The Hyper Detailed Comics Art of Geof Darrow

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Geof Darrow has pulled from American, Japanese, and French comics to create utterly unique and intricately detailed comic books. This episode discusses his career from his collaborations with Frank Miller, Moebius, the Wachowskis, and his creator-owned work. From Bourbon Thret to Hard Boiled, The Matrix to Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot, and of course Shaolin Cowboy, Darrow's career is fascinating and his work is exciting.

[@gabpintov]

Darrow's art is mesmerizing. He has a pinup of Wolverine fighting ninjas and japanese mafia and it's mind blowing

[@gabpintov]

@@roberthoward5015 English is not my first language so if my comments come up weird to read, that's why. I guess you are the one who lacks something and might be empathy towards strangers on the internet. And those who lack empathy normally have some serious psychological problems. So get tested before it's too late!

[@overseastom]

​@@roberthoward5015cmon man, be nicer to strangers. The op described a pic he likes, which Darrow created. That's totally appropriate ON A VIDEO ABOUT DARROW AND HIS ART.

[@roberthoward5015]

My comment wasn’t about that’s.. I got a message from someone saying they had something special for me.. I was trying to see if it was a scam or ad or whatever.. it wasn’t about the video at all

[@overseastom]

@@roberthoward5015 oh, did KZbin fuck us both up? They have an absolutely terrible comment system, which doesn't even show what comment a reply is aimed at, leading to situations like this. Assuming you're telling the truth, then I absolutely apologise for presuming you were being pissy at someone. Have a good day mate.

[@pyrosish]

@@overseastomI love how mature and civilised this conversation became

[@lo1bo2]

20:45 " ... but I would understand if some readers find this stuff to be overkill." Perfect word to end that sentence, haha.

[@izzatsufian2796]

Geof Darrow is great artist because he combines European, American and Japanese comics perfectly.

[@traviswilcox3472]

As an artist it hurts my brain thinking about drawing the amount of details he puts into his art. So I just sit back and look at his art & don’t think..just enjoy.

[@giulyanoviniciussanssilva2947]

No wonder he has a much longer time to draw, I believe.

[@reginaldforthright805]

It hurts me to look at it, and not because it’s good.

[@monotech20.14]

I draw, I'm a hack but yeah. At some point its just raw talent that no matter how much training or practice you do , its almost possible to recreate.

[@trolldrool]

I think what's most impressive about his art isn't just how detailed it is, but how it somehow never looks excessive or cluttered.

[@reginaldforthright805]

Haha. Good one

[@ThePongzilla]

Tradd Moore is an artist I love who uses tons of detail.

[@chrissingleton5877]

As a former art school student, its excellent to see that Mr. Darrow was able to branch out from illustrating comics to storyboard and concept illustration for film. I've worked in the motion picture industry for 15 years and I hope people realize that his artwork and ideas, along with other illustrators are what got the budget for the Matrix movie. If producers dont have illustrations in order to understand a complicated script, you'll either get a really small budget or none at all.

[@younghan3573]

I worked at Aaron Brothers, and someone brought in an original background story board from the Mario Bros movie. The John leguizamo one. It was massive with the streets looking like a scene from Blade Runner, all the buildings had neon signs in the way that was his trademark.😂

[@chrissingleton5877]

Ironically enough... I'm pretty certain that folks would've rather looked at the great artwork in the storyboards as opposed to the actual film. @@younghan3573

[@machinelfgaming]

Happiness is waking up to a new Chris video. And now, I realize, I watch him, for the comics, sure - but mostly because he is just so likeable.

[@cghirardo5951]

Artists with details: Moebius' Arzach, Michael Golden, Alfredo Alcala, Esteban Maroto, and Italian master Sergio Toppi. There's also an Italian cartoonist who barely anyone knows but has tons of details in his comics, Benito Jacovitti.

[@baconsarny-geddon8298]

Hard Boiled is goddam incredible. Maybe the most visually stunning comic ever. Him and Milo Manara are probably my all-time favourite artists.

[@Eisenwulf666]

Glad to see the great Milo Manara getting some recognition!

[@giulyanoviniciussanssilva2947]

It's hard to count, I get a Katsuhiro Otomo and a Gimenez and I can't choose.

[@ARCWuLF]

I have a friend from art school who wouldn't shut up about how detailed the art was in "The Walking Dead" (I assume he was referring to Charlie Adlard's work). "Ever hear of Geof Darrow?" I asked. "No." "We're going to the comic shop." I picked up a copy of hard-boiled and lent it to him. I thought that his head was going to explode. His artwork never gets tiring to look at because you always notice something in it that you didn't see before.

[@reginaldforthright805]

Martin Handford is better.

[@Windwalker88]

Almost every page could be put in an art gallery, it's absolutely beautiful to look at

[@claudiakoning]

Thanks for reminding me how sacred the world of comics and graphic novels is.

[@benjaminloudly]

The Kayfabe boys have stockpiled a lot of Darrow vids and interviews. it wasn't mentioned here but he draws at large sizes (18"x24" and even larger). He also draws the panels as separate pieces. One of the greats.

[@reginaldforthright805]

One of the greatly overrateds

[@stevenfunderburg1623]

He recently appeared on Cartoonist Kayfabe and I was amazed at how genuinely geeky he was. I thought he would be like a dark, brooding genius. Like Kevin Smith would depict a character clearly based on Frank Miller in one of his movies.

[@johnkent8867]

Juan Jose Ryp's art is also very similar to Darrow's in both style and content. Both beautiful!

[@fedeisonline5626]

im sorry to hear about how you’ve been feeling lately, but it’s always a comfort to see you upload awesome content like this. take the time you need, we’ll be here for it!!

[@joshpinchuk7061]

I remember being soo impressed with Darrow when Hard Boiled came out. I tried to find more by him, but came up with zilch (this was pre Internet). I chalked this up to him being a french artist (apparently not true) and his stuff not being available in the US. I did know later that he storyboarded the Matrix. Did he also work with Luc Besson perhaps on Fifth Element? I could be making that last part up.

[@almightytallestred]

I wasn't familiar with the name Geof Darrow but just from looking at the thumbnail I knew I had seen his work before, and that I even got some of his art in my collection, namely some issues of Transmetropolitan he did covers and full spread illustrations for. I was always impressed by the detail of these covers but I think I only just now realized how extremely recognizable his drawings are.

[@Billturby]

Keep focus on taking care of yourself and release videos when you’re ready. Your catalogue is deep and newcomers have plenty to go back over and through. I appreciate your videos very much. It is 100% true to say that your videos reenergized my love of comics and got me collecting again, plus introduced me to a TON of talented artist I hadn’t ever taken time to appreciate. Your shit is good bro, so you go on and make you your priority. We’ll be waiting. But anyway, so yeah, Geof Darrow is a god and he pencils my dreams. An unfathomable talent in my eyes. I would pay all the money to draw like him.

[@turdferguson_]

man I still remember finding an issue of Shaolin Cowboy in the library, and the art just blew my mind when I flipped through the first few pages

[@zr0470]

I gave you a thumbs up just for the intro 🤣🤣🤣

[@yoy5903]

I see devilman in the background, very nice!

[@andreworr4307]

I'm a fan of Geoff Darrow,his intricate detail draws me back to his stuff and every time I discover another little part I missed before,great episode man,thank you

[@smacksalad]

I love Geof Darrow's art so much.

[@TheZooropaBaby]

I think Inkstuds also had Steve Skroce interview, and Steve talked about how Geof was his mentor as he was working of Matrix, I really like that story

[@cerebralcomics]

Ah, yes. An art analysis video we’ve all been craving for. About time, Chris. 😋

[@thomasstoehr5981]

Nice and interesting video as always. Another artist with fantastically detailed art, is Kevin O'Neill. His work for 2000AD would definitely be worth an in-depth video as well.

[@filegumbo]

I don’t know if you have ever done a video on this artist, but Gene Ha seems to have taken a lot of influence from Geof Darrow, especially in his work on Alan Moore’s Top 10. Love his stuff.

[@daviddavid5880]

Darrow's art is bonkers good. "Hard Boiled" captivated me in 90, and I've snapped up everything the guy did since.

