The 2D Universe of Artist Sam McKenzie
Comics are loved globally.
The American illustrative genre along with its pop culture counterparts changed the industry of entertainment and revolutionized not only literature and cinema but generated tons of tiny niches and subcultures. It became part of many people’s identities and influenced a generation of artists, which the Australian artist Sam McKenzie is part of.
Currently based in Brisbane, Sam McKenzie is many people’s favorite artist, and there is no denying that his stuff is bursting with talent and sincere appreciation for art. His illustrations are an explosion of tiny details like costume wrinkles, oozing pus or daintily manicured nails, and bright colors. Looking through his Instagram, it’s clear that McKenzie grew up on cartoons, video games, and comics from the 90s: you can spot the Ninja Turtles in one post, and Thor Odinson in another, all while scrolling past a pastel-colored Sonic the Hedgehog.
Though the abovementioned aspects are one of the most noticeable foundations of McKenzie’s art, he also revamps classics of anime like Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira, or even Tarantino’s iconic fight scene between the bride and O-Ren Ishii in Kill Bill: Volume 1.
Beyond the wonders that we can excavate from his bountiful account, Sam McKenzie is actually much more multifaceted than he seems. Having played in several punk bands, the DIY essence and touch of irony and nihilism that stems from the essence of punk subtly show in his illustrations. Just look at his vivacious characters: it’s clear that they all hide a rebellious streak. His portrayal of women is also treasured by his fans, thanks to his unashamed depictions of body hair, scars, and curves in cyberpunk superhero suits. The objectification of women’s bodies that comes up in sci-fi projects is questionable, but McKenzie fully ignores this to rebirth them in his wondrous style.
Childhood dreams are made out of Sam McKenzie’s art, and that’s why it’s so easy to love. It’s as if he matures up these heroes and villains to match our perception of what once was, and regardless of what cartoon he reanimates, each of his drawings is one-of-a-kind, taking us to a fantastical universe of bubblegum pink and green venom, with a pinch of sex appeal, comedy, and gore.
About the Author:
Mizuki Khoury
Born in Montreal, based in Tokyo. Sabukaru’s senior writer and works as an artist under Exit Number Five.
