5 comments about Legion of Super-Heroes: The Beginning of Tomorrow.

1. This book is a must read for those people who have no idea what the Legion of Super-Heroes are about. All the Legion books were re-booted (all stories were started over from scratch) in 1994, and the book explains everything, from the origin to the first two major adventures of the Legion. A member even dies in this volume. Buy it, and you will understand everything about the current LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES...almost everything.



2. It is simply for continuity sake that this awful lot was released in paperback. One of the weakest stories in one of the weakest eras of the LSH, the authors manage to ruin the whole 30-year history for "continuity sake". Not deciding if the book should aim more mature readers (as Keith Giffen did) or infants (as Tom McCraw and Tom Peyer did), this story put an end to the first LSH saga. After this one, the book was started from scratch and any one over 13 should skip what the Legion has become. In fact, unless you do not understand what is going on currently with the book is that you may grab it. Go grab any of the Archives or better, buy older issues of the Legion of Super Heroes (before 95). You'll be pleased.



3. Granted - this book is not for everyone. The Legion Of Super-Heroes started out as a gimmick in the original (i.e. 50's/60's) Superboy and attained such popularity that it eventually kicked Superboy out of his own comic (twice)! Since those simpler (sigh!) times, the tales of teen-aged heroes from many exotic worlds with unique powers protecting a future United Planets has undergone many changes to keep in step with the zeitgeist. This book reprints the early stories of the latest Legion re-boot (i.e. all the stories before just didn't happen) and relaunch of the title. The difference between this change of editorial direction and previous incarnations was that the writer(s) made an attempt to rid the title of some of its darker elements and heavy tone that had invaded the title. The thought appeared to be to make the stories more light-hearted; to try to capture the youthfulness of a group of teens. Now, I'm far removed from teenagerdom, but it did strike me as successful (at least at first). I'm still fonder of the earliest version of this idea, but I'm willing to accept this as a decent if slightly underwhelming attempt to recapture the magic that was the Legion of Super-Heroes!



4. I started reading the Legion books back in the 70's and in my mind this period will always be the definitive, but having just recovered my fan status I decided to buy this book and see what the actual Legion is all about. At first I thought it was kind of childish (I'm in my late 30's) but I have to admit it has grown on me. I bought some of the 90's pre-boot Legion books and found a little dificult to follow the stories, so I understand why the re-booting. At first I thought it looked kind of cartoonish, but I started to enjoy more and more as I read the stories, in fact, I did so much that I have bought all the post-boot issues and now I'm a fan of this period. I like some of the new names (I think it was a little silly all the "boy" "girl" "lad" "lass" names) like Spark, Umbra, Sensor, etc. I still have in my mind the 70's Legion as the definitive one but if You want to have some fun and laughs (characters are far more expresive) with a good comic, don't dismiss the actual Legion.



5. Yet another of the Legion reboots. There not necessarily being much point to this one. However, Waid's affection and knowledge of the material generally shows, so this is a competent job. Here, the Legion must help to stop some really serious problems on a prison planet. This prison planet houses a bunch of very nasty types, and some seriously powerful enemies.

2 comments about Oil Pastel: Materials and Techniques for Today's Artist.

1. This is an unusually thorough book. If you can get your hands on a copy, you should do so. Unfortunately, it is out of print. The publisher is Watson-Guptill and the book was originally published in 1990. The ISBN No. is 0-8230-3310-4. Here's why the book wins my vote:

   It has a ton of pictures of finished art works done in oil pastel and in mixed media, using oil pastel and other media. There is a section which tells of the lightfastness of different brands of oil pastel currently on the market so readers can see actual pictures of brands exposed to sunlight for 3 months and how the sunlight does/doesn't alter the colors. There is also a "nitty-gritty" section describing the characteristics of each major brand available on the market currently, as of 1990 when the book was written, but these are the same brands available today (creaminess, hardness and what you can do with each). There are detailed diagrams of different methods of using oil pastels, broken down into steps, so readers have step by step directions of how to use oil pastels in a variety of ways. There are many ideas for composition using oil pastels. The author, Kenneth Leslie, makes it a point to tell readers exactly how each of the many works shown were developed in oil pastel (e.g., by direct observation of objects such as in a still-life, or by using photographs or collage, etc.) and on what kind of supports (e.g. which grounds to use on paper, museum board, masonite, wood, etc.) There are just lots and lots of pointers about using the medium of oil pastel. Many ideas of using oil pastels in concert with other media serve as a springboard for individual ideas. For example, I read a section of explanation and then, quite easily, I could mentally figure out how to apply the techniques shown to my own work. This will be my bible for doing oil pastel painting.




2. While Leslie writes beautifully, the only real information I learned from this book was which pastels held the best lightfastness rating and one technique of scratching I hadn't yet considered. Other than that, this book is geared very much towards beginners of oil pastel. All of the beautifully colored pieces he has pictures tend to lean towards abstract and illustrative ideas and expressions vs. more realistic interpretations of things. Additionally as a result there's really no other meathod to learn from in this book. He brushes against the ability to make realistic pictures via one artist, but goes into no detail as to how she accomplishes this task. The other great disappointment to me was Leslie's work itself. All of his works shown throughout could have been created by a High school student. He shows no real ability or understanding of how this medium can be worked. I would not recommend this book at it's original price of $32 and especially would not recommend spending double that for a used out of print copy. Save your money and check it out at the library or look for more informationon the internet.

5 comments about The Art of Mulan.

1. I have long studied, followed, and enjoyed Disney animation, and the film "Mulan" certainly did not disappoint me. So, when I set out to buy this book upon its initial publishing, I was fairly certain I would like it. I was wrong, I loved it!

   Jeff Kurtti does an excellent job scribing the background for the making of this feature, and he has quickly established himself as the preeminent writer for Disney books of this nature. I was fortunate to meet and speak with Mr. Kurtti during my wonderful participation at the Mulan Animation Experience held at the Disney Insitute in the summer of 1998, and he comes off as an "ultimate Disney fan". His writing conveys this as well, but in a more polished, informative nature. He really had a good time researching this book, and it shows!

   But, with all due respect to Mr. Kurtti, this book isn't called the "Art of Mulan" for nothing. The typical Disney quality is abundant in every frame of artwork within the book, and the sheer volume of development and concept sketches is a real treat. Having also met the film's directors, many of the animators, storyboard artists, etc. at the '98 event (put together, by the way, by Mr. Larry Lauria, a quality individual in the animation industry) I have had the luxury of being exposed to many of the background elements during the development of this film. This book, however, served as a wonderful companion piece to that experience, and also communicates much of the same information and emotion felt at that event. It is that thorough and the result of another top-notch Hyperion production.

   Certainly, if you like the movie and/or appreciate Disney animation (or the growing library of "Art of..." books), then this one should be in your collection. Mr. Kurtti, Disney, and Hyperion have "done honour to us all".




2. I have long studied, followed, and enjoyed Disney animation, and the film "Mulan" certainly did not disappoint me. So, when I set out to buy this book upon its initial publishing, I was fairly certain I would like it. I was wrong, I loved it!

   Jeff Kurtti does an excellent job scribing the background for the making of this feature, and he has quickly established himself as the preeminent writer for Disney books of this nature. I was fortunate to meet and speak with Mr. Kurtti during my wonderful participation at the Mulan Animation Experience held at the Disney Insitute in the summer of 1998, and he comes off as an "ultimate Disney fan". His writing conveys this as well, but in a more polished, informative nature. He really had a good time researching this book, and it shows!

