Masters of Comics

Description

Go inside the master's studio and explore the creative spaces and processes of the legendary artists who brought you Batman: Year One, Akira, Saga, and more! Readers are invited into the studio spaces of some of the most popular and prolific comic artists in the world. Through dynamic photography and exclusive interviews, Masters of Comics offers a rare, personal look at these artists' unique creative environments-spaces in which some of the greatest comics and graphic novels of the last fifty years took shape. Curated by Joel Meadows, editor of Tripwire Magazine, the book includes chapters on such legends as Milo Manara (The Ape, Click), Mike Kaluta (The Shadow ), Walter Simonson (Thor, Fantastic Four), and more. The first in a series focusing on artists at work in a variety of mediums and industries, Masters of Comics offers a glimpse "behind the veil," shining new light on the artistic process. It's the ultimate backstage pass for comic fans, as well as a wonderful learning tool for aspiring artists wishing to learn from the greats.

Joel Meadows is a journalist and writer with over three decades of experience in newspapers, magazines, and books. His CV includes some of the most renowned publications in the world, including Time magazine, the Times, the Telegraph, the Guardian, and the Observer. He has also written extensively about comics, film, TV, and culture for publications such as Variety, Empire, Big Issue in the North, and Comic Heroes. He is the editor-in-chief of Tripwire, a preeminent publication that covers comics, film, TV, and related subjects. He is also one of the producers of the Portsmouth International Comic Con.

"I took a pleasant stroll through Joel's new book, Master of Comics, while sitting at my desk at Weta Workshop. As my eyes wander through the spaces where these master artists work, I'm warmed to see that I'm not alone in my ceaseless collecting of inspirational objects. Mine is a busy shared space surrounded by nearly buckling shelves filled with art, pop and comic culture sculptures that I've collected over the years. Many of the characters in this book (the ones in the comics, not the artists themselves!) also look back at me from these shelves. Superman, Hellboy, Hercules. These cultural icons have become both subject and muse for so many of us! Master of Comics is a terrific read for anyone interested in the characters who create the characters we love. It's a story about the private rituals that set creative people apart and the beliefs that bring them together. Reading Joel's interviews with these master craftspeople reminds us that while creative inspiration is as unique as each artist's workspace, there are some things that all creative people share: a boundless enthusiasm for the project on the easel, pad, screen or, in my case, workbench; a clarity of vision; and a love of bringing something new and unique into the world." -- Richard Taylor, founder of WETA Workshop "I love this book! A masterful look at the Masters of comics and illustration storytelling." -- Mark Chiarello, former Art Director, DC COMICS "An inside look at the studio space - and inner space - of some of the industry's finest artists. A real treat for process hounds!" -- Liam Sharp "Masters of Comics is a great read for comic fans and aspiring artists alike, with phenomenal photography and engaging interviews with a nice group of legendary artists." * ComicsNow * "Masters of Comics is a pleasurable tour of the inner workings of comic-book creators, graced with top-class art and worthy of lining the shelves of pro artists and fans alike." * HeroCollector.com * "If you have a passionate comic artist in your family or small circle of friends, this is the book for them." * GeekDad * "Masters of Comics is like a Comic Con Panel in your hands." * ThatHashtagShow.com * "Much like Star Wars itself, Star Wars: The Ultimate Pop-Up Galaxy combines innovation and storytelling to create something extraordinary. Although pop-up books have been around for hundreds of years, the level of artistic detail and paper engineering required to create this massive book make it a jaw-dropping experience. You'll gasp, grin, and won't be able to resist saying "pew pew" as you unfold each page in Star Wars: The Ultimate Pop-Up Galaxy." * Nerdist *