The Art of Jock

Veteran comics editor Dennis, formerly of Vertigo/DC Entertainment, ably sketches the career and work of artist Mark Simpson%E2%80%94best known by his pen name, Jock%E2%80%94who began his prolific career at the British weekly science fiction comic 2000 AD and later did stints at DC Comics and Marvel. Jock's comics credits include Green Arrow: Year One, Batman: The Black Mirror, and Savage Wolverine. He has also worked on limited edition movie posters for horror and science fiction films, and, most recently, concept art for films such as The Losers (which is based on one of his comics) and Ex Machina. While outlining Jock's career and creative process, Dennis quotes him extensively; this makes the text choppy in places, but readers will appreciate the opportunity to learn about the artist in his own words. For many fans, the text will be secondary to the artwork featured in the book. Jock's fierce lines immediately engage the eye, and his work with light and shading manages to convey action or stillness equally well. The oversized book grants access to all the nuance and detail of Jock's work and is a fitting tribute to a superb artist. (Sept.)