[@reginaldforthright805]

That just shows you have limited artistic sensibilities, just like Mr. Darrow

[@ootaviooo]

Darrow is a BEAST! Unfortunately we never got much of his work published here in Brazil -- even his Frank Miller partnerships are out of print for about 15 years. Maybe he's a niche artist after all! GREAT video as always, Chris! Looking forward the Japan episode!

[@TimKapow]

For highly detailed works I also really enjoy the work Bernie Wrightson did on Frankenstein. Top quality video as always Chris!

[@giulyanoviniciussanssilva2947]

Bernie is a genius, another one I liked is Evan Cagle in this Bernie and Alcala style. But Evan didn't do many comics.

[@reginaldforthright805]

Bernie is far better than Darrow

[@openitandplay4844]

Thanks for another video, Chris! My son and I love watching your stuff together.

[@SeanWickett]

GD is definitely one of the GOATS. I was floored by Hard Boiled when it came out. And then by Rusty. I didn't know where this guy came from but his obsession with detail gnawed at my own pull towards realism. I really like the clean aesthetic he employs. Most modern comics are too over rendered. I hope to fall somewhere inbetween Darrow and Albert Dorne (look him up), with a smattering of Williamson and Raymond. Thanks for doing the video! Always love to hear someone rave about my faves.

[@cyric2010]

Im not a comic book reader, but I've seen this guys art before. The detail is truly amazing. Its hard to understand where a person could get so much skill and patience. Good luck with your depression, Chris. I think a lot of people out there are suffering with stuff like that (myself included).

[@cyric2010]

Unfortunately yes. 24:32@@Akkbar21

[@DowneyMax]

This guy was diagnosed to be depressed? Yikes, that sucks

[@reginaldforthright805]

It’s like a child’s level of drawing. Adding more lines does not make your art better.

[@reginaldforthright805]

@@DowneyMaxshrinks will be happy to diagnose whatever you want for a fee, and of course more than happy to prescribe for the same reason.

[@pcdm43145]

@@reginaldforthright805 Y'know, I keep seeing your replies in the comment section... Take it easy with the negativity, dude. It's a bit too much.

[@NextToToddliness]

Next to Mœbius, Frank Quietly, Brendan McCarthy & Jamie Hewlett, Geof Darrow is one of my biggest influences as an artist & illustrator (@ponyboyart)

[@hankdobson1784]

loved the video, chris! i'm just glad to hear you're still up and reading comics, and there's no need to apologize for your mental health, we've all been there. hoping you feel better soon! keep reading comics!

[@shaunspalding286]

❤❤❤

[@jeffwinbush5039]

I had to put this video of full screen because Geof Darrow makes comics like Christopher Nolan makes movies: BIG, and you don't wanna miss a thing. Excellent video, Chris.

[@rickytoddbotelho9555]

One of the few things me and my dead brother agreed about. The furious kinetic energy rips you into trying to figure out the story. Geoff was probably the first illustrator to break ground of the magnitude he attained and a leader, a trailblazer, a visionary that makes the artists that followed skip a heartbeat in comparison ❤😂

[@phillipjohnson8903]

What a unique individual. I love artist who's work are INSTANTLY recognizable

[@MariaVosa]

Darrow is so fantastic. Have to excavate my old copy of Hard Boiled from somewhere on the bookshelves. The story didn't really impress me (rather derivate as you mention) but the art made me read it many times over. Please take all the time you need to take care of your mental an emotional health. Have a great vacation - you deserve it!

[@macavitymacavity]

This was FANTASTIC!!! Thank you!!! As far as other detailed comic artists go, the first two to come to my mind were Stephen Bissette, and Charles Vess.

[@arabmoney9787]

Great video! Love these detailed artists. The best thing you can do for your mental health is to NEVER apologize for it. Please be selfish and make yourself priority number one.

[@patrickmiller4479]

When i go for a comic, I am drawn first by the art. I love new styles, varying spreads, coloring, etc. It's like getting into a song based on the melody without fully hearing the lyrics. I am by no means an avid comic book collector. While I have probably seen work done by Darrow, I would not have attributed it to him. I just didn't know who he was. I'm glad I do, now. Thanks for sharing this. Hard Boiled is in my cart, and I look forward to reading it. Tha

[@belgiumcomics2537]

Did you just say TEN PAGE SPREAD?

