Spectrum 15 - Edited by Cathy Fenner and Arnie Fenner

Books Completed: 6
Date Completed: January 4, 2009
Pages: 248
Publication Date: November 1, 2008

Reason for Reading: It's the new Spectrum book... Do I need another reason?

With art drawn from a wide variety of sources -- books, graphic novels, video games, films, galleries, and advertising -- "Spectrum 15" reinforces both the importance and prevalence of fantasy art in today's culture. Featuring 350 exceptional works by artists from around the globe, this gorgeous full-color collection celebrates a cadre of creators working in every style and medium. Included are luminaries such as Brom, James Gurney, Marc Gabanna, Shaun Tan, and 2008's Grand Master Award winner, John Jude Palencar.

I am actually surprised I waited until today to enjoy this book. I had planned to read through it yesterday, but then I got caught up in Fables. (Which is fitting, actually, because the artist of the covers for that series won an award in the book!) Anyway, I was so excited to see this book yesterday. It comes in plastic wrap and it is a big thrill to peel of the wrapper and still smell that new book smell! That part I did do yesterday... This is my third year experiencing Spectrum, and one of these days I am going to start collecting the past volumes! I am a huge fantasy nerd, which I think most people that read my blog know, so this series is right up my alley!

I think my favourite artist in Spectrum 15 was probably Melanie Delon. There were three of her works in this book and I found myself pausing over all three of them without knowing that they were her pieces. I was on her website for a while this evening. I wouldn't mind buying some of the stuff in her store... Anyway, I think she is a fantastic artist. I am pretty sure she was in Spectrum 14, too, but I cannot remember for sure. I think I will probably dig out the other two books after I write this review anyway...

Another artist I quite like is James Gurney. I am not so big into dinosaurs anymore, but there was a time in my youth that I wanted to study them when I grew up. So, I, of course, own all three Jurassic Park movies and have seen them a million times! Since it was educational, I also have a lot of books on the subject. They are a bit dated now, though. I used to know all their names and everything, but now I am lucky I know a thing! I really should find something on the subject to refresh my memory.

My favourite section in the book is always the book section. They say not to judge a book by its cover, but you know I look at all the covers and find ones that catch my eye and look up the book description on Amazon! I can't help it... There were a few in there that I knew what books they were from because I have either already read the book, own the book, or want to buy the book. I probably spend the most time on this section, but I do enjoy the whole thing.

I could go on, but then I am sort of ruining the book for others! It is really something you should experience for yourself.

For a more in-depth look at the art, head over to Carl's review at Stainless Steel Droppings.