he became available and Olympus was a perfect fit."

Guice said of Humanoids and ''Olympus'':

"I've been interested in working with Paul Benjamin and Humanoids for several years now... heirapproach to their material, both in quality and design of product as well as the extensive worldwide market they've cultivated with a variety of genres, held enormous interest for me. After my resignation from the CrossGen staff, I contacted Paul and we started talking about possibilities. Once I read the two scripts for Olympus, I knew it was exactly the type of thing I would enjoy drawing. Having it be written by Geoff and Kris was a very pleasurable bonus."

Although intended as two volumes, to date, only the first has seen print. This is likely due to the lapsing of Humanoids US-distribution deal with DC, as Guice said in December 2003, while working on Volume One that that book "wraps in March 004, which he then "scheduled to start work on volume two almost immediately".

After leaving CrossGen, Guice worked with writer Warren Ellis on a six-issue story-arc entitled "New Maps of Hell" for DC's ''JLA: Classified'' title and then worked on the "One Year Later" revamp of Aquaman, in Kurt Busiek's '' Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis'', debuting with #40 of the previous ''Aquaman'' title. Guice stayed for eight issues, and Busiek said of his artist colleague:

"Aside from being a terrific artist and strong storyteller, Butch can really make you believe in the exotic fantasy worlds of the Atlantic oceanscape. And he draws a great King Shark -- and a creepy Dweller, to boot. And cool warriors, gorgeous women, strange creatures and more. He's the perfect guy for this book, and I've wanted to work with him for years."

In 2007, Guice provided rotating art duties for '' The Invincible Iron Man'', with issue #19–20's ''World War Hulk'' tie-in issue and became inker on ''Captain America'' for #32–34, and then taking over full duties as of #35. Guice penciled a miniseries taking place in the Ultimate Universe, entitled ''Ultimate Origins'' written by Brian Michael Bendis. Bendis wrote of Guice "I've been a fan of his for years and years, and when I saw what he was doing in ''Iron Man'' ith Gage.. I had to have him." Guice was the penciler on the Wildstorm mini-series ''Storming Paradise'', written by Chuck Dixon.

Personal life

Guice had a daughter with his wife Julie named Elizabeth Diane, born in 1988. He died of pneumonia on May 1, 2025, at the age of 63. He was a resident of Reading, Ohio, at the time of his death.Jackson "Butch" Guice
/ref>

Bibliography

Comics work (interior art) includes:

DC Comics

*''Action Comics'' #676–681, 683–698, 700–711, #0, #1000 (1992–1995, 2018)
*''Adventure Comics 80-Page Giant'' #1 (1998)
*'' Adventures of Superman'' #500, 509, 516 (1993–1994)
*''Agent Liberty Special'' #1 (1992)
*''Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis'' #40–47 (2006–2007)
*''Birds of Prey'' #15–26, 28–30, 33–34 (2000–2001)
*''The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special'' #1 (2023)
*''The Flash'' vol. 2 #1–9, 11, ''Annual'' #1 (1987–1988)
*'' JLA: Classified'' #10–15 (2005–2006)
*''Metropolis S.C.U.'' #1–4 (1994–1995)
*'' Resurrection Man'' #1–27, #1,000,000 (1997–1999)
*''Supergirl'' vol. 3 #1–4 (1994)
*''Supergirl/Lex Luthor Special'' #1 (1993)
*''Superman'' vol. 2 #64 (1992)
*'' Superman: The Man of Steel'' #38 (1994)
*'' Superman: The Wedding Album'' #1 (1996)
*''Tangent Comics The Superman'' #1 (1998)
*''Superman Y2K'' #1
*'' Teen Titans Spotlight'' #7–8 (1987)
*''Who's Who in the DC Universe Update 1993'' #1–2 (1992–1993)
*''Who's Who Update '87'' #2–3 (1987)
*''Who's Who Update '88'' #1 (1988)

DC Comics / Marvel Comics

*'' DC/Marvel All Access'' #1–4 (1996–1997)

