Martyr: "Geriatric Husk"

MARTYR  
 
I remember getting inspired to do some really dark (literally dark, that is) illustrations for this series – much moodier than I usually work. The source of that inspiration came from Tommy Lee Edwards’ cover art for other Hunter books as well as Van Fleet’s excellent Vampire covers. Not that I was trying to emulate those artists- they just kicked up some ember back in my skull – that corner where creativity tools around and sometimes gets a little dusty.  
 
So I dived into these pieces trying to maximize the shadows and the black shapes. With that in mind, I was able to create some pretty nice drama with the white and black areas. This doesn’t work all the time for me but I think Martyr is a good example of when it does. I especially like the girl in the crowd and desiccated zombie heads are always a hoot.  
 
Notice the guy that is having a problem with his intestines? I think that is the fourth time I have drawn a mortally injured guy dropping a butterfly knife. What does it mean? It means nothing other than butterfly knives look cool. You don’t see butterfly knives too much any more now that carrying gats is trendy. All I know is that I bought one for two bucks at a flea market and it wasn’t even sharp enough to cut flour. It was great for spreading jam though.