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Modern Masters #8
Modern Masters, Volume 8: Walter Simonson
Out of the back pages of Detective Comics came the surprise hit of 1973, "Manhunter," and its illustrator, Walter Simonson. The series garnered awards and accolades, and the artist quickly became a star sensation. Ten years later he cemented his name among the legends of the comic book field with his epic saga, Thor. From Fantastic Four and X-Factor to Battlestar Galactica and Star Wars, Simonson can handle any genre with ease, and his stylized, dynamic artwork is an influence on many of today's top artists. This, along with a grand sense of adventure and powerful storytelling, makes Walter Simonson the subject of the next volume in the Modern Masters series! This 128-page trade paperback looks at his life and work, and features an extensive, career-spanning interview lavishly illustrated with rare and unpublished art from his files! Plus, it features an enormous sketchbook section with some of the most amazing illustrations Walter has ever produced. One look and you'll agree -- Walter Simonsion is a true Modern Master!
128 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 3, 2018
This is a great resource for any comic book fan. I’m a huge Walt Simonson fan, and apparently I’m this book’s target audience. It’s got a great interview with the comic creator that forms the meat of this book. Simonson talks about his early life, artistic influences and the day he broke into comics. I particularly enjoy the part where he talks about his motivation and inspiration behind his seminal run on the Marvel Comics title Thor.
I became a fan of Walt Simonson because of his work on Thor. Tracked the 30 issues where he was both scripter and artist, and as well as the 14 issue late in his run where he collaborated with Sal Buscema. By this time Simonson concentrated on writing while Buscema provided the art. Simonson said he was basically granted carte blanche by his editor because with the sales on the title going down, he might as well try anything. Simonson was able to fulfil his vision of Thor and Asgard and merge it with the elements of Norse mythology he enjoyed when he was younger. What resulted was probably one of the most well regarded run in Thor and any other superhero comic.
The book also includes never before seen art, showcasing Simonson’s dynamic and detailed pencils. With both his pencils and inks side by side, you can see that he draws his breakdowns tightly that you’ll be surprised that they will still require inking. Also included are rarities like his early pre-comics work and commissions.
This is a must read for any comic book fan. These Modern Masters series of books are a treasure trove of art and creator insight that is a useful resource for any fan wishing to know how their favourite creators spin the tales of their favourite characters.
I became a fan of Walt Simonson because of his work on Thor. Tracked the 30 issues where he was both scripter and artist, and as well as the 14 issue late in his run where he collaborated with Sal Buscema. By this time Simonson concentrated on writing while Buscema provided the art. Simonson said he was basically granted carte blanche by his editor because with the sales on the title going down, he might as well try anything. Simonson was able to fulfil his vision of Thor and Asgard and merge it with the elements of Norse mythology he enjoyed when he was younger. What resulted was probably one of the most well regarded run in Thor and any other superhero comic.
The book also includes never before seen art, showcasing Simonson’s dynamic and detailed pencils. With both his pencils and inks side by side, you can see that he draws his breakdowns tightly that you’ll be surprised that they will still require inking. Also included are rarities like his early pre-comics work and commissions.
This is a must read for any comic book fan. These Modern Masters series of books are a treasure trove of art and creator insight that is a useful resource for any fan wishing to know how their favourite creators spin the tales of their favourite characters.
August 6, 2021
Excellent collection of this artists work. Simonson is one of my top 10 favorite artists and his run on Thor was just perfect to me. Very recommended
March 23, 2018
There are a lot of comic artists that I like, but I can picky about the comics that I'm reading. Which is why even really terrific artists - Alan Davis, George Perez, Arthur Adams (to name a few others who've had Modern Masters volumes) - rarely have the opportunity to contribute much to my collection. I always enjoy their work when it is in a book that I'd otherwise read, but they frequently work on books that just aren't my cuppa.
Walt's different. He's on the short list of artists - even when he's not writing it himself - that I will at least look at any project he does. I still think his Thor is the best thing Marvel's ever published. And Orion can probably say the same in the DCU.
I've never read a word of Michael Moorcock's work, but I'm anticipating a collection of the Elric series just for Walt's art. Not that I buy everything Walt's done (though I might eventually), but his name carries a LOT of weight when I make a buying decision.
His page layouts are explosive and dynamics, moving the reader's eye easily without ever sacrificing visual punch. I love the lose, sketchy quality to his figure, especially the gods who are beyond mortal ability to perceive cleanly. I love his design sense - the way he works with John Workman to incorporate the lettering and sound effects (many of which he does himself) into the design of the page. I love his knowledge of mythology and how to use it to expand what can be done with a superhero character.
He's one of the greats, and a total gentleman, and I can't wait for whatever else he has in the pipeline. Oh, and the interviews in the book were really cool. They gave Walter plenty of room to reminisce, discuss some of the controversies, the collaborations, influences, and intentions. It was a very enjoyable book.
Walt's different. He's on the short list of artists - even when he's not writing it himself - that I will at least look at any project he does. I still think his Thor is the best thing Marvel's ever published. And Orion can probably say the same in the DCU.
I've never read a word of Michael Moorcock's work, but I'm anticipating a collection of the Elric series just for Walt's art. Not that I buy everything Walt's done (though I might eventually), but his name carries a LOT of weight when I make a buying decision.
His page layouts are explosive and dynamics, moving the reader's eye easily without ever sacrificing visual punch. I love the lose, sketchy quality to his figure, especially the gods who are beyond mortal ability to perceive cleanly. I love his design sense - the way he works with John Workman to incorporate the lettering and sound effects (many of which he does himself) into the design of the page. I love his knowledge of mythology and how to use it to expand what can be done with a superhero character.
He's one of the greats, and a total gentleman, and I can't wait for whatever else he has in the pipeline. Oh, and the interviews in the book were really cool. They gave Walter plenty of room to reminisce, discuss some of the controversies, the collaborations, influences, and intentions. It was a very enjoyable book.
May 27, 2018
I have to say I loved this volume. Walt Simonson is an amazing artist. I looked forward every day to be able to read more of the interview and see more amazing artwork by a master of the craft.
May 5, 2015
A great read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews