Describing James Jean is a bit difficult. He is, after all, a multi-hyphenated soul talented in many art forms. He does just about everything. He’s the visual lead behind DC’s Fables series and the artist behind Prada’s coveted Fairy bowler bag. But this isn’t about high-profile clients, it’s the sort of magic he does that ultimately draw you in. 

I first came across James Jean when I saw the Fables series during a visit to a local bookstore. I have a longstanding fascination with graphic novels. Sometimes, I have a very shallow basis for buying graphic novels - an attractive cover. So when I saw the first compilation of Fables on the shelf (and apparently calling my name), I bought it without hesitation. When I started reading, I couldn’t let go. There’s something about the way they were drawn that it all seemed irrevocably real irregardless if it’s just printed on a fragile sheet of glossy paper. Everything seemed to breathe. Transgressive, hanging, and unrestricted - his works evoke more questions than answers. The somewhat obsession continued. All his works, his books, and even his twitter account.

So I was giddy when I found out he was visiting Manila again. I had wanted to have a copy of his book signed. But something I came up and I wasn’t able to attend the book signing. A heavy sigh. I suppose I can go back to stalking him on twitter (I sound extremely obsessed, I’m even scared of myself). :)