Review by C.J. Bunce
As audiences from the other big comic book publisher are finding James Gunn’s Superman on home streaming channels this month, Titan Books has released a deep dive into one of Gunn’s superhero movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. An explosion of digital effects and strange new Marvel worlds, The Art of Guardians of the Galaxy 2, available today here at Amazon, documents new planets, new characters, new costume designs, and a new look for one of the most beloved aliens of the MCU. Only seven years later Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is probably considered a minor movie of the Infinity Saga. But what you may not realize is the work that went into the immensely detailed world building that brought Star-Lord’s father to life and a new golden warrior priestess into the fold.
A massive 318-page collection of painted concept artwork writer-director Gunn says was inspired by pulp covers of books like Amazing Stories and other 1950s visions of the future, this chronicle by Jacob Johnston, with contributions by James Gunn and Andy Park, details the visual developments of every new environment created for the movie. You’ll find influences from the likes of Jack Kirby to Moebius in creations that conjure a living planet that touches on the biological influences of H.R. Giger but without the darkness and with the addition of a new palette for the MCU of otherworldly, extraordinary colors.
Not only was this movie audiences’ first look in live-action at Star-Lord’s father Ego, played by Kurt Russell, it was an opportunity to tweak the looks of the members of the Guardians of the Galaxy–Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Nebula, Rocket, and Groot, now re-imagined as a kid with an all-new look and vibe. This movie is where we met Ego’s sidekick Pom Klementieff’s Mantis, who would be a new friend for Drax. But from a visual standpoint the luminous antagonist Ayesha, played by Elizabeth Debecki, would be something audiences had not seen before. Covered in gold and attached fluidly to her throne, she would manage an army requiring Gunn and his team to create something on the screen that couldn’t be created with practical effects.
Back for more from the first Guardians movie are key concept artists including visual development supervisor Andy Park and visual development illustrators Anthony Francisco, Jackson Sze, and Rodney Fuentebella, plus storyboard artist Darrin Denlinger, production designer Scott Chambliss, costume designer Judianna Makovsky, and visual effects supervisor Christopher Townsend.
You’ll encounter the costume designs for Sylvester Stallone’s Ravager Stakar, the return of Howard the Duck, Taserface, and an earlier look at Michael Rooker’s Yondu. Plus the Love Bots of Contraxia–this is the first book in this library to have its own pullout, signed centerfold.
Readers will get a glimpse at Darrin Denlinger’s storyboards via a spread of thumbnail images. For one planet environment an entire convention center was utilized to create scale. Who doesn’t want to see more images of Rocket and Groot? You’ll find them here. Plus the works 0f other staff concept artists reveal even more Ravager costume designs, several pages of unused designs for Ego and Ayesha, and stages of development for the giant pink alien beast called Abilisk.
Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the series: Iron Man: The Art of the Movie here, The Art of Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 2 here, Marvel Studios’ Thor: The Art of the Movie here, Captain America: The First Avenger–The Art of the Movie, here, The Art of Marvel Studios’ The Avengers here, The Art of Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 here, The Art of Marvel Studios’ Thor: The Dark World here, The Art of Captain America and the Winter Soldier here, The Art of Guardians of the Galaxy here, The Art of Avengers: Age of Ultron here, The Art of Ant Man here, Captain America: Civil War – The Art of the Movie here, The Art of Doctor Strange here, and The Art of Guardians of the Galaxy 2 here.
For every fan of the Marvel Infinity Saga, don’t miss the 14th entry in the new re-issued, re-formatted Marvel movie library, The Art of Guardians of the Galaxy 2, out this week and available here at Amazon. Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is streaming on Disney+.
