Joeboys Hardcover – 1 Mar. 2015

There are a number of gay illustrators and artists who specialise in what the sleeve note of this book calls 'the gay utopia' in which beautiful sexy young men have a carefree time playing with their friends in a stress-free, benign and happy world that's built around leisure. Joe Phillips is one of the most prominent of these artists. He's well known for books such as 'Cali Boys' and 'Boys Will Be Boys'. This large handsome volume is a showcase of his work, past and present, a 'comprehensive collection'. Joe says in a brief note: "I've collected some of my favourite images from 'Boys Will Be Boys' calendars and over fifty new images in this book." Among the mostly white young males are real people, celebrities and models, each getting their little bit of idealised immortality. The pictures are exuberant, colourful, inventive, romantic, sexy, touching, fun; they celebrate the happy and tender moments of life; and they are drawn with huge confidence, boldness and brio.Philips includes a couple of other elements: preparatory drawings for some of the pictures, to indicate something about his working methods, and letters from some of his fans. The latter are all letters of praise and thanks and at first sight seem rather self-indulgent, as if Philips wants to pat himself on the back (he has no need to). But as you read them you begin to realise why they are there. They demonstrate that illustrations such as these can have a powerful beneficial effect on young gay men who are struggling with their sexuality and are moving towards coming out. It's an element that others who have been out for a long time may forget about or not appreciate.All gay utopia's are limited in what they will include, fantasy worlds where so much is excluded, and Phillips's utopia is no exception. There are a few black guys here, one disabled guy, and a few older men and women, but this is about young white men who spend their lives hanging out with friends, in play; there is no one who is not good looking or slim or healthy. This is morally dubious, of course, but its part of the genre. It's also what used to be called 'tasteful', meaning that, apart from one erection and a few full frontals, this is a book you could show your maiden aunt. If you want raunch you will have to look elsewhere on Bruno Gmunder's list.Philips is a highly accomplished illustrator of the male, both clothed and nude; he deals in ideals rather than reality; he celebrates gay sexuality; above all, despite the limits of his 'gay utopia' and his refusal to depict anything that isn't sunny, he sends out a strong message that gay love among men is something to feel happy about.

Good

Delightfully colourful book full of fantasy, imagination and utopian lives

I love my book!

I've always been a Joeboys fan but this coffee table book is great. I bought an extra one for a friend's birthday because it's so good.

I always enjoy Joe Phillips' artwork. He brings his characters to life and you can feel the joy of the scenes.

Very large format book. I bought at the current reduced price compared to when it was introduced, $20. Reasonable price compared to original cost. Beautiful heavy paper used for the pages. Good drawings but IMO too much clothing on the men pictured.