Cover Run: The Dc Comics Art of Adam Hughes

It should come as no surprise that an Adam Hughes art book is fun to look at. But, having seen some lackluster releases from other artists, I was a little worried about the quality of the book itself (paper, printing, information). Holding the book in my hands now, I can say that the same intense care Adam takes when composing a cover was applied to the assembly of this book. Adam has said for years he wanted to put out a collection of his cover art, and when given the chance, he did it right. The paper is thick, luscious, bright white paper, and the printing is very good (there were a couple of defects in my book, but they were the exception, not the rule). Certainly this is the best his art has looked ... and it has already looked pretty amazing. Each featured image is printed slightly larger than the original cover, and is accompanied by a paragraph of Adam's thoughts about the process (and a fair amount of self satire). In addition to the covers themselves, Adam shows the studies he draws leading up to a finished piece of art. These are rare glimpses into his process and are almost as interesting as the finished art. All this talk about the format, I suppose I should mention the ART. It's everything you would fantasize comic art can be. It is dramatic, funny, and sexy, all while telling a story in single images. His women are beautiful, his men handsome, but they always retain a sense of humanity and personality, and that sets Adam's work apart from most comic art. And although this book does not contain every cover he's done, I feel the art in this 208 page book is representative of Adam's career at DC. All MY favorite covers were included anyway. If you enjoy comics and/or art, I feel confident you will enjoy this book.

This book is so good! I bought it in December last year, and I was blown away by a bunch of his colorful art. On each page, he typed down what happened to him, and what he was struggling with. In the first few pages, he explained his experiences in drawing both interiors and comic covers when he was young. He did about 35 issues (both covers AND interior pages) in the first four years. 35 issues is a lot! As I was reading through the whole book, he had great advices and secrets! Anyway, after 200-something pages, I wanted to read it again for inspiration. In comparison of this book and other art books, this one still stands as the best art book hands down! After all the artbooks I looked into, I always turn myself to Cover Run, because of such quality he put in his work. Even after looking into Jim Lee's Icons or Alex Ross's Mythology, I STILL go back to looking at the pretty pictures Adam put in Cover Run. Great book. A lot of fun. Beautiful art. Great writing. Worth every cent! Brandon

I've been a fan of Adam Hughes for a long long time, I was still in high school when I bought my first issue of Ghost, penciled then when he was lesser known but still amazing. I no longer really read comics, though I do occasionally pick one up when the cover art grabs my attention and I was never too big into DC; this book, even so, is worth every penny. It shows not only a much wider range of covers than I'd thought it would but also manages to capture a lot of his growth as an artist. From the days when he was a bit more generic up until he began to showcase his distinctive and beautiful "good girl" technique. My favorite part of AH is that he manages to convey so much with so little. A lot of artists tend to pack in the detail and while they too tend to have some great work, I'm always amazed by Adam's ability to capture moods and gesture with a few well-placed lines. I have only one complaint and I know that it's invalid. It's not enough! I need more, lol. I realize that this book covers his cover work on the DC universe but I want to see all of it. No doubt we'd end up with a book that would be large enough to ground a 757 and every UPS man would rue the day he was born but oh, I would live in the shadow of their hatred for such a volume. For anyone into comics, Pin-ups, Adam Hughes or just great art; I sincerely recommend this book, even if you're just thinking it might be worth taking a look at, it is, take a look!

It was worth every penny. I read it from cover to cover...twice. The artwork was gorgeous...his run on Wonder Woman breathtaking. His work is not only beautiful, but funny and intelligent as well. His pencil sketches are detailed and enlightening and show an artist that is meticulous and hardworking. What a joy it must be to be his editor and to be the first one to open these works of art on a computer. The text is fun to read and feels like a good friend is sitting next to you showing his portfolio... self-effacing about what is obviously extremely talented work. The only thing that bugs me is that I wished he had expanded on techniques. He would briefly discuss some of the digital techniques he discovered while working....which only tantalized us fellow artists that work in a digital environment. Maybe he will publish a book on Photoshop painting techniques...we can only hope.

Today isn't that hard to make beautiful illustrations. With the help of the correct software almost any artist can deliver realistic portraits and landscapes. So although all works delivered by Adam Hughes are astonishingly beautiful in form, that's not what's impressive in them. AH imagines scenes that turn fantasy characters in real figures, real persons. The relaxation seen in Power Girl's face when she's flying on her back, it's the same as anyone leisurely swimming. The pain and shame of Selina Kyle being mugshoted in the police precinct is the same as any master criminal would feel being caught. The mix of boredom and despair on Superman face while Lois Lane interviews Wonder Woman is fabulous! The terrifying madness of thorn is palpable. The "I am a goner" look of the pilot seeing WW flying toward him! Each of AH works is a masterpiece with hidden meanings, secret stories and infinite drama, joy, pleasure or pain...and frequently with loads of humor. Adam Hughes may be slow to deliver, but he knows his weakness. We, his public, know his strengths. Keep up with the good job Dr. Frankenstein (yes, this is for you AH)...like him, you also created life from characters that don't exist.

I was biting at the bit to get this book ever since it became available for pre-order. I received my copy today, and I nearly died with the sheer joy of everything that was packed into a glossy 205 pages. Covers are seen side-by-side with sketches and mock-ups for color studies, and include his own feelings and insights about each. His ability to write so conversationally makes this book not only a joy to read but an immeasurable tool for up-and-coming artists. He throws small tips and helpful hints about how he constructs an image about every 2 covers, which means in a strange way this is as much a learning/teaching tool as it is just a beautiful set of his DC Covers. My only complaint is that not every single cover (even the obscure dc ones) were full-size in the book, but I guess we'll have to wait until he gets the nerve to give us another beautiful art book? (Note to Adam: A Hardcover collection of your con sketchbooks and development studies, please? :D)

Adam Hughes is great, He knows the woman body more than women itself. You will fall in love of a drawing. I would love to see even more graphics, there is so much explanation of how it was made that I really don't care.

This book is great, If you are into the art of Adam Hughes. I've had several other compilations of his work, but this one is the best so far. It has his humble beginnings and goes up to the incredible stuff he's done for Wonder Woman and Catwoman covers. Adam was always the guy that was at the conventions back in the day and would always sign your comic, I'm happy that he has become what he is now and this can be seen through out this book. The book includes sketches and alternate sketches to some of his best covers. I say this book is a must have for any Adam Hughes fan! You won't regret it!

Anyone who has typed in 'Adam Hughes' and is reading these reviews is likely to be a fan of his work already so much of this is preaching to the converted, its just a question of describing just how beautiful a book it is. Justifiably Adam Hughes is considered a god in the comics world but little known outside of it. I first became aware of his work on one of the 'Justice League' re-boots but it is, unfortunately, for his cover work that he has become best known. I say 'unfortunately' as I will not buy a comic just for the cover {I believe the interior artist should be the only one doing the cover} so have not been able to collect any of it. This book goes a long way to remedying this problem. The book itself is beautifully laid out. It is easy on the eye and highlights Adam's work with stunning full page reproductions of his covers as well as notes on the evolution of his work processes, anecdotes,sketches and layouts. The path of his work from his 'Justice League' days to the celebrated 'Catwoman' covers and beyond is a pleasure to follow. My personal favourites are the 'Voodoo' cover on page 27, though how a pose this overtly provocative was ever allowed on a comic cover I'll never know and the 'Powergirl' cover that he says of himself '...probably the best cover I've ever produced for DC {anyone}' on page 197. One niggle is that I would have liked a full, double page spread of his 'Women of the DCU' poster instead of the inadequate thumbnail picture on page 205. As it seems to be the trend for the very top artists to {annoyingly} only produce cover work these days I hope to see more of these quality, table top collections {see Alex Ross and Brian Bolland for other stunning examples.} Buy this book and wallow in the beauty inside it's covers.

Una meraviglia per gli occhi e un'antologia imprescindibile per chi ama lo stile unico di mastro Hughes. Un tratto pulito e morbido, ironia a palate, donne splendide, una resa magistrale di prospettive, composizioni, anatomie e costumi, il tutto in salsa DC..se siete come me aspiranti fumettisti/disegnatori e vi piace tutto questo, avete decisamente trovato il vostro manuale di riferimento!

本書の中は全て英語表記ですが、素晴らしいアートワークを まとめて見れるので満足しています。 この本は日本語版も出ているようです。

Una auténtica obra de arte, que recopila las mejores portadas del gran ilustrador Adam Hughes para DC Cómics a todo color y con comentarios del autor, incluyendo bocetos y portadas rechazadas. Indispensable para sus fans.

"When he draws me, I feel like a princess!" - Diana P. Themyscera "HIS COVERS ARE SO GOOD, IT'S CRIMINAL!" - Selina Kyle With praises from Wonder Woman, Catwoman and almost Theodore Roosevelt, how can this book be bad? This 208-page hardcover is filled with beautiful illustrations, each reprinted full page on low gloss paper. Nice. Additionally, there are also pencil sketches and layout that look and feel as good. And every cover comes with insightful commentary from Adam Hughes, so you can find out which is his favourite cover or who's his disliked superhero. Besides the paintings, there are also pictures of figurines and other merchandise created for these characters. Cool. The main characters for this art book are Wonder Woman and Catwoman, occasionally other superheroes from DC (and only DC) as well. The paintings are gorgeous and glorious. The colours, stylized rendering, glow, and the looks on the faces are all so alluring. My favourite, among other favourites, is the mugshot of Catwoman, with tears mixed with eye shadow streaming down her cheeks. I like the fact that each cover reveals a bit of the personality and story subtly. Cover Run is a wonderful collection of quality covers. Highly recommended to fans, collectors and artists. (There are more pictures of the book on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)