How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling

Martinbrough shows how to get various kinds of dramatic effects in the noir style using the simple tools of ink and pencils, pens, and brushes. Additional work of this foremost artist/illustrator can be seen at the website www.verge.tv. But his work is already familiar to many in DC Comics and Marvel Comics and also the films Batman, X-Men, and others. Starting with how to visual a script (or any text) to create noir illustrations for it, Martinbrough moves on to the fundamental of page layout and then the techniques of graphically portraying action and developing a series of illustrations generating drama. Panel design, backgrounds, and rhythm are among the specific topics covered with corresponding illustrations. While cautioning the illustrator should never forget text that is going to be inserted into many noir illustrations, in a series of three simple illustrations Martinbrough demonstrates choices that can be made in panel design or organization affecting the effects or prominence of elements of the noir illustration. In discussing "Designing the Covers," he notes, "Remember, the more detailed your cover, the harder it becomes to convey a clear message of what the story is about." The reader benefits not only from Martinbrough's exceptional talent putting him at the top of his profession, but also from his experience in the field of comics and films working on projects involving various persons (e. g., writer, director) and thus various considerations. The expert instruction is capped off by a 16-page graphic novel titled "The Truce" combining all the considerations and techniques Martinbrough has covered in the earlier sections.

i read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it! it's an easy read and it teaches everyone, not just artists, to understand and create the stylized artform of noir. it's chockful of instructions and tells the reader what equipment to buy, how to create drama with shadow and lighting, and how to lay out pages. if that's not enough, there are dead-on noir pictures of celebrities like donald trump, rudy guiliani, kofi annan and biggie smalls. it's fun!

hey, i have been a fan of martinbrough's since his days on Creeper, then his LEGENDARY run on BATMAN! way back, he did some inking on some MILESTONE comic books, and you could see, how much he IMPROVED the pencils, by adding his amazing inks to the art. and now, they finally got it right! Martinbrough, whose dark and moody inks have always intrigued, has made a 'HOW TO DRAW' book, and this is THE book to own! I love drawing in black and white, pen and ink, and now, i have the perfect reference book to work from. i HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone, who wishes not only to be a better comic book artist, but to be a better ILLUSTRATOR as well. tons of great art, tons of great ideas, this book is just hands down, a WINNER. buy it!