5 comments about Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995.

1. I teach Central European political geography at the University of Minnesota. I just read this book, and I have to say that it better evokes the true state of chaos and genocide that was occurring in Bosnia than almost any other book on the subject. It is basically a reporter's diary... filled with eyewitness accounts of unbelievable atrocities and hatred. The key thing that this adds, and that other accounts lack, are the images. The fact that it is a cartoon does not dumb down the atrocities but adds an element of suspense and terror that written narratives like Peter Maass's "Love Thy Neighbor" largely lack, i.e., you can see the family dodging bullets and jumping in the river. Also, unlike a lot of war journalism, Joe Sacco doesn't dwell on himself and other reporters much at all -- it is focused on the people that survived genocide. With Karadzic's arrest this past week, there is no better time to read this book and remember exactly why he will be found guilty of the most heinous crimes in Europe since Stalin was in power.



2. First, the bad news: "Safe Area Goradze" is bleak, depressing and unrelentingly sad. It is the true tale of the horrible suffering of the Muslim population of the ever-so-ironically designated "Safe Area" of Goradze, a city in the former country of Yugoslavia during that nation's recent civil war and breakup. The combination of the author's drawings and prose work together to tell the gruesome story of a real life hell on Earth in brutal, unflinching, unblinking detail. It's the graphic novel equivalent of "Schindler's List". If you buy this book, steel yourself. It's not an easy read.
   
   Nevertheless, I think Joe Sacco is a genius who is to be commended for telling a story that cries out to be told. I'm sure his editors warned him that this story was not one that would be a big seller. The arcane politics of the former Yugoslavia, which Sacco does a masterful job of explaining, don't interest many people. And the subject matter is depressing and gruesome in the extreme. Nevertheless, he wrote and illustrated the graphic novel, and Fantagraphics Books is to be applauded for publishing it. Hopefully, this work will serve as the historical record of the awful torments inflicted upon human beings in a particular time and place, leaving wounds physical and psychic that will take generations to heal.



3. Having been to Bosnia after the war, its really nice to see this perspective and form of journalism. Joe Sacco's work in this book is brilliant, and this is by far his best work. The feel of life in the country, and the anxiety of life in this period is really well represented. I love the personal face that comes alive here with Joe's various stories from the friends that he has made along his journey.



4. Joe Sacco, Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 (Fantagraphics, 2002)
   
   Joe Sacco's spent some time in Gorazde after things calmed down a bit over there-- got to know the people, talked to them a lot, blended in with the scenery. He drew them, related their words, drew the things they saw and experienced day to day. Safe Area Gorazde is the result.
   
   If you're used to either the current spate of war memoirs or the current spate of graphic novels, Safe Area Gorazde will likely seem familiar, yet still somewhat out of place. It is a book that resides comfortably in neither category, but I can't quite call it a successful cross of the two; it's too narrative for graphic noveldom, while being too impressionist to really classify as a war memoir. This is not to say that the book is bad by any means; there is a great deal to be absorbed here, and given the short shrift received by the plight of Gorazde as it was happening in the American press, far more Americans should be absorbing it than already have. Sacco has a gentle, self-deprecating humor, and the kind of ear that turns even the most unpleasant interviewee into a sympathetic character. As well, while most of Sacco's drawings are straightforward-- there are an almost unsettling number of scenes in this book featuring a single character against a monochrome background, as if being interviewed on a talk show (or up against a wall being faced by a firing squad)-- every once in a while one pops out that makes you realize that, yes, there's a war going on in Gorazde as Sacco is conducting these interviews. The scarcity of the out-and-out brutal pictures makes them all the more effective in Sacco's pastiche of desperation, loss, and ever-present gallows humor.
   
   Good stuff, this. ***



5. I just finished reading this brilliant work. I was in Eastern Europe in 1991-1993 and saw the refugees coming out of Bosnia. I followed the story as close as I could, even visting a refugee camp. But Sacco's illustrations put me on the ground in the supposed safe zones. The brutality of the supposedly Christian Serbs to Muslim Bosnians is so overwheliming it makes any beheadings in Iraq look like a birthday party in comparison.
   
