Customer Reviews

Mark Schultz: Various Drawings Volume Three

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Mark Schultz is a master artist. I really enjoyed browsing this thin volume of his artwork. Every page will please fans of his drawings. I would have liked a few more illustrations of Xenozoic Tales and fewer of Conan-type barbarian works. If you're a fan of fantasy art, then this will be the volume to get. If you like Xenozoic Tales, perhaps getting earlier volumes first would be a better choice.

John Flesk looks like he has an easy job. He routinely puts out gorgeous books and most of them sell out in short order.
The reason is in evidence with this volume. The line, brush and pencil work in this collection of Mark Schultz' art is easy to appreciate. What stands out for me, however, are the tableaus of wonder that are the meat of his efforts. From Hannah and Jack (from Xenozoic Tales) to his numerous studies for the upcoming novella, "Storms at Sea" there's a sense of wonder that marries the old worlds of adventure to new and even grander storytelling possibilities. Even his Conan studies depart from the old cliches of an over-muscled almost superman to giving the character a more somber, intelligent but powerful countenance.
Then there's the package- a paperback with cover flaps to protect the integrity of the cover and the binding, and the printing job is hands down some of the best quality in publishing today. All artist of quality should receive this kind of published treatment.

I've been aware of the Xenozoic Tales comic for some years, but have never read it; however, I knew its reputation and decided to pick up this volume of artwork by its writer-artist, Mark Schultz. I was, quite literally, blown away - within the pages of this all-too-slim volume, you will find a number of fantastic and fascinating illutrations to delight the eye and imagination.

Schultz employs a style in his illustrations that is reminiscent of Frazetta's pen-and-ink work, and never fails to create a beautiful piece, regardless of his subject matter or the piece's state of progress. Here you will find Conan illustrations, pictures of Xenozoic Tales characters (most notably the character of Hannah, in various situations), and a fantastic fold-out depicting a scene from one of Edgar Rice Burrough's "Mars" novels, among others. You will, quite literally, be amazed by Schultz' virtuoso work. If you enjoy this volume, I highly reocmment both Mark Schultz: Various Drawings: A Collection Of Studies And Finished Works as well as Frank Cho Women: Selected Drawings & Illustrations, which offer illustrations in a similar vein. I hope you'll pick it up - you won't be sorry!

I've been a devoted fan of Mark Schultz since I first discovered his work years ago. The "Various Drawing" series is a breathtaking collection of unpublished work that reveals the process behind the magic that Mr. Schultz creates with the tools of his trade. From the strong, smart, beautiful women and dashing men to the enticing marriage of cadillacs and dinosaurs, Mr. Schultz' work exudes the kind of passion you long to see in contemporary illustration. I unequivocally recommend any book illustrated by Mark Schultz to comic book fans looking for something off the beaten path and the "Various Drawings" series to illustrators looking for inspiration from a true master. This is the way comics and adventure art should be done. Period.