Library additions
Introduction: I worked at Barnes and Noble all through college, and I love adding new books into my personal collection. While this series of articles may not always focus on new books, it just so happens that I was able to get a great deal on some that I have wanted for some time. These articles will review the content, quality, and my overall satisfaction with the art related products that I purchase.
I think that one of the most beneficial things for me as an artist, is to be able to flip through a book. Feeling the pages in my hand, and having access to the art and stories right in front of me has always paid dividends into my art career. There is something truly fascinating to me about the creation of books, and whenever I am able to get my hands on a new one it just makes me want to work that much harder to create my own. I have not had these five new books for very long, but I can already tell that I made some great choices with this order.
I think that one of the most beneficial things for me as an artist, is to be able to flip through a book. Feeling the pages in my hand, and having access to the art and stories right in front of me has always paid dividends into my art career. There is something truly fascinating to me about the creation of books, and whenever I am able to get my hands on a new one it just makes me want to work that much harder to create my own. I have not had these five new books for very long, but I can already tell that I made some great choices with this order.
Hellboy - The First 20 Years: I love my copy of the Art of Hellboy and have always been totally enamored by it. There is so much insight into the creative process of Mike Mignola, and I have benefitted greatly from the time I have spent studying it. Naturally, this book was a no-brainer must-purchase item for me, and it did not disappoint in the slightest. This is a magnificently bound, hardcover, large-format book, that is absolutely necessary for any fan of Mignola or Hellboy. The artwork benefits greatly from the large format pages, and each illustration feels like it could be a high quality print. The colors provided by Dave Stewart pop off of the page, and add strong dimensionality that completely complements Mignola's work.
Being only 23, it is difficult for me to truly understand all the work that has gone into creating such a successful property that is nearly as old as I am. However, as I continue to immerse myself into Mignola's world, I gain a deeper and richer experience into the craft of storytelling. Mignola's work has heavily influenced my own, and this book furthered that admiration and appreciation that I have for him.
Current Price on Amazon: $13.62
Being only 23, it is difficult for me to truly understand all the work that has gone into creating such a successful property that is nearly as old as I am. However, as I continue to immerse myself into Mignola's world, I gain a deeper and richer experience into the craft of storytelling. Mignola's work has heavily influenced my own, and this book furthered that admiration and appreciation that I have for him.
Current Price on Amazon: $13.62
The Amazing Screw on Head and Other Curious Objects: Breathtaking. An absolute masterpiece in the world on comics. The only fault I have with my copy of this book is that I did not own it sooner. The type of story found in this collection is my favorite to read. Short story comics are severely underrated, by some, and often provide the reader with a finite sense of completion. This collection dabbles in all of the classic Mignola feelings of horror, science-fiction, and magic.
While the Amazing Screw on Head has stood the test of time, in this collection we are also blessed with the magnificent short story the Magician and the Snake. Conceptualized by Mike's daughter, he often refers to this as the crown jewel of storytelling prowess. This story transcends the medium, by not only representing great comics but by representing great storytelling. This collection is a great read, and well-worth the time of any comic fan.
Current Price on Amazon: $11.72
While the Amazing Screw on Head has stood the test of time, in this collection we are also blessed with the magnificent short story the Magician and the Snake. Conceptualized by Mike's daughter, he often refers to this as the crown jewel of storytelling prowess. This story transcends the medium, by not only representing great comics but by representing great storytelling. This collection is a great read, and well-worth the time of any comic fan.
Current Price on Amazon: $11.72
Wytches: I originally picked up a copy of Wytches because of the Stephen King quote on the front. I love these collected $10 trades that Image releases, and oftentimes there are some of their highest caliber stories in these books. The raw and visceral nature of the story is deftly complimented by the powerful and aggressive artwork. The primal feeling that radiates from every component of Wytches pierces the reader, and it really left me thinking about the story long after I was done reading.
I think the world that Scott Snyder has created for this series has opened a door of huge potential. Wytches is now a universe where a certain set of standards have been set, and those will be a creative playground for many issues to come. I look forward to many shocking stories that permeate the mind to come from Wythces in the future.
Current Price on Amazon: $6.76
I think the world that Scott Snyder has created for this series has opened a door of huge potential. Wytches is now a universe where a certain set of standards have been set, and those will be a creative playground for many issues to come. I look forward to many shocking stories that permeate the mind to come from Wythces in the future.
Current Price on Amazon: $6.76
ApocalyptiGirl - An Aria for the End Times: Just the book I was looking for. I am anxiously awaiting a collected edition of Head Lopper, but for the time being ApocalptiGirl provided me with a satisfying taste of Andrew MacLean's artwork. I would to have a chance to interview Andrew at some point, and will definitely be placing him in the docket of future articles. His fresh artistic perspective immediately struck a chord with me, and he provides keen insight into his work with his social media presence. I love what Andrew is doing for a lot of reasons, and I look forward to many great books from him in the future.
In regards to ApocalyptiGirl, I was sincerely impressed by the work. The style was executed with so much taste that it became palpable. There is a high degree of difficulty when it comes to drawing with such a unique vision, but Andrew completely interlays every portion of this this world together perfectly. Leaving no detail unturned I was totally submerged in the world he created. I love this book for the combination of art and story that it provides.
Current Price on Amazon: $6.26
In regards to ApocalyptiGirl, I was sincerely impressed by the work. The style was executed with so much taste that it became palpable. There is a high degree of difficulty when it comes to drawing with such a unique vision, but Andrew completely interlays every portion of this this world together perfectly. Leaving no detail unturned I was totally submerged in the world he created. I love this book for the combination of art and story that it provides.
Current Price on Amazon: $6.26
They Drew as They Pleased - The Hidden Art of Disney's Golden Age: This is a hefty book that I will be truly surprised if it stays at such a low price. Retailing at $40, this book is a healthy mix of text and art that showcases the Renaissance of Disney Feature Length animation. I have not read this entire book yet, but I can already tell a fountain of information will be pouring out of it. These artists were masters in every sense of the word, and there are many high resolution images that I have personally never seen before.
Disney often provides high quality art book, and this one is no exception. If you enjoy Disney animation from this time period I have no doubt that you will enjoy this book as well.
Current Price on Amazon: $6.64
Disney often provides high quality art book, and this one is no exception. If you enjoy Disney animation from this time period I have no doubt that you will enjoy this book as well.
Current Price on Amazon: $6.64
Conclusion: All in all, this was not a bad little order that I was able to to round up for myself. These books have more than earned there space on my self, and I am sure they would find a good home on yours. I think that this type of haul review is a nice format for my articles, and when money permits I will continue this series.