   The book also does a nice job giving the history of the war, including the role Clinton played, for those who don't remember the 1990s. Please rread this book. You can do it in a day.

3 comments about World War Hulk: Marvel Universe.

1. The only goog part of this World War Hulk tie in, is the x-men part, where Wolverine, colossus, cyclops and juggernaut fight relly good, but all the aditional issues are useless.



2. Compared to Civil War, and more currently Secret Invasion, World War Hulk doesn't feature all that many tie-in's; a majority of which are collected here in World War Hulk: Marvel Universe. Taking up most of the collection here is the World War Hulk: X-Men mini-series, in which Beast and the young New X-Men come head to head with the Hulk. Written by Christos Gage, the story itself isn't that bad, but is hardly anything to write home about either. Also featured here are two issues from Iron Man, taking place after his battle with the Hulk in the beginning of World War Hulk; an issue of Robert Kirkman's highly underrated Irredeemable Ant-Man series; two issues from Dan Slott's Avengers: The Initiative where Rage and some recruits come face to face with Hulk and his Warbound; and a rather boring segment from Daniel Way's run on Ghost Rider to boot. The Avengers: The Initiative, Ant-Man, and Iron Man stories are definitely the best part of what's to be found here, and the various artwork found throughout is pretty good as well. It should also be worth noting that the Punisher's run in with the Hulk (which can be found in Punisher War Jornal: Hunter Hunted) is not collected here, where as the Avengers: The Initiative and Ghost Rider segments can be found in other collections. All in all, for anyone besides the World War Hulk completist, World War Hulk: Marvel Universe is worth a look, but there's nothing essential here in the least.



3. This is a good collection of the crossovers within the marvel universe for the WWH story. Admittedly one of the best stories that year, this collection showcases how futile it is to go up against the Hulk. If you are a big X-Men fan, you might be hurt by their battle, where a young mutant by the name of Darwin who's ability is to "evolve a power" to defend against any situation, gets hit by the hulk so his body evolves the best defense against the Hulk, Be somewhere else. All in all the battles are big, the story is worth while and a definite good companion for the WWH main trade.

5 comments about Shirtmaking: Developing Skills for Fine Sewing.

1. professional shirtmaking tips for everyone interested in making one that really fits. Good tips for those afraid of all those details. very comprehensive.



2. I've been sewing for over 50 years, and I learned so much from this book !! Wow! Fabrication, technique, results ... worth every penny!!!



3. This book provided detailed professional information on sewing techniques for creating tailored men's shirts. This book showed you how to alter patterns, create your own pattern OR copy one of your own shirts.
   Very infomative. Be prepared to elevate your sewing knowlegde. This book uses "plain talk". It can be read by beginning sewers and advanced sewers.
   I recommend purchasing the accomanying video for visual education.



4. If I had viewed this book prior to purchase I would not have bought it. Its got some strange designs and all I really wanted was some clear patterns etc for quality shirts.



5. I've read a lot of books on sewing techniques, some better than others, but this one "takes the cake." I thought this book was easy to read, and very well explained and illustrated. I actually felt like I could go back into the sewing room with confidence! Many of the author's directions could be applied to more garments than just shirts, so I think this is a valuable book.

5 comments about New Women's Dress for Success.

1. This probably is one of my worst purchases on Amazon.com ... it is all text, a few illustrations and just about the most impractical book on women's style ... God help anyone wanting to learn from this book.
   
   ==============



2. Older versions had more illustrations. What happened to them? They were so much more informative. I was disappointed as I got this for my daughter. Otherwise, the advice presented is very accurate and up-to-date.



3. I think this book is great. I am a young (under 30), short girl. Do you know how hard it is to be taken seriously in an all-male manufacturing environment? These are classy ways to still be a woman and taken like the professional I am. I notice the difference in obeying the rules and then sometimes just wearing whatever I want. This book is valid to my career. I am a Finance Manager, the financial consultant to the business.



