Paint it Black-Awesome Inkers
Tuesday, March 08, 2011One of the best parts about comics, graphic novels and line art in general, is the feeling of a nice crisp black line. Or even, the startling amount of variation that can be achieved from a simple mark on paper. The way a drawing is inked can have a serious impact on how the final artwork ends up...it turns out inkers aren't just tracers after all. Interesting though, is the fact that much of the inking I appreciate most, happens to be done by the same person that did the pencil drawing.
FRANK MILLER
The master of film noir himself, Frank Miller, is a hugely influential inker with his Sin City series. Massive areas of solid black, and the ability to create a clear scene without any outline, show tremendous experience and talent. Before Frank Miller, I used to find it hard to focus on b/w artwork, but he lured me right in.
CHARLES BURNS
Such crisp and delicate, thick-to thin brushstrokes are a marvel of skill and patience. Light source plays a huge role in creating Burns' distinct brush style. Seriously, it must take him at least a day just to ink one page!
CRUMB
Noted for his somewhat old-fashioned scritch scratch cross-hatching style, Crumb's inkwork just seems to flow perfectly with his drawing style, and tales of his longing for the good ol days. It must be a slow process to build up his darks, but Crumb is mean man with a Rapidograph.
JAE LEE
Lee opens up new possibilities when inking for colour work. Unusual techniques like heavy toothbrush splatters and cutting back into inked solids with a blade, really add a unique and textured look to his already energetic pencils.
JEFF SMITH
In his work on the Bone series, Smith did a remarkable job keeping up a clean, consistent style. Excellent brush control and several levels of line variety and thickness, help to showcase the fantastical yet lifelike characters.
CRAIG THOMPSON
One of my inking favourites, Thompson's black lines seem to add so much emotion and depth to his work. As a result, the drawings always look fresh and unlaboured, like he just dashes them off effortlessly with his pocketbrush.
JEFF LEMIRE
The Canadian newcomer is quickly working his way up the respected ranks of comic artists and graphic novels with his heartfelt work. The art in his Essex County series shows control meeting insanity, as lines spatter, drip and weave all over, while never losing site of the overall drawing.
ADRIAN TOMINE
A study in the philosophy that less-is-more, Tomine creates visuals with subtle yet highly competent brush work. His inking creates depth and emotion, all while not even seeming to be there. And his colour work isn't half bad either!
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