Erik Kriek

Erik Kriek was born on 18 November 1966 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is best known as the writer and artist of the comic book series *Gutsman*. His path into comics began in the mid-1990s, and he has remained active in the industry through 2025, contributing as an artist, colorist, inker, letterer, and writer across 30 issues. Kriek’s signature style blends vivid, expressive linework with a darkly humorous sensibility, often exploring pulp and horror themes. He is particularly noted for his illustrated books, including *In the Pines: Murder Ballads* (Fantagraphics, 2017), *Welcome to Creek Country* (Concerto, 2020), and *The Set-up: The lost classic by the author of The Wild Party* (Korero Press, 2021), the latter adapting a poem by Joseph Moncure March. Kriek’s work frequently appears in collections such as *Zone 5300*, *De kuil*, *Die Grube*, and *Der Verbannte*. Beyond comics, he collects banjos and performs in a bluegrass band. In 2008, he received the Stripschapprijs, a major Dutch comics award recognizing his overall contribution to the medium. His legacy is that of a versatile creator who brings a distinct European sensibility to American-style storytelling.