4. Good overall message about dressing professional but, the clothing styles he writes about are from the 1980's.



5. I appreciate John Molloy's research into business clothing; however, this book is only helpful if you work in a company where clothing is not too casual, or if you need to figure out what to wear for job interviews. If every day is "business casual" at your job, this book will help you figure out the best colors and quality, but it won't help you understand what to wear. John advocates always wearing a business-like skirt when possible, and always having a jacket on hand. In my job as a computer programmer, where most men where slacks and polo shirts, this would be too formal.
   
   The book is somewhat repetitive, but it helps to drill the right attitude into your mind - clothes are important, quality is very important, and navy blue is always a good choice. There are a few black-and-white illustrations, but they seem outdated to me.
   
   [...]

1 comments about Materials for Inspirational Design.

1. Chris Lefter did a very good job combining his previous books. If you are a product designer, this book will definately benefit your career.

5 comments about Dynamic Anatomy: Revised and Expanded Edition.

1. The exagerated human forms in theis book really helps the artist draw the human body without the naked person drawing classes.



2. Hogarth has a lot of history/words that really do not matter to me, and can be found almost anyplace else in art history. Many drawings are in his other books. I think this is a good book but seems more a cameleon of his other books all combined together with some 66 pages of history. I would pass on this if you need raw meat to learn his techniques, and order his other anatomy books.



3. As an aspiring illustrator/artist/graphic designer/film maker/whatever I felt I had a grasp on drawing the human figure. I could more or less draw what I saw or if I could plan something well enough in my head I could put that to paper.
   
   However therein I came up against a limitation. I could only plan so well. My understanding of the human body - its proportions and limits of motion only reached a certain point. My figures always looked static and never seemed to leap off the page in the way that I intended.
   
   There's a multitude of conflicting information that I've read through before coming across this book - the human is six heads high, no, wait, seven, no eight and a half... if you've suffered this problem then I suggest you read this book. It gives you a base, or rather, flexible rules to work from. Reading it you feel the only step beyond it would be actually going to study life drawing at University.
   
   I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to add a sense of 'life' to their figure drawings, be they cartoonish or realistic styles. Especially if you've suffered the 'conflicting advice problem' as I have. It also aids in being able to invent dynamic figures rather than just understanding what you're seeing.



4. the book met all my expectations regarding its detail and content.
   the pictures show the human body in all its musculature glory.
   some of the bigtures are repeated throughtout when describing the human form and that was rather disappointing but overall the deatil and particular style of anatomy drawing is dynamic as the title suggests. buy this and a standard science text book and you will have enough source material to work from



5. Definetely a must have. Wonderfful drawings, perfectly explained. You will learn anatomy in the most romantic way you can imagine. I love it!

4 comments about Animation Art: From Pencil to Pixel, the World of Cartoon, Anime, and CGI.

1. I loved this book, read it four times. It covered all types of animation
   including stop motion. It was organized by decade, by country. There were
   many contributors who chose what they were most interested in and I guess
   their passion rubs off because it is hard to put down and very informative.
   If you want a course in animation history, just read this and save your
   tuition money. I don't know how Jerry Beck does it all but we all
   benefit from his dedication. Thank you, Jerry. Keep up the good work.



2. Animation Art is a comprehensive look at the history, development and cultural effects of animation and cartoons.
   
   From the early days up to the latest blockbusters of the 21st century, the authors have covered all concepts, genres and media. Including European, Asian and Canadian cartoons, stop motion, CGI and more.
   
   Beautifully presented with many colour pictures and written by experienced contributors it leaves no stone unturned.
   
   The only disappointment is the amount of text devoted to one of my all time favourites, Tom & Jerry.
   
   Otherwise a comprehensive tome that will provide for anybody interested in animation.



3. This is a magnificent achievement. Serving as General Editor, Jerry Beck has brought together in a single volume a riveting narrative which examines the history of cartoon, anime, and CGI with stunning full-color illustrations of that history. As he explains in his Introduction, "We have assembled an international team of animation authorities to tell the tales behind the toons. -The story is told in chronological sequence with choice images that enhance its history...From popular Disney characters to obscure personal films, it is all covered: Hollywood hits and Japanese anime, as well as Russian masterpieces and Asian artfilms. Looking it over, it is quite a wild ride." Indeed it is. The material is skillfully organized within twelve chapters which range from "The Origin of the Art" to "The New Century." By no means do I claim to be an expert on the subject of animation art but I presume to observe that I cannot imagine what has been left out. The illustrations are stunning; the prose narrative is crisp and lucid.
   
   In the Foreword, Jeffrey Katzenberg observes that animation art provides a unique opportunity "to remember to know who has gone before, to really know the stories, take lessons from them, and bring that knowledge to the future. My hope is that, one day, other people will feel the same way about about those of us who are making animated films now. While it is an amazing thing to have the opportunity to create films and to bring these enormous enterprises to the world, it is something entirely different and entirely more rare to have our work remembered and considered part of the continuing evolution of an art form." Thanks to Beck, those who work their way through this magnificent volume will not only remember what has been achieved in animation art thus far; they will also understand what can yet be accomplished as others who have yet to reveal themselves through their art.
   
   I highly recommend this volume to anyone interested in animation art, of course, but also to those who have an interest in the creation and evolution of comic books. Also to those who share my high regard for illustrators such as Al Hirschfeld whose art is celebrated in Hirschfeld on Line, now available from Amazon in both book and DVD formats.



4. Informative and entertaining,another good effort by Mr. Beck. I recommend this for any fan of animation.

5 comments about Principles of Two-Dimensional Design.

1. A definitive classic for any true graphic design student, as it shows the fundamentals of developing a designer's eye in the relationship of objects in space in conveying communication through imagery. A bit abstract in terminology for the armchair reader, but its foundational language still manages to be engaging and thought-provoking for designers, seasoned and newbie alike.



2. Being new to the design world I needed a book that was simple and not encumbered with a bunch of mumbo jumbo. This book is easy to understand and perfect it really helped me to understand 2D Design. I really love this book!



3. did a good job in sending my item I would order another book from them in the future



4. This book is full of information, and is really well laid out. I use it frequently in the 2D class I teach, along with two other 2D design books. I like the clarity and the examples. However, there's no getting away from the fact that although this book is loaded with great stuff, that it is also as ugly and cheesy looking as a bad Xerox. That might be okay for a math book, but ummmmm, 2D design?



5. A romp through the construction of visual form and pattern. This book is subtle yet deep. Although the example designs are not exquisitely rendered (but rather student projects), the principles that Wong exposes should be part of any designers knowledge base.

No comments about Idea Industry: How to Crack the Advertising Career Code.

2 comments about The Japanese Tattoo Design Handbook, Vol. I.

1. With "The Japanese Tattoo Design Handbook Vol. 1, Cocoro Books/DHP Publishing showcases the new generation of tattoo artists in Japan: Back in Black's Hiro, Hori Toshi Family's Hori no Suke, Sangenjaya's Hori Taku, 56 Tattoo Studio's Hori Masa and Tattoo Church's Carlos.
   
   With a two-page introduction by freelance writer Steven Walsh on Japanese tattoos, the book is filled with full page photos of tattoo design by these artists.
   
   The book doesn't try to be what the other Japanese tattoo design books out there by documenting the history or even detail procedures of an artist. Its primary goal is to show off the works of the artists showcasing traditional and modern design. It's straight-forward and for those wanting images, this book is primarily showcasing the tattoos from the upper half of the body, to some full body shots.
   
   The tattoo designs by these artists range from complex, intricate, dark, colorful and beautiful. I was very impressed by the talent of the five artists featured in this book
   
   "The Japanese Tattoo Design Handbook Vol. 1 is a perfect resource for those interested in Japanese tattoos and a solid resource for those who need inspiration for their own design through the many photos featured in this book.
   
   Similar to other books released by Cocoro/DHP, included is a cardboard slipcase where the book can be placed in.
   
   And for those seeking an inexpensive resource of high quality photography featuring Japanese tattoo design, you really can't go wrong with this book.



2. I purchased this book, along with volume II, and I am glad I did. Tho a smaller book physically, it holds an awesome trove of beautiful art, and a larger glimpse into the almost flawless work of some of the Japanese masters. A must for reference if you like Japaneze irezuma, tattoo or not!