From: Underwood Books Publisher: Underwood Books Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Underwood Books Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 208 Publication Date: October 01, 2003
Amazon.com: This book is going to make Frank Frazetta fans very, very happy. Icon: A Retrospective by the Grand Master of Fantastic Art Frank Frazetta is a comprehensive look at the work of one of the world's most influential fantasy artists. Frazetta's entire career is covered, from his earliest work on L'il Abner to his unused poster art for Quentin Tarantino's From Dusk Till Dawn; from his powerful interpretations of Robert E. Howard's Conan character to his whimsical Hollywood parodies. More than a hundred full color prints of Frazetta's most representative work are collected here in a single handsome edition, along with photographs of the artist and his studio, quotes, and testimonial biography.
The subject matter of Frazetta's work is familiar--brawny warriors, buxom enchantresses, and terrifying monsters--but he manages to infuse them with a rare charisma. His figures are sublime, at once naturalistic and hyper-real, and his vivid use of colors startles the eye again and again. Incredibly, this collection manages to do justice to his decades of award-winning work. Icon is a must for the serious Frazetta enthusiast. --Brendan J. LaSalle
Product Description:
The incredible paintings of Frank Frazetta have brought him worldwide fame, legions of loyal fans, and scores of imitators. His darkly dramatic Conan the Barbarian oils and the equally powerful and erotic compositions for the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs have become the ultimate standards of excellence in the fantasy and adventure field. Icon was Franzetta’s first major retrospective in his 55-year career. Lavish full-color reproduction on deluxe art paper showcases over 65 major finished oil paintings, 25 drawings, and other pieces. This new softcover edition contains 32 new pages of additional, never-before-published art and photos. New material includes paintings of Woody Allen and Peter Sellers; concepts of Clint Eastwood for the movie poster to The Gauntlet; original concepts for the Conan book cover paintings; and character drawings for the Broadway production of Li'l Abner.
Excelence The ilustrations in this book portray you to another book that perfectly capture the original paints.
The Fantasy Master When people think of fantasy artwork, they might think first of those Conan and Edgar Rice Burroughs paperback covers, or a berserker warrior on horseback, corpses of foes beneath him and dripping weapon above him. People think of Frazetta first, whether or not they know it's him they're thinking of. He's also done recognizable work for Mad magazine, Little Annie Fanny for Playboy, posters for Peter Sellers movies, and lots more.
Frazetta has done plenty of work in ink, especially for a range of comics, but his oil paintings are best known and most heavily represented here. It's easy to see how he became the inspiration for an entire generation of fantasy artists, and probably well into a second generation, too. No one captures the rippling sinews of barbarian warriors like Frazetta does, or beasts, half-men, dungeons, jungles, and every other fantasy-scape that he's rendered. Above all, no one comes close to the lush, rounded figures of his female characters. They can be warriors and wizards in their own right, or eldritch spirits, or even savable maidens. Some, as in "Moon's Rapture" or the standing figure in "Rogue Roman", show a rich and womanly figure at rest, but somehow promising as much raw physical power as any man.
I recommend this collection to anyone passionate about illustration or fantasy art. Any one of his paintings can be an entire course of study for a budding artist. They can also be seen as powerful narratives in imagery, or as a jumping-off point for dreams of far-away worlds and heroic adventures.
-- wiredweird
Frazetta was the best I read Edgar Rice Burroughs novels as a teen and will never forget the impact of the Frazetta covers. His heros, the settings and the creatures were so wild and vivid; plus I think he definitely set my ideals of feminine beauty for life. This collection is a must for anyone who wants a good biography of F.F. along with some great reproductions of his best work.
The cover came off! Frazetta is great and this book is swell... however (as one other reviewer also experienced) the cover came off my book after I had it for only one week! I couldn't believe it! To credit of the publisher they did send me a replacement. I think I will buy the sequel now. Too bad it's only available in hardcover, but at least that way the cover is much less likely to fall off. As for the third book, it seems to be completely unavailable except to those who are willing to pay over a hundred dollars for it!
See For Yourself Words cannot describe the beauty and passion in Frazetta's work; This book is filled with amazing art, from the original sketches to the final product; Lots of personal photographs and insightful narratives help to make this a satisfying package, but the artwork alone makes this book a must have. From his early career doing comic books and movie posters, to the grand scale of his fantasy art, this is a book that is sure to excite any and all who have a shred of creativity within them. Totally inspiring book!!!
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tony's Online Tips
Trevor
