John - are you aware of the work of the late British SF cover artist Peter Elson? I've often wondered whether the image below was an inspiration for your Man of Steel-era Kryptonians.

My Kryptonians, by the way, were loosely based on the playing cards in "Alice in Wonderland".

Wow - the "Alice in Wonderland" playing cards? I can see it now that you've said it, but I'd never have guessed otherwise. 

And that, Paul, is why it's so great to hang out here.  You never know when JB might share some pearl of wisdom of his creative process.

I loved JB's Kryptonians, such a welcome change from the 'World's Fair' look that had been used since the 1930's. It was cool in 1930's, of course, but their 'look' hadn't been updated. I thought JB's resembled aloof, godlike beings; little did I know they were based on human playing cards! You really do learn something new every single day.

Roger - I'll second that! This is the most amazing 'place' on the internet for any fan of comics that I've ever seen.

What were some of Elson's major works?  His style looks somewhat familiar, but I can't quite place it...

Gregg -most people are familiar with his stuff from the "Terran trade Authority Handbooks" of the late 1970s. His illustrations are typical of the British "Big Spaceship" school of SF illustration, but I like P.E. because he actually seemed to take the time to read the books he was illustrating.

Here's a website I'm building with some of his images:

http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/peterelsonfan/PEHome.htm ?0.9129224683454037

Very much so. Outside of comics, Syd Mead and John Berkey are two of the biggest influences on my work.