EXTRACTS: Illustrators issue 16 © 2016 The Book Palace (96 PAGES in Full edition)

94 The Bookshelf: Foundations, Creations and Frustrations This isthe latest collection fromAdrian Tomine, whose wry and elegantly spare artwork has been gathering an army of fans since he first started self-publishing his graphic novels in the late 1990s. His picture making skills have been honed and refined over the intervening years and he is a regular in the New Yorker , which is one of the very few English language publications that still regards illustration as a great means of communication. As a consequence, the audience for Tomine's sublime art has increased exponentially and the themes that he explores are ones that will resonate with his readership, as they are universal, centred around family, thwarted ambition, love, hubris and loss. Tomine's art and storytelling are on top form, both in terms of his pacing and presentation—no flashy page layouts—storytelling is king here and with his subtle but powerful nuances. A silent panel here, a raised eyebrow there, an evening townscape, all denote a visual storyteller at the top of his game. For anyone with a love of comics, a passion for illustration, or just the sheer enjoyment of a tale well told—this book comes highly recommended. The New Nation By Mort Künstler, Text by Edward G. Lengel. Foreword by David Hackett Fischer Hardcover 196 pages Sterling £20.68/ $29.95 l Buy from www.bookpalace.com The Art of Will Davies Written by Leif Peng and Simon Peng Hardbound 160 pages Today's Inspiration Press $80.00 CAD Digital Edition $25.00 CAD I first had the privilege of encountering Leif Peng's dedication to the cause of promoting the very best in illustration work, when I discovered his amazing blog 'Today's Inspiration'. So successful was this blog in showcasing the work of otherwise forgotten artists that it has spawned its own community of illustration aficionados, keen to share stories and samples from what was a golden age of illustration. One of the most recent offshoots from Leif 's original postings, is the advent of Today's Inspiration Press and its first offering is a truly sumptuous volume dedicated to showcasing the work of one of Canada's premier illustrators, Will Davies. The book is a magnificent tribute to this great artist andwithin thebeautifully presented artworks are working drawings, sketches, commissions and art created for the pure pleasure of it. There is no doubt that Will Davies is a stellar talent and the job that Today's Inspiration Press have done in curating what is a breathtaking assessment of Davies' art is worthy of your attention as well as a space on your bookshelves. It's a beautiful book that will reward you with many hours of pleasure. Killing and Dying By Adrian Tomine Hardbound 128 pages Published by Drawn and Quarterly £13.40/ $12.60 Mort KŰnstler has been creating spectacular artworks since the 1950s. His work has always exhibited a 'wow' factor, the 'wow' coming from his uncanny ability to throw his audiences into some of the most nerve shredding situations conceivable. Having captivated readers of pulp magazines at the start of his lengthy career, Mort has brought his talents to bear recreating some of the most dramatic events from US history. Nowhere is this more evident than in the recently published 'The New Nation', where Mort propels readers back to the seismic events that spawned the American War of Independence. The artwork contained within this book reveals a creator still at the top of his game. Paintings that place the viewer in the heart of the action, from the landing of the first settlers in 1607 to the crossing of the Delaware by George Washington, are presented in meticulously researched paintings that capture the grandeur and power of these momentous events. The addition of Mort's sketches and working drawings alongside Edward G. Lengel's compelling text, add to the delights of this magnificent volume.