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The Art of Howard Chaykin
Legendary for what he has done on the page and infamous for what he has said off it, Howard Chaykin ranks among the superstars of modern comics. In The Art of Howard Chaykin, go behind the scenes with the creator whose pioneering works include American Flagg and Black Kiss, and experience the stories of his life as only he can tell them. Filled with no-holds-barred perspective from his longtime friends and colleagues, and featuring an extensive selection of artwork from throughout his career, including many never-before-published pieces from Chaykin's own archives, The Art of Howard Chaykin takes readers on an in-depth journey from the 1970s to today with one of the medium's great storytellers.
- GenresComicsArtGraphic Novels
252 pages, Hardcover
First published November 29, 2011
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33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 25, 2016
You know what? I'm not even that big a fan of Howard Chaykin. I mean, I like his work, obviously; that would be stupid to buy a book on someone you don't, but honestly H. Chaykin doesn't appear on my top 10 list.
Yet, his work always fascinated me in some way. His elegant designs and innovative storytelling more than his pencilling per se probably but still. So I thought this book would be a good opportunity to learn more about someone who, whether you like it or not, is a pillar of the comic book industry.
And I wasn't disappointed. It covers thoroughly Chaykin's career, starting in the 70's up till around 2010. Very detailed stuff with many interesting sidebars from other artists. It includes Chaykin's stint in TV series and book cover illustrations (both of which I knew nothing) and emphasizes his extraordinary commitment and professionalism.
Of course it's plastered with tons of illustrations, roughs and whatnots.
Howard Chaykin is a major comic book artist, an influence to many, but certainly not recognized enough as such. One can hope this book should help re-scale the balance.
Yet, his work always fascinated me in some way. His elegant designs and innovative storytelling more than his pencilling per se probably but still. So I thought this book would be a good opportunity to learn more about someone who, whether you like it or not, is a pillar of the comic book industry.
And I wasn't disappointed. It covers thoroughly Chaykin's career, starting in the 70's up till around 2010. Very detailed stuff with many interesting sidebars from other artists. It includes Chaykin's stint in TV series and book cover illustrations (both of which I knew nothing) and emphasizes his extraordinary commitment and professionalism.
Of course it's plastered with tons of illustrations, roughs and whatnots.
Howard Chaykin is a major comic book artist, an influence to many, but certainly not recognized enough as such. One can hope this book should help re-scale the balance.
September 3, 2016
To quote Joe Quesada, who contributed to the book: '[...] I don't think people have given [Howard Chaykin] enough tribute for the work he has done for comics. Eventually it will come and maybe this book is a start. [...] He was the first guy who could write and draw in comics with equal skill and at a tremendously high level.'
This book is great and gorgeous, oversized and full of illustrations (well, Duh!). It is an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at Howard Chaykin's career, with input from the artist himself and sidebar contributions from industry peers. Interesting to learn more about one of my favourite artists: his beginnings, his development, etc. right up to 2012, when this book was published. It's a book you can (and will) read many times over, or even just leaf through to admire the art. A must-read for fans of Howard Chaykin.
This is the type of book I want to see made about my other favourite artists!
This book is great and gorgeous, oversized and full of illustrations (well, Duh!). It is an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at Howard Chaykin's career, with input from the artist himself and sidebar contributions from industry peers. Interesting to learn more about one of my favourite artists: his beginnings, his development, etc. right up to 2012, when this book was published. It's a book you can (and will) read many times over, or even just leaf through to admire the art. A must-read for fans of Howard Chaykin.
This is the type of book I want to see made about my other favourite artists!
January 21, 2018
Beautiful, Graphic, Vivid, Humbling... Howard is such an understated giant in the form of sequential storytelling.
It's amazing how he was able to constantly not only reinvent but build upon to be one of America's most understated literary giants.
To comics he is Spillane, Hemmingway and Mucha rolled into one.
It's amazing how he was able to constantly not only reinvent but build upon to be one of America's most understated literary giants.
To comics he is Spillane, Hemmingway and Mucha rolled into one.
April 24, 2018
A master.
May 26, 2024
A fantastic look at a tremendous talent. Chaykin is in my top ten of comic book creators. Found four books I didn't know about that I promptly ordered from ebay. Yea!
August 30, 2012
Howard Chaykin both draws and scripts comics. This book gives a good biography with other of his friends and contributors chipping in. Covers a lot of his work and got to understand a lot of his re-boots. Fascinating to know he was Gil Kane's gopher.
Maybe, would have liked a longer on the biography side, rather than a checklist of Howie's comic. His master pieces is definitely - American Flagg that broke a lot of moulds at the time and still does.
I was recommended this book and have no hesitation in recommending it to any one else.
Maybe, would have liked a longer on the biography side, rather than a checklist of Howie's comic. His master pieces is definitely - American Flagg that broke a lot of moulds at the time and still does.
I was recommended this book and have no hesitation in recommending it to any one else.
August 29, 2012
I've been a fan of Howard Chaykin since the late 70s. I "discovered" his work while he did a few issues of Marvel Premiere. Chaykin's art had a roughness I wasn't used to seeing in Marvel comics at that time. His writing is even rougher. I read his Cody Starbuck (1978) and was blown away by his concepts and storytelling. I was raised on Marvel comics but Mr. Howard Chaykin showed there were other stories to tell than just Superheroes. Don't believe me? Read Black Kiss.
October 6, 2012
A nice (so far) career overview of one comics’ heavy hitters. Good selection of art throughout, although much of the writing is sloppy, at times redundant.
More thought should have gone into lining up art that is being talked about in the text with what is represented on the page.
The cover illustration is rather bland and badly coloured (nor coloured by HC). Not a great way to show off a pretty good book.
More thought should have gone into lining up art that is being talked about in the text with what is represented on the page.
The cover illustration is rather bland and badly coloured (nor coloured by HC). Not a great way to show off a pretty good book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews