The acclaimed Spectrum series is the premier venue for fantasy and science fiction artwork. The only book to thoroughly address the amazing variety and quality of fantastic art created each year, the release of each annual issue is an eagerly anticipated event for artists, readers, and art directors alike. The early issues in the series had very small print runs, sold out quickly, and today, are much sought-after by collectors. Now in print for the first time in ten years, Spectrum 2 features works by Hugo Award-winner Michael Whelan; Caldecott winners Diane and Leo Dillon; James Gurney, creator of Dinotopia; and more than 200 other pieces created by artists from Germany, England, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and America. Drawn from books, comics, magazines, art galleries, advertisements, and artist’s portfolios, these visionary portraits of the future offer fans an intriguing look at the evolution of fantastic art over the past decade.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
The best artwork by creators of fantasy and horror characters has been culled from books, comics, ads, magazines and other sources to provide an unusually well-rounded, expansive view of the creators of science fiction images. Usually such collections revolve around the art of a single selected individual: in juxtaposing the approaches and works of many, Spectrum 2 creates a fine and diverse presentation of award-winning images. -- Midwest Book Review
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you love the fantastic, the Spectrum series of art books is for you. Since year one, I've bought every volume I could (though I missed two of them) and enjoyed them all. This is the second in a series that is currently up to volume 17, and each is a visual treasure.
Inside each Spectrum book is a collection of some of the year's finest fantasy, science fiction, and horror art. The pop culture bandwidth is fully explored, from heroes to Cthulhu with some Tolkein and Conan in between. You'll see statues, book covers, paintings, illustrations and more. Some of the work is physical, some digital, some a combination of both (and each is tagged with artist, medium, and client) and every volume showcases at least one artist, paying special tribute to their work. Reading through a Spectrum collection fires the imagination: so many different expressions of creativity and such varying fantastic worlds that I do look forward to a new Spectrum every year. Be advised that if nudity, violence or gore bothers you, some of these works will have one or more of these things in them though not (in my opinion) depicted in a way that is shocking or overwhelming. Highly recommended reading just the same.
Inside each Spectrum book is a collection of some of the year's finest fantasy, science fiction, and horror art. The pop culture bandwidth is fully explored, from heroes to Cthulhu with some Tolkein and Conan in between. You'll see statues, book covers, paintings, illustrations and more. Some of the work is physical, some digital, some a combination of both (and each is tagged with artist, medium, and client) and every volume showcases at least one artist, paying special tribute to their work. Reading through a Spectrum collection fires the imagination: so many different expressions of creativity and such varying fantastic worlds that I do look forward to a new Spectrum every year. Be advised that if nudity, violence or gore bothers you, some of these works will have one or more of these things in them though not (in my opinion) depicted in a way that is shocking or overwhelming. Highly recommended reading just the same.
By Ryan W Fisk
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I picked this up as a gift for my wife to help her fill out the gaps in her collection. I took a chance to peruse it after she had her turn. Excellent collection of wonderful and fantastic art. Recommended to or for anyone who appreciates science fiction and/or fantasy art.
By C. Monk
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I first found Spectrum in it's 17th iteration, which I found to be fantastic. So maybe its not far to give this a lower ranking because they have obviously improved over the years.
I found the pictures in here underwhelming compared with the later iterations. They were also kind of small. I only found a few pictures inspirational
I found the pictures in here underwhelming compared with the later iterations. They were also kind of small. I only found a few pictures inspirational
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I found this enjoyable
This book, like Spectrum 1, is largely a collection of the best fantasy and science fiction illustrations from comic books, book covers, and the like. Read more
Published on August 14, 2010 by Christopher R. Travers
4.0 out of 5 stars
oh, shiny pretty pictures...
Lavishly, lovingly put together, the fairly awesome SPECTRUM annuals have been rolling along now since 1994, and each one has been worth the getting, each one an ideal centerpiece... Read more
Published on November 23, 2009 by H. Bala
5.0 out of 5 stars
inspiring
I gave this as a gift, so I can't say personally, but I asked him what he thought. He loves to draw and said he found this very inspiring. Read more
Published on November 22, 2009 by K. Essency
5.0 out of 5 stars
Appreciating The Full Spectrum
This book is a must have for anyone who is a fan of refreshing and exciting contemporary fantastic art. Read more
Published on November 17, 2008 by Sibling1
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great to see a reprint now
The only one I missed (because of moving to the Netherlands). Happy to see a reprint finally of this book. The series is complete now (until next issue arrives of course). Read more
Published on January 23, 2008 by M. Baert
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reprinted Issue from 1995 which is long out of print
This book with it's supurb collection of fantastic art comes to us reprinted from the 1995 edition of the same name. Read more
Published on March 4, 2007 by John Matlock
4.0 out of 5 stars
Spectrum 2 review
I have collected all but 1 of this great series and would have to say that this was probably my least favourite. Read more
Published on February 6, 2007 by Richard Avent
5.0 out of 5 stars
in general
Over 134 pages of full color glossy fantasy and sci fi artwork. The same high quality selection as the other spectrum series books. Read more
Published on October 15, 2005 by EnchantedGal
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 11
books:
See all 11 books this book cites
- Fairy Wings by Lauren Mills on page 22, and page 30
- The Books of Magic by Neil Gaiman on page 132, and page 133
- Ship of Dreams by Dean Morrissey on page 18
- Batman The Collected Adventures Volume 2 [Batman Animated Comics] by Kelley Puckett on page 97
- Mefisto in Onyx by Harlan Ellison on page 16
See all 11 books this book cites
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