Magzoid Magazine - Luxury Magazine in the Creative Space | October 2023 |

Exclusive
Ashley Wood
Artist
A Visionary Artist Defying Conventions
Australian-born artist Ashley Wood
is a creative force whose work
spans the realms of comic books,
cover art, concept design, and art
direction. While his portfolio is diverse, his
approach can be characterized as inherently
painterly, elevating his creations to a level
of artistry that transcends traditional boundaries.
Wood’s artistry is marked by a relentless
commitment to breaking conventions within
his chosen media. His approach is characterized
by a constant shift, an agenda
that infuses his work with freshness and an
ongoing evolution of the creative process.
Despite often working within the confines
of client commissions, Wood manages to
maintain a strong focus on comics, where
his boundless imagination finds its most
prominent expression.
Born in 1971 in Australia, Ashley Wood
has emerged as a prolific comic book artist
and an award-winning illustrator. His career
has seen him make significant contributions
to both the UK and international comic book
industries. His work garnered rapid success,
leading to collaborations with top publishers
like Marvel and DC Comics in the highly
competitive US market. Notably, his work on
the iconic character Judge Dredd is etched
into the annals of comic book history.
Wood’s specialization in graphic novels
led him to collaborations with Image Comics
and later with Todd McFarlane Toys, where
his talents continued to shine. Beyond the
realms of traditional art, he ventured into the
world of movies and TV projects, broadening
the scope of his creative endeavors.
One of the pivotal moments in Wood’s career
was his association with Hideo Kojima
on the groundbreaking project, “Metal Gear
Solid,” the first digital comic for the Sony
Playstation platform. The comic’s reception
was nothing short of outstanding, achieving
unparalleled commercial success with over
six million copies shipped worldwide. This
engagement also led to additional artworks
for the PlayStation Portable game in 2006
and the comic book sequel titled “Metal
Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.”
In 2004, alongside his colleague TP Louise,
Wood co-founded 7174 PTY LTD, an
Australian-based entertainment company
specializing in creating features for the comic,
film, toys, and video game industries. This
venture underscores Wood’s enduring influence
on various facets of entertainment and
his commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
Ashley Wood’s artistic journey is a testament
to his unwavering dedication to innovation
and artistic evolution. Through his work,
he continues to captivate audiences, reminding
us that art is not confined to a singular
medium but is a boundless realm where
imagination and creativity know no limits.
- feature@magzoid.com
www.magzoid.com October 2023
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