Review time, mortals.

Hell Beasts: How to Draw Grotesque Fantasy Monsters

As a non-time impaired demon person, I have many a chance to read many books. One thing I’ve never been very good at is art. Ugh. I mean, I’m even lousy at describing items to artists so that they may do my Imperious Bidding. Have you seen me in the past? I look like a hippie with both a gland problem and a massive eating disorder. And let’s not get started on the Wand.

Shit. I think I’m going to cry.

Well, if I could cry, I would. Crying is tough for beings like me.

Back to what I was saying… Art is tough for me. However, gifted mortals such as Jim Pavelec have produced tomes of unspeakable learned prowess, geared toward educating art-idiots (like, say, the Mighty Lord Orcus, Your Liege and Master) about the basics of the craft in an easy to learn and understand way. If you are a casual artist, or an aspiring talentless hack like me, you may find Jim’s book very useful. I don’t know if experienced illustrators will enjoy Hell Beasts, but even the most seasoned veteran should appreciate Pavelec’s writing at the very least.

I learned a lot with this book, and I’m still learning some things. One point I should make, though– Demogorgon says he looks nothing like the picture of him in the book. Amazingly, he did admit it was “pretty good”. For a complete asshole like Demo to say such a thing is rare indeed. Demo did add “but my first name isn’t ‘The’”.

If you are looking for a great art how-to book with simple step-by-step instructions on how to make horrific monsters of legend or foul beasts straight out of your diseased imagination (or Detroit), pick this up. If I must complain about something, it would be that the instructions aren’t very detailed. But for your buck you get plenty of bang.

Click on the links I generouly provide to a place on the intardwebs which will tell you more about this book and show you some of the interior art.

Hell Beasts: How to Draw Grotesque Fantasy Monsters — LORD ORCUS APPROVED.

Oh, and before I get back to whipping people*, I would like to point you to this. That is a killer gas mask which has all sorts of my 9 infernal shades of approval! The mask was something the mercilessly skilled Ann Koi created for a commission. Is it not lovely? Go here for more information on some other wonderful manifestations on the physical plane and where they come from.

Ann was alo involved in a photo shoot for an RPG she had a hand in called Unhallowed Metropolis (which is heartily Lord Orcus Approved!). Follow this link to an image of a banshee that deserves her own little chunk of the Underworld. While you are there, make sure to view Marc17’s other terrific pictures. That man has a knack, I tell you. He is always welcome to document my exquisite torture sessions**.

(*at Magic: the Gathering)
(**gaming sessions)