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Awakening: The Art of Halo 4, by Paul Davies Book Review | SFReader.com
Awakening: The Art of Halo 4, by Paul Davies Genre: Non-Fiction Publisher: Titan Books Published: 2012 Review Posted: 5/30/2013 Reviewer Rating:
Reader Rating: Not Rated
Awakening: The Art of Halo 4, by Paul Davies
Book Review by Michael D. Griffiths
Have you read this book?
Awakening: The art of Halo 4
is quite an impressive undertaking. It is a majestic oversize hard
covered book that dazzles the eye. Now, as I have said before, I am not
much of a video game player. I barely even know what Halo is about.
Between that and no having television, I am dangerous out of the loop
here, but that does not keep me from appreciating fine works of art and
that is what this giant book is all about.
Not many words clutter and
confuse the viewer here. The reader, and I guess I use that term
loosely, is invited to just sit back and absorb the intensity that the
artists create. Visions of alien landscapes and twisted levels of high
tech remind one of Geiger. In many of the panels, the human figures seem
small and insignificant, almost reminiscent of classic Chinese water
colors.
Many of the pieces have
pillars of high tech structures suspended from above and thrusting down,
instead of leveled with the ground and reaching up. I found this more
unique technique interesting and inspiring in many cases.
The artwork itself was
tight, but allowed itself a certain freedom as well. I think fans of the
game as well as those that enjoy science fiction artwork would find
something to marvel over here. Other things like weapons, character
compositions, and other in depths looks at the game's archetypes can
also be found here.
Possible downsides, apart
from me knowing nothing about the game, could include that I might have
liked to see more of the villains and monsters that I imagine the game
has. Also, I found it odd that the women are lean and sexy, but yet the
men conceal their faces. I understand this could help the players relate
to the figure, since it could be them under there, but it is still
seemed slightly sexist. What if a female would like to play?
Overall, anyone that loves
Halo will love this well-crafted book. If you cannot get enough of the
game, this graphic explosion of artwork could be just what you need. It
is a powerful ride and its crisp and clean pages should impress most
lovers of science fiction oriented art.
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