Customer Reviews

Modern Masters Volume 12: Michael Golden (Modern Masters (TwoMorrows Publishing))

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Just so you know, I'm one of the devoted fans of the amazing artwork of Michael Golden. With a career in the comic book field spanning 30 years (!), the man has produced some of the more stellar individual issues in comics history. One of the terrific things about this book is the reproduction of many pages in pencil only format, showing many familiar works in a new light. There is also an all-too-short color section highlighting some of his more recent covers, which is good for those like me who don't feel a need to shell out $4 for just a cover. The entire book is printed on glossy high quality paper, the first in this excellent series to do that. TwoMorrows Publishing does an excellent job with this series, and delivers a quality retrospective of whatever artist is featured. The interview with Golden is a little more sparse than most, but that has more to do with Golden being a little less forthcoming with personal information, recollections, and anecdotes than anything else. Even so, seeing as how prior to late 2006 "The Reclusive One" was completely inaccessible, this is still a compelling look into the mind of a true master of his craft. A beautiful book, filled with many pieces of art that will be new to the casual fan of Golden, and even some that the hard-core fans may not have seen (again, the pages shown in pencil-only format may be my favorites, including 2 from Dr. Strange #46!). A great book in a great series about a great artist.

The book reads like a very long interview, which is its best feature. But from cover to cover it is a disappointment visually. The cover features a big-boobed babe - not his forte, but put there for the obvious reason to get pubescent males to pluck it off the shelf. This is so sad. Michael Golden is such a great artist, it is an embarassment for me to own a book and have to justify to anyone who sees it laying around that it is about a talented artist.
Inside it is all black and white, with so few examples of his best work that I wish I had not bought it. Buy the "Excess" book instead. It is also in paperback.

I'm a long time fan of Michael Golden's work, loved his work on the Micronauts, The Nam & all those GI JOE covers, its too bad he never became as popular as some other artists, this book gives you some insight on his career and some original & comic book artwork, what's disappointing is that only 8 pages are in color and there's no checklist of his work

Michael Golden is HOT!
From his high profile appearances at major comic cons, to his ground breaking DVD and Vanguard book, to his upcoming European tour, anything he touches turns to gold.
Eric Nolen-Heatherington, in the award winning Modern Masters series, presents a comprehensive interview/overview with Michael. Kevin Nowlan pays tribute in a heart felt introduction, and the fun begins from there.
"I Guess I'll Just Go Draw Comic Books" takes readers from his beginnings perusing 'Childrens Digest' to his landmark Mister Miracle issue 25. Marvel Comics was his next stop after DC, and the Micronauts shone in large part due to his artistry. With the departure of Marshall Rogers from Dr Strange, Michael brought in some amazing issues! #55 remains one of my favorite art jobs to this day, and the original cover art is a wonderful inclusion. "The Nam" allowed Michael to stretch his talent to include more caricature. "Bucky O'Hare" showed his mastery and the licensing of the character forced him to develop editorial skills. "Editorially Speaking" discusses his art direction and original story development.
To understand an artist is to understand his creative juices and storytelling flows. Part 5 of the book delves into the thoughts behind the tools he uses. Like many artists today, he has adopted computer based technology, and photoshop is his tool of choice.
The Art Gallery features a feast of visual pleasures. As a young collector, I remember the cover to Rom #9, Dr Strange #55, the art in Batman Special #1, and his work in Mr Miracle. The mix of art styles and samples is good in the section and overall, anything Golden is golden!
Viewed as a whole, the book is a good overview and visit with Mr Golden. I can imagine the full package. Golden pencils, Golden finished art, Golden comic, and a mit full of memories that Eric took home!
Experience the passion that defines the work and art of Michael Golden.
Www.twomorrows.com
Tim Lasiuta