Carbon Paperback – July 1, 2013

Another wonderful Flesk production seems like it should be old hat. It is not.The reason is that past publications, in this case Mark Schultz: Various Drawings line of sketch/art books, seemed to be as perfect as they could be. Then Mark and John Flesk go back to the drawing board and find some way to improve on perfection. They add another fold-out page, increase the page count... and best of all, they increase the page dimensions. Here we have the nice anti-ding gatefold covers, impeccable design and beautiful artwork, with a the process being the star as well as the resulting finished work. What is there to not recommend?Even the title of the book (series?), CARBON, speaks to the very simple act of making a mark on paper that will result, eventually, into a finished work of art. Carbon is the basic starting point but it can also be extended all the way to a finished piece of art with lush, varied tonal values and carry the illusion of those marks becoming something far more than two dimensional marks on paper. They can carry the illusion on to become genuine life, frozen in an instant, regardless of the thrashing activity being illuminated in that image, all is fixed through the window of the eye to the imagination in the brain. Once fixed there, it will remain.Every artist worth their salt should get this kind of production treatment. I hope more do.

This is an excellent collection of pre-production and post-production works. The printing is excellent and the choice of materials the same. Many of the drawings feature the original rough mockup, then the finished product. For any fan of fine illustration this is a book worth getting.

Mark Schultz is one of the best artists currently working in comic books. His work is descended from the illustrative tradition of the early 20th century and runs through Alex Raymond, Al Williamson and Reed Crandall. Schultz works in a more naturalistic style than is typical of American comics but his art is by no means static nor is it slavish to photo reference. The images presented in "Carbon" are lush, dynamic and immersive. The skill on display here will inspire veteran artists while showing aspiring ones what can be achieved with discipline and dedication. I give this wonderful collection of Mark Schultz's work my highest recommendation.

Another excellent collection of Schultz's doodles and preliminary takes on his Xenoizoic Age characters and their "twins" in the Storms at Sea novella. Add this to your collection.

An excellent pulp fiction artist! Definitely worth adding to your collection.

A stunning collection of illustrations, both complete and in preliminary form, by a truly brilliant artist. Schultz is a master of the dry brush technique, and a highly imaginative and skilled artist. First class work at a bargain price.

If you already have VARIOUS DRAWINGS, then you don't want to miss getting CARBON! More of the same extraordinary pencil and wash illustrations you've come to enjoy from a true master of the medium.

Excellent!