It's funny - I find the new style more unique and confident. This is very common in the comic art and the evolution of artists.
It's no surprise that some folks might like the earlier work - it's very similar to another Archie artist -
What I see in the "evolution" of Dan Parent's art is a confidence that you don't *have* to do too much to define character, dialogue and action. His art is "open" enough to create a type of flow that is extremely refreshing for the Archie universe. (all in my opinion, of course).
Another great example of this can be found in the evolution of an artist named Bill Sienkiewicz. Bill's work began as a pretty faithful mimic of Neil Adams style and evolved into a style that borders on fine artist Gustav Klimt, but is unique to itself.
Of course - this was met with massive mixed reviews.
I'm a huge fan of many styles of art (including DeCarlo, Adams, etc). I also really like "stylized" art - such as cartoon art by artists such as Kyle Baker and Darwin Cook.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Dan Parent's art is (in my opinion) evolving into that of a true master of the medium. His lines and style are very clean, transport us into the story, and are .... for lack of a better word - highly "dynamic". A smooth-lined Cheryl with her eyes closed as she smirks at the reader couldn't be any "bitchy-er". Veronica couldn't be any "snobbier" and Betty couldn't be any "cuter".
How's THAT for a thread hi-jack?
Anyone have any more foreign covers?
