How to Draw Noir Politics

Graphic storytellers Shawn Martinbrough and Joseph Phillip Illidge excavate the shady underworld of politics.

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  1 of 5

  Super Obama

  Shawn Martinbrough

  There are no superheroes in the real world. Looking at the American Dream realized in Barack Obama, many Americans see a red cape on his back, flapping in the wind. They imagine him descending from the sky to lift them up, from despair, from poverty, from unemployment, from apathy. Just like the “S” on Superman’s chest, America has created a new icon with our president’s face. Photographed, illustrated, in color, in black and white.

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  2 of 5

  Neither Noir

  Shawn Martinbrough

  Heroes and villains do not appoint themselves. Anyone who builds a monument to their own perceived greatness may be a narcissist or egomaniac, but definitely not a great leader. He shall not appear in any comic books. No collector’s item value whatsoever.

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  3 of 5

  Villain Noir

  Shawn Martinbrough

  Michael Steele couldn’t possibly see himself through the lens of his party and peers. He’s been transformed into a two-faced figure, handsome and articulate on one side while scarred by cowardice and ineptitude on the other. He is a poster boy for contradiction and the voice of disconnectedness.

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  4 of 5

  Sheeeeeit...

  Shawn Martinbrough

  As the fictional Baltimore politician in HBO’s now-departed, critically acclaimed show The Wire [14], Clay Davis had all the qualities of a villain. The people loved him, and the politicos hated him. He scammed angels and devils alike. Davis benefited from the money in other people’s pockets, and he used the power of his enemies against them.

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  5 of 5

  And Now, Back to Our Hero...

  Shawn Martinbrough

  Clay Davis did not save the people of Baltimore. Roland Burris will not save the people of Michael Steele will certainly not save the Republican Party. President Barack Obama will not single-handedly save the United States of America. The hero’s journey begins with a single step and ends at the nearest mirror. Unfortunately, the villain’s journey can end at the same place.

  WATCH these politics noir images come to life. [15]

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