Swan Lake is a beautiful concertina book detailing a night at the Ballet. Illustrated by Californian artist Ping Zhu, we see the pristine theatre, audience and performance on one side and the back-stage bustle and nerves on the other. Based on a performance of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, the images are not only inspired by the dramatic story but also the atmosphere of a working dance venue. Zhu illustrates the orchestra, the boxes and even the entrance hall and ticket office. Backstage is a world away from the delicate and precise presentation of front stage - ropes and pulleys, stage hands and prop handlers, seamstresses sewing sequins, ballerinas nervously awaiting their queue, the director signalling and gesturing silently - all in all we are treated to delightful concertina which anyone with an interest in the performing arts will immediately love.

`The moon drives everyone mad - you know that, well enough. But this is no lycanthropic or otherwise spooky metamorphosis: it's far stranger than that...' When Quentin Blake embarked on creating a set of new drawings on fantasies of travel, even he had not envisaged a series so sombre, so haunting, as Moonlight Travellers. These watercolour journeys through unknown landscapes capture, with unmatched skill, all the mystery and intrigue of the dead of night. A unique collaboration, this book brings Blake's macabre wit into dialogue with the imaginative insight of Will Self. With characteristic sharpness, Self mingles fiction, fact and flights of memory to transport the reader on a radical tour of Blake's mysterious lands. In Moonlight Travellers, two creative minds at the height of their powers connect word and image, darkness and light with our deepest sensibilities. In eight-wheeled contraptions and winged machines, they carry us on a trail of dreamlike journeys. After all, `there's nothing more prosaic - at least, at this end of human history - than a car journey.'

This brand new full-colour art book reveals in sumptuous detail more than 100 paintings based on The Lord of the Rings by acclaimed Dutch artist, Cor Blok, many of which appear here for the first time. This deluxe slipcased edition is limited to 500 copies and is personally signed by the artist. Fifty years ago, shortly after The Lord of the Rings was first published, Cor Blok read the work and was completely captivated by its invention and epic storytelling. The breadth of imagination and powerful imagery inspired the young Dutch artist, and this spark of enthusiasm, coupled with his desire to create art that resembled a historical artefact in its own right, led to the creation of more than 100 paintings. Following an exhibition at the Hague in 1961, JRR Tolkien's publisher, Rayner Unwin, sent him five pictures. Tolkien was so taken with them that he met and corresponded with the artist and even bought some paintings for himself. The series bears comparison with the Bayeux Tapestry, in which each tells an epic and complex story in deceptively simple style, but beneath this simplicity lies a compelling and powerful language of form that becomes more effective as the sequence of paintings unfolds. The approximately 100 full-colour paintings in this new book are presented in story order so that the reader can enjoy them as the artist intended. They are accompanied by extracts from The Lord of the Rings and the artist also provides an extensive introduction illuminating the creation of the series and notes to accompany some of the major compositions. Many of the paintings appear for the very first time. Readers will find Cor Blok's work refreshing, provocative, charming and wholly memorable -- the bold and expressive style that he created stands as a unique achievement in the history of fantasy illustration. Rarely has an artist captured the essence of a writer's work in such singular fashion; the author found much to admire in Cor Blok's work, and what higher accolade is there?

A sumptuous full colour art book containing the complete collection of more than 100 Hobbit sketches, drawings, paintings and maps by J.R.R. Tolkien. When J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit, he was already an accomplished amateur artist, and drew illustrations for his book while it was still in manuscript. The Hobbit as first printed had ten black and white pictures, two maps, and binding and dust-jacket designs by its author. Later, Tolkien also painted five scenes for colour plates which are some of his best work. His illustrations for The Hobbit add an extra dimension to that remarkable book, and have long influenced how readers imagine Bilbo Baggins and his world. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the publication of The Hobbit, the complete artwork created by the author for his story has been collected in The Art of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Including related pictures, more than one hundred sketches, drawings, paintings, maps, and plans are presented here, preliminary and alternate versions and experimental designs as well as finished art. Some of these images are now published for the first time, and others for the first time in colour. Fresh digital scans from the Bodleian Libraries in Oxford and Marquette University in Wisconsin allow Tolkien's Hobbit pictures to be seen more vividly than ever before. The Art of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien has been written and edited by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, two of the leading experts on Tolkien and authors of the acclaimed J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator, The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, and The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide.

Inspired by the late, great Raymond Queneau, who is famous for writing a book whose sole subject was the letter 'E', illustrator Katja Spitzer and freelance writer Sebastian Gievert have teamed up to tackle that most quandarous of letters, the letter 'Q'. Translated from the German, with several additional passages for Q letters in the original text that don't have direct English counterparts, Quodlibet covers everything from famous German directors to obscure 18th century dances - each illustrated with mastery in four unique spot colours.

Over the centuries, comic books and their offshoots, such as graphic novels, and bandes dessinees have evolved into a phenomenally popular, influential, and unique art form with which we can express our opinions, our fantasies, our nightmares, and our dreams. In short: comics are emphatically no longer just for kids. This diverse, constantly evolving medium is truly coming into its own in the 21st century, from Hollywood's blockbuster adaptations of super-powered caped crusaders to the global spread of Japan's manga and its spinoffs, and from award-winning graphic novels such as Maus and Persepolis to new forms such as online webcomix. But comics also have a long and rich history, dating back at least to the Swiss teacher Rodolphe Topffer in the early 19th century, and far earlier in China.1001 Comic Books You Must Read Before You Die is the perfect introduction to this dynamic and globally popular medium. There have been other guides to the best comic books, but none has embraced every genre and scoured the globe to glean the very greatest works of sequential art, graphic literature, bandes dessinees, tebeos, fumetti, manga, manhwa, komiks, strips, historietas, quadrinhos, beeldverhalen, and plain old comics.This authoritative guide is organized according to the year of first publication in the country of origin. An opening section acknowledges pioneering pre-1900 masterpieces, followed by sections divided by decade, creating a fascinating year-by-year chronicle of the comics medium worldwide.

"Windows on the War" is a groundbreaking publication--the first in English to focus on posters designed by the Soviet Union's TASS News Agency to bolster support for the Soviet war effort. TASS posters were created by a large collective of Soviet writers, printers, and artists, including such notables as Mikhail Cheremnykh, Nikolai Denisovskii, the Kukryniksy, and Pavel Sokolov-Skalia. Often six feet tall and always striking and bold, these stenciled posters were printed and placed daily in windows for the public to see. They were also sent abroad to serve as international cultural "ambassadors," rallying Allied and neutral nations to the Soviet cause. Drawn from the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, as well as other private and public holdings, these TASS posters have not been seen since World War II.

An international team of scholars presents the TASS posters both as unique historical objects and as artworks that reveal how preeminent artists of the day used unconventional technical and visual means to contribute to the war effort, marking a major chapter in the history of design and propaganda. Generously illustrated, the book presents photographs, documentary materials, and memorabilia in meaningful juxtapositions with images of the TASS posters. Also included are documents illuminating the expression of Russian cultural life in the United States during the war, opening a fascinating window onto the war along the Eastern Front.

Geek art is the new pop art   Characters from comics, movies, TV shows, and video games are a part of the collective imagination forever, so it’s only natural that artists would begin integrating them into their work, giving birth to a new artistic movement: GEEK-ART. In Total Geek Art, the work of 80 painters, illustrators, and sculptors is collected to offer an international panorama of the geek-art genre of artistic expression. It presents pro�les of geek-art’s greatest founders as well as insights on the latest trends, such as the return of enamel pins, the development of toy photography, and the recognition of video game art.   Featuring stunning artwork and exclusive interviews and essays, this deluxe collection is a must-have for every pop culture enthusiast.

The definitive biography of Marvel legend Stan Lee, celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth. Stan Lee's extraordinary life was as epic as the superheroes he co-created, from the Amazing Spider-Man to the Mighty Avengers. His ideas and voice are at the heart of global culture, loved by millions of superhero fans around the world. In Stan Lee: A Life, award-winning cultural historian Bob Batchelor offers an in-depth and complete look at this iconic visionary. Born in the Roaring Twenties, growing up in the Great Depression, living and thriving through the American Century, and dying in the twenty-first century, Stan Lee's life is a unique representation of recent American history. Batchelor examines Lee's fascinating American life by drawing out all its complexity, drama, heartache, and humor, revealing how Lee introduced the world to heroes that were just as fallible and complex as their creator-and just like all of us. An up-close look at a legendary figure, this centennial edition includes completely new material to give the full measure of a man whose genius continues to mesmerize audiences worldwide. Candid, authoritative, and absorbing, this is the biography of a man who dreamed of one day writing the Great American Novel, but ended up doing so much more-revolutionizing culture by creating new worlds and heroes that have entertained generations.

Having learned about geometry, perspective and representation of materials in the first volume, this second book in this two-part series delves deeper into the process of designing jewelry, from the first sketch to the final representation, with special emphasis on how to work on ideas, plan a collection, and design and depict a wide variety of pieces, taking the inspiration from natural forms or art history. The fundamentals of drawing different pieces, such as necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets, are carefully explained and illustrated in the book, which includes all the technical details to be taken into consideration when planning a jewelry piece, from the executive point of view. While the first volume focused on the tools needed to be able to accurately convey ideas, draw different materials, facets and effects, and master the use of color, this publication tackles the process from the initial idea, based in natural or geometrical forms, to the final drawing of the completed piece, including illustration techniques and sources of inspiration, all aspects that will stir up the reader's creativity. It is the ultimate tool and resource for jewelry students and professionals, and even illustrators in search of professional guidelines in freehand drawing and painting techniques when representing jewelry.

The first ever illustrated edition of avant-garde writer Gertrude Stein's whimsical children's book "Alphabets and names make games and everybody has a name and all the same they have in a way to have a birthday," muses Gertrude Stein in To Do: A Book of Alphabets and Birthdays. Written in 1940 and intended as a follow-up to her children's book The World Is Round, published the previous year, To Do is a fanciful journey through the alphabet. Each letter is represented by four names (including Gertrude for "G") and features a short story told in verse. "[This is] a birthday book I would have liked as a child," said Stein of To Do. Publishers rejected the manuscript as too complex for children, and it remained unpublished during Stein's lifetime. A text-only version issued from Yale University Press in 1957. Now, more than seventy years after Stein penned the story, To Do is appearing with illustrations, realizing the author's original concept for the book. Giselle Potter's witty and stylish illustrations provide a perfect complement to Stein's uniquely whimsical world of words, creating a truly delightful, often hilarious book that adults and children alike can appreciate and love.

Find inspiration in observation, and explore the artistic connection between between your zealous dog or dictatorial cat and your animations. Armed with Muybridge and Hultgren but are unsure how to bridge the gap between the many basic 'how to draw' books and the more advanced ones dealing with the esoteric details of composition, perspective and anatomy, Force: Animal Drawing is the comprehensive guide to developing artistic animals that are creative, dynamic and anatomical. Reach new heights of dramatic and visual impact by applying locomotive animal anatomy as it relates to an animating and drawing with a specific focus on force, form and shape. Gorgeously illustrated with both traditional and exaggerated observational life-drawing models, you will learn how to animate animals with vitality and movement while applying the abstract ideas of force including how gravity affects the subject you are observing. Artists and animators alike all find animal inspiration when animating characters both human and inhuman. For a unique 'larger than life' character, readers will learn to apply the unique facets of animal movement, locomotion, expressions, facial features, physical build and personality. Adapt key industry tricks and techniques to personify your animal animations with key characteristics of a specific person's face. Explore the practical application of force theories and learn from today's leading character designers with the included artist interviews and included author video tutorial, available from focalpress.com.

A gorgeous collection of 145 original portraits that celebrates Black pioneers-famous and little-known--in politics, science, literature, music, and more-with biographical reflections, all created and curated by an award-winning graphic designer. Illustrated Black History is a breathtaking collection of original portraits depicting black heroes-both famous and unsung-who made their mark on activism, science, politics, business, medicine, technology, food, arts, entertainment, and more. Each entry includes a lush drawing or painting by artist George McCalman, along with an insightful essay summarizing the person's life story. The 145 entries range from the famous to the little-known, from literary luminary James Baldwin to documentarian Madeline Anderson, who produced "I Am Somebody" about the 1969 strike of mostly female hospital workers; from Aretha Franklin to James and Eloyce Gist, who had a traveling ministry in the early 1900s; from Colin Kaepernick to Guion S. Bluford, the first Black person to travel into space. Beautifully designed with over 300 unique four-color artworks and accessible to readers of all ages, this eye-opening, educational, dynamic, and timely compendium pays homage to Black Americans and their achievements, and showcases the depth and breadth of Black genius.

In this visually captivating volume, a vibrant selection of loved and revered children's book illustrators reveals the secrets of their narrative techniques. Divided into a series of enchanting sections each created by individual illustrators, this unique and gift-worthy book tells the story of how to successfully depict narrative and compel an audience through visual art. Marvel at how composition and environment can create suspense, and how color, visual hierarchy, and symbolism can tell a story beyond just the action. Learn how to inject dynamism and emotion into your illustrations to tell a tale that isn't just engaging, but is memorable and one that transcends generations. Lavishly illustrated and with a luxurious finish, How to Be a Children's Book Illustrator is ideal for book lovers in general as well as anyone looking to unlock the secrets of children's book illustration.

A stunning and beautifully packaged 400th anniversary edition of the King James Bible, illustrated with the greatest Biblical artwork of the last four centuries. Since it was first published in 1611, the King James Bible has become synonymous with literary style. This stunning 400th anniversary edition is a fitting tribute, containing 60 stunning plates of the greatest Biblical artwork created over the past four centuries. Each plate is positioned near the relevant Bible passage, and contains a brief caption explaining the background to the artist and his work.

