Customer Reviews

Dark Labyrinth

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

 

 

Dark Labyrinth is artist Luis Royo's latest collection, thinly disguised as a graphic novel. There is a modest story that frames the collection of Royo's artwork. The story tells of a young artist who visits the studio of a painter that he has long admired. The young man has long been enthralled by the painter's brooding, yet sensual work. The young man praised the older painter as he was invited into the master's studio. When the old man asks if he would like to become his apprentice, the young artists jumps at the chance.

The old painter's routine, however, is quite confusing. He paints only at night, and in a small room with only moonlight for illumination, a room the apprentice is forbidden to enter. One day, while his teacher is sleeping, he dares to enter the forbidden room, only to find canvases covered completely in black. He begins to touch the painting, sensing something beautiful and terrible beneath the darkness, and soon finds himself drawn into the gothic, exquisite world of the Dark labyrinth.

Well that's the backstory but the real story is 64 pages of Royo's stunning art, all fitting into this theme. The book contains primarily work that was previously unpublished, most of it finished paintings along with a smattering of sketches. Royo's art is horrific and evocative. His beautiful women are sexy yet with an air of danger about them.

"Mother Earth" is one of my favorite paintings in the book. It shows that nature goddess shedding a tear of blood over a desolate landscape. Then there is "The Game of the Mask" featuring a lovely, mask-clad nude in a richly detailed costume, looking like a princess of Hell. "The Counter of Time" depicts an angelic blond maiden wearing a skull headpiece, apparently looking down over the world.

Each page of Dark Labyrinth brings a new shadowy delight to the reader in one of Royo's best collections yet from NBM Publishing. A true spectacle!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

True to the title, this is probably Luis Royo's darkest book of artwork. I don't mean it is gory, horrific, or offensive, I'm merely referring to the shades and tones he uses in his paintings here. Everything here is mostly drab (in a good way) but detailed... not near as colorful and eclectic as "Visions" but still very stylish and pleasing to the eye. "Dark Labyrinth" is without a doubt one of my favorites. As usual, there are lots of beautiful women, along with skulls, swords, demonic beasts and maybe even a little trickle of blood here and there. One of Royo's best collections yet.

I particolari che si possono ammirare nel libro sono favolosi ... l'immagine sul PC non rende affatto ... seppur sia gia' bella.

Un bellissimo acquisto!

great book excellant shape. well recieved both delivery and product condition.
THANK YOU!!

Royo never disappoints. His work just keeps getting better, and more exciting to look at. I love his sense of erotic fantasy!!!

The story was good, interesting, held my attention but the art work I didn't quite get. It had nothing to do with the story and was just a bunch of naked women. Short read very short, gave it away the next morning. Would not buy from the authour. Someone just through this together.