[@mrjwthompson2831]

Nick Pitarra! You can see a lot of Darrow’s influence in his work.

[@tommyakesson8858]

Woah. I love artstyles like this. The Nausicaä manga has some insane detail. Don Rosas comics, like the Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck is jam-packed with details, but ofc with another style/genre. Overall I think that comic run could deserve its own video. Since 99.9 of all Disney Comics just restart. But that series was something else. Something special.

[@bigdaddydons6241]

I'm someone who knows next to nothing about comics or comic artists, but i know ive seen Darrow's art before. And remember spending almost hours just zooming in and out trying to appreciate all the tiny detals and hoe they play off of eachother. Its almost overwhelming to look at but miraculously holds things together without blending into sludge

[@marioposada8880]

Yes yes yes s yes yes, I've beeeeeeen waiting sooooo long for darrow to be covered Him and moebius are my all time favorite artists, I'm addicted to your channel and love this video, just awesome.

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

My absolute favorite writer/artist couple is Ed Brubaker and Sean Philips. I would love to see your breakdown of their work.

[@irighterotica]

I've yet to read any of Moebius's work, but his art alone has had a profound effect on me.

[@abh623]

Another excellent episode, Chris! A Comic Trope episode is always a treat. Hope you and the wife have a smashing trip.

[@erwingu]

Another great video Chris! Looking forward to your next videos. Keep up the great work!

[@Shinmsl]

I never knew about this artist, his art reminded me a lot to Otomo and Frank Quietly, thanks again for educating us and sharing your passion for comics.

[@CuteKiller313]

I was reminded of Quietley's work too (especially Pax Americana). Also the super-detailed environments and OTT gorey violence of Juan Jose Ryp (who drew the Robocop comic mentioned in this video) and Josan Gonzalez who does great cyberpunk artwork. Love that kind of comic art where you can sit there studying each panel like a photograph of a real lived-in place.

[@reginaldforthright805]

Otomo is actually skilled; the others not so much.

[@Eisenwulf666]

This was a really great episode. Stay strong, take your time, your content is always awesome and really appreciated.

[@stephenvelez9710]

Mr. Darrow is always a pleasure at cons, generous with his time and unsolicited sketches! Love his work❤

[@christopherw.griffin3768]

This was my introduction to this artist. I am blown away by the detail. And I know this isn't intentional (or maybe it is) but some of his sequences of violence are so over the top I actually laughed out loud. Thanks Chris. Enjoy Japan and thank you for your hard work. It's super educational and fun.

[@allfinesunshine5184]

Keep reading comics Chris! I always wait in eagre anticipation for the next Comic Tropes! Perhaps not a comics artist, but Mattias Adolfsson does some wonderfully detailed art

[@Evergreen085]

I enjoy his extreme violence. I'm blown away how amazing the artwork is.

[@Kaioken20]

I haven't read it in a long while, but Darrick Robertson's art in Transmetroplitan came to mind re the hyper detail. Dunno if that's how it actually was, or whether my mind is conflating artists...

[@davidbooks.and.comics]

Extraordinary presentation...love the work you did on this!

[@cassandracastro2759]

Darrow designing the concept art for the Matrix series makes so much sense now.

[@capulet66]

I’ve heard of Darrow and Shaolin Cowboy before but this video really opened my eyes to his work, so thanks for that! I can’t believe I don’t have any of his works in my collection. Definitely tracking them down the next few days. Looking forward to your Japan episode! Keep up the awesome work!

[@andrewanastasovski1609]

I think I know this artist from old Heavy Metal magazines I used to buy. I remember thinking the artist drew so much in one panel, it must have taken him ages.

[@custard500011]

wow ive never heard of him before but his art is really unbelievable. like youd get the comic just to admire the panels since theres so much to disect. i hardly buy comics but i might get hard boiled just because that art looks so good. also frank miller. thanks a lot chris for the highlight!

