Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
Both professional and student illustrators of action and fantasy art can take the guesswork out of rendering extreme anatomy and dynamic action poses with help from this valuable reference source. It presents more than 600 detailed color photos of live models, and represents a wide range of physiques, postures, and poses that can be incorporated in fantasy scenarios. The book’s accompanying CD-ROM contains all of the book’s posed images, allowing illustrators to swipe them directly and paste them into their own computer art projects. The book also instructs on rendering realistic effects to the illustrated textures of flesh, hair, clothing, and metal objects, as well as advice on adding highlights, backlights, and shadows. Here is a valuable reference source that belongs in every illustrator’s personal library. All images are copyright free.

Rating : - Very Useful Book
This great book includes a decent variety of body-types, poses and costume/prop references from a fantasy perspective. The back of the book also includes a few helpful closeup sections on hand poses and gestures, expressions and props. The beginning of the book is done-up in archetype sections (Wizard, Elven Queen, Cleric, etc) of about six pages each.

Note though, that this book isn't a step by step drawing book, it's 90% photos with a few pencil sketches and one full-color painting for example, so it may not be something for someone looking for instruction. It's strictly for reference. There are also only a few group and couple photos, so while it's great for solo poses, you may want more reference for multiple people.

Although decently lightweight, the cover is also quite hefty and will take a decent amount of travel abuse. With it's spiral-type spine, the book lays flat when open, which may be a bonus for some folks.