Rating: 
Summary: Guys, You're Both Right
Review: "Opus" is like taking a chimneysweep to a High Tea. Windsor-Smith is an accomplished comics illustrator (still love his adaptation of REH's "Red Nails"), but the "fine artist" mantle he tries to wear just doesn't fit. His anatomy is faked, his faces only occasionally well-rendered, his color sense and compositions are confusing messes...and I still enjoy his art. There's nothing that will ever land in a museum--and that's okay. Windsor-Smith is an entertaining commercial artist and "Opus" is full of fun works. But the reviewer is right when he complains about the layouts and the artist's pretension--and since Windsor-Smith wrote and designed his own book, he has no one to blame but himself. Many of the drawings that get ruined in the gutter didn't have to--simple shuffling to the left or right would've saved many of the pieces. Regarding Barry's own comments, well, there'll hopefully come a day in the near future when he slaps himself in the head and asks, "What was I thinking?"
Rating: 
Summary: Separate Realities
Review: A book of beautiful images and cosmic revelations. 'Cosmic' isn't a word usually associated with the work of Barry-Windsor Smith, and is more often used in connection with his 70's contemporaries Jack Kirby and Jim Starlin. But in 'Opus', he even manages to outdo Carlos Castaneda with his eloquently-told tales of mind-bending transcendental insights. It's not easy for a writer to reveal himself in this way (and BWS is certainly leaving himself open to ridicule), but it's clear that the experiences he relates have left a sincere and lasting impression upon him, and by implication, upon his work. Was Barry Windsor-Smith simply the victim of a flux in the Space-Time Continuum during 1973, or was someone at the local deli spiking his coffee with LSD? I don't know, but his tales certainly made interesing reading. On the other hand, most people will be buying this book primarily for the artwork, and they won't be disapointed. The emphasis is more on portfolio-style single images than pages of graphic narrative, and there really are some stunning images here. So what if some of the plates run across the spine of the book? Mr Windsor-Smith is presenting his life's work here, and if he's happy with the layout then who are we to complain?
Rating:
Summary: Separate Realities
Review: After reading the review by thneeban@briefcase.com, I felt it necessary to give my own opinions about OPUS.Like thneeban@briefcase.com, I was highly anticipating OPUS. But unlike thneeban@briefcase.com, I feel Barry Windsor-Smith spectacularly delivered a large volume of work with originality, beauty, and humor. The artwork alone is worth the price of the book (as any good art book should be)! There are fantastic pencil and pen and ink drawings and sketches previously unpublished that show what an amazing draftsman Windsor-Smith really is. Barry's talent is deservedly one of the most highly respected in the comics field. As for the text, at first I was confused as to why Windsor-Smith chose to write about the incidents he did. But as I began to question this, I also began to make the connections between the art and the text, which in turn brought to light a whole new dimension to the artwork. If the reader is capable of sitting back, relaxing and opening up their mind to take in what BWS is presenting, they will discover not only beautiful artwork, but a book full of personal insight, humor, and originality. It all makes for a great presentation of Barry's work, as well as one hell of a good read.
Rating:
Summary: Look again
Review: After reading the review by thneeban@briefcase.com, I felt it necessary to give my own opinions about OPUS. Like thneeban@briefcase.com, I was highly anticipating OPUS. But unlike thneeban@briefcase.com, I feel Barry Windsor-Smith spectacularly delivered a large volume of work with originality, beauty, and humor. The artwork alone is worth the price of the book (as any good art book should be)! There are fantastic pencil and pen and ink drawings and sketches previously unpublished that show what an amazing draftsman Windsor-Smith really is. Barry's talent is deservedly one of the most highly respected in the comics field. As for the text, at first I was confused as to why Windsor-Smith chose to write about the incidents he did. But as I began to question this, I also began to make the connections between the art and the text, which in turn brought to light a whole new dimension to the artwork. If the reader is capable of sitting back, relaxing and opening up their mind to take in what BWS is presenting, they will discover not only beautiful artwork, but a book full of personal insight, humor, and originality. It all makes for a great presentation of Barry's work, as well as one hell of a good read.
Rating:
Summary: Well done, Barry
Review: Barry has been here able to write about himself and to present his wonderful works in an unique and philosphical context. I suggest it for every open-minded individual entity.
