John McLusky (20 January 1923 – 5 September 2006) was a comics artist best known as the original artist of the comic strip featuring Ian Fleming's James Bond.
Biography Hector John Dewhirst McLusky was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He eventually moved with his two brothers, sister and parents, to Leeds, Yorkshire. They moved from Leeds to Leamington Spa in 1936. John (also known as Hector) attended Warwick School from 1936 to 1940, and, after a period back in Leeds, proceeded to the Slade School of Art where he held the position of Art Teacher.
John McLusky began illustrating the comic strip adaptation of James Bond for the Daily Express. From 1958 to 1966, McLusky adapted 13 of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels or short stories.
After Yaroslav Horak had taken over the James Bond strip, McLusky drew Secret Agent 13 for Fleetway. For the magazine TV Comic McLusky illustrated several strips over 15 years, notably Look and Learn and strip adaptations for Laurel & Hardy, and the Pink Panther. In 1982 McLusky returned to illustrate the James Bond strip, collaborating with writer Jim Lawrence to illustrate four new original James Bond stories.
John McLusky continued other work throughout his career – including several years as Art History Lecturer and substitute teaching in Art & Art History. A passion of his was working as a Punch & Judy puppeteer on Bournemouth Pier & Filey in Yorkshire. He became a Professor of Punch & Judy which was in recognition of his knowledge & services to this time honoured tradition.
James Bond strips + Art by John McLuskyTitle Writer Date Serial no.Casino Royale Anthony Hern 7 July – 13 December 1958 1-138Live and Let Die Henry Gammidge 15 December 1958 – 28 March 1959 139-225Moonraker Henry Gammidge 3 March – 8 August 1959 226-339Diamonds Are Forever Henry Gammidge 10 August 1959 – 30 January 1960 340-487From Russia, with Love Henry Gammidge 1 February – 21 May 1960 488-583Dr. No Peter O'Donnell 23 May – 1 October 1960 584-697Goldfinger Henry Gammidge 3 October 1960 – 1 April 1961 698-849Risico Henry Gammidge 3 April – 24 June 1961 850-921From a View to a Kill Henry Gammidge 26 June – 9 September 1961 922-987For Your Eyes Only Henry Gammidge 11 September – 9 December 1961 988-1065Thunderball Henry Gammidge 11 December 1961 – 10 February 1962 1066–1128On Her Majesty's Secret Service Henry Gammidge 29 June 1964 – 15 May 1965 1-274You Only Live Twice Henry Gammidge 17 May 1965 – 8 January 1966 275-475
Other work The Paradise Plot (1981-1982) Deathmask (1982–1983) Flittermouse (1983) Polestar (1983) The Scent Of Danger (1984)
Sources
External links John McLusky biography on Lambiek Comiclopedia