Will you buy the revamped Megazine? I already buy it - and will carry on doing so. It's a bit too pricey, no more Meg for me Yes, I'll start picking it up again I'll try one issue and see if it's improved. Nope, it's still not for me

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Simon Davis has cemented himself in the postion of one of 2000AD's top artists. Best known for Sinister Dexter, he has established the look & feel of the characters more than any otehr artist (as well as working on the best SD "epics"). His art is instantly recognisable, combining photo-realistic characters, with a kinetic page layout.

We caught up with the man himself and subjected him to our Q&A...

What tools do you use - and have you had any artist training?

I draw out pages with Pilot drawing pens and markers on Hot Pressed watercolour board and then I use Gouache for the painting. I went to art college in Leamington spa and then Swindon... and worked in a couple of graphic design studios....soul-destroying stuff!!!

How did you get your first job for 2000AD?

With the help of Simon Bisley who advised me on technique etc and very gradually a style developed until David Bishop gave me my first job for the Megazine..a Judge Death story, I think....

You are one of the few 2000AD artists how still produces fully painted artwork. Do you have a particular preference for this over pen & ink work?

I really love painted stuff...I'm happiest when painting. Although I ink pretty thoroughly before painting a page ,I don't feel that my inking is good so i'm always relieved when i cover it all with paint..!

You've become the definitive Sinister Dexter artist, and have to a large degree defined their look. What attracts you to the characters, and can you see yourself continuing with them for the foreseeable future?

I have developed a real affection for the characters...Dan's writing is so good and funny that it's a real joy to do...I've just finished a text Sin/Dex for the Xmas issue which was really good fun so maybe Dan and I will do more like it in the future...but hopefully more strip work too in the future..

Your characters have a very "real" look about them. Do you use friends/actors as a basis for them?

I use a lot of friends for photo reference for the characters which adds to my enjoyment of doing the whole thing... the things people are prepared to do is amazing...it usually descends into hysterical laughter...I can't thank them enough...

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