Rolling Thunder: The Art of Dave Dorman [ハードカバー]

I have been a fan of Dave Dorman for many years now. I had the opportunity to meet Dave at a convention and not only was struck by his immense talent but also his way with his scores of fans. Such a gentleman! I purchased my first "Dorman" at this convention and I have been doing my best to collect his art. It's very hard to find and for good reason. Collectors do not like to part with his art and those that do demand top dollar.

When I started collecting, I wanted to learn as much as Dave's art as well as what techniques he uses to produce his art. I studied art in college and could not figure out how he produces such vibrant and photo-realistic paintings. So, when I purchased Rolling Thunder: the Art of Dave Dorman at a trade show, I was so happy to see that not only does the book span Dave's career in the arts, but also discusses his techniques. I think this book is a MUST for any prospective artist or student, or even those looking to go into graphic art and design. "Technique" is difficult to learn from most artists, but Dave shows how his self-taught style, while unconventional, produces such masterpieces. But of course, the masters make it look easy.

I cannot express enough how much I enjoy this book. It is placed prominently in my collection and I can't tell you how many times I get asked by my friends and visitors "who painted that print?" and "I wonder how he painted that?" This book explains both in wondrous detail.

Dave Dorman is a master artist, and this book is a wonderful showcase of his career. Beautifully printed and bound (I bought the hardcover), you will find inside a stunning showcase of his art, professional and personal. Whether you're looking for his Star Wars artwork, Aliens, Doc Savage, LOTR, or Star Trek artwork, it's all in there and much more. But my words won't do justice to his paintings. Just buy the book and take the time to look at and appreciate all his artwork.

I've known of Dave and his work since acquiring a signed / framed Star Wars litho of his about 12 years ago (I still have it). His style is hard to describe (at least for me), but you know it when you see it. You become immersed in it. Hard to describe but Dave has an ability to capture 3D images and moods on paper, giving them life and texture you have to see to appreciate. I am not sure why he's not more famous, but he should be. (At comicon they treat him like a demigod with people waiting in line for his work)

Even with all that, I was totally unprepared for this new book. It is a true work of art. Both the individual pieces, and the way Dave melded them into one collection, is something you must see to appreciate. If you love quality sci-fi and fantasy art then this book is a must-own for your collection.

The book is a tour de force, beginning with Dave's early works, his Star Wars period, Wasted Lands,GI Joe, Battle Star Galactica, as well as a mix of other favorites, plus some sketches and enough backstory to let you discover the work all over again.

This is NOT a coffee table book that will collect dust. This is something that a collector will savor, crave and protect. I keep picking mine up and finding new things that I swear were not there before.

If you were one of the lucky few that stood in line at Comicon to get an autographed copy, you have a treasure. If you did not, it seems Amazon has some. There are two versions of Dave's book here. The difference is one is signed by Dave (which is the one I have). The covers are different but contain the same art.

According to his website, both of these are from the first edition. The printing was small, so the signed versions may be gone by the time someone reads this.

Congrats Dave. Can't wait for your next one. I hope I don't need to wait 12 years this time.

^Carl.
Carl Melville