A Rising Star in Comic Books
The world of comics is constantly evolving, with new talents emerging to push storytelling and artistry to new heights. One such name that has taken the industry by storm is Danny Earls—the 2024 Ringo Award winner for 'Favorite New Talent'. Known for his dynamic work on DC Horror Presents, Darth Vader: Black, White & Red, DC’s Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun, and The Incredible Hulk with writer Philip Kennedy Johnson and artist Nic Klein, Danny’s signature use of silhouettes and shadows has set him apart in the industry. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Danny on The Oblivion Bar to talk about his journey from football to comics, his inspirations, and what’s next in his career.
The Gail Simone Endorsement That Changed Everything
It’s not every day that a comic book legend like Gail Simone champions an up-and-coming artist, but that’s exactly what happened to Danny Earls. On January 4, 2023, Simone took to Twitter to share her admiration for Danny’s portfolio, calling it one of the most astonishing she had seen in 20 years.
When asked about that moment, Danny laughed, “I’m paying Gail royalties—every check I get goes straight into her bank account! But seriously, she’s been a rock for me in this industry, guiding me through things I never had a clue about. That endorsement changed everything.”
But Danny’s journey didn’t start with comics—it started with football.
From Spot-Kicks to Ink Spots
Growing up in Ireland, football (or soccer, for our American readers) was Danny’s first passion. “I loved comics, but football was my absolute love. It was all I thought about.” Danny pursued a professional football career, moving to England at 16 and later playing in the U.S.
However, a chance encounter in a Barnes & Noble changed his trajectory forever. “I walked into a Barnes & Noble and found Batman: Hush. I sat there for five hours just absorbing it. That’s when I knew—I had to pursue this.”
Despite his artistic talent, Danny emphasized that his success was built on discipline. “In football, you train every day. I treated art the same way. I didn’t have some innate ability—I had to work for it.”
Meeting His Heroes: Greg Capullo & Todd McFarlane
Danny has never been shy about his admiration for artists like Greg Capullo and Todd McFarlane. “Meeting Greg Capullo at New York Comic Con in 2013 was surreal. Years later, I was tabling beside him. My fiancée was like, ‘Who is that?’ And I just laughed—she doesn’t know comics, but she had heard his name a million times from me.”
Though his art doesn’t directly mimic Capullo or McFarlane’s styles, their influence is clear in his bold use of shadow and visual storytelling. “I learned from illustrators like John Paul Leon and Mike Mignola, but what I love about comics is the use of deep shadows to create atmosphere. That’s always been my goal—to make readers feel the scene.”
Bringing Horror to the Hulk
Danny’s recent work on The Incredible Hulk is a testament to his love for horror. “Ever since Immortal Hulk, Marvel has leaned into the horror elements, and I was thrilled to be part of that continuation.”
Working with Philip Kennedy Johnson was another dream come true. “Philip is like a brother to me. He’d call and ask, ‘What do you want to draw?’ And I’d just say, ‘Monsters.’ He’d laugh and say, ‘Got it.’”
Danny worked on Hulk for nine issues, drawing terrifying arcs like Frozen Charlotte and Wolves of the Old World. Though he’s since moved on, he remains grateful for the experience. “I could’ve drawn that book for 10 years. But that’s the nature of comics—on to the next thing.”
Hellfire
Horror isn’t just a genre for Danny—it’s in his DNA. “Growing up in Ireland, we were surrounded by Catholic guilt, ghost stories, and Banshee folklore. Horror felt natural to me.”
This influence shines in Hellfire, Danny’s creator-owned horror series. “It’s a passion project, planned for 18 issues. Right now, I’m talking to publishers to bring it back. It’s deeply personal—a mix of folklore, Catholicism, and monsters.”
What’s Next for Danny Earls?
While Danny couldn’t reveal too much about his next project, he hinted at exciting new interior work and upcoming covers. “I’ve got a lot of covers coming out in the next few months. As for interiors, let’s just say, stay tuned.”
Fans can catch Danny at MegaCon Orlando and follow him on social media (@DannyEarls16) for updates.
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In just a few short years, Danny Earls has gone from an unknown artist at Thought Bubble to one of the most exciting new names in comics. His passion, discipline, and unique artistic voice make him a creator to watch.
For those looking to break into the industry, Danny offers this advice: “Complete something. Editors take you seriously when you finish a project. That’s how I got noticed.”
If you want to listen to this full conversation with Danny, follow The Oblivion Bar: A Comic Book Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts and give it a listen!
You can also find that conversation with Danny HERE.
For the video version on YouTube, you can find that HERE.
