Clover Press has carved out a reputation for prestige projects that celebrate the artistry, history, and craft behind comics, but The DC Art of Michael Turner feels different. It’s not just a retrospective — it’s a tribute to a singular talent whose impact on DC’s visual identity still echoes across the industry. Michael Turner’s linework, energy, and unmistakable sense of drama shaped an era, from Identity Crisis to his iconic covers for Superman/Batman, Flash, Justice League of America, and beyond.
At a moment when collectors and fans are hungry for definitive editions that honor the creators who helped define modern superhero storytelling, Clover Press has been stepping forward with volumes that aim to be both archival and celebratory. And guiding that effort is Publisher Hank Kanalz, whose broader work across DC and independent publishing gives him a unique vantage point on the artist’s legacy. The DC Art of Michael Turner is their most recent offering and is currently on Kickstarter.
Recently, we sat down with Hank to talk about why now is the right time for this particular book, how Clover approached curating Turner’s DC catalog, what it means to preserve the work of an artist who changed the visual language of superheroes, and how this project fits into Clover’s growing slate of high‑end art books. It’s a conversation about craft, collaboration, and the enduring power of an artist whose work continues to inspire creators and fans alike. So, let’s welcome back Hank Kanalz to GVN Talking Comics.
The Artistic Impact of Michael Turner
GVN: Thanks for chatting with us once again, Hank. So, let us jump right into your latest entry into the “DC Art of” series, THE DC ART OF MICHAEL TURNER, which is already surging into the last quarter of its Kickstarter campaign. What has the eager and initial response to this book told you about Turner’s lasting impact and your readers’ appetite for a project of this scale?
HK: I think the backers of our previous campaign, THE MARVEL ART OF MICHAEL TURNER, were anticipating this one. Or demanding it. But either way, we knew we were going to do this, and everyone jumping on at launch was very gratifying.
Celebrating Michael’s Iconic Comic Book Footprint
GVN: Michael Turner’s DC work (like his Marvel pieces) remains iconic decades later. From your perspective as a publisher, what makes his artistic voice so enduring, and how did that shape the way Clover approached this collection?
HK: Turner was definitely an artist OF the time, but also ahead of his time. He has such a delicate, clean line, and knew just where to put all the detail without over-doing it. So we want to showcase that, and really share his art at the different stages of its creation. Aspen’s done an amazing job of designing this book, with that in mind.
Deciding Which Pieces to Include
GVN: Turner’s DC catalog is vast, beloved, and deeply influential. How did you and the team decide what belonged in this volume, and what guiding principles shaped the final selection?
HK: As with much of what we publish, we took the approach of “What do I want to see in an art book like this?” and built from there. And I think this book delivers. After our first round of review, we decided we wanted to share some of Turner’s interior work as well as the deep catalog of covers he’s done.
“The High-End Bells and Whistles”
GVN: As fans know, Clover Press is known for premium, art‑forward editions and successful Kickstarter campaigns. What production choices—format, materials, presentation—were essential to honoring Turner’s work at the level fans expect?
HK: His work deserves nothing but the best, so we pulled out all the high-end bells and a few whistles that we use for all of our DC ART OF projects. I think his fans expect nothing less.
The Behind the Scenes Contributions
GVN: This project intersects Turner’s legacy, DC’s history, and Clover’s design sensibilities. What collaborations or behind‑the‑scenes contributions were most crucial in bringing this book to life?
HK: I think the key to this book is the work Aspen put into this collection. Frank, Peter, and Mark knew Turner the best, and really pulled together the ultimate book to honor his legacy.
Kickstarter Campaign Strategy
GVN: Like many fans of artists that Clover has featured, Turner’s fans are enthusiastic and global. How did their enthusiasm influence the campaign strategy, and which features were designed specifically with long-term collectors in mind?
HK: Since we have a few tiers that hit a higher level than we usually do, we’re trying out Late Pledges by popular request. For those new to this, it’s a feature that Kickstarter offers allowing for 3 interest-free payments for backers to support higher levels. I know that sounds very salesy, but we’ve found that many of our backers, especially Turner fans, are completists. This gives them an option to get it all, where they might otherwise be unable to do so.
Future Collections
GVN: Thanks, Hank, for taking the time to chat with us. With this campaign once again showing the success of these collections, does Clover Press have plans for other creators when it comes to archival or artist-focused editions?
HK: We’ve seen this program grow quite a bit since we first launched the line in 2023. So yes, we have a solid list of artists coming up, and are always open to more. Some hints for you: A follow up (sequel!) art book featuring everyone’s favorite kaiju. A similar book featuring detailed storyboards for one of the most successful series of movies. And if you thought our first three DC ART OF books were amazing, wait until you what is coming up!
As Clover Press continues to champion projects that honor the creators who shaped the medium, The DC Art of Michael Turner stands out as both a celebration and a reminder of how powerful a single artistic voice can be. Hearing Hank Kanalz reflect on Turner’s legacy — not just as a publisher, but as someone who worked alongside him — reinforces why this collection matters. It’s a chance to preserve the energy, elegance, and impact of an artist whose work still resonates with fans, collectors, and creators across generations.
Our thanks to Hank for taking the time to walk us through the vision behind this volume and the care that went into assembling it. For longtime Turner fans, this book is a tribute. For new readers, it’s an invitation. And for the industry, it’s another example of Clover Press’ commitment to producing editions that treat comics art with the respect and permanence it deserves.
It’s not too late! You can visit the “DC Art of Michael Turner” campaign by going here.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
