Babes, Beasts, and Brawn: Sculpture of the Fantastic (Paperback)

by Steve Kiwus (Author)
Key Phrases: toy industry, Toy Biz, New York, Anne Pitrone (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Babes, Beasts, and Brawn: Sculpture of the Fantastic is a definitive look into the creation of these powerhouse playthings, with hundreds of stunning color photographs and fascinating insights into Kiwus' creative process. Beyond the building of plastic toys, Kiwus has created some of the most stunning and in-demand limited-edition cast sculptures of comics and fantasy figures of all stripes, including three-dimensional representations of the paintings of Frank Frazetta and miniature renditions of the Queen of Pin-Ups, Bettie Page. Also included is an in-depth how-to section, where Kiwus chronicles his process step-by-step to aid aspiring professionals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Dark Horse (September 13, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593070136
• ISBN-13: 978-1593070137
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #840,592 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Self-promoting book but good stuff!, November 21, 2006

By	SF-Expert (Bregna) - See all my reviews

The reviewer below is actually right, but I did like the book.
I like Mr. Kiwus works, and I don't think he is just average. He's capable of doing excellent likenesses and very smooth forms.
However the How-To section is the main reason I bought this book and for that it's a keeper. I mean, it's the only book I know focusing on action figure sculpting.
Great stuff!

1.0 out of 5 stars Very disappointing look at sculpture, July 8, 2008

By	C. David - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I should have read the reviews here before purchasing this, but I really hoped to be inspired by this book. It didn't happen, as most of the sculpting pictured here is from early to mid-90s toys, well before action figure sculpting hit its stride. Everything is static and fairly mediocre - which is not a comment on the artist, but that's just how action figures were done at that time.

Not really a worthwhile part of a collection.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Misses the mark., June 7, 2004

By	Thomas Morris Jr. (Compton, CA) - See all my reviews

Yes, the book is generously illustrated and the how-to section is informative but Mr. Kiwus is an average talent and this book seems to be more about self promotion than the art of toy sculpting. For a look at some truly wonderful sculpture one only need pick up a copy of Toy Fare, Wizard, Previews, Toy Review or any number of related publications. Certainly, Randy Bowen, the father of the mini-bust and comic related sculpture is more deserving of a book reviewing his remarkable career.