Embark on a foodie's journey through the world of anime and learn to recreate delicious dishes from your favourite anime series. Japanese animation has beautiful designs, fleshed out characters, and engaging storylines-and it's also overflowing with so many scrumptiously rendered meals! Do you ever watch your favorite anime series and start craving the crunch of crispy seafood or the warmth of delicious noodles and broth or the fluffiness of soft, airy cakes? Now, you can make your cravings a reality with Cook Anime! Join an otaku on her tour through anime food and find out what your favorite characters are savoring and sharing-from bento to yakisoba-and then learn to make it at home! Along with each recipe, you will discover facts behind the food, such as history, culture, tips, and more. Perfect for foodies and anime-lovers alike, Cook Anime is the all-inclusive guide to making the meals of this Japanese artform.

Will Eisner is one of the twentieth century's great American artists, a man who pioneered the field of comic arts. Here, in his classic Comics and Sequential Art, he refines the art of graphic storytelling into clear, concise principles that every cartoonist, comic artist, writer, and filmmaker meeds to know. Adapted from Eisner's landmark course at New York's School of Visual Arts, Comics and Sequential Art is an essential text filled with invaluable theories and easy-to-use techniques. Eisner reveals here the fundamentals of graphic storytelling. He addresses dialogue, anatomy, framing, and many other important aspects of the art form. Fully updated and revised to reflect current practices and technology, including a section on digital media, this introduction to the art of comics is as valuable a guide as it was when first published.

The complete guide to amazing digital illustration techniques! Are you an animator, an illustrator, a designer? Or an artist working in multiple digital fields at once? If so, this is the book for you! Manga & Anime Digital Illustration Guide takes you inside the studios of 12 professional Japanese artists and animators. In this book, you will learn the techniques used by the pros to draw and design characters for a variety of commercial and creative platforms. Follow the step-by-step lessons to learn how to create amazing characters and illustrations, and forge your own pathway in the world of creative careers Learn the pro techniques for a wide variety of modern applications, such as: Smartphone apps, anime films and video games Posters, covers, advertisements and special effects Fan art and fantasy fiction illustrations Illustrated books, manga and graphic novels Pull up a chair for this collection of private tutorials and let the experts show you how they work. Learn the tips and techniques that lead to unforgettable illustrations!

Over the last several decades, comic book superheroes have multiplied and, in the process, become more complicated. In this cutting edge anthology an international roster of contributors offer original research and writing on the contemporary comic book superhero, with occasional journeys into the film and television variation. As superheroes and their stories have grown with the audiences that consume them, their formulas, conventions, and narrative worlds have altered to follow suit, injecting new, unpredictable and more challenging characterizations that engage ravenous readers who increasingly demand more.

This book is an analysis of the Amar Chitra Katha genre, historical comic-books that capture and promote a middle class masculine identity, as culture became the new site for right-wing hegemonic politics in India over the last 4 decades of the 20th century.

The people who make the World's Most Popular Manga share their tricks, advice, and secrets! From Dragon Ball to Demon Slayer, from One Piece to My Hero Academia and beyond, Weekly Shonen Jump has published some of the finest manga to grace the earth. Now, the creators and editors behind several of the most popular manga in Shonen Jump sit down to discuss how to craft exciting stories, how to use your tools to the best of your abilities, and more. Whether you're getting started on your artistic path or a veteran looking for new tips, The Shonen Jump Guide to Making Manga is the perfect book to sharpen your skills. Featuring commentary and advice from Eiichiro Oda (One Piece), Tite Kubo (Bleach), Shun Saeki (Food Wars), Kaiu Shirai & Posuka Demizu (The Promised Neverland), Yusei Matsui (Assassination Classroom), Kohei Horikoshi (My Hero Academia), and more!

'The Galactic Alien Race Federation has overwhelmingly elected to invite Planet Earth to race for the future and join the Alien Race across the galactic universe'. So begins the inspiration behind the work of the six designers featured in "Alien Race". A full-colour feast for the eyes, "Alien Race" contains sumptuous original artwork and all the development stages - from sketches to character studies, different techniques and media - involved in creating humans, aliens, strange and wonderful creatures and out of this world landscapes. Packed with useful and fascinating design tips, and with plenty to please the eye, this book is a must for design students, artists and lovers of unique and beautiful artwork.

**Nominated for the 2021 Eisner Award for Best Academic/Scholarly Work** The first critical guide to cover the history, form and key critical issues of the medium, Webcomics helps readers explore the diverse and increasingly popular worlds of online comics. In an accessible and easy-to-navigate format, the book covers such topics as: *The history of webcomics and how developments in technology from the 1980s onwards presented new opportunities for comics creators and audiences *Cultural contexts - from the new financial and business models allowed by digital media to social justice causes in contemporary webcomics *Key texts - from early examples of the form such as Girl Genius and Penny Arcade to popular current titles such as Questionable Content and Dumbing of Age *Important theoretical and critical approaches to studying webcomics Webcomics includes a glossary of crucial critical terms, annotated guides to further reading, and online resources and discussion questions to help students and readers develop their understanding of the genre and pursue independent study.