The Hyper Detailed Comics Art of Geof Darrow 

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

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.

Did you just say TEN PAGE SPREAD?

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 😁

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).

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

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

I see devilman in the background, very nice!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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...

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

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.

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!

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

2nd brah

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

The fact that Toriyama gets shit on so much by younger fans of Manga and Comics has always been wild to me. That man knows Iconic Character Design in and out! and he's a legend within the Manga Sphere when it comes to Panelling as well. He's one of the most economically talented panel mangaka's in the world. If you want to improve your pacing Page to Page in your comic then you should definitly study Toriyama's Panelling. He does everything so simple and makes it look so easy, but when you try to cram a bunch of context into 1 page, you notice how hard it is!

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!

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.

hope you get better.

I love Geof Darrow's art so much.

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

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

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)

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.

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

Great video Chris. Well researched. You taught me specific details about Darrows early work that I didn't know. Thanks! You and Qrissy will have a great holiday 😊 Joe.

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.

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)

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

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!

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Love all your videos have been watching for years!!!! Please never stop making videos 🙏🙏🙏

Frank Quitely seems to have a strong Darrow influence in his work, particularly when it comes to drawing clothing, skin, and solid shit being blown apart (bullets into flesh, objects hurling through walls, etc)

Great episode & intro! It's odd they didn't allow him to share the John Wick artwork, doesn't seem that much more gratuitous than the movies. Wasn't aware of his concept art, from what I see here, Darrow was basically to the Matrix what HR Giger was to Alien, learned a lot this episode!

My professor jokingly warned that him and Tradd Moore were the 2 art style NO ONE should try to imitate- it's just impossible XD

It's been a while since I've tuned in, but I'm glad to see you're still at it. Depression is that opponent that keeps coming back for a rematch, I know that fight too well. hope you're doing well. This video was great, looking forward to the next one.

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.

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

No witty comment. Just an algorithm boost for our comic book buddy, Chris. 👍

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.

I love your content., but you need to take care of yourself as well. Just want to send you good wishes. I struggle myself.

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

Brilliant intro. I feel like Wayne Knight was up for that roll until you cast yourself ;)

I believe shaolin cowboy cruel to be kin was released last year. More for you to read, Chris.

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 ❤😂

That's amazing! Never seen his art before but goddamn.

Safe travels, Chris

Thank you making this! I totally like Darrow's work!

His artwork truly is fantastic!

Awesome vid, my favorite artist of all time, Geof is incredible

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

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.

Great intro. Never fails to get a laugh out of me. Well done.

Lovely perfect episode, thank you!

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.

Huh, seems like Darrow's Japanese influence might have influenced the Japanese right back, because that kaiju is very Greymon-esc for something that existed 2 years before Digimon.