The John Byrne Fantastic Four Artist Select volume from IDW is a colourful look at this comic writer and artist’s work.

As Byrne himself explains, he learned a lot on the Fantastic Four series, and as he came into his own, he shook off the mental constraints of working on such a popular title, advancing his work in the process.

In this huge full colour hardcover, we can see his advancement. Byrne simplifies his style and relaxes his character poses. But the panels remain heavy with text, as he continues to script scenes with plenty of dialogue.

Likewise, his tributes to Kirby are plentiful, as each issue seems to have at least one panel with a huge machine, drawn in high shiny detail.

A volume that any true fan of John Byrne will treasure. Complete issues are collected here, intermittently through his days on the FF. It all starts with FF 220 and includes issue 285. Fourteen issues in all.

IDW John Byrne Fantastic Four Artist Select, $125.00 for 360 pages of content. Teen

By Alan Spinney

After a career of graphic design, art direction and copywriting, I still have a passion for words and pictures. I love it when a comic book comes together; the story is tight, and the drawings lead me forward. Art with words... the toughest storytelling technique to get right. Was this comic book worth your money? Let's see!!