   But, with all due respect to Mr. Kurtti, this book isn't called the "Art of Mulan" for nothing. The typical Disney quality is abundant in every frame of artwork within the book, and the sheer volume of development and concept sketches is a real treat. Having also met the film's directors, many of the animators, storyboard artists, etc. at the '98 event (put together, by the way, by Mr. Larry Lauria, a quality individual in the animation industry) I have had the luxury of being exposed to many of the background elements during the development of this film. This book, however, served as a wonderful companion piece to that experience, and also communicates much of the same information and emotion felt at that event. It is that thorough and the result of another top-notch Hyperion production.

   Certainly, if you like the movie and/or appreciate Disney animation (or the growing library of "Art of..." books), then this one should be in your collection. Mr. Kurtti, Disney, and Hyperion have "done honour to us all".




3. This is a book we're proud to own. Jeff Kurtti is to be congratulated on bringing together the art and history of the making of a Disney,s masterpiece, MULAN. Beautifully printed on quality paper. To turn the page is to uncover a treasure! I am sure Disney,s films were never been so wonderfully showed in a book.Unfortunately, the price makes the book an expensive tool for many young people beginning a career.A book like this deserves to be read and enjoyed by everyone. But even with that one criticism, this book is a MUST HAVE.



4. Serious students of Disney animation will not be disappointed by "The Art of Mulan". This book has many fine pictures of original art of various types used to make the film - from concept pictures to storyboards to close to the final product. I enjoy all of the "Art of ..." books, despite the high price, so I can try my hand at drawing and painting some material similar to the Disney animators. However, the text goes into more detail about their journey in China, rather than the real "making of" type text I expect. That was the only thing that kept me from giving this book five stars. Art students would love this for a gift...



5. Not to be confused with the usual "Disney" kiddie books,
   this beauty is chock full of beautiful artwork that deserves
   a place in your living room .. A+

5 comments about The Art of The Lion King (Disney Miniature Series).

1. This book is one of the most exquisite things to come out of The Lion King. The graphics are beautiful. Most of the pictures are ones that are used for the storyboard and layout scenes. I reccommend it to anyone who loves The Lion King, or just Disney in general. Order with confidence - the book is worth much more than its price tag. It is also much more convient than the larger, more expensive version which I believe is no longer being produced.



2. I received this book as a birthday present last month. To say the least, I was overwhelmed with all the artwork in this book. I love it! The artwork and production animation is breathtaking! It's a really awesome book, I'd get it if I were you! You can't go wrong with "The Art of The Lion King"!!!



3. Apart from the fact that my copy was close to pocket size, i thought that this book was fantastic. Not only does it come filled with amazing concepts, it also is accompanied with the Lion King Storyline. As an illustrator and student animator, it is a wonderful addition to my resources. The sketches through to the complete full colour images are for any Lion King fan, artists or just someone wanting a beautiful coffee table book. If your from overseas like myself and cannot get these kind of books in Australia, i reccommend Amazon and their associate stores. Buy this, its great.



4. 
   "The Lion King," Disney's 32nd animated film proved to be a smashing success, appealing to young, old, and those in between. As it filled movie houses, Disney mania swept the country again. The breathtaking visual effects that fascinated so many are brought to stunning life in "The Art of the Lion King" by Christopher Finch.
   
   This lavish folio-size volume traces the creative process utilized in making the film, from black and white sketches to glorious full-color reproductions and even splendid fold-outs, one exhibiting the surreal beauty of the African natural world.
   
   Actor James Earl Jones, the voice of Mufasa the Lion King in the film, contributes the foreword, while the text is by Christopher Finch, author of "The Art of Walt Disney."
   
   Those fascinated by the art of animation and those touched by the story of Mufasa, Simba and Scar will treasure this color and fact filled memento.
   
   - Gail Cooke



5. I tend to do things without paying as much attention as I should, like buying this book without researching it's details.
   
   I bought the book because my 5 year old daugher loves to draw, and because she's nuts over the Lion King at the moment. I figured it would be great for her to see not just finished work (like what winds up on television) but to also see sketches, concept drawing and paintings, and the like.
   
   So I bought it. When I received it and saw it's pocket size I was so happy! It's absolutely the perfect size for a little kiddo like her, but the content is professional, serious and mature as I had expected. It's hard cover, totally full of pictures, and has glossy pages printed on high-quality paper. Some folks might have been put off by the size but for my purposes it was more than perfect!
   
   We have great fun looking through it together and looking at all the different styles of artwork. If you or your kid likes to draw or paint, and likes this movie, You'll really be sorry if you don't buy a copy. No I don't work for Disney or Amazon. I just like to encourage and support my childs love for art any chance I get, and boy was this a great addition to her library.

3 comments about Life Drawing: A Journey to Self-Expression.

1. I have many, many figure drawing books and this is by far the best. It is jam packed with information and inspiration and in an amazingly short time I am thrilled with the results I am obtaining. There are loads of exercises that are interesting and fun. The nine chapters it contains are:

   1 Getting Started ( Sample Exercises: observing how we see, rhythm and curve, Circling, measuring, angle finding,five star, the elastic band, negative shapes, zig-zagging)

   2 Perspective and counterbalance
   3 Contour, the specific outline
   4 Exploring tone
   5 Anatomy, the inside story
   6 Marks, methods and hues
   7 Movement: The body in Action
   8 Altered Images
   9 Personal response and self expression

   As an example here is a piece from the book explaining the advantages of the 'rhythm and curve' exercise for the artist:
   - He/she stops worrying that 'this drawing must be perfect because it is a long pose'.
   - there is no time to worry about what their drawing looks like to others.
   - the technique loosens up hand/arm/body movement, and opens up eye/brain/hand channels, and because the artist must work at speed, this stops the brain 'correcting' the drawing.
   - Short poses can be more dynamic, and therefore visually stimulating.
   etc. (and this is just the first exercise of many! :-D ).

   I have applied the techniques and theories to subjects other than the figure and an thrilled with the lovely arty results. This is an all round super star book that is worth its weight in gold.

   The book is written in a warm and very encouraging way.
   This book is my life drawing 'bible'. I reccomend it to everyone, beginners to advanced, as well as to teachers who will get great mileage from its many lessons and ideas.




2. As a figurative sculptor. I have a studio full of anatomy and life drawing books, but Bridget Woods' 'Life Drawing, A Journey To Self-Expression' does indeed stand out.
   Artists that write 'how to' books, generally have their own style and the drawing you see on the cover is often pretty much what you get throughout. Turning the pages of Ms. Woods' book however shows that this artist is comfortable in a huge variety of styles, from realism, to lovely interpretations and beyond (pages 66, 62 and 134 are personal favorites).
   Traditional subjects, such as anatomy and perspective, are cleverly covered, but what makes this book different is the huge range of practical advice for so many different styles, presented with such enthusiasm, in an unusual but easily understood format.
   Any artist, at any level, will find inspiration and ideas in this book. It should be required reading for any life drawing group and should be on the shelves of Barnes and Noble, Borders etc., as it is superior to most of the 'how to' life drawing books found there.
   Though relatively unknown in The US, Ms. Woods is I understand, a popular teacher at a variety of colleges in her native England. It is easy to see why.
   I would confidently recommend this book to anyone interested in drawing the figure.
   Ed Hamilton



3. What a wonderful, wonderful book! This books has everything! It covers things for the very beginner and yet offers things for the most advanced. I was very impressed that the author also included the private thoughts and doubts all artist experience and yet confidently asserts that one WILL learn and be among the very best. As a book-a-holic, I own hundreds, if not thousands of books. This is one I would save in case of a fire. BRAVA Bridget Woods, BRAVA!

4 comments about Ninth Garfield Treasury.

