Or Talking About Somebody ELSE’S Work for a Change: Occasionally I am given the opportunity to write a preface for a book of another artist’s work. It’s an exercise I thoroughly enjoy, an opportunity to pry up the cowling and peek in at the inner workings of another image-maker’s mind. (You just have to keep ypur hands clear of the gears.) When Paul Bonner asked if I’d be willing to do a few words for a volume of his collected work that was in preparation, I immediately agreed quicker than you can say “And about bloody time too!”. Paul’s work is simply amazing, and just knowing folks like him are out there in the wildwood of the mind in which all fantasy illustrators wander is a comfort and an encouragement. Continue reading “John Howe’s Journal: PICTURA AND GNARUS”
Category: Merchandise
NEW YORK — Harry vs. Frodo. Lucy vs. Lyra. We don’t normally think of classic fantasy series as being pit against one another, because despite their differences, they have so much in common. Most of them are about little people (be they children or Hobbits) caught up in a war of good versus evil that requires a singular sacrifice to save the world, often with a bit of biblical allegory thrown in for good measure. But even if “Harry Potter,” “The Lord of the Rings,” “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “His Dark Materials” were all put on the same bookshelf, they’re not all friends, as “Materials” author Philip Pullman explained during his Times Talks appearance Tuesday. Continue reading “‘His Dark Materials’ Writer Philip Pullman Takes ‘Narnia,’ ‘Lord Of The Rings’ To Task”
Heads up to collectors and art aficionados alike. Artist Jerry Vanderstelt is composing a series of three LOTR Trilogy limited edition litographs, officially licensed by New Line Cinema. Each piece is 24×30 inches, printed on a Heidelburg press using archival inks on heavy 100 pound matte paper. They are also hand signed and numbered by the artist. Jerry has revealed the first lithograph representing The Fellowship of the Ring and it is absolutely stunning. For complete details, visit Jerry’s official website. [Vanderstelt.com]
Ian Brodie’s latest book ‘A Journey through New Zealand Film’ landed on my doorstep earlier this week, thanks to author Kristen Thompson. The book is filled with stunning images from all over New Zealand, and gives the reader an insider look into some of the films shot there. From harpercollins.co.nz: ‘For a long time, New Zealand film was off the beaten track — unfamiliar, charting new territory and out there. Now our rich and varied landscape, and the skill of our filmmakers, is celebrated worldwide, in The Piano, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, King Kong, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Whale Rider, The Last Samurai, River Queen and The World’s Fastest Indian. Ian Brodie, author of the internationally bestselling Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook and Cameras in Narnia, is the perfect guide to the locations and landscapes which have inspired filmmakers over the past twenty-five years. With stunning photographs, detailed location descriptions, and comments from directors, cast and crew, he has put together a fascinating tour of New Zealand for movie-lovers and visitors alike. Along with a chronology of feature films made in New Zealand and the awards they have won, he paints a superb portrait of location New Zealand.’ Just In: A Journey through New Zealand Film
From Stephen Hubbard at bookreporter.com: Bilbo Baggins just wants to live his quiet, peaceful life in the Shire. And he’s doing a mighty fine job of it until the great wizard, Bladorthin, shows up at his door with a gaggle of dwarves. Their leader, Gandalf, tells of the vicious dragon, Pryftan, who overtook their home. Bilbo joins up with them for a grand adventure. Ultimately he saves the day and along the way happens to discover a magical ring. That is how the story originally took shape. With THE HISTORY OF THE HOBBIT, author John D. Rateliff pieces together fragments of history in order to present THE HOBBIT as it was originally drafted by J.R.R. Tolkien. With access to the documents at Marquette University, the project was originally undertaken by Taum Santoski, who passed away following a battle with cancer at an all-too-young age. The torch was then passed to Rateliff with the full blessing of Christopher Tolkien. ‘The History of The Hobbit’ Review
If you are a collector, then you know about Sideshow Collectibles. What you may not have known, is that about this time every year, Sideshow hosts ‘Spooktacular.’ This is no simple promotion. This 24 hour a day, 9-day event features all kinds of Spooky madness. There are contests/promotions nearly every other hour, and if you are on the site at the right time, you can even get stuff for FREE! They have a interactive ‘bob for discounts’ as well as a ‘fortune teller’ who hints a what will happen in the next 24 hours. Of critical importance to LOTR fans, you’ll see a LOT of LOTR related items featured in the random banner discounts. Just to name a few that have been seen already: Faramir 12-inch Figure Second Chance, Helm of Sauron Second Chance, Cave Troll Maquettes, Elrond and Weathertop for 35% off and much more. To particpate, just jump on over to the Spooktacular area of SideshowCollectibles.com. This lasts until Nov 2nd! [Spooktacular 2007]