News
Red Hood: The Hill / Smithsonian
Shawn was invited to sign copies of the new “Red Hood: The Hill” collected edition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture during its “District Day” celebration. The NMAAHC carries the DC Comics trade edition along with Shawn’s other titles, “Like Lava In My Veins” / Nancy Paulsen Books and “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court” / Simon and Schuster in the museum bookstore.
The Artist Experience: From Brotherman to Batman Exhibition
The “Things to Do March 2025 in Washington, DC” blog and Vanity Fair highlight “The Artist Experience: From Brotherman to Batman” exhibition, now open at The Phillips Collection @The ARC, located at 1801 Mississippi Ave, SE, Washington, DC.
Curated by Shawn, this special exhibition features artwork from premier African-American comic book artists, Dawud Anyabwile, Darryl Banks, Eric Battle, Chuck DragonBlack Collins, Denys Cowan, Jerry Craft, Tim Fielder, N Steven Harris, Micheline Hess, Jamal Yaseem Igle, John Jennings, Ken Lashley, Alitha E. Martinez, Jamar Nicholas, Khary Randolph, Afua Richardson, Robyn-Brooke Smith, Marcus Williams and Ron Wimberly.
DC Comics / Red Hood: The Hill Collected Edition
“Gotham City is a big place, and it takes a lot to battle crime and corruption. Sometimes, certain corners of the city get left behind and not even the Batman can keep people from falling through the cracks. That was the lesson learned in 2000’s Batman: The Hill…Shawn Martinbrough returns to the world he co-created with Christopher Priest many years ago, fleshing out the setting and communities to give the Hill a fully lived-in feel.”-Donovan Morgan Grant / DC Comics.com
The “Red Hood: The Hill” collected edition, written by Shawn, is available now from DC Comics.
The Washington International School
As a guest speaker at the Washington International School in Washington, D.C. Shawn spoke about his career as professional artist and writer, storytelling and the importance of representation to students and faculty.
The Hilltop / Judge Kim Interview
The Hilltop, Howard University’s premier newspaper, interviews Shawn about “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court”, his children’s book series which is published by Simon & Schuster.
Animated Young Minds / Denver Film
As an invited guest speaker, Shawn joined producer Bruce W. Smith (The Proud Family), animator Sonya Carey (Disney) and concept artist Coran Kizer Stone (Across The Spiderverse), for the “Animated Young Minds Workshop” sponsored by Denver Film.
Shawn participated in a discussion on his career as an artist and writer in the comic book industry and led a workshop on storytelling.
Offical photos by Jason DeWitt.
Red Hood: The Hill Collected Edition
DC Comics collects Shawn’s eight part, “Red Hood: The Hill” series.
“Red Hood: The Hill” features the popular Batman vigilante the “Red Hood” and is set in the Gotham City neighborhood known as “The Hill”. Originally created by writer Christopher Priest and illustrated by Shawn in “Batman: The Hill” released in 1999, “The Hill” was known as one of the most dangerous parts of Gotham.
Twenty plus year later, Shawn writes “Red Hood: The Hill”.
Following the events of the fan-favorite storyline “Joker War”, “Red Hood: The Hill” focuses on a neighborhood changed by gentrification and the battle between a group of vigilantes and a new, rising criminal element. Their conflict captures the attention of The Batman, who joins forces with The Red Hood in an effort to stop this potential chaos from spreading to greater Gotham.
“Red Hood: The Hill” is illustrated by artists Tony Akins and Sanford Greene with colors by Matt Herms and lettering by Troy Perteri.
The Penguin / HBO MAX
Shawn received a “Special Thanks” in the season one finale end credits of the acclaimed television series, “The Penguin” on HBO Max.
Book Signing at the Smithsonian
The National Museum of African American History and Culture invited Shawn to sign copies of his children’s books, “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS”, “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court” and his art instructional book, “How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling” at their special member event. All books, published by Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster, are available at the museum bookstore.
The Penguin / Detective Comics
Collider cites “The Penguin” and it’s adaptation of material from the Batman Comics. In particular, it’s use of the Odessa Mob, who made their appearance during the Batman: No Man’s Land storyline and later appeared in Detective Comics #742 by written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Shawn.
Episodes of The Penguin air on HBO and stream on Max. “Detective Comics” is published by DC Comics.
New Hellboy Project
Shawn is currently writing a yet to be announced “Hellboy” project, which will be illustrated by Italian artist Alberto Pagliaro.
Created by Mike Mignola and published by Dark Horse Comics, “Hellboy” is a multi-award winning graphic novel that is popular around the world and has spawned three feature film adaptations.
Artwork by Alberto Pagliaro.
New Red Hood figure from Todd McFarlane Toys
Todd McFarlane Toys releases Shawn’s version of the popular Batman vigilante, “Jason Todd” aka the “Red Hood”.
The acclaimed mini-series “Red Hood: The Hill” is written by Shawn, illustrated by Tony Akins & Sanford Greene with colors by Matt Herms and lettering by Troy Perteri. Out now from DC Comics.
Children’s Book Signings and Readings
Shawn read his 2024 NAACP Image Award nominated children’s book “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS” (Nancy Paulsen Books/ Penguin Random House) at “The Celebration of Reading” event in Washington D.C. and gave a reading of “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court” (Simon & Schuster) at Scrawl Books in Reston, VA.
Baltimore Comic Con 2024 / Noir Panel
Shawn was a featured guest at the 2024 Baltimore Comic Con and joined fellow creators, Howard Chaykin (American Flagg!, Hey Kids! Comics), Alex Segura (Dick Tracy, Secret Identity), Joëlle Jones (Lady Killer, Wonder Girl), John K. Snyder III (Eight Million Ways to Die, Fashion in Action), Steve Epting (The Avengers, Velvet), and Klaus Janson (Daredevil, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) for a panel discussion about the use of noir in graphic novel storytelling.
The “Comics Noir” panel was moderated by Greg Matiasevich.
Red Hood’s New Gotham Team Is the Best Thing
Screenrant cites Shawn’s mini-series “Red Hood: The Hill” as a significant step in the development of the popular anti-hero. Re-introducing the Gotham City neighborhood of “The Hill”, which Shawn co-created with writer Christopher Priest, as a new setting along with a new supporting cast creates a new dynamic and opportunities to further explore the character of Jason Todd aka “The Red Hood”.
“Red Hood: The Hill”, written by Shawn, is available now from DC Comics!
Variant cover illustrated by Shawn with colors by Matt Herms.
Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court / Simon & Schuster
Glowing reviews of “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court”, Shawn’s children’s book series published by Simon & Schuster.
2024 NAACP Image Award Nominee
Shawn’s acclaimed, bestselling kid’s book, “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS” is a 2024 NAACP Image Award nominee for “Outstanding Children’s Literature”.
“LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS” is written by award-winning, bestselling author Derrick Barnes, colored by Adriano Lucas and published by Nancy Paulsen Books and Penguin Random House.
IMAGE Comics 2025
Shawn teases his upcoming creator-owned graphic novel series, illustrated by Alberto Pagliaro.
Coming in 2025, from Image Comics.
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Shawn’s original art is featured in the new “Collections in Black: A Celebration of Black Comic Book Culture” exhibition at The August Wilson African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh, PA.
Developed by art collector Phillip Thompson and curated by Kimberly Jacobs, the exhibition showcases art from 1950s Golden Age artists and Pittsburgh’s own Jackie Ormes and Matt Baker alongside original works from Brian Stelfreeze, Denys Cowan, Larry Stroman, Ken Lashley, Alitha Martinez, John Jennings and others.
Neil Gaiman’s “Anansi Boys” Adaptation
Bestselling and award-winning author Neil Gaiman’s “Anansi Boys” has been adapted into a graphic novel series by film and comic book author Marc Bernardin, with artwork by Shawn, colors by Chris Sotomayor and lettering by Jim Campbell.
Issue one’s main and variant covers are illustrated by David Mack, Denys Cowan and Shawn.
The “Anansi Boys” in stores now.
The Bat Sentry / Batman
Shawn’s “Red Hood: The Hill”introduces the “Bat Sentry”, a dynamic new tool in Batman’s arsenal against crime. In the six part series written by Shawn, this countermeasure is deployed during a spectacular attack on the Batmobile during a high speed chase through Gotham City.
“Red Hood: The Hill” is written by Shawn with art by Sanford Greene and Tony Akins with lettering by Troy Peteri and colors by Matt Herms. In stores now from DC Comics.
Sasha Bordeaux / Peacemaker Season 2
“DC Studios co-chief James Gunn is adding some new faces for season two of the DC Studios series, “Peacemaker”.
“Picard” actor Sol Rodriguez will play Sasha Bordeaux, who debuted in the comics in 2000’s “Detective Comics” and was created by writer Greg Rucka and artist Shawn Martinbrough”.-THR
VANITY FAIR
Shawn is a “Featured Contributor” to the June issue of VANITY FAIR. His feature spread and spot illustrations, with colors by Christopher Sotomayor, accompany the piece on the counterfeit Ozempic crisis written by Katherin Eban.
The Children’s Book Council / LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS
The Children’s Book Council has selected Shawn’s bestselling, NAACP Award nominated children’s book, “Like Lava in My Veins” for their “Building a Home Library” list for ages 4-7!
“Like Lava in My Veins” is written by award winning author Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Shawn with colors by Adriano Lucas and published by Nancy Paulsen Books and Penguin Random House.
New Gotham City Villain / Red Hood: The Hill
“Red Hood is going to have to use his head and put the detective skills that Batman taught him to work to beat this villain, which is actually a step outside what Jason is used to doing these days.”-Screenrant
In his new six-part series “Red Hood: The Hill”, Shawn introduces a colorful and eclectic villain to Gotham City named “Lenny Kreckk”. This original character presents a unique challenge to both The Red Hood and Batman.
Variant and main cover art by Dan Mora and Sanford Greene with Matt Herms.
“Red Hood: The Hill” is in stores now, only from DC Comics.
AfroAnimation Summit 2024
As a featured guest of the 2024 AfroAnimation Summit in Burbank, Shawn shared a panel with Joel Kuwahara (Co-Founder & President of Production Bento Box Entertainment / Bob’s Burgers / The Simpsons). The two discussed their respective careers in the animation and comic book industries, the process of telling stories digitally & traditionally and working with a team.
Shawn spoke on the “Developing Original Stories & the Art of Diverse Storytelling” panel with writer/ director Kemp Powers (Soul, Across the Spiderverse) and Kris Wimberly (Co-Founder & Head of Creative at Studio Smokescreen), moderated by Rio Cyrus.
Shawn also moderated the “Alternative Careers” panel which featured Eric Bauza (V.O. artist), Ariel Goldberg (Recruiting /Skydance), Evan Anglin (Zero Gravity Management), Curtis Baxter (EA Games), Jaye Watts (Co-Exist Gaming), Tiffany Navarro-Purkeypile (LAIKA), Jared Smith (Music Composer), Michelle Lewis (Songwriter) and Yusun Chung (EA Games.
Official photos @ulanova_ph
Peterson Space Force Base
Shawn was a guest speaker at the 2024 Women’s Air and Space Power Symposium at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO. Shawn discussed his career as a writer/artist, the importance of representation and creating strong female characters with moderator Colonel Eries L.G. Mentzer / Director, Air Commando Development, HQ Air Force Special Operations Command.
Red Hood character inspired by ABC 7 News anchors
WJLA ABC-7 News host Robert Burton interviewed Shawn about his new series, “Red Hood: The Hill” for DC Comics and introducing the new character of journalist/ news host, “Denise Harlowe” to Gotham City.
When writing and creating the look of “Denise Harlowe” with artist Tony Akins, Shawn drew inspiration from real-life Washington, D.C., ABC 7 News anchors, Adrianna Hopkins and Michelle Marsh.
“Red Hood: The Hill” is in stores now.
