Charles Burns earliest prominent works include illustrations for the Sub Pop fanzine and contributions to Art Spiegelman's comic magazine RAW. His work is currently published by Fantagraphics Books, including his Harvey Award-winning series Black Hole.
Burns has done many high-profile illustrations, such as his work for the Iggy Pop album Brick by Brick. His artwork was also licensed by The Coca-Cola Company to illustrate some of the cans and advertising material for their failed OK Soda product.