Top Cow Productions, Inc. released a collection yesterday called The Art of Marc Silvestri. If you’re a Silvestri fan, then this book is sure to satisfy. But if you’re not, or you don’t think you’re familiar with his work, you might just be surprised. Let’s take a peak …
The spotlight shines on Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri in this very special art collection!
Silvestri’s career blossomed during runs on Uncanny X-Men and Wolverine. In the early 1990s, he revolutionized the comics industry when he co-founded Image Comics and had a hand in creating such hit properties as Cyberforce, Witchblade, and The Darkness. This oversized art book showcases some of Silvestri’s favorite, most popular, and most iconic images from his illustrious career.
Featuring commentaries by Dave Finch, Brandon Peterson, Billy Tan, Mike Choi and Michael Broussard.
The more I looked through this book (thanks Top Cow!!), the more my jaw dropped. Marc Silvestri’s pencils are absolutely amazing. So what’s in this $30 gallery that makes it worth the money? Here’s a run-down.
The table of contents divides the book into various sections by publisher—showing some of Marc’s work for Top Cow, Marvel, DC, Dynamic Forces, and Image. These include sketches and full color pictures; the vertical banner on the side of each page tells you what you need to know about them: what the art was for, who inked/colored it (if applicable), etc.
The end of each section includes a letter from someone in the industry: Dave Finch, Brandon Peterson, etc.
Browsing through Part One of the Top Cow section (boasting Silvestri’s art for Witchblade, The Darkness, Cyberforce), I was reminded what great pencilers Top Cow has (go TC!). Silvestri’s work is nothing short of amazing. It’s detailed and just extraordinary—this is great stuff right here, folks.
As I moved along into Silvestri’s classic covers and selected works for Marvel (Fantastic Four, Uncanny X-men, Wolverine, etc.) and DC (Batman: Black and White, Wizard, etc.), I was even more impressed. Silvestri knows how to draw these characters! There was also a very familiar picture of Wolverine that’s one of my favorites—and I had no idea it was Silvestri who held the pencil to the paper. Needless to say, my socks were rocked right off.
(And holy crap! His Batman is fantastic! 
)
The Image Comics and Dynamic Entertainment section (Spawn, Army of Darkness, Red Sonja, etc.) has covers, pinups, and selected works—and again, nothing falls flat.
The second to last section is Part Two of Silvestri’s Top Cow art, which includes covers, concepts, and sketches.
And finally, there’s a few extras in the back.
Obviously, if you’re a big Silvestri fan, then this collection is perfect for you; even if you’re not, it’s still pretty awesome stuff that’s bound to make you a fan, too.
You can see more pages from the book over at the Top Cow blog.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Man, I have followed his work ever since I really started collecting comics back in the 80’s. I have so many of my comics signed by him since I make it a point to see him at conventions when I go. I love his work.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Ohh, very cool, Ricky! And yes, his art is fantastic.
I’d love to meet him and get something signed.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 am
I picked this book up at Comic Con, I HAD to have it as soon as I saw it. Silvestri is an amazing artist, and he has done an unbelivable amount of work for the industry. I agree with WITA, even if you don’t know Silvestri as an artist, you need to get the book. The images are breathtaking!
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:41 am
That graphic is top-notch. Did you make that? The blending of Batman’s into the blue t-shirt is awesome.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:42 am
It took FOREVER to make that sucker, so thank you … mysterious stranger. ;D
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:43 am
That kind of detail and care is really appreciated. Thanks for always going above and beyond. You gals just keep making this site better and better.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:45 am
Whooo!