Need tips on how I should tackle old comic restoration/redesign

[Masteripper]

Hello to everybody. I must start out by saying that I only want ideas and tips, I'm not asking for someone to do it for me.

I have a rather vast collection of Starblazer comics from the '70s scanned and saved as images.

This is a rather good sample.


But there a lot that are tragic scans like this.



So I am thinking, in my spare time I want to start enhancing the scans focused on two directions.
First step is in the concept. To provide a greater quality of B/W (like top photo below) with added details to give a more modern look like it was drawn recently. So I would need good quality tutorials on how to wrap textures over irregular 3d objects like the space suit of the character below. It's not the best match for my scan, but I have plenty of images and I can also use AI for some.




On 2nd step I would like to color everything to accomplish a result like below.



Thanks in advance!

 

[IamSam]

Hello and welcome to PSG.

Start here -

This guy is great!!

Ctrl+Paint

Digital Painting: Simplified

www.youtube.com

Here are two of his vids that apply. I highly recommend the use of Smart Objects using the "placeholder" or "template" technique!

This guy does a series of "realistified" images. His techniques are what you may be looking for.

Benny Productions

I know the name is goofy. Things escalated. I'm Benny and on this channel you'll see all kinds of content surrounding Photoshop and digital creation. I'm not trying to teach, I'm simply trying to inspire and most of all: Entertain! Feel free to subscribe if you like my videos :) Please only...

www.youtube.com

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Photoshop+warping+textures+onto+objects

YT is full of tutorials...........you just have to search.

 

[Masteripper]

Hello and welcome to PSG.

Start here -

This guy is great!!

Ctrl+Paint

Digital Painting: Simplified

www.youtube.com

Here are two of his vids that apply. I highly recommend the use of Smart Objects using the "placeholder" or "template" technique!

This guy does a series of "realistified" images. His techniques are what you may be looking for.

Benny Productions

I know the name is goofy. Things escalated. I'm Benny and on this channel you'll see all kinds of content surrounding Photoshop and digital creation. I'm not trying to teach, I'm simply trying to inspire and most of all: Entertain! Feel free to subscribe if you like my videos :) Please only...

www.youtube.com

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Photoshop+warping+textures+onto+objects

YT is full of tutorials...........you just have to search.

Thanks,I see a lot of tutorials but they don't match my goals, these look just right.
If you have suggestions for sci fi content do post them

 

[thebestcpu]

Hi @Masteripper
There are three significant steps I take.
1) Improve the existing image that is Black and White
- De-JEPG if needed to remove artifacts (Photoshop Neural filter)
- Basic defect and tone correction
- Upsizing (Topaz AI or Gigapixel)
2) Adding features. I will add the suggestion of using Gigapixel ReDefine (which takes quite a bit of computing). The result may not be what you want, yet an AI approach a lot less work if one meets the look you want
3) If not already included - enhancement with Topaz Photo AI

Then, the next major step is adding color
- Automated ways may not meet your needs, so hand coloring with a Layer set to blend of Color may be needed
- There are automated colorizations such as Neural filters in Photoshop and basic approaches listed below, yet if you want a very realistic result, hand painting may be needed.

Here is a simple example of using redefine in gigapixel for minor additions (there are sliders to make it more "creative")

Left is what we started with and right is the Gigapixel modified version



Here is a technique with some quick basic colorziation. Totally undirectied: I suspect based on your comments in your last post that this is not the direction you wanted to take yet this was very low energy to create.



Here is a list of possible steps to consider in your project(s).

1. Define Your Aesthetic and Mood
Sci-fi imagery often benefits from distinct color themes, such as:
Neon & Cyberpunk: High contrast with bright neon blues, purples, and pinks against dark backgrounds.
Retro Sci-Fi: Warm, vintage tones with faded yellows, oranges, and greens.
Hard Sci-Fi: Realistic, muted colors emphasizing practical, near-future technology.
Alien Worlds: Unconventional hues, like green skies or glowing bioluminescent landscapes.
2. Use AI-Powered Tools for a Base
DeOldify or Photoshop’s Neural Filters can provide an automatic colorized base for grayscale images.
Fine-tune the AI output manually to avoid unnatural color placements.
3. Work with Layers in Photoshop (or Similar Software)
Use Adjustment Layers: Color Balance, Hue/Saturation, and Curves help refine the look.
Gradient Maps: Can help set a unified sci-fi color scheme across the image.
Overlay Blending Modes: Soft Light, Multiply, and Overlay can add subtle tints to enhance realism.
4. Focus on Lighting and Glow Effects
Sci-fi often features glowing neon lights, holograms, and energy sources.
Use the Color Dodge or Screen blending modes to enhance these effects.
Create lens flares and atmospheric lighting to add depth.
5. Consider Atmospheric Effects
Sci-fi scenes often include haze, fog, or cosmic dust.
Use soft airbrushing and opacity adjustments to add a sense of depth and atmosphere.
6. Reference Existing Sci-Fi Art and Films
Look at movies like Blade Runner 2049, The Fifth Element, and Tron: Legacy for inspiration.
Observe how color schemes are used to define mood and setting.
7. Final Touches and Post-Processing
Add vignette effects to guide focus.
Apply subtle noise or texture overlays for a cinematic feel.
Use color grading tools to unify the overall look.