Rating: 
Summary: I'll side with the negatives
Review: Barry Windsor-Smith's artwork is in a class all its own - not to say that it's technically perfect, but he is definitely an original in the field of fantastic art. It's art that he's good at, and it's art that his fans should receive - - which is why this book is such a disappointment. Sure, it features his artwork, but you'd better be prepared for an abundance of text detailing BWS's paranormal experiences and otherworldly beliefs. I guess if he published this himself, he can do whatever he wants, but shame on him for taking his fans for granted like this. I had hoped to see art all over the inside of this book, with BRIEF accompanying text on his methods, inspirations, etc. Instead, I'm treated to a narrative on a subject which, while it may have influenced his work, is far too personal. It comes across as obscure and alienating. I'll complain about the presentation of the artwork, too: I could have done a better job arranging the layout of this book. You don't center an image between two pages when moving it to either side will enable the image to be viewed completely. Think about it! In closing, if you must buy this book, just look at the art. Spare yourself the pain and skip the text.
Rating:
Summary: Very poor presentation
Review: I had been gnashing my teeth waiting for this book to arrive, but it was released earlier than expected, and I missed it at the stores. A friend let me view his copy, and I can say that I'm glad I missed it. This is a pitiful presentation for an artist of Windsor-Smith's caliber. "Opus" is the first of a series of books on his art, but judging from this book, it's hard to see how the series will continue. This is not an ordered presentation of his works; it's a hodgepodge, picked from here and there, with no real organization or chronological order. Another irritating factor is the layout of the art on the pages. To split Windsor-Smith's artwork between two pages is a true disservice. A quarter of the image is lost in the spine! What ever happened to fold-outs? How about increasing the size of the book? This is horrible. Finally, the text: I like to get to know the artist and find out what makes them tick, but this is ridiculous. Too much time is devoted to Windsor-Smith's philosophy on life, the cosmos, etc. The guy is an ARTIST, so get rid of all this babbling and show more ART!!! Or at least alter the text to provide commentary on the pieces. What kills me is that I anticipated this book so highly, but what resulted was a huge disappointment. I won't be purchasing the second printing of this book, or any others in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Very poor presentation
Review: I had been gnashing my teeth waiting for this book to arrive, but it was released earlier than expected, and I missed it at the stores. A friend let me view his copy, and I can say that I'm glad I missed it. This is a pitiful presentation for an artist of Windsor-Smith's caliber. "Opus" is the first of a series of books on his art, but judging from this book, it's hard to see how the series will continue. This is not an ordered presentation of his works; it's a hodgepodge, picked from here and there, with no real organization or chronological order. Another irritating factor is the layout of the art on the pages. To split Windsor-Smith's artwork between two pages is a true disservice. A quarter of the image is lost in the spine! What ever happened to fold-outs? How about increasing the size of the book? This is horrible. Finally, the text: I like to get to know the artist and find out what makes them tick, but this is ridiculous. Too much time is devoted to Windsor-Smith's philosophy on life, the cosmos, etc. The guy is an ARTIST, so get rid of all this babbling and show more ART!!! Or at least alter the text to provide commentary on the pieces. What kills me is that I anticipated this book so highly, but what resulted was a huge disappointment. I won't be purchasing the second printing of this book, or any others in the series.
Rating:
Summary: An amazing trip through BWS's mind, life and art
Review: I think OPUS is underpriced. And unlike the first (and only, to date) review at this site, I enjoyed the so-called "hodgepodge" way it runs. That's the way life runs..and thoughts, and especially creativity. Even Stanley Kubrick had a hodgepodge moment or two, I'm sure. I thought the art was beautifully presented, and I especially enjoyed seeing stuff I'd never seen anywhere else, like the cartoons (sorry, oops, sorry). There are plenty of other books, including some with pirated BWS artwork, that present the Gorblimey material and all the rest of Windsor-Smith's independent ventures. And, of course, all the comics--from Conan on-- can be bought from dealers around the globe. This book strikes me as very personal offering by the artist, and it was a privilege to be given a glimpse into the mind of a bonafide genius. If you're a Windsor-Smith fan (or a comics buff), or just like having your brain challenged a bit and your eyes delighted, this book is a must-buy. And a bargain at twice the price.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully put together
Review: I was in love with BWS's art from the first time I saw it featured on a Weapon X cover. I enjoyed the mix of fine art, illustration, and comic book art that this book contains, and the "one image per page with a reason for it" is all well and good for some artistis, but the spontenaity of the design is very much in the same feeling as his work. A worthy read!
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