[@theconqueringram5295]

His artwork truly is fantastic!

[@tommyapocalypse6096]

It cannot be understated how much of a blessing Bud Plant has been to us comic fans the world over! I remember coming home one day to a brand new Bud Plant Catalog in my mailbox. I devoured that thing, never knowing who ordered it for me. I later found out that an art teacher whose class I was taking got my address and had it sent to me. We were both huge comics fans, and he thought I'd like it. I thank him to this day. God bless you, Ralph Warnick!!

[@tylerbrunton7696]

Coming across Bourbon Thret randomly in a HM back issue was a real treat.

[@Alfboyz]

Highly detailed Western artists that come to mind and/or are my favs are: - Olivier Ledroit (Requiem Chevalier Vampire) - Simon Bisley (Batman/Lobo) - Brian Bolland (Batman: The Killing Joke) - James Stokoe (Orc Stain)

[@tharindudecosta]

hi got to say i really love you vids. I have gotten to know about a lot of new(new to me at least) artists through you videos. Can I make a small suggestion to you. Have you talked about "kim jung gi"? He's a south Korean artist who is known for a lot of detail. He's one of my personal favorites. Would really like to see you make a video on him. Thanks and stay safe 😁

[@Skrerrt]

Okay, I barely started watching and I GOTTA say, hats off for that animated intro man. It is just amazing.

[@pmeloun]

Fantastic episode, great work as always. The opening "enhance" bit was clever.

[@TheParanoiddd]

There was this French TV that called him to give an interview, and they bought (or brought) a chainsaw and fresh pig from the butcher, for him to cut through and to make some kind of performance. They were hoping for a punk guy, given his art style and all, to show up and do all things with pleasure... Little did they know he is 2m tall, semi-bald with glasses, just the nice guy overall, and when he showed up before them, they thought he was some kind of an agent for Darrow, and couldn't be convinced that that was him. He of course declined the offer to cut the pig into the pieces, and just gave them an interview that he came to do...

[@bringmetheapostles5953]

This man's work is absolutely fucking astounding! I've always loved art that shows extremely crowded/dense scenes. Speaking of, another great artist with that trait (and one of my recent favorites) is Tom Parkinson-Morgan, aka Abaddon/Orbitaldropkick. He's been writing and illustrating the webcomic Kill Six Billion Demons for the better part of a decade, and it is filled to the brim with similar art, dense and lively streets/marketplaces, and absolutely hectic and chaotic fights. It would be awesome to see you talk about his work on this channel! He's SO under-the-radar despite being such an amazing artist. Great video as always! I'll have to check out Darrow's work soon, those kaiju panels absolutely captivated me.

[@atquinn1975]

Darrow is a genius. I loved his work with Frank Miller back in the day, but never knew anything about his other work. Now I'll be hunting all if it down! In terms of influences, I feel Darrow in some of Frank Quitely's work (We3 for example)

[@zoperxplex]

Can we take this moment to acknowledge just how much the level of artistry has improved from the Golden Age of comics to now.

[@134zulureign]

@comictropes just wanted to let you know your not by yourself I’ve been battling depression for awhile now and comic books and content such as your show which is one of my favorites from the topics to the theme music always brightens my day. It really takes me away from the everyday stress of life.

[@Thabosshoss]

I had the pleasure of meeting Geoff Darrow at the Baltimore Comic Con some years ago and I was awestruck. Here was this man whose work I WORSHIP and has involved in the Matrix, etc, and I was able to talk to him. To my surprise, he was incredibly thoughtful, kind, and engrossing. He has strong opinions, but they are tempered by def insight. Such a legend, and much more fun to talk to then other artists that are FAR less accomplished. There is a lesson in there somewhere ...

[@rick-kf8fn]

Well , I learned about an artist I have never heard of, wow, he is insane !!! The intricate detail blows my mind, I have to call my friend who is an artist, he needs to see Darrow's work

[@SoulStarSketchin]

I was hoping you finally get to talking about his work. It amazes me that his name isn't widely known yet for those in the know already are well informed of how detailed his works really get. And yes I remember Rusty and The Big Guy! It's so hard to find trades of that collection and ditto for the cartoon version.

