It’s an impressive career for sure.
This book looks back at some of Lee’s work from the last 25 years, covering Wildstorm and of course the aforementioned DC work. As with the norm for this series, the art is presented in its uncoloured format. This allows the pencil work to really shine. I am sure that the detractors will question how much of the work on show features Scott Williams; Lee’s inker of choice. After all, Lee has been known to miss a deadline or two. Williams does get a credit for his work and let’s be honest, only these two know how much embellishment Lee’s pencil work required at the time.
Comic books are a team sport and that includes the pencil and ink collaboration. In Williams, Lee found a creative soulmate who was able to add structure to the glorious pencils. If anyone follows Lee’s Twitch sessions they will see an artist that is in full control of his creative process. From his DC portfolio, this edition features Lee’s Batman work, Superman and Justice League. The pages are taken out of context so the actual story may be lacking. What isn’t lacking is the storytelling features of the art, pulling the reader across the page. As an aside, if you own the actual comics that the art is from, it would be interesting to compare the pages, unfinished and finished. Also on show is the way that Lee’s art has evolved from his Image (almost Marvel) style, taking into consideration influences such as Frank Miller, an influence that is shown as an homage a number of times in the pin ups and splash pages that are included in this volume.
For fans of comic book art, this volume is a great addition, showcasing a talent who is uber professional , who cares a great deal in his work and who has been at the top of his game for so long that maybe we fans have done him a massive injustice by starting to take him for granted. Looking through this book has kind of given me a new respect for Jim Lee and his work.
This book is due to ship on Jan 02 2019, so save up your Christmas money!
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Art by; Jim Lim
Inks by; Scott Williams & Jon Sibal
Published by; IDW PublishingÂ
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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