Bill Sienkiewicz: Precursor
Hermes Press TPB
80 pages, color, $19.99
Available now
For over 20 years, Bill Sienkiewicz (pronounced “sin-KAY-vich”) has been one of the most experimental and innovative stylists in the comics industry, and one of the few comic-based artists whose work has significance and credibility in the larger art world. He is long overdue for a major retrospective that traces his career from its humble beginnings as a talented Neal Adams imitator through his groundbreaking work on Elektra: Assassin, Stray Toasters, Big Numbers and his recent graphic biography of Jimi Hendrix. Be warned, however, that Precursor, the handsome new Sienkiewicz book from Hermes Press, is not that retrospective.
Instead, it is a collection of mostly non-comic or fantasy-themed watercolors done over the years – often as studies for more fully-realized mixed-media works. As Sienkiewicz notes in the book’s preface, the title “precursor” has three meanings. First, the works themselves were often precursors of other pieces. Second, the book is a precursor to the more extensive retrospective. And finally, the work is literally “pre-cursor” – that is, before Sienkiewicz adopted the computer-based digital techniques he now uses.
Many of the paintings reprinted in the book are beautifully done, and all the hallmarks of Sienkiewicz’s graphic style can be discerned even in the non-figurative works. There are hints of various influences, from Adams to Jeff Jones to British illustrator Ralph Steadman, all tastefully and subtly incorporated into Sienkiewicz’s own unique sensibility.
It’s a treat for hardcore fans, but at nearly $20 for a slim 80 page paperback, it is an awfully big bite for casual readers. There is hardly any text – only a one-page introduction by Sienkiewicz – and no information about the composition dates, media, or size of any of the artwork reproduced. In short, if you are dying to see a bunch of very nice, well-reproduced, and deeply obscure works by one of the more interesting artists around, Precursor is for you. Otherwise, wait for the retrospective.
Pros: Pretty pictures.
Cons: Poor value for casual fans.
Grade: B
9:18:46 AM 
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