$17.23 with 14 percent savings
List Price: $19.95
The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Tuesday, October 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tomorrow, October 11. Order within 8 hrs 41 mins.
In Stock
$$17.23 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$17.23
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Shawn Martinbrough
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

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

by Shawn Martinbrough (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 489 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$17.23","priceAmount":17.23,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"17","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"23","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"ps3qbwxRw1ZrmLp2z1IZPJMY1vJ0Re8EOJ9DHPe6b1OnLd2YVllpOvSreJCHLckQpNsKDsysdJMZ3fWMI%2FyHIGb7Vmfljy3dhh%2BtsZA3Iq6gdmVA%2BqIyv9WfYPh%2FBccXcTa71WQc7GI%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling is an instructional book based on the cinematic, high contrast noir style of acclaimed comic book and graphic novel illustrator, Shawn Martinbrough.



Martinbrough’s work has been published by DC Comics, Vertigo and Marvel Comics, illustrating stories ranging from Batman to the X-Men. This is his first book, released through Watson-Guptill Publications and The Nielsen Company.



In How to Draw Noir Comics, Martinbrough shows how the expert use of the color black is critical for drawing noir comics. He demonstrates how to set a mood, design characters and locations, stage action and enhance drama, and discusses important topics like page layout, panel design, and cover design.



How to Draw Noir Comics includes The Truce, an original graphic novel written and illustrated by Martinbrough which incorporates the many lessons addressed throughout the book, and has an introduction by critically-acclaimed novelist Greg Rucka, author of the graphic novel Whiteout, currently in production as a major motion picture.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    144 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Watson-Guptill
  4. Publication date
    October 30, 2007
  5. Dimensions
    8.53 x 0.38 x 10.99 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9780823024063
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0823024063
  8. See all details
Next slide of product details
Books with Buzz
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Frequently bought together

How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling
This item: How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling
$17.23
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Oct 15
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Framed Ink: Drawing and Composition for Visual Storytellers
$15.99
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Oct 15
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Framed Ink 2: Frame Format, Energy, and Composition for Visual Storytellers
$19.29
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Oct 15
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Shawn Martinbrough illustrates many DC and Marvel comics, including
Superman, Detective Comics, Batman, and X-Men. Other clients include LucasArts, Playboy, and many others. In 2004, he was named one of "Washington, D.C.'s Best" by The
Washingtonian. He lives in Washington, D.C.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0823024067
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Watson-Guptill; First Edition (October 30, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780823024063
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0823024063
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.53 x 0.38 x 10.99 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 489 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Shawn Martinbrough

Shawn Martinbrough

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Shawn Martinbrough is the author of "How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling" by Penguin Random House and an Eisner Award nominated artist whose comic book projects include; "Batman: Detective Comics", "DMZ", "Luke Cage Noir", "The Black Panther: Man Without Fear" and "Hellboy".

Characters co-created by Shawn are featured in "Zack Snyder's Justice League", "Deadpool", "Batman: Gotham Knights" and the television series; "GOTHAM", "The GIFTED" and "BATWOMAN".

Shawn is the artist of “Thief of Thieves”, the graphic novel series co-created with Robert Kirkman (“The Walking Dead”, "INVINCIBLE") and the Eisner nominated "Prométhée 13:13", published by comiXology / Delcourt / ABLAZE.

Shawn is a Vanity Fair contributor and the writer of "Red Hood" for DC Comics. His two part story and the upcoming six part sequel, revisit the Gotham City neighborhood of "The Hill" and introduce multiple new characters to the Batman Universe.

Shawn is a co-author of “Judge Kim and the Kids’ Court”, the new children's book series from Simon & Schuster and the artist of "Like Lava in My Veins", the upcoming children's book with NYTimes best-selling author Derrick D. Barnes for Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin. Shawn is currently writing and illustrating a creator owned graphic novel for Megascope / Abrams Books.

Working with Oscar-winning screenwriter, Executive Producer Geoffrey Fletcher and ABC News, Shawn created storyboards and art for “Mike Tyson: The Knockout”. The four hour documentary features animated recreations of Tyson’s life and is available on ABC and Hulu.

Shawn's TED Talk can be seen on Youtube.

www.shawnmartinbrough.com / @smartinbrough

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
489 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book filled with insights and techniques. They appreciate the excellent artwork, style, and rich imagery. Readers describe the prose as engaging and the presentation of refined, sophisticated, and professional data. They say it keeps their interest for digital illustrators and creators interested in entering into noir style.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Information qualityArt styleWriting qualityInterest levelNoir style
24 customers mention "Information quality"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book filled with insights and techniques. They say it's a great reference book for graphic novelists, newbies, and experienced ones. Readers mention the content is educational and informative.

"...An excellent reference book for those that are trying their hand at graphic novels." Read more

"...it as their skill grows - it was just a big, complete, comprehensive bunch of data on the topic...." Read more

"...But the content is still pretty educational and informative...." Read more

"...help, but if you are willing to put in the time, this book is one of the better guides to do it all...." Read more

17 customers mention "Art style"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the artwork excellent, rich, and impressive. They also appreciate the noir style and quality of the book. Readers mention the thick blacks are amazing to look at and that they enjoy looking at the large print.

"...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..." Read more

"...I enjoyed looking at the large print as well as the artwork which is printed on nice good quality paper...." Read more

"...Well written, and has amazing artwork." Read more

"...Pretty much all of it translates quite well to digital art...." Read more

17 customers mention "Writing quality"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well-written, engaging, and excellent. They mention it's an intermediate to advanced text with numerous well-explained comic pages. Readers also appreciate the simple words, rich imagery, and awesome visual storytelling tutorial. They say the text is sparse but to the point while the images speak volumes.

