DC Special Series No. 2 Swamp Thing Cover by Bernie Wrightson

The late Bernie Wrightson made his name on the first 10 issues of DC ComicsSwamp Thing before moving on to Warren Publishing and other venues. He returned to Swamp Thing in 1977 to do this fantastic wraparound illustration to cover DC Special Series No. 2, which reprinted Swamp Thing Nos. 1 and 2.


DC Special Series 2 Swamp Thing Cover by Bernie Wrightson

As published, it was hand coloured and it was well done.


DC Special Series 2 Swamp Thing Cover by Bernie Wrightson

Scan courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

Comic book art restoration by Scott Dutton

The art was in good shape overall. Minor retouching and contrast adjustment.

Comic book logo reconstruction by Scott Dutton

Rebuilt trade dress – logos and type – added.


Comic book colouring by Scott Dutton

Colour.

I don’t work like this, but I find it useful to turn off the lineart in Photoshop to see how the colour is shaping up. Have I made a mistake in the lighting? Can I mass the colour to make it simpler and stronger? Have I missed anything?


Comic book colouring by Scott Dutton

“Backing the black” to improve presentation.

Using the selection tool to isolate the large areas of flat black, I fill those areas with C50 M25 Y25 to “back the black.”

Comic book colouring by Scott Dutton

Comparing an unbacked black and a backed black.

Assuming your screen can differentiate between K100 and C50 M25 Y25 K100, you should be able to see the results of an unbacked black on the left (inside the red outline), and a backed black on the right. Backing your black hides the borders between coloured and uncoloured areas under the black, and it gives your blacks a solid punch for more dynamic art whether you’re headed for the printing press or a portable device.


Comic book colouring by Scott Dutton

The trade dress is coloured as it was originally published. The new colour scheme is an homage to the original.

Comic book colouring by Scott Dutton

A version of the trade dress which integrates with the colour scheme.

Comic book colouring by Scott Dutton

A simpler presentation for trade paperback or omnibus.


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