Jon J. Muth is an American comic book illustrator and childrens’ book author/illustrator. He has illustrated for prominent series such as Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman (1989-1996) and and J.M. DeMatteis’ Moonshadow (1989.) It wasn’t until Muth experienced fatherhood that he was inspired to start penning picturebooks.
Using ink with a loose and liberal brushstroke, Muth is able to pull figures off the pages in a very gestural manner. This atmospheric method of drawing is perfect for the mysterious, dark, yet whimsical plot of The Sandman. However, he does not work exclusively in ink. He uses color in an equally masterful method in Moonshadow. In fact, Moonshadow is one of the first American comics to be comprised completely of paintings.
After his move from comics to picture books, Muth revisited the method of Japanese brush painting to create his imagery. His picturebooks explore old Chinese proverbs and Taoist themes.