ComingSoon and SuperHeroHype can exclusively reveal the first look at DC Comics’ new looks at Robert Pattinson’s Batman, Joker, Superman, and others in a boutique art book. The new images come from Clover Press’ fourth volume of The DC Art Of series, with illustrations by Italian artist Riccardo Federici. The high-end, 200+ page, 9″ x 12″ boutique art book features works done by Federici representing various versions of the characters.
The book features both completed and behind-the-scenes material from Federici’s acclaimed career for DC. The new images show DC’s iconic heroes in various situations, including battling otherworldly creatures. The only illustration to match a version of a live-action adaptation is Pattinson’s Batman and Paul Dano’s Riddler from the 2022 film.
What else is featured in the new DC Comics art book?
The book’s Kickstarter campaign also promises an oversized hardcover and exclusive editions and collectibles for backers. These also include a special slipcase, dust jacket, and art portfolios.
“I’ve always had the need to create through drawing, painting, and sculpture, and like all self-taught artists, curiosity and experimentation have allowed me to approach a world that offers so many creative opportunities: the world of comics,” Federici said.
“How you represent scenes, composition, anatomy, perspective, light and color, character acting, concept design, set design, etc. are all topics found within a single comic book interior page or cover. For me, comics are not just narration through sequential images: they are the result of reasoning explained in concrete and complex images that are the artistic expression of each author.”
Federici started his work on illustrating DC characters with Dark Nights: Batman – The Murder Machine, first released in 2017. Following that, he has since co-created The Last God, the fantasy series Besides DC Comics, he has also illustrated for Marvel, Dark Horse Comics, Image Comics, and others
“I remember when Riccardo’s work first hit all of our desks at DC on Dark Nights. Incredible work, and there was much discussion as to what he’d follow it up with,” said Hank Kanalz, publisher at Clover Press. “What really stood out was the work he did with Phillip Kennedy Johnson on The Last God. He really built a new world from scratch and showed what he was really capable of doing.”
Those interested in backing The DC Art of Riccardo Federici can do so on Kickstarter.
