Fantasy Genesis

Get Rolling on Your Most Inventive Artwork Ever!

What lurks in the shadows of your imagination? This book takes you deep into the dusty corners and dark recesses where your most original ideas lie in wait, showing you how to lure them out into daylight, and shape them into fantastic yet believable concept art.

Experimentation is the cornerstone of Fantasy Genesis. A series of dice rolls and corresponding word lists present you with an infinite variety of jumping-off points and visual problems to solve. The challenge (and the fun) is to meld seemingly unrelated and everyday elements such as a caterpillar, seashells, fire or a hammer into exceptionally curious, grotesque, oddly beautiful and totally unexpected creations.

   • 40+ step-by-step mini-demonstrations illustrate basic techniques for drawing a wide range of fantasy elements and forms
   • 3 game variations (complete with game sheets) lead you to create fiercely imaginative objects, creatures and humanoids
   • 3 full-length demonstrations show how to play the game from your first rolls of the die to finished concept drawings


Use this art-game as a warm-up, a bulldozer for creative-block or a daily sketching exercise to generate a stockpile of inspired beasties, heroes, costumes, weapons and other never-before-dreamt creations. It all starts with a roll, a word and your imagination.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs