Tomer Hanuka
By: Christopher Plumb (courtesy of The Royal Magazine)

Tomer Hanuka is not another wannabe, and thank heavens for it. The 30 year old Israeli illustrator is guilty of being one of the most original and imaginative artists in recent years, boasting a visual style that is nothing like any of the unauthentic, carbon-copy manga rip-offs that many of us ignorant Americans have polluted the artistic flow of the comic book industry with. His influences are far broader, his visions are more genuine, and his illustrations are much more articulate. His work is ripe with energy, rich in color, and at times, righteously twisted.

One may expect that growing up as a child in the monochromatic landscapes of suburban Tel Aviv would in no way be a catalyst for a Harvey Award winning illustration career. This statement would have been true for Hanuka, if it hadn't been for a visit many years ago from his Californian Aunt, who generously brought a stack of American comics as a gift for six-year-old Tomer and his twin brother Asaf. From the day the Hanuka boys set eyes on the flimsy booklets, they began to dream of other worlds beyond the amber seas of sand they were so accustomed to, and so began what would develop into their respective careers as comic artists.

Tomer eventually set his sights on New York and the School of Visual Arts as a means to continue his development as an artist, while Asaf directed his studies towards art school in France . After graduation, and a handful of well-deserved awards, Tomer was constantly sought after by small record labels, magazines, and newspapers for his unrivaled talent. In the midst of his apparent success, he also began collaborating with his brother on “Bipolar Comics,” a well-regarded and deeply philosophical comic series that explores the relationships between characters in an afterlife where all of the inhabitants were once suicide victims, as well as an agonizing man with chronic stomach pains.

Undoubtedly the most gifted comic illustrator in quite some time, Tomer Hanuka's intimidating portfolio is rich and diverse, including illustrations for Aesop Rock, The New Yorker, and cover art for numerous DC titles, including “Kinetic,” “Fraction,” and “Midnight Mass.” Hanuka is certainly a leader, an anomaly of fervent passion for what he does. We can't wait to see what he does next.