Batwoman Covered…
Thursday May 10th 2012, 9:30 pmHere is the cover to Batwoman 12. I had planned putting this up in micro stages of progress, but simply didn’t have the time to scan and save each phase meticulously like I said I would. That will have to wait for some other day. So here is the basics as I usually post these things…
The rough sketch version for editorial approval…
The Black and White version. Here is where I added background details not evident in the sketch. Since the composition was going to be using a mirror as I was trying to indicate in the rough version above. I realized that for this image to work and have a recognizable use of a mirror, the cover needed to have full backgrounds as a scene, otherwise the context of the mirror effect would’ve been confusing. Background details for a setting on a cover has been something I’ve tended to avoid, sticking with design elements instead to present a more symbolic idea. But ultimately that wasn’t going to work here. So backgrounds got placed in to set the mirror context. Which plays into how the color would work as well to finalize the mirror idea, as explained further below.
The color version. You’ll note that the logo/text information is placed in here at this color stage. I felt it important for the image to work from a design idea properly, the logo had to become a part of the art directly, to play up the mirror effect as needed, so I embedded it into the final in a way that there is no other version. You’ll note I digitally did a mirror effect for Batwoman rather than draw that in by hand. I felt it best to handle it that way because of the Bloody Mary part is so bold. I think it would’ve been extremely problematic to have tried drawing Batwoman mixed with Blood Mary and then be able to have multiple effects in the final color. This allowed me to keep the style used for Bloody Mary independent from everything else. So the last digital additions, the use of a background setting, and the pop color of the inset stars and star panel against the surreal quality of the idea, helped to make this cover unique from previous Batwoman covers I’ve done. So thats good, I’m always wanting the covers to do new things.
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Cool! Wonder Woman. Our first official guest-star (from outside the Bat-verse)!
Comment by CraigM 05.11.12 @ 11:54 amHello Alan
Thanks you so much! The only version that will become available will be the printed comic on its release date later this summer.
Absolutely, utterly, mind-blowingly amazing cover. I cannot even begin to express how excited I was when I first saw this—from the composition to the colours and effects… and then seeing that guest star reveal! This is incredible! And I love how you incorporated the logo into the composition to play up the mirror effect. Brilliant, on top of being very aesthetically pleasing. 🙂
Thank you so much, as always, for sharing this with us. Cannot wait for #12. (Not that I can ever wait for another issue of Batwoman, anyway, but you know what I mean. Can even less wait than usual!)
Comment by Mathilde Bouhon 05.11.12 @ 3:01 pmJH – just wondering if there will be a Batwoman annual this year. I know you’re busy penciling/co-writing the series, but I’m curious if you and Haden or someone else will be taking a shot at writing a Batwoman annual.
Comment by CraigM 05.11.12 @ 9:42 pmHey there Craig
There hasn’t been any discussion with us about it. I would hope they would come to us first if this was going to be pursued.
😉
Stunning work as always! I wish DC would release a poster/lithograph of your work.
Comment by Andy 05.12.12 @ 1:39 pmVery interesting tidbits of things artists have to consider during the process! Can’t wait to read it, now.
Comment by jussi 05.13.12 @ 7:33 amHello Jussi
I’m glad you’re finding some of the commentary of interest, thank you.
Can’t wait to read this- JH will you be back on interiors by this issue, I long to see your Wonder Woman.
Comment by Adalt 05.14.12 @ 6:45 amOh.My.Goodness! Wonder Woman and Batwoman, it’s like a dream come true. The cover is simply amazing. I love the mirror effect, super cool. I’m swooning … Keep up the great work !!
Comment by Pam 05.14.12 @ 8:35 am[…] szériához, az augusztusi számot már Å‘ rajzolja, s ez jó hÃr. Az okozott örömre tekintettel itt az emlÃtett szám […]
Pingback by Déli Beagle: mindegy, csak ne váljék a saját alom kárára « Végtelenül Egyszerű 05.16.12 @ 6:45 amSaw this cover. Started collecting this series beginning with Elegy: Deluxe Edition & have Hydrology on Pre-Order. ‘Nuff said! Stellar artwork. Though I have to admit this is my first exposure to your work. But consider me a fan.
Comment by Ritik 05.19.12 @ 11:32 amHey there Ritik
Thanks very much, and welcome aboard. And feel free to pick up other works from my back catalogue.
😉
You know, since the DC announcement that an existing character would be coming out as gay … I was truly hoping that Wonder Woman would be the character … but now it’s been announced it’s a male character. Oh well, dare to dream.
Any more news about “guests” appearing in Batwoman?
Comment by Pam 05.22.12 @ 6:47 amHey there Pam
Yeah it would’ve been interesting if WW was to be gay, but in some ways some might find that too easy. As for more guest star news, we’ve got our hands full with Wonder Woman for now…
Hey Man, just wanted to say how much i appreciate what you’re doing… I love your work on Desolation Jones and especially Batwoman… This Cover is just Mindblowing, can’t wait to see your interpretation of Wonder Woman… So glad that you are returning to the interiors… Will it be for longer or only a few issues?
Greetings from Germany^^
Comment by Florian Brunner 05.23.12 @ 5:20 pmHello Florian
Thanks you very much. I’m glad you’re digging what we’re doing with the book. I’ll be back for 6 issues…
That’s great News! Thanks!
Comment by Florian Brunner 05.24.12 @ 5:57 amLeave a Comment
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I saw this image on thisisnthappiness.com. I think it’s awesome. Do you have any reproductions for sale? Thanks!
Comment by Alan Cook, MD 05.11.12 @ 8:54 am