virtual-lancaster contributor John Freeman has been involved in comics and science fiction for over 25 years, but this month sees the publication of his first factual book – SciFi Art Now.
The book features a number of Northern artists, including David Hughes, who works at Lancaster University; Preston-based illustrators Paul Drummond and Matthew Soffe; Doctor Who illustrator Adrian Salmon, who lives in Lytham St. Annes; Manchester-based games designer Stuart Jennett and comics artist John Royle; veteran comics artist John Ridgway, who hails from Bolton; Blackburn artist and publisher Tim Perkins; and cartoonist Dave Windett, who’s also from Preston.
The work of of these talented artists rubs shoulders with illustrations from creators from across the globe, including Dan Dare and Marvel artist Gary Erskine, Star Wars concept artist Dermot Power and acclaimed SF artists such as America’s Ron Miller and Italy’s Max Bertolini as well as many newcomers whose work was selected from a huge number of submissions for the book.
Science fiction is a perennially popular genre always attracts the most visionary artists, and this coffee table book showcases the crème de la crème of contemporary science fiction painters, illustrators and creators. All aspects of classic science fiction themes are given a fresh perspective by artists examining popular sub-genres such as Sirens of Sci-Fi, Spacecraft and Spacenauts, Aliens and Alien Worlds, Radical Robots, Incredible Cities, Future War, and Steampunk. Crammed full of exquisite art from around the world and fascinating insights from the artists and creators, Sci-Fi Art Now is perfect for fans of the science fiction genre, whether in movies, computer games, comics, book covers or illustrations.
Published by ILEX in the UK and Collins in the US, with a foreword by world-famous SF artist Chris Foss, the book has already received plaudits from contributors and press alike, earning a four star review from top SF magazine SFX.
John Freeman is a freelance writer and creative consultant and a mainstay of the science fiction, fantasy and comics worlds. At Titan Publishing he oversaw the launches of Star Trek Magazine, Star Wars Magazine and many others, and prior to that was Editor of Doctor Who Magazine and several Marvel UK comics titles.
“I grew up reading science fiction in books and comics,” enthuses John, “and working on this book was a dream come true. I’m hoping the art featured will offer plenty of inspiration to artists and casual scifi fans alike.”
• SciFI Art Now is on sale in all good bookshops, including First Age Comics – ISBN-10: 1905814984/ ISBN-13: 978-190581498.
• You can read more about the project, including interviews with some of the artistsat: http://scifiartnow.blogspot.com