Modern Masters, Vol. 7: John Byrne (Modern Masters) 
asked by siriusfanboy on November 10, 2006 2:20 PM
The next volume of the Modern Masters series celebrates the life and work of one of today's top artists, John Byrne! From the death of Phoenix to the rebirth of Superman, Byrne is one of the most influential comic book artists working in the business. On X-Men, he penciled the greatest stories in the history of the title and helped propel the X-Men to their current household-name status. His work as writer and artist of Fantastic Four returned the group to prominence within the Marvel Universe. And his reboot of the Superman mythology brought national attention to the comic book industry. This volume features an extensive, career-spanning interview lavishly illustrated with rare and unpublished art, as well as a large sketchbook section.
Reviews
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This book is exactly what I'd hoped for... every single page is completely packed with John Byrne interviews (rather than others talking *about* John Byrne) and drawings. No ups, no extras. I'm sure a more expensive format would better showcase Byrne's artwork, but for me, this book is perfect. Now, bring on the Neal Adams version (as long as he's not allowed to talk about the planet swelling).
reviewed by hooked on November 15, 2006 5:18 PM
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It's great to finally have another trade retrospective of John Byrne's work; the last was "The Art of John Byrne: Volume 1" back in the mythical year of 1980. For those of you who have become parents since then, you'll be happy to know that this new book is for all ages -- and what a book.
It's unfortunate that nowadays "fanboys" like to kick around artists/creators they deem uncool (that is, men who don't draw R-rated, semi-nude women and over-muscled grotesques), and Byrne has suffered his share of this negativity. Those coming upon his work for the first time in this book have every right to be puzzled by this as his work in the last few years (using the "full pencil" technique) is as stunning as anything he's ever done. Make sure you check for the pre-inked image of Superman carrying Lois Lane over the Great Wall of China at sunrise (or sunset?) for an example of this.
The interviews that comprise the book are candid, honest and engaging. Jon B. Cooke does a good job asking questions that lead to detailed answers. I could wax rhapsodic all day over the images as they comprise his entire career; it's a special kick seeing all these characters from Alpha Flight to the Next Men in the pages of book; it's a family reunion, of sorts.
My only complaint is the lack of any color galleries, but this is no way detracts from the book and it's cool enough that we do get a brand new color cover image of the Fantastic Four, a team Byrne wrote and drew in a now legendary run in the 1980s. Buy it, read it, enjoy it, re-read it, share it, then buy another copy; this is my favorite entry in the Modern Masters series so far.
It's unfortunate that nowadays "fanboys" like to kick around artists/creators they deem uncool (that is, men who don't draw R-rated, semi-nude women and over-muscled grotesques), and Byrne has suffered his share of this negativity. Those coming upon his work for the first time in this book have every right to be puzzled by this as his work in the last few years (using the "full pencil" technique) is as stunning as anything he's ever done. Make sure you check for the pre-inked image of Superman carrying Lois Lane over the Great Wall of China at sunrise (or sunset?) for an example of this.
The interviews that comprise the book are candid, honest and engaging. Jon B. Cooke does a good job asking questions that lead to detailed answers. I could wax rhapsodic all day over the images as they comprise his entire career; it's a special kick seeing all these characters from Alpha Flight to the Next Men in the pages of book; it's a family reunion, of sorts.
My only complaint is the lack of any color galleries, but this is no way detracts from the book and it's cool enough that we do get a brand new color cover image of the Fantastic Four, a team Byrne wrote and drew in a now legendary run in the 1980s. Buy it, read it, enjoy it, re-read it, share it, then buy another copy; this is my favorite entry in the Modern Masters series so far.
reviewed by localhost on November 29, 2006 4:57 AM