Customer Reviews

Spectrum 6: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art

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

 

 

I consider the sixth installation in the series to be rather weaker than the others. There is not as much variety in the art presnted within, and there is far too much (for my tastes) pseudo-fantastic art - the kind that deals with erotics, "babes wielding giant weapons", super-powered combat, etc. The volume does have many redeeming qualities, but they are not numerous enough to atone for the book's flaws. The fifth volume was SO much better.

If you're a fan of sci-fi art work, this book is for you, spectrum 6 has some of the biggest names in this genre of illustration as well has some lesser known illustrators. The problem with spectrum 6 (as with all the other spectrum books) is that the popularity of the artist often counts more than the piece itself.

As with the last few books in the series, Spectrum 6 compiles the artwork sent in by various artists by categories, such as 'editorial', 'unpublished', 'dimensional', & 'comics'. In the past, the Spectrum series featured quite a bit of wonderfully stimulating /art/ -- unfortunately, it must be said that this compilation contains more /illustration/ instead. Unlike the more original works featured in the last few books, Spectrum 6 seems to concentrate on work done on popular subjects, rather than the creative talents of artists young and old to the industry. Though it is still a quality publishing, with glossy paper and solid binding, a person new to this series would be better advised to look at Spectrum 5 and prior. A mild dissapointment.

This sixth addition to the "Spectrum" series certainly lives up to its subtitle of "The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art". There is a beautiful cross-section of work by old favorites and new talent alike. Shaun Tann, Phil Hale, Donato Giancola, and Gary Gianni are just a few of the stand-outs in this wonderful collection. You like Whelan? He's here. "Dinotopia" creator Jim Gurney? Him, too. Comics? They're covered. Statues and model kits? They're here as well. If your budget will allow only one fantasy art book, "Spectrum 6" is certainly the best choice.

As a photographer I was excited to obtain this book. Here in Atlanta Wrestling has become the males soap opera. This in turn has led to an increase in Action Figures. I have always longed to intergrate bodybuilders and fitness women into my erotic imagery.

This book gives me the necessary compliation to allow my mind to investigate how to mimic fantasy art. I like the fact that my fears as a child were awakened as well as my sexual stimuli touched.

Finally, I like the fact that one of the editors is a female. It is time that women who appreciate art and for me erotic photography began to play a vital role in persenting these images. Yes I am familiar with Olivia. Can some one provide me with ISBN's on the previous issues?