The Art Of Incredibles 2 by Karen Paik (book review).
I only saw the first ‘Incredibles’ a couple years ago, a little worried about super-hero parodies which it oddly wasn’t and happily enjoyed it. More so, as that film was made 15 years ago and, even under CGI, hasn’t dated that much. Then again, I accept the rules of any film I watch unless they make serious mistakes.
However, as the various creative people from Pixar go onto explain, the events of ‘Incredibles 2’ happen shortly after the first film and so they have to blend into that. So, in ‘The Art Of Incredibles 2’, edited by Kaen Paik, we see how characters, environments, vehicles and outtakes were done or prepared. Which basically means design, storyboards and a lot of photos. There is more of that than footage from the film so it might be of less interest to your sprogs. If you are ever contemplating getting into the industry at any level then you need to see the amount of work that is done even before it gets animated. The attention to detail right down to the money they use, shows a lot of pre-planning and thought.
The Art of Incredibles 2, foreword by John Lasseter, introduction by Brad Bird, edited by Karen Paik (Chronicle Books, £30)
I not sure how the character Winston Deavor is going to look like in the final film but he doesn’t have look like a ringer for the late comicbook artist Gil Kane. Story artist Kevin O’Brien thought there must be a super-hero out there who could spit fire but couldn’t figure out who when he created Reflux. I think he needs to look at Fire Lad from the Legion Of Substitute Super-Heroes whose been around for about 50 years although I doubt if he’s be sued cos I don’t think he’s got digestive problems that Reflux has.
The Art of Incredibles 2, foreword by John Lasseter, introduction by Brad Bird, edited by Karen Paik (Chronicle Books, £30)
The environment section clearly shows you do need a background in technical drawing and perspective to make the fantastic look liveable. As is pointed out, all the action is portrayed in a city and urban environment so the artists didn’t have to work about anything green.
Probably the most interesting concept in the vehicles section is a look at the Elasticycle and its design issues, not least of which is that it can split into two, kept together by Elastigirl herself which must make going around corners interesting. Seeing how the design evolved as well as the thinking of where to put the engine should make you think.
The Art of Incredibles 2, foreword by John Lasseter, introduction by Brad Bird, edited by Karen Paik (Chronicle Books, £30)
Pixar’s attitude to the problem of having too many great ideas is to pick the best five. I suspect that mantra should be applied to all creative media. I apply a variant of that in my own writing when I’m looking for some plot twist that looks like something only I could have come up with. Mind you, I still try to apply the other ideas as well so maybe I am already using the Pixar approach.
Before I forget, there’s several of Greg Dykstra’s sculptured busts here again, proving that physical design hasn’t been forgotten in the CGI world.
Looking at the design for Cosmosis, I was reminded a little of Havok from ‘The X-Men’. Saying that, it’s probably coincidental as there doesn’t appear to be any direct homages to existing comicbook characters. Hence my comments that the ‘Incredibles’ isn’t a parody and more a CGI way of life. If the film is as good as the designs and glimpses here, I’m looking forward to watching it.
GF Willmetts
June 2018
(pub: Chronicle Books. 188 page illustrated oblong hardback. Price: £30.00 (UK), $40.00 (US). ISBN: 978-1-4521-6384-0)
check out website: www.chronicles.com