Latest Posts
Forbes
Forbes Adrienne Samuels Gibbs interviews Shawn and the “Judge Kim” creative team about their new children’s book series for Simon & Schuster and the “Creating Justice: Judge Kim” exhibition at the Society of Illustrators in NYC.
“When I was a kid I didn’t see much of this on the bookshelves or in the libraries. Here we have a story that a young child of color could really latch on to.”- K.C. Boyd, School Library Journal’s 2022 Librarian of the Year.
Popverse Interview
Shawn talks with Popverse about his love of comic books, his new children’s book series, “Judge Kim and the Kids’ Court” from Simon & Schuster and the “Judge Kim” exhibition running through March 18th at the Society of Illustrators in New York.
“Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court” Exhibition
“Judge Kim’s Court” is in session at The Society of Illustrators in New York City!
The “Creating Justice: The Art of Judge Kim and the Kids Court” exhibition features art and character designs from the new children’s book series, “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court: The Case of the Missing Bicycles” published by Simon & Schuster and created by Shawn, Milo Stone, Joseph P. Illidge and Christopher Jordan.
The exhibit runs through March.
Both “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court: The Case of the Missing Bicycles” and the latest release, “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court: The Doggie Defendant” are available in stores and online.
Black Panther WAKANDA ATLAS
With the release of Marvel Studios “Black Panther : Wakanda Forever” on Disney+, Marvel.com interviews writer Evan Narcisse on the new definitive guide, “The Marvel Black Panther Wakanda Atlas” published by DK Books / Penguin Random House and collaborating with Shawn to create original Wakandan concept art. #wakandaforever
1/6: The Graphic Novel
Shawn contributed artwork to the forthcoming graphic novel, “1/6”. Created by Harvard Law School professor Alan Jenkins and NY Times bestselling author Gan Golan, “1/6” imagines a future where the insurrectionists succeed in their plans to violently overturn the election results on January 6, 2021. The project features art from celebrated comic book artists such as William Rosado, Alex Albadree, Jamal Yaseem Igle and Shawn.
Colors by Lee Loughridge.
READ MORE at The Washington Post
ADCOLOR Legend Award Honoree
With fellow honorees Neal Arthur (CEO, Wieden+Kennedy) and Jill Kelly (U.S. CEO EssenceMediacom), Shawn received the Legend Award at the 16th Annual Adcolor Conference and Awards.
LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS
The Best Black Panther Stories of all time list
Popverse ranks Shawn’s “Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive” arc, written by David Liss and published by Marvel Comics, #4 on their “The Best Black Panther Stories of all time” list. #wakandaforever
New Image Comics project
Shawn is writing an original, creator owned mini series for Image Comics. Details to be announced.
FOX5 News Interview
FOX5 News NY’s Antwan Lewis interviews Shawn and co-curator Karama Horne, along with featured artists Khary Randolph, Alitha E. Martinez and Marcus Williams, about “THE ARTIST’S EXPERIENCE: FROM BROTHERMAN TO BATMAN” exhibition currently at the Society of Illustrators until the end of October.
JUDGE KIM / Blerdgurl Interview
Shawn and co-author Joseph P. Illidge talk with Karama Horne about their new Simon & Schuster children’s book series, “Judge Kim and the Kids’ Court”.
FANGORIA Sneak Peek: HELLBOY AND THE B.P.R.D.: 1957- FALLING SKY
FANGORIA provides an exclusive sneak peek at Hellboy And The B.P.R.D.: 1957 – Falling Sky! Written by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson, featuring art by Shawn Martinbrough with colors by Dave Stewart and letters by Clem Robins, this issue follows cryptozoologist Woodrow “Woody” Ferrier after he joins the B.P.R.D. to find exciting and previously undocumented cryptids.
Black Panther WAKANDA ATLAS
The “Black Panther Atlas” published by DK Books and written by Evan Narcisse, features original concept art by Shawn.
Simon & Schuster
Debuting this fall from Simon & Schuster is Shawn’s first children’s book series, “Judge Kim and the Kids’ Court”. Co-created with authors Milo Stone and Joseph Illidge and artist, Christopher Jordan, the Ready-to-Read Graphics series features a young judge who presides over and settles conflicts of all sizes in her town of Fairville.
Promethee 13:13 Reviews
The print edition release of Shawn’s sci-fi epic, Eisner award nominated, “Promethee 13:13”, published by ABLAZE has garnered rave reviews from critics!
Originally released digitally by ComiXology, the sci-fi graphic novel prequel is written by award winning writer Andy Diggle, illustrated by Shawn, colored by Dave Stewart, lettered by Simon Bowland and originally edited by Will Dennis and Jean Wacquet.
Cover illustrations by Jock, Andrea Sorrentino and Max Bartolini.
SVA / “The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman”
The School of Visual Arts talks with Shawn about “The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman” on view at The Society of Illustrators in New York City. The new exhibition celebrates some of the top Black artists in the comic book industry and is co-curated by Shawn and writer/journalist Karama Horne.
The exhibit runs through October.
Hellboy & The B.P.R.D. 1957 Collection
DarkHorse Comics announces the upcoming “Hellboy & The B.P.R.D.” collected edition for 2023, which features a special Hellboy short story illustrated by Shawn.
“The Artist’s Experience” at The Society of Illustrators
Shawn is the co-curator of the “The Artist Experience: From Brotherman to Batman” exhibition at The Society of Illustrators in New York City. Created with culture journalist and author Karama Horne, this historic exhibit showcases some of the top African American artists of the comic book industry and shares insight into their creative processes. “The Artist’s Experience” runs from June 15th through October 29th.
RED HOOD Spanish Edition
Shawn’s RED HOOD arc is reprinted by ECC Ediciones, the editorial division of publisher El Catalogo del Cómic based in Barcelona, Spain.
The
D&AD Book Design Awards 2022
Shawn was invited by the British design group, D&AD, to serve on their 2022 Book Design Awards jury in London, UK. Along with prominent design directors, editors and fellow artists, Shawn reviewed over two hundred submissions from around the world at the D&AD offices in Shoreditch, to award the best entries in book design.
Afro Animation 2022
Shawn served as a judge at the Afro Animation Virtual Summit 2022. Along with his fellow judges, Shawn screened and evaluated animated submissions from around the world to select the winner of The Short Film Awards category.
SKYBOUNDXpo Creating Comics Panel
Shawn shares insights on breaking into the comic book industry and networking with fellow panelists L.L. McKinney (Nubia: Real One), Brandon Thomas (Aquamen, EXCELLENCE) and Khary Randolph (Static Shock, EXCELLENCE) on the Skybound Entertainment (The Walking Dead, INVINCIBLE) “Creating Comics 101 Panel” at the #SkyboundXpo. The panel starts at the 24:00 mark.
NAACP Image Award Nominee
“Blood Brothers” has been nominated for a 2022 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Documentary (Television)“. Shawn created storyboards and original art for the acclaimed Netflix documentary in collaboration with director Marcus A. Clark and producer Jason Perez to tell the extraordinary story of the friendship between icons Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X.
The International Spy Museum event
Shawn joined writer Andy Diggle and National Security Attorney / Comic Book Historian Mark Zaid for the “Spies, Comics and Cocktails” virtual event at The International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. The three discussed classic spy comics spanning various eras, writing and illustrating “James Bond 007” and “Thief of Thieves”.
Screenrants 10 Most Exciting New Comics Announced for 2022
Screenrant lists Shawn’s soon to be announced Red Hood project for DC Comics as one of their “10 Most Exciting New Comics Announced for Release in 2022”.
DC Comics / 2022
Shawn is writing a new, soon to be announced Gotham City project for DC Comics. The six part series will be released in 2022…
Penguin / Nancy Paulsen Books
Publisher’s Weekly announces Shawn’s new project with NY Times bestselling and Kirkus Prize winning author Derrick D. Barnes, Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books and agent Regina Brooks/Serendipity Literary.
Blood Brothers on Netflix
Shawn created storyboards and art for the animated scenes in the acclaimed “Blood Brothers” documentary on Netflix. With animator Jason Scott Jones, Shawn collaborated with director Marcus A. Clark and producer Jason Perez to tell the extraordinary and little-known story of the friendship between two icons Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X.
FAR SECTOR Collected Edition
Shawn receives a special acknowledgement in the new collected edition of “Far Sector” published by DC Comics. Created by award-winning author, N.K. Jemisin (The Fifth Season, The City We Became) and bestselling artist Jamal Campbell (Naomi), “Far Sector” introduces the new Green Lantern Sojourner “Jo” Mullein to the DC Universe.
VANITY FAIR
With colors by Christopher Sotomayor, Shawn’s latest illustration is featured on Vanity’s Fair’s editorial page for their Millennium themed September issue.
10 Best Image Comics Series For New Readers
Screenrant features Shawn’s graphic novel series “Thief of Thieves”, co-created with Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead / INVINCIBLE), on their “10 Best Image Comics Series For New Readers” list.
2021 Eisner Award Nominee
ABC News / Mike Tyson: The Knockout
Working with Oscar Winning screenwriter, Executive Producer / Director Geoffrey Fletcher and ABC News, Shawn created storyboards and illustrations for “Mike Tyson: The Knockout”. The four hour documentary features animated recreations of Tyson’s life and is available on ABC and Hulu.
“STATIC : Season One” Variant cover
Shawn illustrated a variant cover for the debut of “Static: Season One” published by Milestone 2.0 and DC Comics.
Valiant’s SHADOWMAN
Shawn joins acclaimed writer Andy Diggle (Green Arrow: Year One, The Losers) and artists Stephen Segovia (Action Comics), Doug Braithwaite (Justice), and Renato Guedes(Action Comics) to reveal the full scope and power of the Shadowman mythos in an oversized deluxe edition hardcover of the series Nerdist calls “killer”.
Collecting SHADOWMAN (2018) #1–11, and SHADOWMAN/RAE SREMMURD #1, along with more than 20 pages of rarely seen art and extras.
GEIGER Variant Cover
Shawn illustrated a special variant cover for “GEIGER”, the new Image Comic series from the critically acclaimed team of writer Geoff Johns, artist Gary Frank and colorist Brad Anderson.
The Society of Illustrators / MoCCA Arts Festival Talk
Shawn spoke at The Society of Illustrators & MoCCA Arts Festival on developing / writing a “Red Hood” story for DC Comics and his upcoming graphic novel project for the new Abrams Books imprint, “Megascope”.
VANITY FAIR
The April issue of Vanity Fair features Shawn’s illustrations for “Cracking the Case of London’s Elusive, Acrobatic Rare-Book Thieves”.
Colors by Christopher Sotomayor.
TedX MidAtlantic
Shawn spoke at TEDx in Washington, D.C. about the early influence of Star Wars / comic books, creating characters for DC Comics / Marvel Entertainment and the power of representation in media.
Zando Bookshelf
Literary veteran Molly Stern (Michelle Obama’s, “Becoming”) and her new publishing venture Zando, feature Shawn’s current reading list.
Crispus Allen – Zack Snyder’s Justice League
“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” introduces the character of “Crispus Allen” created by bestselling writer Greg Rucka ( Netflix’s “The Old Guard”) and Shawn during their run on Batman/Detective Comics, published by DC Comics.
“Zack Snyder’s JUSTICE LEAGUE”
Shawn receives a special credit in “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” debuting on HBO Max.
Netflix Reading List
U.S. Embassy Poland Zoom talk
Organized by the U.S. Embassy Warsaw and the American Studies Center at Warsaw University, Shawn’s lecture “The Power of Representation: Diversifying the World of Comics” explored themes of storytelling and finding one’s creative voice with aspiring artists and students in Poland.
Black Comic Book Writers who shined in 2020
Alongside Academy Award winning writer John Ridley and screenwriter Bryan Edward Hill, Shawn receives an honorable mention for his writing work for DC Comics.
The Nerds of Color
“Toward the end of 2020, it was announced that Jason Todd’s Red Hood would be seeing a new creative team take over… I had the pleasure of sitting down with Martinbrough to talk Jason Todd’s new future and what fans can expect from the work his team is putting together.”-The Nerds of Color
Nerdist
Artist Tony Akins and Shawn discuss collaborating on their two part RED HOOD story, revisiting “The Hill” and introducing new characters to the DC Universe with journalist Karama Horne/@theblerdgurl for Nerdist.
Cover art by Dan Mora.
Comic Book Resources
“In the DC Universe, there are many sinister gangsters and mob bosses to take stock of…However, when it comes to the meanest one, that’s Killer Croc…In Red Hood #52, Croc returns with a vengeance, although this time he’s relying more on his brain than his brawn.-Renaldo Matadeen/CBR
Comic Book Resources
“After the toll “Joker War” took on the Bat Family, Red Hood has now shifted focus to Jason Todd as he tries to reinvent himself in the Hill…unfortunately, a criminal fashion mogul in the vein of Jared Leto’s Joker called Tommy Maxx is wreaking havoc in a turf war.
But in Red Hood #52, that’s the least of Jason’s worries as he discovers a group of vigilantes there may be tied to one of Batman’s deadliest enemies: the League of Assassins.”-Renaldo Matadeen/CBR
Screenrant
“While this first two-issue tale has come to a close, it will certainly be interesting to see what Todd does next…Regardless, fans will just have to wait and see what’s in store for the Red Hood as his series continues from Shawn Martinbrough and DC Comics.”-Screenrant
SCREENRANT
” In this new issue, Red Hood decides to return to Gotham and the borough known as The Hill. The issue also introduces a new character who will more than likely come into Jason Todd’s crosshairs, who is also responsible for Gotham City’s most popular Batman merchandise and fashion apparel.” -Screenrant
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Comic Book Resources examines the fashion influences of new character “Thomas Misell” in RED HOOD #51.
NEWSARAMA / GAMESRADAR
Following the acclaimed creative team of Scott Lobdell and Paolo Pantalena, Shawn writes “The Red Hood” for DC Comics. His two part story revisits the historic neighborhood of “The Hill”, first created by writer Christopher Priest and Shawn back in 1999. With art by Tony Akins and Stefano Guadiano, Shawn introduces a new set of heroes and villains to the Batman/ DC Universe.
“Red Hood” Issue #51 is in stores and available digitally on ComiXology.
Cover art by Dan Mora & Kael Ngu.
SYFY Wire
Writer Andy Diggle and Shawn discuss the final chapter of the Sci-Fi thriller “Prometheé 13:13” with SYFY Wire. The prequel is based on “Prometheé”, the celebrated French bande dessineé / graphic novel series by Christophe Bec. “Prometheé 13:13” is presented by French publisher Delcourt-Soleil and ComiXolgy, an Amazon company.
Cover art by Jock.
DMZ lands at HBO MAX
HBO Max orders “DMZ”, a Vertigo/DC Comics adaptation from executive producer Ava DuVernay as a four-part limited series. Shawn illustrated a two part story arc for the original graphic novel series written by co-creator Brian Wood.
The CW’s BATWOMAN adds “The Whisper”
The CW’s “Batwoman” second season adds “The Whisper” based on the character “Whisper A’Daire”, co-created by Shawn and writer Greg Rucka (The Old Guard/Stumptown) during their run on “Batman/Detective Comics” published by DC Comics.
The School of Visual Arts Interview
The School of Visual Arts interviews Shawn about being a featured guest contributor to Vanity Fair’s “The Great Fire” special issue, guest edited by renowned journalist and writer Ta-Nehisi Coates.
VANITY FAIR
Shawn is a featured contributor to the September issue of Vanity Fair. This special edition explores art, activism, and power in 21st-century America and is guest edited by renowned journalist and writer, Ta-Nehisi Coates .
CBS MORNING SHOW – VANITY FAIR
Fiorello H. LaGuardia Graduation Commencement Address
As a proud alumni of Fiorello H. Laguardia High School For Music, Art, & The Performing Arts, Shawn gave a virtual commencement address to the graduating class of 2020.
Photo by Ramon Gil.
SVA lists “Prométhée 13:13” as a graphic novel to read during the quarantine
The School of Visual Arts features Shawn’s ” Prométhée 13:13″, by French publisher Editions Delcourt & Comixology, on their list of top graphic novels to read during the COVID-19 quarantine.
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ABRAMS BOOKS / MEGASCOPE
The celebrated imprint Abrams ComicArts launches Megascope, the new line of graphic novels curated by award-winning and New York Times bestselling author and artist John Jennings. Shawn will write and illustrate one of Megascope’s two debut titles, the noir thriller “The Heavy”.
The graphic novel will be published in black & white with spot colors and lettering by comic industry veterans Christopher Sotomayor and John Workman.
“The Heavy” will be released in 2021.
How Milestone Comics Reshaped The Comics Industry
Shawn discusses what made Milestone Media so unique and its impact on the comics industry along with friends and colleagues in “How Milestone Comics Reshaped The Comics Industry / Behind The Panel by SYFY WIRE.
Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin Young Readers
Shawn is the artist of a new children’s book written by multi-award winning and New York Times best-selling author Derrick D. Barnes and publisher Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Young Readers.
Featured with YA Literary agent Regina Brooks, VP & Executive Art Director Cecilia Yung and Nancy Paulsen.
Algiers International Comics Festival
Shawn was a featured guest at the 12th Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA). Coordinated through the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, Shawn joined fellow artists from various countries, participating in workshops, press conferences and panel discussions. The theme of the 2019 festival was “Superheroes in Algiers.” FIBDA also celebrated the 80th anniversary of Batman and Shawn’s time illustrating the iconic character.
Far Sector / DC Comics
Shawn created the original design for new character, Sojourner “Jo” Mullein and illustrated the variant cover for the premiere issue of “Far Sector” published by DC Comics. Written by the multi-award-winning, science fiction author N. K. Jemison with art by Jamal Campbell, “Far Sector” marks the debut of the dynamic, new Green Lantern to the DC Universe.
Cover colors by Adriano Lucas.
MEYER / Humanoids
Shawn designed and illustrated cover art for the new graphic novel, “MEYER”.
Published by Humanoids and written by Jonathan Lang, “MEYER” imagines a world in which the legendary Jewish mobster Meyer Lansky faked his own death from lung cancer in the early 1980s and is pulled out of retirement for one last job. Interior art for “MEYER” is by Andrea Mutti.
Cover colors by Andre Syzmanowicz.
Moonrakers 2020 : Stacey Abrams
Shawn contributed artwork to actress and political activist Erika Alexander’s new piece for Medium.com. “Zora and The Blackness Present Moonrakers 2020” celebrates extraordinary women of color who are changing the world. Shawn illustrated political activist and author Stacey Abrams, joining other artists such as Tony Puryear, Sheeba Maya, John Jennings, Shawna Mills and Ashley Woods. Each illustration accompanies a profile piece by Erika Alexander, Joy Reid, and Dr. William J. Barber, among others.
The School of Visual Arts Interview
The School of Visual Arts interviews BFA Illustration alumni Shawn about his career highlights, current and future projects.
Photo by Eli Meir Kaplan / “Prométhée 13:13″ cover art by Jock.
SYFY Wire
SYFY Wire’s Karama Horne interviews writer Andy Diggle and Shawn about their new Sci-Fi graphic novel, “Prométhée 13:13″. Based on “Prométhée“, one of the most popular Bandes dessinées in recent history by writer/artist Christophe Bec and French publisher Delcourt, “Prométhée 13:13″ can found exclusively at ComiXology.
Thief of Thieves: Season One coming to Switch
“Shawn Martinbrough, the artist behind the Thief of Thieves comic, provided concepts behind many of the new living breathing characters brought to life by such voice actors like Fryda Wolff (Mass Effect: Andromeda), Stephen Stanton (Rogue One), Emily O’Brien (Death Stranding), Cissy Jones (Firewatch, The Walking Dead: Season 1), Fred Tatasciore (Kung-Fu Panda 2), and Elias Toufexis (Deus Ex: Human Revolution).”-Skybound Games
“Prométhée 13:13” at San Diego Comic Con
Shawn’s latest graphic novel project “Prométhée 13:13” debuted at the 2019 San Diego Comic Con. Presented by ComiXology and French publisher Delcourt, “Prométhée 13:13” is a prequel to the acclaimed series of French graphic novels “Prométhée” by writer/artist Christophe Bec.
Shawn illustrates an original story written by Andy Diggle (James Bond, Thief of Thieves) with colors by Dave Stewart (Hellboy, DC: The New Frontier), lettering by Simon Bowland (Detective Comics #1000) and covers by Jock (Detective Comics, The Batman Who Laughs).
“Prométhée 13:13” is edited by Will Dennis (100 Bullets, Y: The Last Man) and will premiere exclusively on the digital comic platform ComiXology, an Amazon company.
READ MORE at the Hollywood Reporter
Photo by Jason Scott Jones.
Society of Illustrators
Original artwork from Shawn’s time as the regular artist of “Detective Comics” (1999-2001) will be on display at the prestigious Society of Illustrators, “Illustrating Batman: Eighty Years of Comics and Pop Culture” exhibition. The exhibit runs from June-October in New York City.
“Masters Of Comics: Inside the Studios of the World’s Premier Graphic Storytellers”
Shawn gives readers a window into his art studio in the new book, “Masters Of Comics: Inside the Studios of the World’s Premier Graphic Storytellers” by Insight Editions and Joel Meadows. Through dynamic photography and exclusive interviews, Masters of Comics offers a rare look at the creative processes and studios of comic book industry greats such as Rafael Albuquerque, Frank Quitely, Bill Sienkiewicz, Walt Simonson Milo Manara, Mike Kaluta and many more.
All photos of Shawn “in studio” were shot by acclaimed photographer Joy Asico.
“Thief of Thieves” series finale
After forty three issues, Shawn’s acclaimed crimes series “Thief of Thieves” with Robert Kirkman (Co-Creator of “The Walking Dead”) comes to a close. Following past story arcs written by Robert Kirkman, Nick Spencer, James Asmus and Andy Diggle, writer Brett Lewis (The Wintermen) completes the journey of the worlds greatest thief, Conrad Paulson aka “Redmond”. Published by Skybound Entertainment.
President Barack Obama Portrait
Shawn’s portrait of the 44th President of the United States, signed by Barack Obama.
Detective Comics: 80 Years of Batman Deluxe Edition
DC Comics celebrates “Detective Comics” amazing eight-decade run and Batman’s 80 years, with this deluxe edition. The debut issue of Shawn’s run as the regular artist of “Detective Comics” (1999-2001) is reprinted alongside classic stories by Bill Finger, Denny O’Neil, Neil Gaiman, Harlan Ellison, Brad Meltzer, Scott Snyder, Paul Levitz and others.
This special collector’s edition also features the very first Batman story; the debuts of classic sidekicks and allies like Robin, Batgirl, Batwoman and even Bat-Mite; and the first stories of archvillains Two-Face, the Riddler and Man-Bat.
Limited Edition “Promethee 13:13” Poster at Angoulême, France
DC Comics Archives
During a tour of the DC Comics headquarters in Burbank, Los Angeles, Shawn was shown that his past work on “Batman: Detective Comics”, “The Creeper”, “Static” and more, has been collected in the official DC Comics Archives.
Photos by Roger Rivera.
SYFYWIRE
Producer and Contributing Editor Karama Horne interviews Shawn on his artistic influences, career highlights and future projects.
California African American Museum
Shawn joined fellow artist Robert Pruitt in a conversation at the California African American Museum. The two discussed Pruitt’s current exhibit, the ways in which his imagery explores the complexities of contemporary black identity and Shawn’s approach to visual storytelling as author of How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling and various projects including Batman, Luke Cage Noir, The Black Panther and Thief of Thieves.
Photos by @HRDWRKER.
AP-Stan Lee’s legacy of representation in comics
Shawn joins writer Alex Simmons in reflecting on Stan Lee’s legacy of representation in comics for the Associated Press.
The Washington Post
Shawn was interviewed by the Washington Post on the topic of kids dressing up as the “Black Panther” for Halloween. Joining fellow artists and writers who have depicted the iconic Marvel Comics character, Shawn discussed the virtues of children and families of all ethnicities reveling in the world of Wakanda.
Prométhée 13:13
French publisher Delcourt and leading digital comics distributor Comixology (an Amazon company) announce “Prométhée 13:13”, a prequel to celebrated writer/artist Christophe Bec’s beloved sci-fi bande dessinée, with the all-new creative team of writer Andy Diggle, artist Shawn Martinbrough, and cover artist Jock. The team appeared at the New York Comic Con, signing exclusive, limited edition prints and giving interviews to promote the series which will debut in 2019.
USA TODAY
“Shawn Martinbrough’s work on iconic characters such as Batman, Captain America, Luke Cage, the Black Panther and Hellboy has been seen across the globe. From his work on the “Thief of Thieves” to helping create characters seen on movies such as “Deadpool” and “Justice League,” there’s no way you haven’t seen his work in some capacity.”
USA TODAY caught up with Shawn to talk about everything from Comic Con and James T. Kirk to the frustration of not being able to find work and the humbling power of storytelling.
Photo by Dwayne Crawford.
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art / Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair profiles the George Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and spotlights Shawn’s headlining the new Lucas Museum Summer Studio, an art educational program for teenagers.
“Hellboy and The B.P.R.D 1955: Secret Nature”
“Despite a quarter-century of professional comic-book illustrating — and having drawn some of the most popular superheroes ever — artist Shawn Martinbrough still had a “bucket list” character who had escaped the lines of his pencils for so many years.
“Hellboy”, the stone-handed, horned creation of Mike Mignola, had always been one of Martinbrough’s favorite characters. Mignola’s early years drawings for Marvel and DC Comics were a heavy influence on Martinbrough as a young artist.”-The Washington Post
Walt Disney Animation Studios
During his Summer Studio program with the George Lucas Foundation and Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Shawn was invited to speak about his career as an artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
“Thief of Thieves: Season One” exclusive SDCC poster
Shawn designed the exclusive 2018 San Diego Comic Con poster for the “Thief of Thieves: Season One” video game from Skybound Entertainment and Finnish independent game studio Rival Games. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel series “Thief of Thieves” from Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead) and Shawn, the video game features the solo adventures of “Celia”, one of its lead characters. Shawn worked closely with CEO of Rival Games Jukka Laakso on the approach to the poster image, opting to focus solely on the female protagonist in the style of a grand feature film one sheet.
The Ed Asner Family Center Benefit Auction
Along with comic industry greats Kevin Nowlan, Alex Ross, Sam Kieth and Bill Sienkiewicz, Shawn contributed original artwork to raise funds for The Ed Asner Family Center. Founded by veteran television actor Ed Asner, best known for his roles on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Lou Grant”, his son Matthew and daughter-in-law, the center supports programs and education for special-needs children and their families. The art sale was held by Heritage Auctions.
School of Visual Arts Alumni Black Panther Panel
As part of their After School Special: The 2018 Film & Animation Festival, the School of Visual Arts presented a special 3D screening of “Black Panther”. Following the film, Shawn joined fellow SVA alums, feature film animator Ruel Smith and visual effects artist Wendi Harris Wu for a Q&A about Black Panther, moderated by Maya Mendonca.
Photos by Hallie Easley and Ayanna Ross-Martinbrough.
Lockheed Martin
Shawn was a featured speaker at the 2018 Lockheed Martin Center for Leadership Excellence Communications Summit.
His presentation explored the importance of representation in media, diversifying ones thinking, creating bold images and campaigns.
“Ricanstruction: Reminiscing and Rebuilding Puerto Rico” Anthology
Shawn contributed original artwork to the benefit anthology “Ricanstruction: Reminiscing and Rebuilding Puerto Rico” featuring the superhero “La Borinqueña”, created and published by Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez.
The graphic novel project, in partnership with DC Comics, will raise funds for the citizens and rebuilding of Puerto Rico.
Colors by Christopher Sotomayor.
100 Black Men of America Conference
Shawn joined fellow artist and author, Jerry Craft as featured speakers at the 32nd Annual Conference of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. The two headlined the 2018 Youth Summit Workshop, speaking to students about their unique approaches to art and respective careers as professional artists.
“Shawn Martinbrough: Storyteller” exhibit at The Society of Illustrators
Running May 4th to July 21st, Shawn’s first gallery show opens at the prestigious Society of Illustrators in New York. The exhibition spans Shawn’s career creating and illustrating characters for Marvel, DC Comics, Skybound/ Image, Darkhorse and others. Original artwork from projects such as “Thief of Thieves”, “Black Panther: Man Without Fear”, “Luke Cage Noir”, “Batman: Detective Comics”, “Hellboy”and more will be on display in addition to commercial illustration work and pieces from Shawn’s acclaimed art instruction book, “How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling”.
Photos by Dwayne Crawford.
TEDx MidAtlantic: SUPERPOWERS
Shawn was a featured speaker at TEDx MidAtlantic: SUPERPOWERS. Held at Sydney Harman Hall in Washington, D.C., Shawn’s talk explored his becoming an artist, illustrating iconic characters for Marvel and DC Comics and representation in the media.
BBC World News America
BBC World News America Correspondent Jane O’Brien interviews Shawn in his studio. The two discuss Shawn’s approach to drawing “The Black Panther” for Marvel Comics and his artistic process as a comic book illustrator.
Photos by Joy Asico.
The Pentagon
Shawn was invited to speak to Air Force officers at the Pentagon about his career as an artist, drawing iconic comic book characters and the importance of representation.
Photos by Miranda Drummond and Official Air Force Photographer Andy Morataya.
ABC 7 News
ABC 7 News Adrianna Hopkins and Michelle Marsh interview Shawn about his time drawing the Black Panther for Marvel Comics and the significance of Marvel Studios “The Black Panther” film.
“Black Panther: The Man Without Fear”-The Complete Collection
Marvel collects Shawn’s acclaimed “Black Panther: The Man Without Fear” story arc in a new Complete Collection.
Along with celebrated artists Francesco Francavilla, Palo, Mike Oeming and Simone Bianchi, Shawn illustrated the final chapter of the series written by David Liss.
NBC Universal Panel
Shawn joined fellow comic book creators Jason Scott Jones, Micheline Hess and Kwanza Osajyefo as a featured guest of NBC Universal’s “Defining Moments in the Arts: Celebrating The Superheroes of Our Time” event. The panel was organized by Jason Scott Jones and NBC’s Black Employee Network at 30 Rockefeller Center and moderated by Karama Horne, Contributing Editor/Producer at SYFYWire.
Photos by Milo Stone.