Neil Gaiman’s “Anansi Boys”
Dark Horse Comics announces that bestselling author, Neil Gaiman’s award-winning, fantasy novel “Anansi Boys” is being adapted by screenwriter Marc Bernardin and Shawn.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that the eight-issue miniseries will be illustrated by Shawn, colored by Christopher Sotomayor, lettered by Jim Campbell with variant covers by David Mack, Denys Cowan and Shawn.
The first issue of “The Anansi Boys” hits stores June 26.
Cover art by David Mack, Denys Cowan and Shawn Martinbrough with colors by Christopher Sotomayor.
Reading with Robert / ABC 7 News Spotlight
Shawn talked with WJLA ABC-7 News host Robert Burton of “Reading with Robert”, about “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS” being nominated for a 2024 NAACP Image Award.
“Like Lava in My Veins” written by Derrick Barnes, colored by Adriano Lucas and published by Nancy Paulsen Books & Penguin Random House.
Red Hood: The Hill / Second Printing
“Red Hood: The Hill #0, the prelude issue to the new series Red Hood: The Hill starring Jason Todd, has sold out at the distributor level just one week after its release, and will return for a second printing next month. Red Hood: The Hill #0 second printing arrives on the 19th of March with a recolored version of the main cover by series artist Sanford Greene.
Red Hood: The Hill #0 includes material originally published as Red Hood #51 and #52 by writer Shawn Martinbrough and artists Tony Akins and Mortitat, and serves as a direct lead-in to the six-issue Red Hood: The Hill, which debuted this week.”-Bleeding Cool News
The 2024 African American Children’s Book Fair
Shawn was a featured guest author/artist of the 2024 The African American Children’s Book Fair in Philadelphia, PA.
Celebrating thirty plus years, the Book Fair is one of the largest and longest-running literary events for children’s books centering on African Americans.
Shawn signed copies of children’s book series, “Judge Kim and the Kids Court” published by Simon & Schuster and “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS” published by Nancy Rose Paulsen & Penguin Random House.
DC Power anthology
Two decades after co-creating the character of detective “Crispus Allen” with writer Greg Rucka during their acclaimed run on “Batman: Detective Comics, Shawn returns to write a special story featuring “Crispus” for the 2024 DC Power anthology.
The 104-page special collects original stories featuring Black super heroes from across the DC Universe. Headlining the anthology is the epilogue to the Hugo award-winning Far Sector by series writer N.K. Jemisin and artist Jamal Campbell, featuring the first meeting between Green Lanterns Sojourner “Jo” Mullein and John Stewart.
The DC Power anthology was released in January from DC Comics.
Screenrant / Red Hood : The Hill
Screenrant covers Shawn’s new “Red Hood : The Hill” series, debuting in February from DC Comics.
Roland Martin Unfiltered / Judge Kim
Shawn was interviewed about “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court”, his new children’s book series published by Simon & Schuster, on “Roland Martin Unfiltered”.
With 1.17 subscribers, the Washington, DC based daily show broadcast covers news, politics, culture, entertainment, social justice, sports and education.
SEE MORE / Interview at 1:33:31
Red Hood : The Hill #0 / DC Comics
“Red Hood : The Hill” #0 cover art by Eisner Award winning artist Sanford Greene!
“Red Hood : The Hill” #0 collects “Red Hood #51-52”, followed by the new, six part “Red Hood : The Hill”, starting February 2024 from DC Comics.
Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture
Shawn was invited to sign copies of his bestselling kids books, “Like Lava in My Veins”, “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court” and the “Marvel Black Panther Wakanda Atlas” at the Smithsonian Museum of American History and Culture.
The NMAAHC is the world’s largest museum dedicated to African-American history and culture, the second-most visited Smithsonian Museum, and eighth in the list of most-visited museums in the United States.
All books, published by Nancy Paulsen / Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster and Marvel / DK Books, are available at the museum bookstore.
Photos by Robert Stewart for the NMAACH and Kishan Khona.
Red Hood : The Hill / DC Comics
DC Comics has revealed two covers from the upcoming miniseries “Red Hood:The Hill”, written by Shawn.
Variant cover A, which features the Red Hood and original characters The Watch, is illustrated by Riley Rossmo.
The main cover, which features the Red Hood and original character Dana Harlowe aka Strike, is illustrated by Eisner award winning artist Sanford Greene (Bitter Root).
KIRKUS BEST PICTURE BOOKS of 2023
Shawn’s new children book, “Like Lava in My Veins” makes Kirkus Reviews “Best Picture Books of 2023” list.
“Like Lava in My Veins” is written by award-winning author Derrick Barnes, with colors by Adriano Lucas and published by Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin Random House.
NPR / LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS
NPR / National Public Radio selects Shawn’s new kids book “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS”, written by award-winning author Derrick Barnes, colored by Adriano Lucas and published by Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin Random House, as one of the “BOOKS WE LOVE”.
Red Hood : The Hill / DC Comics
DC Comics has announced “Red Hood : The Hill”, written by Shawn. Available February 6, “Red Hood: The Hill” #0 collects “Red Hood #51” and “Red Hood #52,” also written by Shawn with art by Tony Akins and Moritat. As The Joker War ravages Gotham City, a new vigilante group has formed to protect their turf, and Red Hoof finds himself caught in the crossfire! This two-issue collection features a new cover by Sanford Greene.
The story continues in “Red Hood: The Hill,” a six-issue series debuting February 13, 2024 with art by award winning artist and co-creator of “Bitter Root”, Sanford Greene and Tony Akins.
Cover art by Tirso Cons and Sanford Greene.
LIKE LAVA / USA Today Bestseller
Shawn’s new kid’s book “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS” is #35 on the USA Today Bestseller list! Written by award winning author Derrick Barnes, color by Adriano Lucas, published by Nancy Paulsen Books and Penguin Random House.
LIKE LAVA Official selection of The Original Art / 43rd Annual Exhibition at the Society of Illustrators
Shawn’s cover art for “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS”, published by Nancy Rose Paulsen Books & Penguin Random House, will be showcased in The Original Art / 43rd Annual Exhibition at the Society of Illustrators. The exhibit features illustrations from this year’s best children’s books published in the U.S.
Abbott Elementary / Judge Kim
Patrick Schumacker, EP / Showrunner of the hit sitcom “Abbott Elementary” shares his appreciation for Shawn’s new children’s book series, “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court”, published by Simon & Schuster.
FIBDA 2023 / Algiers
Shawn was a featured guest at the FIBDA International Comic Book Festival in Algiers. As an official invitee of the U.S. Embassy, with fellow artists Alitha Martinez and Sara Wooley, Shawn lectured at the American International School, the art universities Ecole Supérieur Des Beaux Arts D’alger and Artissimo Hub Créatif and visited with patients at the children’s cancer ward at the Hôpital Mustapha Pacha.
Shawn met with the U.S. Ambassador to Algiers Elizabeth Moore Aubin and spoke about his career at the American Culture Center at the U.S. Embassy. Copies and posters of Shawn’s books, “Judge Kim and The Kids Court (Simon & Schuster), “Like Lava In My Veins” ( Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin Random House) and “Red Hood” (DC Comics) were given to attendees and students.
Reading with Robert / ABC 7 News
Robert Burton, co-host of Good Morning Washington / ABC 7 News spotlights “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS”, Shawn’s new kids book written by award-winning author Derrick Barnes, published by Nancy Paulsen Books & Penguin Kids.
Award-winning concept artist, costume designer Phillip Boutté Jr. / LIKE LAVA
Award-winning concept artist / costume designer Phillip Boutté Jr. shares his appreciation for Shawn’s new kids book, “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS”, published by Nancy Paulsen Books and Penguin Random House.
ABC7 News / Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court
Co-host of Good Morning Washington / ABC 7 News Robert Burton interviews Shawn about “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court”, his new children’s’ book series published by SimonKids.
Photo by Adrianna Hopkins.
Award-winning, bestselling author N.K. Jemisin / LIKE LAVA
Award-winning, bestselling author N.K. Jemisin shares her appreciation for Shawn’s new kids book, “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS”, published by Nancy Paulsen Books and Penguin Random House.
