Sight unseen, I'm going to recommend The John Buscema Sketchbook, a forthcoming release from my pal J. David Spurlock and his Vanguard Press. (How can I recommend a book I haven't seen? Well, I've seen David's other entries in his "sketchbook" series about folks like Al Williamson, Carmine Infantino and Neal Adams, so I know he always does his subjects justice. And I know the work of this subject. John Buscema has been a comic book "workhorse" for years but, boy, he draws better than just about anybody. Matter of fact, I expect I'll find his "sketchbook" even more interesting than his finished art. During all those years drawing for Marvel, John would routinely flip over the page he was drawing and sketch something, just for his own amusement, on the back. Collectors of original art actively seek out these little treasures and fret over which side of the page is more deserving of framing.)
An e-mail from David informs us that the book is doing to press shortly, despite the fact that his ad didn't make it into the May issue of Previews, the catalog from which comic book shops advance-order their wares. It has to go to press in order to be out for this year's Comic-Con International in San Diego, where Mr. Buscema will be making a rare West Coast appearance. (I'll be conducting an interview with him on Thursday at 1:00 and he'll be part of a Marvel Bullpen Reunion on Saturday at 4:00.) This means that the deluxe edition — signed and numbered by Buscema and including a bonus portfolio — may be in short supply. There will be other editions later but you might want to keep your eye peeled for the fancy $39.95 one…perhaps tell your local comic shop owner and reserve a copy. For more info, peek in at www.creativemix.com/vanguard.