Modern Masters Volume 11: Charles Vess (Modern Masters (TwoMorrows Publishing))
Despite his quiet, delicate style--a far cry from the in-your-face, action-oriented approach that dominates mainstream comics--Vess has carved out a successful career. He has tackled his share of superheroes (the graphic novelSpider-Man: Spirits of the Earth[1990] is his high point in the costumed-crimefighter biz) but is better attuned to fantasy, as Vess' self-published comics collected asThe Book of Ballads(2004) attest. Indeed, Vess is best known for collaborating with writer Neil Gaiman on several issues ofSandman, the Harry Potteresque comics miniseriesThe Books of Magic (1993), and Gaiman's novelStardust(1999).Although Vess lately has turned more to book illustration and gallery shows, this volume focuses on his comics work. In a lengthy interview, he discusses early influences, retraces his career, and discusses his creative process. His gorgeous artwork, including some highly impressive juvenilia, appears on every nearly page. The best, however, is saved for an "art gallery" section of full-page reproductions, many in color.Gordon FlaggCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved