Amazon.co.uk Review
Pioneer of the now-thriving alternative comics scene, the Vertigo imprint has become the industry standard-bearer of innovative tales of fantasy, horror and mystery. Alongside the literate and sophisticated storytelling, Vertigo's success is in no small part down to the vivid and eclectic artwork, always compelling and consistently defying convention. Complementing the
Sandman: The Dust Covers collection to good effect, this handsome edition is of wider interest, showcasing the artwork for 185 covers, trading cards and gallery portraits of Vertigo's landmark titles. Former Vertigo editor Alison Kwitney contributes the accompanying text, which, while certainly effusive and sometimes critique-heavy, makes no bones about Vertigo's right to be perceived as bona-fide art. Then, it is the pictures that count and kudos to the editors for such a fine selection. Many of the industry's finest and most revolutionary artists appear here, drawing from a wide spectrum of styles. Whether it be the grotesquery of Glenn Fabry's
Preacher art, the otherworldly splendour of Charles Vess and Michael Zuilli (
Swamp Thing,
The Books of Magic), Brian Bolland's seemingly effortless but magnificent work on
The Invisibles and
Animal Man, the majesty and depth of Vertigo is captured perfectly. If your comics are bought on the strength of the hypnotic pull of cover art, then this book will clearly satisfy your appetite. --
Danny Graydon
Product Description
A review of artwork published by the Vertigo imprint since its launch in 1993, presenting many rare and little-seen illustrations from promotional material, posters and trading cards. It includes the work of three British artists, and features "Hellblazer" and "Swamp Thing", among many others.
