The Midnighter 2 cover by Chris Sprouse & Karl Story
Artists: Chris Sprouse (Penciller) , Karl Story (Inker) , Garth Ennis (Writer)
8 Comments - 366 Views - 8 Likes
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DescriptionWe begin my 2021 b-day party with a cover from one of my fav’ artist, the always-great Chris Sprouse.This is the cover to The Midnighter 2 from 2007. And look kids, it’s not just a pinup-y cover with nothing happening other than the character looking menacing but the Midnighter seems to be in the middle of a fight! The scene is particularly well staged here. Midnighter seems to be enjoying himself a lot and the composition is so well built that at first you only see him on the page whereas he is but one of the six characters on it (admittedly the centre one). Sprouse really played on the chaotic aspect of the scene by having many of his opponents being partially off camera and by slightly tilting their placement on the floor. Yet it is super clear and the reader’s eye goes directly where it should go. The design aspect of the cover is not to be overlooked as not only did Chris played on the blacks & white a lot (as he often does) but by completely darkening part of it while leaving another part of it in white, he created depth within the scene and environment. The super razor sharp inks of Karl Story perfectly complement his precise pencils. That’s the school of inks I love the most. When you have to struggle to find a drop or brush of ink on the paper. Needless to say, I find the piece works SO MUCH better in glorious b&w. You will notice that it says “issue 1” above the page so it was likely intended as the first cover to the series. It would probably have been a better choice than the one they selected as the published first one but Editorial will have its ways. Though it was the beginning of the end of the Wildstorm line in those days, there was still plenty to enjoy and a Midnighter series written by Gart Ennis was a little event. I always loved the gay Batman (and his Superman mate) of the Wildstorm universe and found that his design struck pure gold. And look at those cool pointy bataragans, midnightrangs, shurikens or what have you! And those little cartoony droplet of blood so refreshingly far away from the current trend of creamy blood bleeding on so many covers nowadays. In the end, a terrific action cover from a truly gifted artist and storyteller. This is part 1 of my 2021 b-day party on CAF. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Ruben DaCollector 
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 2/5/2021
Very nice composition and the spotting of blacks in particular is fantastic. Very nice job by both guys!
Nick-le-Fou !!
Member Since 2016
2 - Posted on 2/5/2021
Spot-on description for a particularly spectacular cover. It has it all as you so aptly described it: the composition that is not sacrificing simplicity or clarity, the characters placements, not to mention the solid inks (also a favorite of mine) all make for a particularly impressive cover by Sprouse and Story.
And indeed, the subtle little splats of blood really give the impression that the picture has been taken mid-action at the exact right moment to catch that glorious money shot. Also fond of the sombre background that reinforces the focus on Midnighter and where the main action is at. Truly happy for you!! Looking forward to seeing the next 11 entries leading up to you birthday.
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 2/5/2021
Okay, first off - the IMPORTANT part: Happy birthday, Fred. Just had mine at the beginning of the week, and I hope yours is as wonderful. :)
Secondly, the ART (or maybe THIS is the important part...? ;) ). Wow - what a stunner. I'm a huge fan of machinery or industrial-style backgrounds used as 'gothic hero' atmosphere or panel borders and this is really solid work. Lovely detail in the OA (that ultimately would have to be sacrificed for the logo, but still lovely nonetheless).
Honestly, I haven't read as much Wildstorm stuff as I know I should have (being such a fan of all the talents involved), but the appeal to me of the material I have read is that the storytellers take the 'template' or 'archetype' they're riffing on - a classic genre trope or character type or whatever - and then subvert it or dial it to 11 or whatever. Part of the fun is knowing the 'what', but not the 'how' (if you take my meaning). This image is a great springboard to set up that certain expectation... The classic hero surrounded by evildoers and danger, dispensing them both with impunity. But the real excitement is character driven; not so much 'how does the good guy survive', but 'what has the MIDNIGHTER done to get INTO this?'
(Switched around the 'how' and the 'what' there. See? Subversion! :). Happy birthday - day 1!)
J H
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 2/5/2021
Happy Birthday, FM! I hope your day is going a whole lot better than that dude with the shuriken sticking out of his gut. What a fierce Midnighter cover! That grin during the violence is perfect, and really sets the tone for the cover scene. And those inks! Great cover for the b-day. Big congrats!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 2/5/2021
Nice start to the party! I may have to get a Sprouse myself piece soon. Getting more and more convinced seeing pieces like this. I like the stark B&W contrast, no doubt enhanced by Story. Good point regarding the frantic kind of composition...frantic makes sense in a clear throwdown scene like this one. Congrats! Will be watching for more birthday goodies!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/7/2021
VERY nice Sprouse splash. And love the Karl Story inks of course.
Wolvie Fan
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 2/8/2021
Tons of action in this cover, I mistook it for a splash! Awesome piece, congrats and Happy birthday!
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