How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling Paperback – October 30, 2007

Being a Belgian-style comic illustrator, I did'nt know Shawn Martinbrough before, so I visited his homepage and made an exploration of the book with the appropriate functions of Amazon. Then not only I was convinced that Martinbrough had been choiced by the most important comic publishers, and his incredible talent was evident, but also that the book was of first interest for any comics illustrator working with ink outlines and having to illustrate dramas and place plain dark zones. Martinbrough warns the reader that he will not teach drawing either figures or environments, nevertheless he gives great ideas of how get the most of many situations through numerous well-explained comic pages. This is not a book to read as a simple novel, but to study carefully and read several times before, during and after practice. Martinbrough works only traditionaly (I do all my inking digital in Photoshop and in Manga Studio EX), but no problem: this manual keeps all its interest for digital illustrators. As a bonus, a very beautiful comic novel "The Truce" is included in the book. With the excellent "Drawing crime noir" by Christopher Hart, this handbook makes not only a good pair for professionals, but it is simply a MUST TO BUY, even for advanced illustrators when they are not sure how to place their plain ink zones.E. Elcet, professional comics illustrator, Paris

This is a surprisingly 'complete' contribution to the growing number of books on how-to create graphic novels. The text is sparing but to the point while the images speak volumes about why and how the images were created for the storytelling task. This is not a step by step about the business of graphic novels or comics but is more of a distilled rendering of Martinbrough's accumulated wisdom about what works in this approach to visual storytelling. I do believe that the reader is more likely to pick up these pointers if the reader has a background in art already. In other words, there is much in the visual aspects of this book to be appreciated if you have tried your hand at visual storytelling already. An excellent reference book for those that are trying their hand at graphic novels.

I was really anticipating this book. Noir techniques are fantastic for psychological thrillers, one of which I am writing for a comic of my own design for my Lone Comic entertainment brand.When it arrived, the information was so complete and useful, it was almost over my head. Even though the information is presented in just about as intelligent a manner as it can be presented, it is some professional level data for accomplished comic book artists.That is not to say a beginner cannot use it a reuse it as their skill grows - it was just a big, complete, comprehensive bunch of data on the topic.I really hope I can use all this book offers in the long run.The Lone Comic TMDefender of Creativity and Entertainment SM

A lot to learn here about manipulating black shapes for better storytelling. Not exactly for beginners. This is best for those artists who know the basics but are trying to improve their craft.One star off because it only deals with a certain type of artwork--clean, solid shapes with no hatching. I'd prefer this book include a chapter on great "noir" type art such as Gene Colan who employed a lot of hatching.

I am trying to convert a few screenplays into graphic novels and this book is one of the best vehicles to do so. I have been a huge fan of Noir in the movies and Frank Miller's style in the comics. This book gives all the material, production, style, structure and how to sell it all in less than 200 pages. It works! If you don't know how to drawl nothing can help, but if you are willing to put in the time, this book is one of the better guides to do it all. Noir is the genre I want to work in and I have read several books on making graphic novels. This is the complete book for mastering your work and how to sell it.

Insightful and well organized book. Can't recall why it took me so long to "finally" buy it. Martinbrough's voice and talent comes through in living "black and white." Traditional knowledge and techniques still have value and are quite relevant as evidenced within this work. Pretty much all of it translates quite well to digital art. Any artist interested in delving into the world of noir comics and the fundamental associated techniques should not hesitate to get this book. An enjoyable learning experience for novice and experienced alike.

Ordering from Fiji, it does take a long time for items to get to here in the best of times and with the pandemic affecting shipping and orders, I was worried for this order, but it got here safe and sound.The book itself is decent. It's pretty much like looking at images done in the noir style, with the writer over your shoulder explaining the thinking behind the lines. It is more for seasoned illustrators looking to hone their style and not for newer artists learning to draw.That being said, I'm very happy with the purchase and hope to use it as a tool when im doing art studies of artists like Frank Miller or Mike Mignola.Thank you.

Not what I expected but gives some good context around Noir Comic Design.