Skidmore alum and 3D character artist Jonah Lobe ’05 unveils a scientific study of superheroes
Jonah Lobe ’05 is an award-winning concept artist, 3D character artist, and illustrator best known for his monster, character, and weaponry creations in Bethesda Softworks video games like Skyrim and Fallout. His latest projects include illustrating the well-received book "Marvel Anatomy: A Scientific Study of the Superhuman" (Insight Editions, October 2022). Lobe worked with co-author Marc Sumerak on the 230-page deluxe book that delves into the intricate details of more than 60 Marvel characters, from Spider-Man, Hulk, Thanos, and Mystique to the Thing, Squirrel Girl, and Groot.
The storyline is written from the point of view of T’Challa (Black Panther and king of the fictional African nation Wakanda) and Shuri (Black Panther’s genius sister). They analyze the powers of these superheroes, exploring the science and anatomical innerworkings to unlock the secrets behind the Marvel Universe’s most powerful characters. Everything in the book is reflected in Lobe’s illustrations, replete with physiological cutaways and diagrams.
“The authors and publisher gave me a lot of freedom in what I chose to illustrate. I got to invent what a Skrull skull is made up of, for instance, to describe how shape-shifting occurs,” says Lobe, who conducted extensive research on human anatomy to ground the characters in scientific detail. “The human body is incredibly complex, and Marvel Anatomy shines a light on that complexity.”
Lobe, who grew up in Maryland and lives in Brooklyn, majored in art at Skidmore. The College attracted him not only with its strong art program, but also the broader range of courses offered. “Yes, I took drawing, painting, and digital art, but I also took world politics, women’s studies, sleep and dreams, and other classes,” he says.
Before “Marvel Anatomy,” Lobe had never drawn a superhero. Now that he has become a (fake) medical expert on them, is there a favorite? It’s hard to pick, he says, but Jocasta, the titanium fembot with a supercomputer brain, is on the list. “Jocasta was the only hero in the book I'd never heard of before. I decided she required special attention in the design of her robo-brain, and she has become a big favorite of mine now.”
