Book Review: The Art of John Carter

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I like this book cover. Two White Apes chasing John Carter. Awesome.

The art book collects the concept art for the film which includes sketches, paintings, 3D renders and film stills. The paintings look wonderful, especially the environment paintings which are painted in detail. The character designs come in the form of sketches and 3D models. There are even 3D models of the muscle groups of the Tharks. The film stills and photos are nice when used sparingly, as in this case.

Most sketches, such as storyboards, are by Iain McCaig. Those are fantastic, I don't mind this art book to be totally about his sketches. The other main concept artist is Ryan Church and his works are gorgeous. His environment paintings set the tone for the film. Even if you don't buy this book, check out his website for his art. Unfortunately, most artists are just mentioned in the main text but the illustrations are not credited individually.

The text on movie production is interesting to read and starts with directory Andrew Stanton's obsession of John Carter when he first read the book. I wish there were more commentary on the concept art though, especially on the discarded pieces that look quite promising as well.

It's a good movie art book. Lots to read and see.

The Art of John Carter is available at Amazon (US | CA | UK | DE | FR | IT | ES | JP | CN)

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8 Comments

oh my, how evil!

oh my, how evil!

i totally dislike the direction that movie went. instead of making it something worthy of a story that has sown its dna into pretty much every space action story we have today, we get a haphazard hodgepodge of star wars episode 2, some gladiator, and a lot of things we have already seen.

but then, i love love love iain mccaigs art. ryan church is amazing, too.

what a dilemma.

The cover art and the fifth

The cover art and the fifth image from the top are made by a very amazing artist Michael Kutsche (check out his blog). That much I know. It's a bit of a shame if the illustrations are really not credited...

Despite I haven´t read the

Despite I haven´t read the novel, people tell me many scenes from the movie are original and were the source of inspiration for recent films many we have seen, that´s why John Carter seems a copy of other films but it´s the other way around.

I liked John Carter but definetly arrives too late to modern audiences who have seen this story told several ways and updated.

Anyway this book is a ¨must¨. Thanks Parka.

I would like to know if the

I would like to know if the book that you show in the video clip is the 160pp or 256pp edition? I went to the disney site and under books it is listed with both the 256pp edition is listed at same price, but doesn't have a isbn with it, and of course is marked sold out - I am really trying to find out if this was some kind of misprint or what? of course we all would like the book with 96 more pages - thanks

Hi Parka,

Hi Parka,

May I know where in Singapore you got the book from and how much was it? I cant believe the book is sold out on Amazon! Wondering if there would be a reprint. Thanks.

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