Barry Windsor-Smith: Opus Vol. 1 (Hardcover)

~ Barry Windsor-Smith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In the early 1970s, Windsor-Smith rose to almost legendary status as the illustrator of Marvel Comics's Conan the Barbarian. After that, he left the comics field but has "returned" periodically ever since. This five-volume series collects much of his published and unpublished works and commentary on everything from his own life to the paranormal. The book's arrangement is eclectic: for example, the illustrations, which range from color comic book panels to full-page illustrations (both color and black-and-white), are presented in a confusing stream-of-consciousness manner rather than chronologically. Still, because his work had a tremendous impact in the early 1970s, this book is recommended for larger public and academic libraries where popular culture studies are important.AStephen Weiner, Maynard P.L., MA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Opus" is like taking a chimneysweep to a High Tea. Windsor-Smith is an accomplished comics illustrator (still love his adaptation of REH's "Red Nails"), but the "fine artist" mantle he tries to wear just doesn't fit. His anatomy is faked, his faces only occasionally well-rendered, his color sense and compositions are confusing messes...and I still enjoy his art. There's nothing that will ever land in a museum--and that's okay. Windsor-Smith is an entertaining commercial artist and "Opus" is full of fun works. But the reviewer is right when he complains about the layouts and the artist's pretension--and since Windsor-Smith wrote and designed his own book, he has no one to blame but himself. Many of the drawings that get ruined in the gutter didn't have to--simple shuffling to the left or right would've saved many of the pieces. Regarding Barry's own comments, well, there'll hopefully come a day in the near future when he slaps himself in the head and asks, "What was I! thinking?" -- A reader from Kansas City, MO

I think OPUS is underpriced. And unlike the first (and only, to date) review at this site, I enjoyed the so-called "hodgepodge" way it runs. That's the way life runs..and thoughts, and especially creativity. Even Stanley Kubrick had a hodgepodge moment or two, I'm sure. I thought the art was beautifully presented, and I especially enjoyed seeing stuff I'd never seen anywhere else, like the cartoons (sorry, oops, sorry). There are plenty of other books, including some with pirated BWS artwork, that present the Gorblimey material and all the rest of Windsor-Smith's independent ventures. And, of course, all the comics--from Conan on-- can be bought from dealers around the globe. This book strikes me as very personal offering by the artist, and it was a privilege to be given a glimpse into the mind of a bonafide genius. If you're a Windsor-Smith fan (or a comics buff), or just like having your brain challenged a bit and your eyes delighted, this book is a must-buy. And a ! bargain at twice the price. -- [e-mail]

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Fantagraphics Books (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560973676
• ISBN-13: 978-1560973676
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #113,104 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I'll side with the negatives, February 21, 2000

By A Customer

Barry Windsor-Smith's artwork is in a class all its own - not to say that it's technically perfect, but he is definitely an original in the field of fantastic art. It's art that he's good at, and it's art that his fans should receive -

- which is why this book is such a disappointment. Sure, it features his artwork, but you'd better be prepared for an abundance of text detailing BWS's paranormal experiences and otherworldly beliefs. I guess if he published this himself, he can do whatever he wants, but shame on him for taking his fans for granted like this. I had hoped to see art all over the inside of this book, with BRIEF accompanying text on his methods, inspirations, etc. Instead, I'm treated to a narrative on a subject which, while it may have influenced his work, is far too personal. It comes across as obscure and alienating.

I'll complain about the presentation of the artwork, too: I could have done a better job arranging the layout of this book. You don't center an image between two pages when moving it to either side will enable the image to be viewed completely. Think about it!

In closing, if you must buy this book, just look at the art. Spare yourself the pain and skip the text.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Very poor presentation, October 20, 1999

By	Babytoxie (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

I had been gnashing my teeth waiting for this book to arrive, but it was released earlier than expected, and I missed it at the stores. A friend let me view his copy, and I can say that I'm glad I missed it.

This is a pitiful presentation for an artist of Windsor-Smith's caliber. "Opus" is the first of a series of books on his art, but judging from this book, it's hard to see how the series will continue. This is not an ordered presentation of his works; it's a hodgepodge, picked from here and there, with no real organization or chronological order.

Another irritating factor is the layout of the art on the pages. To split Windsor-Smith's artwork between two pages is a true disservice. A quarter of the image is lost in the spine! What ever happened to fold-outs? How about increasing the size of the book? This is horrible.

Finally, the text: I like to get to know the artist and find out what makes them tick, but this is ridiculous. Too much time is devoted to Windsor-Smith's philosophy on life, the cosmos, etc. The guy is an ARTIST, so get rid of all this babbling and show more ART!!! Or at least alter the text to provide commentary on the pieces.

What kills me is that I anticipated this book so highly, but what resulted was a huge disappointment. I won't be purchasing the second printing of this book, or any others in the series.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, June 9, 2006

By	JOSE GONZALEZ BUENO (Málaga, Spain) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

...is how I felt when the book arrived. Most of the illustrations are studio leftovers, preparatory sketches, discarded works and so. Little work as the one in the cover. This book is not as those on Michael Whelan or Jeff Jones. The text I tried to read but couldn't.