Camilla D'Errico

Not just for manga fans and adult coloring book aficionados!

(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Blogging for Books.)

Confession time: I've never really gotten into the whole adult coloring book fad. I mean, who has the time, right? Not to mention, I have a fat stack of kid's coloring books gathering dust in my library. Rather, when this title popped up on Blogging for Books, it was the artwork that caught my eye and compelled me to request a copy.

And show more Camilla d'Errico's illustrations are indeed lovely. Beautiful. Dazzling, even. Stunning and surreal. The sort of thing I could stare at for hours on end. Honestly, there's just no overselling it. If nothing else, Pop Manga Coloring Book would make a wonderful coffee table book.



The book's synopsis describes portraits and patterns, but the majority of the pages are filled with the former, sometimes superimposed on the latter for an extra-challenging coloring experience. Portraits of wide-eyed girls and women, some fully human, others only partially so: mermaids, steampunk mechanics, dragon wranglers, and kraken-girls. Here you'll find androids and wolves, clockwork fishes and chariots pulled by ginormous butterflies. The world that d'Errico has created is weird and whimsical and hecka fun.

In fact, some of the artwork is reminiscent of my favorite kid's movies from the '80s - most notably Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal. d'Errico's wooly mammoth-type creature calls to mind Ludo,





while the armored lizard immediately conjured images of SkekSil (his sharp and pointy face, anyway).





It seems like the bulk of the illustrations fall into one of three broad categories: steampunk, under the sea, and goth girl, interrupted. Whatever the case, all are brimming with creativity and artistry.



Part of me doesn't even want to color in any of the pictures, lest I ruin them! Though I'm pretty sure this would offend/depress Ayako, the cute little blob-with-eyes who serves as our guide. She encourages us to bend the rules, exercise our creativity and, above all, have fun. Ayako pops up throughout the book to offer tips and dish gossip about her boss/creator. That's the kind of book we're talking about here.

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Whether you're a manga fan or simply appreciate funky art; are skilled in the ways of coloring with pencils, or new to the adult coloring book scene - d'Errico's Pop Manga Coloring Book is guaranteed to amaze. Seriously, SF/F nerds - you need this book now.

http://www.easyvegan.info/2016/09/10/pop-manga-coloring-book-by-camilla-derrico/ show less

This book is visually beautiful with fantastic step by step techniques for drawing and painting.. I confess that I more poured over the absolutely beautiful art and skimmed the how-to section than sat and read it cover to cover.

If you are a manga lover you definitely want to pick up TANPOPO. It combines beautiful illustrations with haunting yet lyrical prose. At time very poetic I couldn't help rereading portions over and over as I flipped the pages because it was just that charming. Some readers might find it difficult to read because of the writing style but I found it enjoyable to follow little Tanpopo's journey. Together with "Poodle" the little creature who is actually a devil named Kuro who later reveals show more himself to her she goes on a journey of discovery. I don't quite know how to categorize this in my own head, playful yet sad? A love story that isn't? Whatever it is, I loved it and eagerly await the next volume.

Illustrations - 5 stars - Absolutely gorgeous, sketch / manga style art
Story- 5 - Haunting and lyrical show less

Although I wasn't previously familiar with d'Errico's work, I was intrigued by this book's beautiful cover. I am an art enthusiast (I could spend hours on Tumblr and Deviantart), who secretly wishes for more time to dabble in painting.

Overall, I found the book very encouraging. Unlike a lot of "how-to" books, which feel robotic and technical, it seemed that d'Errico cares about her audience. In the first chapters of the book, she takes the time to explain Pop Surrealism, focus on show more inspiration and becoming a better artist, as well as, tools of the trade, and the artist's studio. As someone "looking to get her feet wet" I found this helpful and thought-provoking.

The second part of the book includes step-by-step examples. It was amazing to see the progression of each piece! Tons of heart-felt good advice. Highly recommended for aspirating artists and art lovers alike.

I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. show less