Customer Reviews

For the Boys 2006 Calendar

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Okay, I will say this right off the bat... I'm a HUGE Joe Phillips fan, and adore his work (especially the calendars), so its no real surprise that I was really pleased with my purchase of "For the Boys". I suppose the only thing that didn't make me really flip out over it was that the vast majority of the work was stuff that had been previously published, whether it was in the calendars, cover art for Xodus magazine or on his website. Having said that though, it was nice to see the calendar images away from their "calendar context", and to just enjoy the total beauty of the "Joe-niverse".

If you're a Joe fan, the book is well worth having... if you're a fan of those lush coffee table photo books, it might make a nice change from all that black and white photography. Joe fills his art with such beautiful colours as well as intricate detail, its hard NOT to fall in love with it.

I feel cheesy saying this about a book with naked cartoon men, but I loved For the Boys. I think it is extremely fun. The art really is outstanding--very well done, colorful and sensual. While many of the men are without clothing, it doesn't have a real porn feel to it, which is nice. In some ways, it almost has an innocent flavor. I simply enjoy taking it out sometimes and reviewing the art again. Also, as an artist myself, I greatly appreciate what has been done in this book and it inspires me to do more of my own art. It is also just a silly, fun conversation starter (with the right group of friends). We have had several laughs while looking over this book. Obviously, if you are looking at this book online and reading a review, you don't need any warnings about the graphic nature (although, it is sensual--not sexual). I would only recommend this book to guys (or some girls, I guess) who simply enjoy different types of art and expression, as well for those who have a flare for imagination, fantasy, and have an original sense of innocence and humor.

Joe Phillips art is about wonderful boys and their dreamy lives. His images, inspired by Norman Rockwell and Tom Of finland alike, tell wonderful stories, whilst presenting you with fascinating youths to be enamored with!