Sexy Humor With an Occasional Violent Twist By Comic Artist Toni Greis

Toni Greis, born on August 30, 1973, in Braunschweig, Germany, is a celebrated comic artist and illustrator whose work has left a significant mark in both German and international comic scenes. Greis began his career contributing to the underground magazine Menschenblut (transl. Human Blood), which became a springboard for his subsequent success.

Fig.1  Toni Greis with two of his creations

Evocative Blend of Sensuality and Artistry

In 2000, he was offered the opportunity to illustrate his own erotic comic series, Alraune, in collaboration with writer Rochus "Robi" Hahn. Published by Schwarzer Turm, the series quickly gained popularity for its evocative blend of sensuality and artistry. Its success extended beyond Germany, with translations in six languages and distribution in the U.S. by Eros Comix. Alongside Alraune, Greis produced an erotic portfolio for the series and contributed to renowned publications such as Artcore, Heavy Metal, and the German comic series Horst.

Fig 2 Cover Alraune 1

Fig.3  Alraune 1

Fig.4 Alraune 1

Prizes

Beyond erotic works, Greis demonstrated his artistic versatility with Luna, a four-volume fantasy series created between 2006 and 2012. Luna earned Greis the prestigious ICOM Independent Comic Prize for Outstanding Artwork in 2007, cementing his reputation as a master of visual storytelling.

Sweat-Inducing World

Despite the challenges faced by German comic artists, Greis’s meticulous artistry and compelling narratives have garnered a loyal audience (over 130k followers on Instagram). His ability to depict a "sweat-inducing world of lascivious eroticism," as seen in Alraune, is matched by his skill in crafting vivid fantasy realms, as in Luna.

Fig.5  Alraune 1

Fig.6  Alraune 1

"Well-Endowed" Man

Greis’s Alraune, published in 8 volumes between 2001 and 2005, is a provocative adult comic that combines explicit storytelling with a dark and fantastical narrative. The plot revolves around Dinah, a young woman whose life changes dramatically after visiting a mysterious tent at a fair with her friend Marion. There, they defy the rules surrounding the exhibition of a particularly "well-endowed" man (fig.3 and 4). As a result, Dinah is cursed by the tent owner, leaving her with an insatiable sexual appetite that leads to unsettling and taboo-breaking encounters, including the seduction of her own father. Stricken by guilt and revulsion, she flees her home in search of answers.

Fig.7  Alraune 2

Fig 8 Alraune 2

Fig.9  Alraune 3

Fig.10 Alraune 4

Fig.11 Alraune 7

Fig.12 Alraune 8

Darkly Humorous Scenes

In the individual illustrations below that Greis made between 2012 and 2024, cheerful erotic fantasies alternate with darkly humorous scenes. Killing Season (fig.23) in particular is a striking example of the latter.

Fig.13  Artwork (2019) by Toni Greis

Fig.14  Artwork (2014) by Toni Greis

Fig.15  Artwork (2018) by Toni Greis

Fig. 16  Artwork (2013) by Toni Greis

Fig.17  Artwork (2018) by Toni Greis

Fig.18  Spring Cleaning (2021)

Fig.18a Uncensored version "Spring Cleaning"

Fig.19  (2023)

Fig.20

Fig.21  (2013)

Fig.22  (2014)

Fig.23 Killing Season (2018)

Fig.23a

In the extended Premium edition of the article you can find more background on Greis' Alrauna's series including more images.

Toni Greis is active on Instagram

Click HERE for the eroticism in the comic art of the legendary Argentine cartoonist Horacio Altuna

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