Get Graphic: The Art of 'Nottingham' with Shane Connery Volk
Apr 04, 2022
Art by Shane Connery Volk
Interview by Troy-Jeffrey Allen
Now into its second year of publication, NOTTINGHAM is Mad Cave Studio's breakout hit. Part of the book's success is writer David Hazan's new perspective on Robin Hood lore. In NOTTINGHAM, Robin Hood isn't the hero, The Sherriff isn't the villain, and concepts of good and evil are far grayer.
The other factor in the series' success is artist Shane Connery Volk. Volk's almost gothic style gives this 17th-century adventure a dark flourish that underlines the story's murky morality.
In the following interview, artist Shane Connery Volk takes us inside his process, gives us insight into his background, and introduces us to this unique world he's created inside NOTTINGHAM.
What’s Nottingham about?
Nottingham is a reimagining of the Robin Hood lore from the perspective of the Sheriff of Nottingham. David has crafted a complex world where the notion of “good vs evil” doesn’t really exist. Everyone from the Sheriff to Hood and Maid Marian has their own sense of what’s right and good. None of them see themselves as the villain. They all do terrible things in the name of truth and justice. That notion is something we see all around us in the world today and is part of what makes this story so compelling.
What appealed to you about Nottingham?
I am a huge history buff. So from that standpoint, I was excited to work on a story that presents the Medieval world in a way we can recognize today - from the lens of a complex person just trying to do his job as best he can. On the art side, I was pretty intimidated to draw horses and castles and swords and all that, so these books have pushed me out of my comfort zone. Which is a good thing, because if you’re uncomfortable it means you’re learning and (hopefully) getting better every page!
How did you go about designing the look of the Sheriff of Nottingham?
David sent along some references for what he had in mind for the character. I took that and mixed it with my own ideas. My biggest thought was to give him a strong silhouette so that even in the shadow you would recognize him. I wanted him to be a hulking figure, but always hunched and bent over. He’s physically weighed down by his past and the situation he is in. I also wanted his face to be immediately recognizable. He’s worn and weary and has black eyes which, again, show a man carrying a heavy past.
How did you get into comics as a reader?
I got into comics for the art! When I was a kid, I would take my comics and just pour over the art for days. It took me forever to read anything because I would just obsess over the art. Honestly, nothing has changed, haha. I’ll read everything from superhero books to horror, and everything in between, but the art has to speak to me.
What medium/tools do you use for the comic?
I do my layouts and “penciling” digitally. It’s such a huge time saver when you’re in the world of deadlines. I print the pencils out in blue line, then ink traditionally. My main inking tools are a parallel pen, various other pens, microns, jiffy markers, and brushes. Basically, anything that makes a mark on paper.
What can audiences expect from Nottingham?
The second arc of Nottingham gives people everything they loved from the first but expands the world and the characters in new, exciting ways. For my part, I’ve done my absolute best to take the art to a new level. I hope fans and new readers of the series love what we’ve come up with.
If you're interested in more of Mikel Navarro's work then be sure to follow him on Behance, Instagram, and Twitter.
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Troy-Jeffrey Allen is the producer and co-host of PREVIEWSworld Weekly. His comics work includes MF DOOM: All Caps, Public Enemy's Apocalpyse '91, Fight of the Century, the Harvey Award-nominated District Comics, and the Ringo Awards-nominated Magic Bullet.