I know these are pretty generic yet thought they were worth sharing
John Wheeler

 

[IamSam]

Just so I'm understanding you correctly..........
Like the Robotank pictured below. You want it to have real metal texture with color and shading, right? Are you wanting to do this for the entire page and all characters? How many scanned images do you think you want to "restore"?

 

[IamSam]

Something like this???
Path with the Pen Tool


Placeholder


Warped metal texture clipped to placeholder.
This does not include the indention's or shading......that would be another step!



This is very rough indention's and shading...............25 layers for just this section!

 

[IamSam]

Have you considered an AI engine that can transform sketches/Drawings into a semi-realistic photo?

Sketch to image AI: Transform sketches into images - Adobe Firefly

Easily convert sketches into high-quality images using Firefly's AI sketch to image generator. Unlock the potential of your sketches and create stunning images in seconds.

www.adobe.com

Turn any drawing into AI digital art. Sketch to image made easy

Use AI Generator for image to image creations. Turn your child's simple sketches into stunning illustrations based on text prompts and uploaded images

deep-image.ai

Sketch to image | OpenArt

Upload any sketch - be it a budding artwork, interior design concept, or a product idea - and watch as our AI swiftly renders it into a detailed, realistic image.

openart.ai

Turn Your Drawings Into Images in Seconds – NewArc.ai

Turn any sketch into a photo with our AI sketch to image generator. Visualise your ideas in realistic photos and 3D renders, ready in seconds!

www.newarc.ai

AI Drawing To Picture: How To Turn Your Drawings Into Realistic Pictures With AI

Turn your ideas into stunning art with AI Drawing to Picture. This innovative technology lets you describe your vision and instantly see it come to life.

www.zmo.ai

 

[Masteripper]

Have you considered an AI engine that can transform sketches/Drawings into a semi-realistic photo?

Sketch to image AI: Transform sketches into images - Adobe Firefly

Easily convert sketches into high-quality images using Firefly's AI sketch to image generator. Unlock the potential of your sketches and create stunning images in seconds.

www.adobe.com

Turn any drawing into AI digital art. Sketch to image made easy

Use AI Generator for image to image creations. Turn your child's simple sketches into stunning illustrations based on text prompts and uploaded images

deep-image.ai

Sketch to image | OpenArt

Upload any sketch - be it a budding artwork, interior design concept, or a product idea - and watch as our AI swiftly renders it into a detailed, realistic image.

openart.ai

Turn Your Drawings Into Images in Seconds – NewArc.ai

Turn any sketch into a photo with our AI sketch to image generator. Visualise your ideas in realistic photos and 3D renders, ready in seconds!

www.newarc.ai

AI Drawing To Picture: How To Turn Your Drawings Into Realistic Pictures With AI

Turn your ideas into stunning art with AI Drawing to Picture. This innovative technology lets you describe your vision and instantly see it come to life.

www.zmo.ai

Thanks for everything ,great stuff ,with 281 issues with around 60 pages each is a lot of work but my priorities as less than 20

 

[IamSam]

but my priorities as less than 20

Even with 20 issues or less (lets say 5 issues with all pages) as your goal, doing this manually will be an impossible undertaking. Even if you were highly skilled with Ps, I seriously doubt you will be able to finish the project. I think your only option here is to go with one of the AI engines.

 

[Masteripper]

I will surely check them, but I am thinking it as something to keep me busy in the afternoons

Even with 20 issues or less (lets say 5 issues with all pages) as your goal, doing this manually will be an impossible undertaking. Even if you were highly skilled with Ps, I seriously doubt you will be able to finish the project. I think your only option here is to go with one of the AI engines.

Edit: Just tried NewArc.ai....well it was kind of amazing...very good work, I must check it for more