Bryan Hitch's Ultimate Comics Studio

Gr 7 Up—Well-known illustrator of Marvel classics such as Fantastic Four and Captain America, Hitch has a passion for comics and comic art that is evident in this well-designed volume. The book is a skillful blend of text, photos of the artist at work, annotated sketches, and finished illustrations. It is a visual treat in its own right, with well-organized subject matter complemented by thoughtful composition and lavish photography and art. Hitch considers himself to be primarily a storyteller, and he delves into the philosophy and technique of visual storytelling. He gives a glimpse into his thought processes, offering "guided tours" of sketches by walking readers through his work, starting with analyzing script to making decisions regarding action, panels, rhythm, and sample initial sketches. He uses both rough drafts and finished work to demonstrate these principles and techniques. His trademark style is "big" action. This has been influenced by his ongoing love affair with cinema. Frequently used cinematographic phrases, such as "camera angle," "group shot," and "widescreen action," are found throughout. Using a conversational tone, the artist speaks directly to readers as he discusses solutions to compositional problems. Final chapters offer suggestions on working in the industry by providing information on portfolio creation, industry insights, and interviewing tips. Filled with sound advice, the book is useful to both comic artists and those desiring a deeper understanding of comic art.—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY