This evaluation is a part of an ongoing collection as Marvel re-release artwork books for every of the Marvel Universe motion pictures. That is the 11th guide thus far.
This time round it’s the film Ant-Man. Launched in 2015, it was the 12th film within the collection, and was the final film within the so-called Section Two of the Cinematic Universe motion pictures. It was after Avengers: Age of Ultron (additionally 2015) however earlier than Captain America: Civil Conflict (2016).
Usually, the film is seen as a minor spin-off from the primary Avengers motion pictures. Additionally it is much less darkish in tone than the Avenger motion pictures, with Scott Lang, the primary character, being portrayed by comic Paul Rudd, who brings a lighter comedic contact to the function (though it’s not a comedy!)
Though that is typically unfairly seen as one of many lesser motion pictures – much less essential to the primary Avengers plot and with a smaller price range (a mere $130 million in contrast with Ultron’s price range of $440 million), there’s a lot right here to love on this guide. There’s a pleasant introductory chapter in regards to the origins of the character within the comics earlier than attending to grips with the film itself.
In Chapter 1 we’re proven Ant-Man idea artwork, primarily by artist Andy Park.
Chapter 2 seems to be on the Pym residence, the method of filming Scott’s first shrink and the method of scaling Ant-Man up and down.
Chapter 3 seems to be on the Pymtech manufacturing unit, the unhealthy man Darren Cross and the Yellowjacket idea artwork.
Chapter 4 seems to be at Hope van Dyne and many completely different sorts of ants, in addition to their tools.
Chapter 5 seems to be at Scott’s escape from Pymtech in a posh storyboard sequence.
Chapter 6 seems to be on the well-known prepare crash sequence in addition to photographs because the characters go into the quantum realm.
The final chapter, Chapter 7, seems to be at among the idea and poster artwork created for the movie.
As with the earlier books on this collection, you’ll be able to uncover an incredible deal in regards to the manufacturing of the film and the considering behind what we ultimately see on the display screen. The copious photographs are surrounded by interviews with director Peyton Reed, govt producer Brad Winderbaum, and govt producer Kevin Feige, together with the idea illustrators and storyboard artists corresponding to Andy Park, Rodney Fuentebella and Jackson Sze, who labored on the set and behind the scenes.
Most of those interviews are the same old sort of feedback, primarily mentioning how Ant-Man supplied a listing of recent challenges to make – primarily within the altering measurement of Ant-Man and the evolution of the quantum realm.
While you’re by no means going to get the gossipy particulars of any controversy within the making of the film – Ant-Man had a change of director because of “inventive variations” alongside the way in which, for instance – the guide is a helpful aide memoire of the form of ‘easter-egg’ element any fan may count on.
Because the 11th guide, it does present us how the preparation for these MARVEL motion pictures has modified over time. Evaluating this guide with the primary guide within the collection (The Artwork of Avengers: Assemble, reviewed HERE) it’s clear that using laptop graphics has now develop into extra essential as ever, permitting detailed situations to be mapped out at a less expensive worth. Idea artwork, though nonetheless a part of the method, has now been supplemented by keyframes.
This results in my solely destructive in regards to the guide, in that while most of the photographs may be spectacular, many of those keyframes appear to be little greater than washes of color and blurry motion, and in contrast with among the different books I’ve seen within the collection, appear slightly – dare I say it – uninteresting.
Nonetheless, The Artwork of Ant-Man is a worthy addition to the collection, and as such is for anybody wanting so as to add to their assortment.
© 2025 Mark Yon
All photographs © 2025 MARVEL
Hardback | Titan Books
Marvel Studios’ The Infinity Saga – Ant-Man: The Artwork of the Film by Jacob Johnston
April 2025 | 256 pages
ISBN: 978 180 3367 873
Assessment copy courtesy of the writer, Titan Books
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