Comic Book Arts: ISBN 978-1-60152-944-2 / eBook: 978-1-60152-945-9
School Library Journal, February 1, 2016
Gr 6 Up– The latest in this art-related series (previous titles include Anime and Manga, Impressionism, Animation, Sculpture, Graphic Art) takes on a relevant—and wildly popular—topic: comics. The title begins with an examination of composition and the language of sequential art. Marcovitz then explores the history of comic books and superheroes, looking at pivotal characters such as Superman and Captain America and the rise of darker, more complex themes within comics. The author ends with a look at digitization. A couple of brief pages are devoted to the portrayal of women and the issue of gender. Photos and sidebars break up the dense text. A comprehensive exploration of the format for report writers and fans.
Animation: ISBN 978-1-60152-664-9 eBook: 978-1-60152-665-6
Graphic Arts: ISBN 978-1-60152-698-4 eBook: 978-1-60152-699-1
Anime and Manga: ISBN 978-1-60152-696-0 eBook: 978-1-60152-697-7
Graphic Arts: ISBN 978-1-60152-698-4 eBook: 978-1-60152-699-1
Impressionism: ISBN 978-1-60152-700-4 eBook: 978-1-60152-701-1
Sculpture: ISBN 978-1-60152-678-6 eBook: 978-1-60152-679-3
Library Media Connection, September 1, 2015
This series of Discovering Art features short volumes detailing very specific categories of art. While the content of these books is quite readable and interesting, the scarcity of photographs reduces their appeal. While perusing the books, I referred to the Internet several times for a visual because I very much wanted to see these works that were so exquisitely described. Source notes, suggested readings and an index complete each volume.
Animation: ISBN 978-1-60152-664-9 eBook: 978-1-60152-665-6
Graphic Arts: ISBN 978-1-60152-698-4 eBook: 978-1-60152-699-1
Anime and Manga: ISBN 978-1-60152-696-0 eBook: 978-1-60152-697-7
Impressionism: ISBN 978-1-60152-700-4 eBook: 978-1-60152-701-1
Sculpture: ISBN 978-1-60152-678-6 eBook: 978-1-60152-679-3
School Library Journal, February 1, 2015
Gr 6 Up–Each of these slender volumes provides a brief definition, information on technique, and a history of the art form in question. Some—Sculpture, for instance—necessarily provide a somewhat superficial perspective, distilling a complex topic to a mere 80 pages. However, the writing is simple and readable, and though educators may wish to supplement with more comprehensive sources, these are solid offerings for laying out the basics.
Graphic Arts: ISBN 978-1-60152-698-4 eBook: 978-1-60152-699-1
Booklist, October 1, 2014
This installment of the new Discovering Art series offers a basic overview of graphic design, beginning with the history of the graphic arts, before focusing on its contemporary use in advertising and communication. Inset boxes discuss specific examples in detail, many of which should resonate with students, such as font choice in Harry Potter books or the iconic Coca-Cola label. Teens may be particularly interested in the chapter on posters, not realizing that the art they casually hang on their bedroom walls has such a long history. Though there are surprisingly few illustrations for a book about graphic design (some passages describe images without offering any visual complement), the information is comprehensive enough to provide plenty of concrete background for student research. Extensive source notes and a lengthy list of further reading suggestions close out the volume.