Dike Ruan pencils, inks & wash; page 1; undated; image size 10" x 15"
Dike Ruan pencils, inks & wash; page 1; undated; image size 10" x 15"Gorgeous work, created as a sample test for Marvel, which seems to have worked out well for everyone involved as Ruan has gone on to become a fan favorite! The page features Spider-Gwen, an alternate universe version of Gwen Stacy, who has become a standout addition in the expanded Spider-Verse series of comics and films.
Dike Ruan’s work on Spider-Verse #3 had a significant and positive impact on his career. His art in this issue was widely recognized for its dynamic and energetic style, which blended manga influences with Western comic sensibilities. Reviewers noted that Ruan’s approach matched the tone of the story exceptionally well, describing it as “almost straight-up manga, but not quite,” and praised how his linework and panel composition brought a fresh visual energy to the Spider-Verse event!
This debut for Marvel gave Ruan greater visibility in the American comics industry and showcased his ability to handle high-profile characters and multiversal action. The success of his work on Spider-Verse #3 led to further opportunities at Marvel, most notably his acclaimed run as the main artist on the Shang-Chi series, where his dynamic action sequences and expressive character work continued to receive critical and fan acclaim.
Spider-Verse #3 served as a breakthrough, establishing Dike Ruan as an exciting new talent and opening the door for ongoing work with major publishers!
Pen, ink, and ink wash. Art is in excellent condition. Signed by Ruan.
The additional images are examples of some of Ruan's published work as well as the cover to the first appearance of Spider-Gwen, and are for reference only.
Artist Information
Dike Ruan is a Chinese comic book artist, born August 5, 1995, who currently resides in Italy. Originally trained in architecture, Ruan transitioned to comics, bringing a keen sense of structure and design to his work. He cites both manga and American comics as major influences, blending Eastern and Western visual storytelling in his art.
Ruan made his Marvel debut in 2019 with Spider-Verse #3, quickly gaining recognition for his dynamic style. He is best known for his work on Shang-Chi, collaborating with writer Gene Luen Yang and artist Philip Tan to relaunch the character for a new generation. Ruan’s run on Shang-Chi is praised for its energetic action sequences and nuanced depiction of Asian characters, reflecting his own cultural background and influences.
Ruan’s art is known for its sense of movement and energy, making static comic panels feel as if they’re in motion. He excels at choreographing fight scenes and martial arts action, drawing on his admiration for martial arts cinema and legendary figures like Bruce Lee and Wong Fei Hung.
His work synthesizes the clean, expressive lines of manga with the bold dynamism of American superhero comics, resulting in a style that is both accessible and visually exciting.
Ruan’s meticulous hatching and smooth linework give his characters depth and personality, while his ability to convey emotion ensures each scene resonates with readers.
Ruan is influenced by artists such as Olivier Coipel and is inspired by both manga/anime and classic American superheroes. He grew up idolizing martial arts heroes and Japanese characters like Goku, and his favorite American comic character is Daredevil.
The artist continues to work with major publishers, including Marvel, DC, and Netflix projects. He recently contributed to Mark Millar’s Magic Order and is slated to provide cover art for Marvel’s Alien: Thaw.
Critics and fans regard Dike Ruan as one of the most talented emerging artists in American comics, particularly for his ability to merge Eastern and Western styles and bring fresh representation to superhero storytelling!