1. The only thing I don't like about the Garfield Treasuries (the recent ones anyway) is that they don't show the Logo-boxes or Drop-panels (as shown as in the "mini-books") with the sunday comics! These things might not show up in all comics sections every week (just like some newspapers still have dailies in b/w) but they're still a major part of the strip and I'd love to see the colors of the logo and drop panels in the Tenth Garfield Treasury. Other than that, this is a great book and a must-have for any Garfield fan.



2. Get ready to laugh!This book is the best book of the treasuries!I like this book,because it has lots of color in it.And I agree, this book dosen't have logo boxes like the other books!The bad part of this book is that it is short.But I think Jim Davis should make the tenth treasury!



3. The best yet. it is so funny and I don't just say that because I'm a die-hard garfield fan. it was very well written. I'm telling you if you like garfield you like this book.



4. I laughed a lot throughout The Ninth Garfield Treasury, but I wasn't completely satisfied with my purchase. Why? Well, as other reviewers have noted, the logos and very first little box in each strip is missing! This is a problem because I'm sure Jim Davis spends a lot of time thinking up these creative logos and I don't know if he's happy about them being cut out.

   Other than that, The Ninth Garfield Treasury is a pretty good buy. I've always thought color was the best way to go with Garfield (check out the funny one that's half black-and-white and half color in this book!), and so I've been purchasing the Treasuries for that one reason. This book is noticeably a lot more bright than the previous few. Red, black, white, green, all sorts of colors show up in this book, and with good detail, too. I think Jim Davis is one of the most talented cartoonists ever (take that, Snoopy!), and his ability to make all his Garfield strips funny and cute (some quite heartwarming, too). I hope Garfield goes for another twenty years (or forty, or sixty!), because I find him constantly inspired. He rarely fails to make me laugh! Keep up the kicking, Garfield!

   If you like this book, I'd recommend Garfield Treasury, and The Tenth Garfield Treasury.

1 comments about Designing Greenways: Sustainable Landscapes for Nature and People.

1. For the price, this book is a great overview to designing greenways. I use this as a reference in my studies frequently--I am a student of Landscape Architecture and see this resource as highly valuable.

No comments about Mastering Revit Structure 2009 (Mastering).

1 comments about Drawing Made Easy: Getting Started: Discover your "inner artist" as you explore the basic theories and techniques of pencil drawing (Drawing Made Easy).

1. Don't be misled by this book's small size! Carol Rosinski is a knowledgeable, gentle authority who will take you by the hand and talk to you while you "get started" learning to draw. From the preliminary basics (pencils, paper and erasers) to discussions of line, shape and form, and then on to more advanced topics such as combining multiple images to create a subject and using a computer to emphasize different elements in a drawing, Getting Started gives concrete advice and tons of encouragement every step of the way.
   
   Rosinski goes beyond simple demonstration to explain the reasons and feelings that make each element essential to a good drawing. She never wants you to accept what she says as true just because she says it: she wants you to experience for yourself the point she is discussing. For example, to the perennial beginner's question ("How much detail should I include?"), she offers pairs of drawings designed to be viewed at different distances (p. 43) and asks you to reflect on what you see.
   
   Any good drawing book will stress the importance of locating the light source in a scene and understanding how light defines objects and their shadows, but Rosinski is not content simply to make those statements and leave it at that. Instead, she presents photographs of a large pumpkin taken at 5 different times during the day, so that the reader can actually see the effects of changes light on an object. Similarly, her discussion of shape and the importance of positive and negative space begins with an exercise in which the student "deconstructs" a photograph by cutting around the main subject and separating it from its background. By completing this exercise (or viewing the excellent photographs Rosinski includes as illustrations), the student can see exactly how line functions to define an object's shape as well as how it serves as a boundary between positive and negative space.
   
   With such an able guide at hand, you'll have no trouble "getting started" on a drawing project! This book is a "must have."

No comments about Colored Pencil Painting Bible: Techniques for Achieving Luminous Color and Ultra-Realistic Effects.