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While
speedily digesting a comic book, it's easy to overlook some of the artwork.
This is especially true of background settings--as long as they look right
we tend not to notice them. Upon closer inspection, the SF fantasy worlds
in American books are not unlike theoretical renderings of future utopias
(and dystopias). Archigram, a group of British architects active in the
60s and 70s, published a number of fantastic theoretical urban plans.
One project (Archigram 4, 1964) borrowed imagery and ideas directly
from American comic-book fantasy worlds. Admittedly, many of these images
are derivative and quickly-produced, their aim being maximum effect through
minimal effort. There are of course exceptions, but one can find enjoyment
in the rudimentary efforts as well.
Japanese manga are another vernacular source for urban renderings, ranging
from quick sketches to accurate depictions of actual, recognizable city
streets.
01.
from Toukyou no Kasanoba (Tokyo Casanova) #01
02. Timewarp #5 July 1980
03. Timewarp
#3 Mar. 1980
04. from an issue of GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka) issue #
forgotten (somewhere between #06 and #10, 1998
05. The Incredible Hulk #215 Sept. 1977
06. Toukyou no Kasanoba (Tokyo Casanova)
#01
07.
Timewarp #5 July 1980
08.
Timewarp #5 July 1980
09.
Timewarp #5 July 1980
10. from an issue of GTO (Great Teacher
Onizuka)
11.
Timewarp #5 July 1980
12. Timewarp #3 Mar. 1980
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