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The Art of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Marvel Comics'sCaptain America: The Art of Captain America - The First Avenger [Hardcover]2011
Directed by Joe Johnston (Jurassic Park 3) and starring Chris Evans (Fantastic Four), Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, Lord of the Rings) and Academy Award Winner Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive), CAPTAIN THE FIRST AVENGER promises to be one of 2011's biggest blockbusters, continuing the story set up in IRON MAN, IRON MAN 2, THE INCREDIBLE HULK and THOR, and leading into summer 2012's THE AVENGERS.
Hardcover
First published July 6, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 2, 2019
Fun to see how Captain America, Red Skull, and the Howling Commando's uniforms were created. Liked how they used the different nationalities of the Commandos in designing their uniforms. The different Hydra technology was cool to see. Also enjoyed how they created the SSR. Captain America's shield was cool too.
November 26, 2011
Some of the concept art is, as you might imagine, spectacular. My problems with the book have nothing to do with the art but rather the text. There is almost no content here, no "value added" commentary. In fact, near the end of the book, production stills simply stop appearing next to the fabulous art, which indicates this book was sent to the publisher before those parts of the movie were finalized.
They give the made-up German names for Hydra's wunderwaffen, but they never translate them. These little tidbits are exactly the kinds of things geeks geek out about, so they really ought to be included. ("Wunderwaffen" means "wonder weapons", what the Nazis called their cutting-edge war machines. See? It's cool to know that.) It's as if the author had no curiosity about this stuff. And that's terrible. (To borrow a meme from a different superhero.)
In one section they mention that once one of the artists finalized the design for the Hydra pilot, the other designers were able to base their concepts for the rest of Hydra on that look. But the book never singles out which design is the final one. I could pop in my disc of the movie or do an Internet search, but I shouldn't have to while reading the book. It's little things like that which detract from the overall experience.
I don't feel ripped off buying this book because some of the art really is amazing... and I bought at a deep discount. I just hope the inevitable Avengers volume holds off until the end of production and adds a substantial amount of content beyond the pretty pictures. The process is just as interesting.
They give the made-up German names for Hydra's wunderwaffen, but they never translate them. These little tidbits are exactly the kinds of things geeks geek out about, so they really ought to be included. ("Wunderwaffen" means "wonder weapons", what the Nazis called their cutting-edge war machines. See? It's cool to know that.) It's as if the author had no curiosity about this stuff. And that's terrible. (To borrow a meme from a different superhero.)
In one section they mention that once one of the artists finalized the design for the Hydra pilot, the other designers were able to base their concepts for the rest of Hydra on that look. But the book never singles out which design is the final one. I could pop in my disc of the movie or do an Internet search, but I shouldn't have to while reading the book. It's little things like that which detract from the overall experience.
I don't feel ripped off buying this book because some of the art really is amazing... and I bought at a deep discount. I just hope the inevitable Avengers volume holds off until the end of production and adds a substantial amount of content beyond the pretty pictures. The process is just as interesting.
January 18, 2022
It's nice and shiny and all, but.. aside from Ryan Meinerding's amazing artwork inside and a couple of other concept art pieces, it's nothing to write home about or worth the price for an art book.
February 7, 2022
55 - 2022
December 5, 2012
(More pictures at parkablogs.com)
This is one book that's sure to delight Captain America and art book lovers.
The hardcover book comes with a slipcase of Captain America's iconic shield. It's a simple and striking design. On the back is the Hydra logo. When you pull out the book, you see a beautiful wall illustration with Captain America in World War II costume. Nice.
This is a thick book at 240 pages. It's packed with concept art on characters, environment, weapons and war machines. There are minimal film stills, a couple of old Captain America panels for the history, storyboards and of course the movie posters.
The character designs are wonderful. You'll get to see Captain America in various combat uniforms. There are variations of leather jackets, straps and belts, helmets, new or war torn. And then you have the actual redesigned Captain America costumes, again in many variations. All of them look terrific.