Award-winning actor, best-selling author Hill Harper / Judge Kim
Award-winning actor, best-selling author Hill Harper shares his appreciation for Shawn’s new children’s book series, “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court, published by Simon & Schuster.
Florida A&M University / Judge Kim
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s “Legal Connections” interviews Shawn about his new children’s book series, “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court”, published by Simon and Schuster Books!
Academy Award winning director Peter Ramsey / LIKE LAVA
Academy Award winning director (“Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse”) Peter Ramsey shares his appreciation for Shawn’s new kids book, “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS”, published by Nancy Paulsen Books and Penguin Random House.
Emmy-nominated, Eisner Award winning artist Bill Sienkiewicz / Like Lava In My Veins
Emmy-nominated, Eisner Award winning artist Bill Sienkiewicz shares his appreciation for Shawn’s new kids book, “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS”, published by Nancy Paulsen Books and Penguin Random House.
EBONY Media / LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS
LIKE LAVA / Publisher’s Weekly
“Graphic novel and picture book merge” in Derrick Barnes, Shawn Martinbrough, and Adriano Lucas ’s story, LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS, which portrays “an educational system that falls short in supporting its Black students”. -Publisher’s Weekly.
From by Nancy Paulsen Books & Penguin Kids.
LIKE LAVA reviews
Acclaimed scholars and best-selling authors Dr. Gholdy Muhammad-Jackson, Ibram X. Kendi, Jerry Craft and Dr. Bettina L. Love celebrate “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS”, published by Nancy Paulsen Books & Penguin Kids!
Written by award winning, New York Times Best-selling author Derrick Barnes with colors by Adriano Lucas.
Fox 29 Philadelphia
Fox 29 Philadelphia’s Alex Holley and Mike Jerrick interviewed Shawn about “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court”, his new children’s book series for Simon & Schuster, “How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling”, the upcoming “Like Lava in My Veins” both from Penguin Random House and “The Red Hood” for DC Comics.
School Library Journal Review
The School Library Journal’s Fuse 8 gives Shawn’s new kid’s book, “LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS” a fantastic review! Written by two-time Kirkus award winning & bestselling author Derrick Barnes, colored by Adriano Lucas and published by Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin Kids.
The Schomberg Center Literary Festival
Shawn will be reading from his new children’s book series, “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court” published by Simon & Schuster, as a featured guest at The Schomberg Center Literary Festival in New York City.
ECC Ediciones Thief of Thieves special edition
Shawn’s Top Ten for POPVERSE
Popverse.com asked Shawn to list his favorite ten films. This was an impossible task so Shawn shared thoughts on “Top Gun Maverick”, “Elvis”, “Jackie Brown”, “Hunters” and other films and television shows playing in his art studio.
Advisor to the Hip Hop Education Center
Shawn joins the Hip Hop Education Center as an official advisor. The organization connects artists, educators, activists, and social entrepreneurs from across the globe to promote and preserve Hip Hop’s legacy.
Temple University
Shawn was invited to speak at the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University. During his talk, moderated by fellow artist Eric Battle, Shawn discussed the creative process behind creating “Judge Kim and the Kids’ Court”, his new children’s book series with Simon & Schuster, writing the “Red Hood” for DC Comics, illustrating the Eisner nominated “Promethee 13:13” and more.
LIKE LAVA IN MY VEINS
The Schomburg Center ‘s 11th Annual Black Comic Book Festival
Shawn was a guest panelist at The Schomburg Center ‘s 11th Annual Black Comic Book Festival. Along with fellow panelists, Alitha E. Martinez, Gamal Hennessy, Dedren Snead and moderated by T.J. Sterling, Shawn discussed his career as a working professional writer and artist in the comic industry.
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.
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.
“Like Lava in my Veins” receives a “starred review” from Kirkus!
“Like Lava In My Veins” is written by NY Times bestselling author Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Shawn, colored by Adriano Lucas and published by Nancy Rose Paulsen Books / Penguin Kids.