Anatomy For Fantasy Artists: An Illustrator's Guide to Creating Action Figures and Fantastical Forms

ANATOMY FOR FANTASY ARTISTS: An Illustrator's Guide to Creating Action Figures and Fantastical Forms (2005; $21.95), by Glenn Fabry, additional text by Ben Cormack. Barron's Educational Series, 250 Wireless Blvd., Hauppauge, NY 11788.

As a child, I can recall a fascination, nearing on compulsion, to draw comicbook heroes. My friends seem to have had this same interest. As the years have gone on, I have noticed this same desire on the part of students. If anything, this interest has grown to include characters from animated cartoons, films and video games. Oh, how I would have enjoyed this book by Glenn Fabry, a well-established comic book illustrator.

The book is divided into two sections: (1) "Fantasy Artists' Masterclass" that deals with basic understanding of representing fantastical figures: anatomy, clothing the figure, skills in drawing and sketching; and (2) "Cast of Characters," which shows the development of specific characters: Sven, the barbarian; Sonia, the adventurer; MK2, the robotic female; Brutus, the hulk and many others.

The illustrations are well done. Overall, the book should serve as a starting point from which students (upper elementary, middle school and high school) can then move ahead in the invention of their own characters and forms.--J.J.H. For information about this publication, circle No. 398 on the Reader Service Card.

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