VERTIGO CRIME
Vertigo, the mature readers' imprint of DC Comics, announced the creation of a new sub-imprint, "Vertigo Crime", at Comic-Con International in 2008. Brainchild Studios was contacted and asked to spearhead the project. The challenge was to create a bold and distinctive presence within the already crowded prose mystery/crime bookshelves. This extensive undertaking began with the logotype and culminated with cover designs for the first 2 releases, Dark Entries by Ian Rankin and Wether Dell'Edera and Filthy Rich by Brian Azzarello and Victor Santos. Brainchild Studios followed up with 6 additional covers the following year with each book, crafted to maintain the established look and feel, while still offering a unique approach geared to the individual story within.
The final logotype alongside "Chuck Chalk", an icon used on the spine and in various other capacities to promote the line.
A sampling of the extensive exploration undertaken to develop the logotype.
Various cover designs.