[@kylecarter1599]

Geoff Darrow is a god. He told Cartoonist Kayfabe a few weeks ago that one of The Matrix producers was the inspiration for the lizards in his latest Shaolin Cowboy book, and that's he already working another Cowboy book.

[@ianr.navahuber2195]

3:31 I can relate to that feeling of "somehow needing to draw the character / prop in all perspectives as possible" 6:56 that's really going the extra mile, by properly understanding the spatial relations 12:58 isometric establishment shots?

[@CUTEMKUltras]

Great video. I love a bit of Geoff Darrow. I think Glenn Fabry is another artist who uses quite a lot of detail- not quite on the scale of Darrow but more than usual.

[@significarta]

A few other artists possibly inspired by Darrow would be Frank Quietly, Juan Jose Ryp, Brandon Graham and Simon Roy (on Prophet), Chris Burnham and Nick Pitara and on the other end there is a bit of Michael Golden, Art Adams and Barry Windsor Smith's Weapon X run in Darrow's work, particularly the Cybernetics and Tech

[@monolith_g]

I was obsessed with rusty and big guy. I was like 8yrs old but I poured over every page. He was a major influence on me then and is a monument to style with the recent Shaolin Cowboy. I learned how to keep drawing. How to use detail to my advantage

[@monolith_g]

Thanks Geoff. Seriously.

[@pattongilbert]

How on EARTH did Darrow draw with that level of detail?? I mean- WOW. Fantastic episode, CT.❤️

[@johnm.withersiv4352]

I still want more Big Guy and the Boy Robot. Loved the comic and cartoon. Is it time for a live action adaptation on a streaming service? Perhaps.

[@davidmoran2296]

For detailed cityscapes and back ground I alway think of Tim Truman, especially his Grimjack stuff. Would love to see you cover his work!

[@tevelisaodecachorro]

Excellent episode, Chris! Darrow is one of the artists who got me into cyberpunk, my favorite genre, way back in the early 90's. Also, this is the second time I purchase a comic book even before I finish watching one of your videos. Thanks a lot! Shaolin Cowboy go go go!

[@kevin9989]

Hey Chris!! You're very much appreciated. Keep up the good work!

[@BCBell-fj2ht]

Somebody we forget is Windsor McCay (Little Nemo in Slumberland), if you look at his political comics every face in the crowd is defined. It's kinda amazing.

[@robsyers8647]

Great episode. I love that you've been open about your struggles with depression. You make a quality show, and I've always enjoyed it, and have learned a lot about comics from it.

[@BigApeBooks]

So cool. I am going to check Darrow's work out. Praying for you about your depression. I've had it since I was a kid, so I get what you're going through.

[@DementedDistraction]

Yukito Kishiro is very detailed in his work and complex in his compositions. One thing I always liked about Darrow is that despite his style being so hyper detailed, it's always readable and his compositions are never so busy that the eye can't settle down on the intended focal point.

[@conspicuouslyalexander]

Great as always Chris. Take as much time as you need!!!! your health is more important than our entertainment.

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Always appreciated Darrows detail anf the incredible intricacy his works bring! I wouldn't truly enjoy his work til Big Guy and Rusty; while being influence to create my own detail!❤

[@tonydabaloney]

I always appreciate being shown artist I wasn't aware of. Thank you! A lot of times we read comics or graphic novels ,but don't stop and think about all the work that goes with it. The artist owe you gratitude for what you do as well. I'm 71yrs old and have enjoyed graphic novels and art for many decades. I was first in line when Heavy Metal came out! Keep up the great work and thank you again!❤

[@Evergreen085]

Thank you for introducing me to an artist I think I'll love for a long time. Hunting down his work right now. As always thank you for the great video with such awesome detail.

[@damienscanlon5585]

Geof Darrow is hands down one of my favorite artists. I fell in love with his art after reading Hard Boiled years ago. I’ve been hoping that you would do an episode on him for a while.

[@Draliseth]

That thumbnail immediately conjures to mind the art Jose Juan Ryp did for Frank Miller's RoboCop by Avatar Press.