Prospect of conflict with China over islands in East China Sea propels cartoon novels selling in millions

Images from the comic-book artist.

Explore Crispy Copper's 1573 photos on Flickr!

For Daniel Cooney, it began with Superperson. After spending his childhood doodling dinosaurs and imaginary creatures, Mr. Cooney took his first steps towards what would be his eventual career with the 120-issue comic featuring the “stick figure Superman.” He worked on the series from sixth grade right up through high school, penciling his friends and family into the action, and occasionally getting into trouble for drawing in class. Today Mr. Cooney is still drawing in class, but as an…

From tiny writing desks to giant painting studios, the only thing all of these creative studios have in common is that they inspired their successful inhabitants to create greatness.

“Piratical, ferocious and more than slightly surreal.”