Monster Commute Vintage Movie Poster
on May 5, 2009 at 5:14 amSo, I’ve been wanting to do a Monster Commute movie poster, since I started this adventure.
There is a romance and drama in good film posters. I’m not really talking about the Photoshoppy posters that dominate today. I’m talking about the fully illustrated film broadsides of yesteryear. You can’t beat the movie (and propaganda) posters from the 30′s-70′s. They were illustrated by hand, and really played up the myth of the film. Not only was the illustration quality great, but they were really designed too.
Trouble is, I couldn’t do a MonCom poster at first, because… I didn’t know enough about it yet. I didn’t really know who the villains were (beyond the CrowBots), and had no clue about Toni Oni, or Baba Jaga, or even Steam. (Well, I had a pretty good idea about Steam.) I didn’t really know where the story was going, so it simply wasn’t time.
So, just like you don’t illustrate a movie poster before you make the movie, you don’t make one based on your comic until you make some comics.
Anyway, I wanted this art to evoke the 1930′s, as well as feature all of the main characters, some of the world, and some cars too. Importantly, I didn’t want to sell this as a “comedy.” At best, MonCom has evolved into a “dramady” or such. I dunno, but I’m certain that it’s not a slapstick comedy right now.
I’m pretty excited about how it turned out, as it was a real challenge. I generally don’t like “montage” images, but for this, it was a must. I fussed around with every detail for quite a while, and recolored every single element. (Every bolt, eyeball, wheel.)
This is going to be a future exclusive convention print, if all goes well. The print run details, and convention logo will be where the Steam Crow lights are shining.
I hope that you like it.
- Daniel
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I like this alot. I do think that our heroes could feature a little more prominently, but overall, this is beautiful.
You think?
I tried them all over, but ended up liking the “figure 8″ layout the best. Plus, the bad guys are LOOMING over them.
I guess the proportions could indicate power.
When I do another one, I’ll try to make them (or one of them) more dominate.
i think even something as subtle as tweaking the colors (maybe making the oter characters and bg a little duller, thus making the heroes brighter in comparision and popping them a bit?) might do the trick. I think the layout is great.
If you haven’t seen “Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow” I’d say put it in your netflix queue! It contains footage of how to properly dock your zeppelin to the Empire State building.
That’s pretty cool! I think It would make a great cover to a MonCom book.
or try painting it using only peacock feathers for a Monet feel”! I just love critics! Balderdash.
(Who told Quentin NOT to use Panavision Panaflex Platinum cameras, equipped with Primo Lenses and Super 35mm film? Not me)
Dont change a thing or add a moustache or beard or make anything pop. (Gracious).
well, that was unnecessarily rude there, smilinphoenix…
Okay, okay fellas. We’re all friends here.
Smilinphoenix -
Dane is artist pal of mine, and he was simply offering some friendly critique. I accept it, and can handle it. His critique was sincere, and I appreciate it.
I know that it’s often difficult to judge *tone* on the ‘Net, and it’s most often negative and bombastic.
Here, let’s not go there.
Dane -
I think that smilinphoenix was simply trying to play defense after some of the harsh feedback I got from a couple “webcomic review” blogs.
So from my perspective, you both are trying to be supportive and helpful.
Let’s target the jerkholes that want me to quit doing this comic, instead.
I’m fine here; please be fine yourselves.
Dan,
Fair enough.
dane
Curse you and your art skills…
More stuff I wont be able to afford anytime soon.