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uosdwisrdewoh's review against another edition
4.0
Enormous gorgeous volume examining the life and art of Alex Toth in detail.
A ton of love and research went into this project (this volume is the first of three), and it shows, although at times that enthusiasm exceeds the skills of the authors. The biographical text is a bit pedestrian, straining for effect at times, and in other places over-explaining quotes. The book's main attraction, though, is the amazing amount of art, often reproduced straight from the original boards at a very generous size. The editors include a great selection of material of Toth's work, including many complete stories. Much of this material can also be found in Setting the Standard, but I was delighted to find it again here. The 50s stories are hit or miss, but in many cases Toth's art is so good that you're drawn in anyway, especially with the subtle gestures and expressions of his characters. The editors also do truly heroic work in restoring the long-lost army newspaper strip Jon Fury, a professional level work Toth made for a Army base paper with a shockingly low 600-copy print run.
A fantastic contribution to comics history that, unlike many other archival books, is well worth the 50 dollar price tag.
A ton of love and research went into this project (this volume is the first of three), and it shows, although at times that enthusiasm exceeds the skills of the authors. The biographical text is a bit pedestrian, straining for effect at times, and in other places over-explaining quotes. The book's main attraction, though, is the amazing amount of art, often reproduced straight from the original boards at a very generous size. The editors include a great selection of material of Toth's work, including many complete stories. Much of this material can also be found in Setting the Standard, but I was delighted to find it again here. The 50s stories are hit or miss, but in many cases Toth's art is so good that you're drawn in anyway, especially with the subtle gestures and expressions of his characters. The editors also do truly heroic work in restoring the long-lost army newspaper strip Jon Fury, a professional level work Toth made for a Army base paper with a shockingly low 600-copy print run.
A fantastic contribution to comics history that, unlike many other archival books, is well worth the 50 dollar price tag.
testpattern's review against another edition
5.0
This is worth five stars simply for the gorgeous reproductions of so many of Toth's originals. His art is a high point that has rarely, if ever been matched in the comics world. Toth drew like a fucking angel.
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