Other characters included are Red Skull (Johann Schmidt), Howard Stark (Tony Starks dad), Peggy Carter (love interest), Howling Commandos (Captain America's field team) and a couple of other miscellaneous characters. Of particular mention would be the Hydra troopers. There are so many designs it's starting to look like a military fashion show.
The environment designs are a mixture of digital paintings and composites. I think some are blown up slightly too big and look a bit blurry. Overall, they still look nice. Most of the set designs are quite dark in mood.
There's a huge section on weaponry. The various prototypes shields made by Howard Stark are interesting - one has a machine gun built in! Hydra weaponry takes up a significant chunk. There are designs for huge tanks, mini tanks, Schmidt's Coupe. bombers, motorcycles, trains and even submarines. The designs look sophisticated and classic at the same time. The Coupe's 3D model is very beautiful.
There are also artist commentary that go with the art that explain the background.
This book is really packed. A highly recommended companion for the movie.
August 18, 2012
Another art/design book from Marvel Comics (The Art of Iron Man, Iron Man: The Art of Iron Man 2, Thor: The Art of Thor the Movie, Avengers: The Art of Marvel's The Avengers), shedding light on how "Captain America: The First Avenger" was created - from artist's point of view.
I would have perhaps hoped for a little more thorough insight at the characters and background info of the plot and events in general, but the book focused heavily on the look and design of the weapons and vehicles and the relation to the real WWII.
A nice thing to browse through; worth a look for anyone interested in the movie and wanting to glance a bit closer at all the detail that might escape one's notice while watching the film.
I would have perhaps hoped for a little more thorough insight at the characters and background info of the plot and events in general, but the book focused heavily on the look and design of the weapons and vehicles and the relation to the real WWII.
A nice thing to browse through; worth a look for anyone interested in the movie and wanting to glance a bit closer at all the detail that might escape one's notice while watching the film.
September 21, 2011
Exactly what I've come to expect from Marvel's movie art books: a beautifully presented book of concept art, drawings, production and movie stills, and storyboards. (With of course insights into the designing of the film, and some comic backstory.)
Overall, I really liked it and it made me appreciate the film more.
It's also worth noting that there are a few slightly pixelated images in this book--though not as many as in the art book for Thor, I think, though I haven't counted. But they in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the book.
Overall, I really liked it and it made me appreciate the film more.
It's also worth noting that there are a few slightly pixelated images in this book--though not as many as in the art book for Thor, I think, though I haven't counted. But they in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the book.
February 25, 2013
It's an art book from the movie, Captain America - The First Avenger.
Short and sweet it's exactly that.
Excellent concept art ranging from ideas to finished product in the movie.
It is a large book with vibrant colors and detail. While the text is insightful to the process it really didn't go along with what you are seeing but it does what it needs.
Whether a fan of the movie or just a big Cap fan this is an excellent purchase to have on your self or as an interesting coffee table book.
Short and sweet it's exactly that.
Excellent concept art ranging from ideas to finished product in the movie.
It is a large book with vibrant colors and detail. While the text is insightful to the process it really didn't go along with what you are seeing but it does what it needs.
Whether a fan of the movie or just a big Cap fan this is an excellent purchase to have on your self or as an interesting coffee table book.
October 24, 2013
Lovely detailed artwork showing the design process of the props and costumes. The artwork in this book makes it worth every penny you paid for it. But get it from your local library if they have already bought it.
June 21, 2016
Interesting how the person who designed Boba Fett also designed Hydras uniforms which have very similar elements to the new Stormtrooper uniforms. One of the Hydra helmets also looks freakishly similar to Kylo Rens helmet which I never noticed before.
July 8, 2016
I really liked this book. Lots of design art and you get to see how designs changed as the design process went on. I thought the artwork was reproduced wonderfully, nice colours and I didn't notice and problems in the reproduction being blurry or pixalated.
August 25, 2011
A very interesting look at the concept art for the movie.
May 1, 2015
nice book about the movie of the same name!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews