By: Dane O’Leary
There are legitimate reasons why there are millions upon millions of comic book fans around the world. Sometimes it’s for the action-packed stories, the captivating characters, or the engaging mythology, but there’s something else that comic books offer us: Art.
It doesn’t take a radioactive-spider bite to be able to appreciate the artistry of comic books. Even if you’re not a fan of Spider-Man and you don’t have a clue who Barry Allen is, all you have to do is flip through a couple pages to understand comic book fans’ devoted admiration. However, you needn’t hang a frame portrait of the Green Goblin for comic books to be the inspiration for your decor—although surely there’s someone, somewhere, who has done that. Check out these rooms that, to one extent or another, use comic books as design inspiration.
The mural in the living room pictured here is clearly inspired by the visual style of comic books, but without using any quintessential comic book or superhero imagery. You don’t seen any explosions, narrative thought bubbles, capes, or tights, but the heavy black outline of what appears to be almost a duplicate living room on the wall evokes the same comic book aesthetic. There’s also an interesting juxtaposition between the modern, minimalist furnishings and the light, airy color palette against the bold, stylized, comic book-style wall. The contemporary, subdued furnishings provide balance and keep the mural from overpowering the space.
If you prefer a design that more subtly incorporates the comic book style, check out this modern bedroom in a high-rise apartment. The room doesn’t really “scream” comics, but you’ll see the inspiration if you look for it. The mirror over the desk is designed to look like a dialogue or thought bubble you’d see over a character’s head. There’s also something graphic and exaggerated, almost cartoony, about the shape of the desk chair, looking like a ribbon that’s been folded back and over itself. Interestingly, this room evokes the feeling of a comic book while foregoing the more vivid, expected color scheme of comics in favor of something more monochromatic and modern.
Speaking of a monochromatic and modern color palette, here’s another room that evokes the comic book style while avoiding the typical boldness of comic book colors. These dining-style chairs feature comic book imagery printed on them, but since they’re reproduced in black and white, the chairs aren’t too busy or childish.
This reference might be a little specific for the casual observer, but anyone who’s seen a Superman movie should recognize the inspiration for this table: Superman’s Fortress of Solitude! Meanwhile, the brown leather chairs look like something you’d see in Lex Luthor’s rich, dark study. The two style are an interesting contrast and will surely be appreciated by guests.
Then again, when the medium is known for its vivid artwork, why not just go for it? In this bedroom for an adolescent boy, the comic book inspiration isn’t so subtle. The mural on the wall shows the sort of comic-style cityscape that you’d expect to see Spider-Man swinging across using his web-shooters. The pillows on the bed feature imagery and the signature type of comic books while the actual bedding reinforce the color palette. It’s the kind of bedroom most young fanboys—even adult fanboys—would love to have.
For more design ideas and inspiration, head to Modernize.com.
