Sword Song: Sisterhood of Steel

by Blas Gallego (Illustrator), David Dunstan (Illustrator), Arantza Sestayo (Illustrator)

Throughout time, there have never been figures more admired or feared as the female fighters. This title features a showcase of paintings and illustrations that celebrate supple curves coupled with sharpened weapons to produce a force no man or army can hope to withstand.

64 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice collection of fantasy art. Recommended

[Alessandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sword Song: Sisterhood of Steel is a beautiful celebration of one of fantasy art's most enduring archetypes: the warrior woman. Bringing together a diverse group of talented artists, this collection showcases a wide range of styles, interpretations, and visual storytelling approaches, all centered around powerful female fighters.
The artwork is consistently impressive, with each artist bringing their own unique vision to the theme. Some pieces emphasize elegance and beauty, while others focus on strength, ferocity, and battlefield prowess. The variety keeps the collection engaging from beginning to end, and it is fascinating to see how differently each contributor approaches the concept of the female warrior.
Fans of fantasy illustration will particularly appreciate the attention to detail in the armor, weapons, costumes, and settings. Whether depicting heroic champions, fierce mercenaries, or mythical heroines, the artists succeed in creating memorable and striking images. The combination of grace and power that runs throughout the book gives the collection a strong identity.
Special mention should go to Arantza's gorgeous front cover and David Dunstan's equally impressive back cover, which frame the volume perfectly and capture its spirit at a glance.
While the book is primarily a visual showcase rather than a narrative work, it succeeds admirably in what it sets out to do: present a gallery of captivating fantasy art dedicated to the Sisterhood of Steel. Recommended for fans of fantasy illustration, sword-and-sorcery imagery, and anyone who appreciates strong female characters brought to life by talented artists.

[Shadowzzz3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best sqp artbook I’ve seen yet.

[Mark Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much has been written about the silliness, as it were, of dressing up beautiful fantasy women in tiny little armor and putting a weapon in their hands, as if that were all it takes to create a warrior. Invariably fantasy art of this type stresses sex and violence, not military practicality. Generally these women are voluptuous, not athletic; their armor is decorative, not functional; and most of them wouldn't have the strength to lift a weapon of the size shown. And, let us not forget, it is always important to have one's hair styled and make-up on before going out to slay a badass demon.

All that being said, I confess to being drawn to this art, particularly when it's by Frank Frazetta or a similar-style illustrator. None of the artists in this slim volume were known to me. Unfortunately, many of the illustrations do not clearly show the artist's name, and there is no list showing which artist goes with what picture. Among my favorites are the ones by Arantza, especially "Raven's War." Arantza's soft tones add an air of mystery to his subjects. And I can't end this review without mentioning the illustration on the back cover by David Dunstan, which immediately reminded me of the classic "Little Annie Fanny" comics.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The images in this book are delightful combinations of shapely female beauty and the wielding of deadly and vicious-looking hand weapons. The women fill out and in most cases overflow their costumes, sometimes showing full hips and always displaying a sensuous look. Which is amusing, because if you were to encounter them in real life, it would be the weapon they are packing that would get and keep your attention, not the spillage.

This is great artwork, it manages to be sexist, sensual and deadly, all at the same time.