I've been anticipating the release of this book for some time already. Finally got hold of it, and I can't stop flipping through it. It's definately the BEST book out there right now, if you're looking for a resource of the best contemporary illustrators out there. If you are an illustrator, graphic designer, or fine artist you will find this book indispensible as a source of inspiration. I discover something new every time I look through it.
This book follows the release of popular titles by the same publisher such as "Romantik", "Wonderland" and the "Pictoplasma" series. The book focuses on the new wave of contemporary illustration often using mixed media techniques. It's divided into "chapters" which focus on the techniques, genres and syles themselves such as vector, traditional analog, urban, collage, rock and roll etc. Many of the more prolific contemporary illustrator's, such as Deanne Cheuk are among those featured. My only complaint is that with the vast number of illusatrators represented, they are each only alloted one or two pages on average, and their works are displayed somewhat small so you can't enjoy all the details in some of the works.
I know that there are the Illustrators Annual Index publications which come out every year, and while they serve as a resource like "Illusive" for a reference of names of illustrators out there...I feel that many of those contained within Illusive are not as commercial oriented as they are fine art. Illusive definately blurs the boundaries between contemporary illustration and the realm of fine art.
The print quality is FIRST rate. The inks used are very bright and vivid, and the book is nicely cloth-bound. The retail pricetag alone is worth the many complex vector graphics which are eye-candy.
And BTW, the cover displayed is different.