John Roshell

John Roshell is best known as a co-founder of Comicraft, the influential graphic design and lettering studio that has shaped the visual identity of modern comics. Born in 1970, he entered the field in the mid-1990s, quickly establishing himself as a letterer and designer of remarkable clarity and character. His most sustained work appears on Kurt Busiek’s *Astro City*, where his lettering became integral to the series’ nostalgic yet polished tone, and on *The Autumnlands*, *Hulk: Gray*, and *Doctor Strange*. Roshell’s style is clean, expressive, and deeply attuned to narrative rhythm—he treats lettering as a subtle but essential storytelling tool. He collaborated closely with Busiek, as well as with artists like Alex Ross and Brent Anderson, helping to define the look of their landmark projects. Beyond lettering, he contributed as an artist, colorist, and inker on dozens of issues, demonstrating a versatile hand. Comicraft’s work—and Roshell’s leadership—helped professionalize comic lettering as a distinct craft. He remains active, with credits spanning 1995 to 2021, and his legacy is felt in the industry’s increased attention to design and typography. He has received multiple Eisner Awards for his lettering and design work.