John Howe or Alan Lee which is your favorite? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 04-22-2003, 02:00 AM

I seem to be in a minority, but I prefer Alan Lee (also, anyone seen his illustrations for the recent edition of The Mabinogion?).
I think the problem I have with John Howe, much as I love his work, is his emphasis on the 'darker' side of the mythology. I really disliked his 'pop-up' Hobbit. I don't think Tolkien would have chosen those subjects. He seemed to choose the darkest & ugliest parts of the story to illustrate. I do prefer Lee's more 'lyrical' approach. There is a kind of 'english' light & atmosphere which I feel captures the spirit of Tolkien's world.
Finally, am I the only one who hates the 'shiny' pristine ME of the Brothers Hildebrandt?

04-22-2003, 02:00 AM	#8
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	I seem to be in a minority, but I prefer Alan Lee (also, anyone seen his illustrations for the recent edition of The Mabinogion?). I think the problem I have with John Howe, much as I love his work, is his emphasis on the 'darker' side of the mythology. I really disliked his 'pop-up' Hobbit. I don't think Tolkien would have chosen those subjects. He seemed to choose the darkest & ugliest parts of the story to illustrate. I do prefer Lee's more 'lyrical' approach. There is a kind of 'english' light & atmosphere which I feel captures the spirit of Tolkien's world. Finally, am I the only one who hates the 'shiny' pristine ME of the Brothers Hildebrandt? __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."