"...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...." Read more

"...ideas of how get the most of many situations through numerous well-explained comic pages...." Read more

"...To me this is precious, and show that the author is versatile in his technique and creative in his use of tools and materials." Read more

"...This book gives all the material, production, style, structure and how to sell it all in less than 200 pages. It works!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Interest level"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting for digital illustrators. They say it's excellent for creators interested in entering into the noir style and great for intermediate artists.

"...but no problem: this manual keeps all its interest for digital illustrators...." Read more

"I found it really helpful and thorough. This book is great for the intermediate artist and above...." Read more

"Quite complete and highly recommendable. An excellent book for creators interested in entering into noir style. I'm very satisfied with this purchase." Read more

3 customers mention "Noir style"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book breaks down all aspects of noir comics very clearly. They say it's realistic and fantastic for psychological thrillers.

"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..." Read more

"...It breaks all aspects of noir comics down very clearly. A great reference to have." Read more

"Noir realistic comics by one of the greatest..." Read more

Worth the wait
5 out of 5 stars
Worth the wait
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.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Felix Carrion PhD
5.0 out of 5 stars Simple words, rich imagery
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2009
Verified Purchase
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.
12 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
The Lone Comic
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent presentation of refined, sophisticated and professional data.
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2014
Verified Purchase
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 TM
Defender of Creativity and Entertainment SM
Helpful
 Report
Edouard ELCET
5.0 out of 5 stars Noir realistic comics by one of the greatest
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2009
Verified Purchase
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
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Don Low
4.0 out of 5 stars A Kick Start to Noir Comics
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2008
Verified Purchase
I was expecting a little more from the book, judging from the fact that the author is a legend (read other reviews)in the comics industry. But the content is still pretty educational and informative. I enjoyed looking at the large print as well as the artwork which is printed on nice good quality paper. Even though the information may seem too comprehensive for more professional artists, they may benefit from looking at how the artwork is done, and in fact, I enjoyed looking at how the author has provided us with different treatment to the same artwork. To me this is precious, and show that the author is versatile in his technique and creative in his use of tools and materials.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Neil The Unreel
5.0 out of 5 stars Noir needs no better instructor
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2012
Verified Purchase
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.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Clarence Dass
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the wait
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2021
Verified Purchase
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.
Customer image
Clarence Dass
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the wait
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2021
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.
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Randall D. Schultz
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
I loved this book.
Helpful
 Report
gaabriel becket
3.0 out of 5 stars OK, bit inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
Arrived on time in perfect condition, no complaints at all re fulfillment. Nice book to read, not really too instructional beyond looking at style as example but reading actual works would have done more for me, I think.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Angel Saloma Guerra
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente producto y entrega
Reviewed in Mexico on October 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
Es un gran libro del cual puedo decir cosas maravillosa y vale mucho la pena de adquirir, la entrega fue excelente y el producto se encontró en las mejores condiciones.
One person found this helpful
 Report
limner
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book on graphic storytelling.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 16, 2022
Verified Purchase
This is an excellent book but the title is misleading. It assumes you are already a skilled artist who wants to explore the noir genre with skills in figurative and landscape drawing and a good knowledge of perspective.
But for artists or fans of the genre it is comprehensive, easy to read and extremely informative. (I was so absorbed by it I read it in a sitting, staying up far too late. )
I've already got Chris Hart's book on the subject but this is much better. It goes from tools and techniques right through to a completed mini Noir comic and is packed full of examples - including roughs and thumbnails- which give a tremendously enjoyable insight into the author's process.
I've been a fan of comics since childhood, so own lots plus lots of how to books but can honestly say that this one gave me more insight into how graphic storytelling works than any of the others.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Quinn
5.0 out of 5 stars Sometimes things really are B&W.
Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2018
Verified Purchase
A story told well in black and white can be done so without ever using dialogue. This book gives you the tools to start, your imagination and ability will do the rest. With so many "How to Draw Comics" books out there, this book definitely stands on it's own. The artwork alone makes it a great book for the coffee table.
2 people found this helpful
 Report
Gallego fla
5.0 out of 5 stars Muito bom!
Reviewed in Brazil on May 27, 2017
Verified Purchase
Excelente material. Até bem didático pra quem não tem total domínio do inglês,fala dos matérias , uso de sombras e como os diversos mateiras influenciam no desenho e composição. Ensina a por atmosfera, sentimento e composição pra quem quer fazer quadrinhos e tb ilustrações, já q o autor trabalhou na Marvel e atuou como arte finalista do grande John Paul leon
Customer image
Gallego fla
5.0 out of 5 stars Muito bom!
Reviewed in Brazil on May 27, 2017
Excelente material. Até bem didático pra quem não tem total domínio do inglês,fala dos matérias , uso de sombras e como os diversos mateiras influenciam no desenho e composição. Ensina a por atmosfera, sentimento e composição pra quem quer fazer quadrinhos e tb ilustrações, já q o autor trabalhou na Marvel e atuou como arte finalista do grande John Paul leon
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image
Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
4 people found this helpful
 Report
Nico
5.0 out of 5 stars After the basics, there's Noir...
Reviewed in Germany on June 26, 2018
Verified Purchase
This book is slightly different from the other "learn to draw" books.
If you want to use the information in "How to Draw Noir Comics" you have to know the basics (anatomy, ...).
Step by step the "noir" technique is explained, what materials you need, how you can create atmosphere with the way you use shadows, ...
Very interesting book.
3 people found this helpful
 Report