Science fiction and fantasy have often been linked with (potentially) amazing cover art or poster art, maybe because the book covers needed to be stunning in order to grab the attention of potential readers. Way back when readers browsed the bookshelves of actual brick and mortar shops (both large and small), that art could have been the only way to draw an interested reader in, moreso even than the author’s name.
I’d like to listen to a discussion about the artwork by some pros, but for now, here are the art books I’ve come across over the years that in my opinion are essential for fans of science fiction & fantasy art and the artists who captured our imaginations.
The Art of Michael Whelan (1993)
For readers of a certain age, Michael Whelan’s art is synonymous with Isaac Asimov, Anne McCaffrey and Stephen King novels of the 1970s-1980s. His style is unique and easy to identify, and his attention to detail is invaluable in visually describing elements of the story you’re about to read.
In this volume is a series of 25 works produced especially for this book. Over 100 full-color reproductions. Like most of his art books, this one’s out of print, but depending on where you look copies of this in hardcover at reasonable prices can still be found. Another collection, Works of Wonder is also notable.
Hardcover, 200 pages
ISBN-10: 0553074474
ISBN-13: 978-0553074475
Publisher: Bantam; First Edition (October 1, 1993)
The Art of The Matrix (2000)
This was the first book dedicated to a single movie that I ever came across and immediately knew I needed to have it in my library. It contains so much art and storyboards and designs that went into the planning to make the movie.
Licensed by the creators of the film, a pre-production archive of artwork and conceptual drawings offers insight into its groundbreaking special effects and includes complete storyboards, the screenplay, and artist commentary. 20,000 first printing.
Hardcover, 488 Pages
ISBN: 1557044058
ISBN13: 9781557044051
Publisher: Newmarket Press (December 2000)
The Art of Drew Struzan (2010)
Drew Struzan’s art has been part of our movie poster upbringing since Star Wars. From the description: This book is the first one to cover Struzan’s iconic poster artwork in depth, with the final artwork for each piece accompanied by background and anecdotes from an exclusive interview with the artist.
Another book showcasing Struzan’s art is Oeuvre (Titan Books, October 2011), and both books together are a trove of pop culture movie art.
If you want to have some fun, follow Drew’s Twitter account, where he posts his art on anniversaries, and sometimes old works-in-progress or designs that were never used because the projects were canceled.
Hardcover, 160 pages
ISBN-10 : 1848566190
ISBN-13 : 978-1848566194
Publisher : Titan Books (September 14, 2010)
Hardware: The Definitive SF Works of Chris Foss (2011)
This collection is what I consider a must-have for fans of 1970s pulp scifi novels. It was out of print for a little while, but happily it seems to be available now.
Foss’s groundbreaking and distinctive science fiction art revolutionized paperback covers in the 1970s and 80s. Dramatically raising the bar for realism and invention, his trademark battle-weary spacecraft, dramatic alien landscapes and crumbling brutalist architecture irrevocably changed the aesthetic of science fiction art and cinema.
Featuring work for books by Isaac Asimov, E. E. ‘Doc’ Smith, Arthur C. Clarke, A. E. Van Vogt and Philip K. Dick, and film design for Ridley Scott and Stanley Kubrick, this volume brings together many rare and classic images that have never been seen or reprinted before. The first comprehensive retrospective of Chris Foss’s SF career.
Hardcover, 240 pages
ISBN-10 : 1848566980
ISBN-13 : 978-1848566989
Publisher : Titan Books (September 6, 2011)
The Movie Art of Syd Mead: Visual Futurist (2017)
This book represents the most extensive collection of Mead’s visionary work ever printed, compiling hundreds of images, sketches and concept arts from a career spanning almost 40 years, many of which have never been seen in print before. Each entry provides a unique insight into the processes involved in Mead’s practice as well as illuminating the behind-the-scenes work involved in creating a fully realized, cinematic depiction of the future. With such a plethora of images from the many genre-defining films Mead has worked on, this is essential reading for film fans, artists and futurologists alike.
Hardcover, 256 pages
ISBN-10 : 1785651188
ISBN-13 : 978-1785651182
Publisher: Titan Books (September 19, 2017)
Some other artists whose works have defined the movie posters and book covers of the past 40 years are H. R. Giger (Alien), plus the vast portfolios of fantasy artwork of The Brothers Hildebrandt (Tolkien, Marvel), Boris Vallejo & Julie Bell, Frank Frazetta and Luis Rojo, and perhaps we should make a new list just on fantasy artists.
For the rest of us who simply enjoy the art of the old scifi book covers, there are several social media accounts that showcase these works, sometimes including a little history of the art and artist, and it’s a more economical way of seeing this art without breaking and budgets.
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