Klaus Janson is opening his first U.S. art exhibition today at Philippe Labaune Gallery in New York, marking a career-spanning showcase just ahead of the 40th anniversary of The Dark Knight Returns.
The exhibition, running from March 6 through April 11, 2026, will feature more than 100 pieces from across Janson’s five-decade career, including work from his defining runs on Batman, Daredevil, Thor, and other major titles. An opening reception took place on March 5 from 6 PM to 9 PM.
As part of the exhibition coverage, Anime Corner can exclusively share a selection of works that will be on display. Featured pieces include:
- Thor #27, penciled by Eric Larsen and inked by Janson
- Hulk #49 (2006), penciled by John Romita Jr. and inked by Janson
- Two pages from Punisher War Zone (1992), penciled by Romita Jr. and inked by Janson
- Thor #1, penciled by Romita Jr. and inked by Janson
- Thor #15, penciled by Lee Weeks and inked by Janson
- Thor #16, penciled by Romita Jr. and inked by Janson
Janson is widely recognized for his collaborations with Frank Miller on Daredevil and The Dark Knight Returns, as well as his work alongside artists including John and Sal Buscema, Dick Giordano, Bill Sienkiewicz, Gil Kane, and Gene Colan. His career has spanned roles as penciler, inker, colorist, writer, and educator.
“Through this survey, Klaus Janson emerges as a singular figure whose adaptability, sensitivity, and understanding have permanently expanded what comics can achieve,” said Philippe Labaune. “His ability to work as a penciler, inker, colorist, writer, and teacher demonstrates the depth and range of his contributions to the medium and underscores why this exhibition is so significant. The exhibition celebrates a life in comics, offering a rare and considered perspective on the medium, and honoring an artist whose work has defined the visual and emotional language of American comics for generations.”
On his approach to storytelling, Janson said, “Everything on a page is connected to everything else. No decisions are arbitrary. Everything is conscious and deliberate.”
“The reader should never have to decide what the story is. That’s the job of the storyteller.”
The exhibition highlights Janson’s inking work in particular, a discipline that helped define his artistic identity. “Though his career encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, it was through inking that Janson first established both his livelihood and his artistic identity,” Labaune added.
Janson’s collaborations with Miller on Daredevil remain among the most influential in comics history. “One thing that’s missing in comics today is the ability to sit and talk face to face, learning from each other,” Janson said. “Frank and I would often discuss and review what we were doing on our work together.”
“I didn’t realize until I stood in front of a classroom how much I didn’t know. There’s no doubt that teaching made me a better artist.”
The Philippe Labaune Gallery, located at 534 West 24th Street in New York, is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. The gallery has hosted exhibitions featuring both European and American comic artists, including Lorenzo Mattotti, Guido Crepax, Mike Mignola, and Frank Miller.
The Klaus Janson exhibition opens to the public tomorrow, March 6.
Source: Press Release
Participate In Discussions