Marvel Comics

*''The Amazing Spider-Man Annual'' #18, 22 (1984–1988)
*'' The Avengers Annual'' #12, 16 (1983–1987)
*''Avengers Assemble'' #14-15 (2013)
*''Black Panther and the Crew'' #1-6 (2017)
*''Captain America'' vol. 5 #32–37, 45, 47–48 (2008–2009)
*''Captain America'' #600, 602-610, 612-615, 617-619 (2009–2011)
*'' Captain America: Reborn'' #1–6 (2009–2010)
*''Captain America: Reborn: Who Will Wield the Shield?'' #1 (2010)
*'' Captain Marvel'' vol. 3 #3 (2008)
*'' Dazzler'' #38–41 (1985–1986)
*''Deathlok'' #1–2 (1990)
*''Deathlok'' vol. 2 #8, ''Annual'' #1 (1992)
*'' Doctor Strange Sorcerer Supreme'' #5–16, 18, 20–24 (1989–1990)
*''Fantastic Four'' #286, ''Annual'' #21, 23 (1986–1990)
*''Heroes for Hope'' #1 (1986)
*''The Hunt for Wolverine: Claws of a Killer'' #1-4 (2018)
*''Immortal Hulk'' #34 (2020)
*''Invaders'' vol. 3 #1-2, 4-12 (2019-2020)
*'' The Invincible Iron Man'' #19–20, 23–25 (2007–2008)
*''Iron Man'' #231, 233–240, ''Annual'' #10 (1988–1989)
*''Marvel Comics Presents'' #62 (1990)
*''Marvel Comics Super Special'' #30 (1984)
*''Marvel Fanfare'' #9, 45 (1983–1989)
*''Marvel Graphic Novel'' #14 (1984)
*''Micronauts'' #48–58 (1982–1984)
*''New Mutants'' #40–42, 44–48, 50 (1986–1987)
*'' Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' #20–28 (1991)
*''Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe'' #5, 7–8, 10 (1983)
*''Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition'' #3, 6, 8–9, 11, 14 (1986–1987)
*''Rom'' #61 (1984)
*''Savage Avengers'' #11 (2010)
*''Secret Avengers'' #6–7, 9, 12–14 (2013–2014)
*''Swords of the Swashbucklers'' #1–4 (1984–1985)
*'' Thor: God of Thunder'' #6 (2013)
*''Ultimate Origins'' #1–5 (2008)
*''Uncanny X-Men'' #216–217 (1987)
*'' Universe X: Spidey'' #1 (2001)
*''What If'' #40 (1983)
*''Wild Cards'' #1–4 (1990)
*'' Winter Soldier'' #1–5, 10–14 (2012–2013)
*''X-Factor'' #1–3, 5–7 (1986)
*''X-Factor: Prisoner of Love'' #1 (1990)
*''X-Men and the Micronauts'' #1–4 (1984)

Other publishers

*'' Aliens/Predator: Deadliest of the Species'' #1-4 (Dark Horse Comics, 1993-1994)
*''Archangel'' #1-4 (IDW Publishing, 2016-2017)
*'' Bloodshot'' #40 (Valiant Comics, 1995)
*''Bloodshot Reborn'' #6-9 (Valiant Entertainment, 2015)
*''Eternal Warrior'' #39-40, 43-44, 47-50 (Valiant Comics, 1995-1996)
*''Ninjak'' #1-5 (Valiant Entertainment, 2015)
*''Olympus'' OGN (Humanoids Publishing, 2005)
*'' Ruse'' #1-5, 7-10, 12-14, 16-19, 21-24, 26 (Crossgen Comics, 2001–2004)
*'' Sliders Special: Narcotica'' #1 (Acclaim Comics, 1996)
*'' Terminator: Endgame'' #1-3 (Dark Horse Comics, 1992)
*''Turok, Dinosaur Hunter'' #45-46 (Valiant Comics, 1996)
*''Winterworld'' #1-4 (IDW Publishing, 2014)
*''X-O Manowar'' #67-68 (Valiant Comics, 1996)

References

External links

*
*
Jackson Guice
at Mike's Amazing World of Comics

at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators
The Art of ''Ruse''- Art & Interview

{{DEFAULTSORT:Guice, Jackson
1961 births
2025 deaths
American comics artists
Inkpot Award winners
People from Chattanooga, Tennessee
American role-playing game artists
DC Comics people
Marvel Comics people
Artists from Tennessee
20th-century American artists
21st-century American artists