Skip to content

DARK SHEPHERD – THE ART OF FRED GAMBINO

Written By:

Dominic Cuthbert
dark-shepherd-the-art-of-fred-gambino-review

Dark Shepherd - The Art of Fred Gambino Review

REVIEW: DARK SHEPHERD – THE ART OF FRED GAMBINO / AUTHOR: FRED GAMBINO / PUBLISHER: TITAN / RELEASE DATE: JULY 29TH

English artist Fred Gambino may have ditched acrylics and oils for 3D modelling, but as Dark Shepherd reveals, he’s gone from strength to strength as a concept-driven designer and storyteller. The presentation is high quality, if a little cramped, pleasing purists and offering an entry point for newcomers.

The forward from director John A. Davis (Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and The Ant Bully) paints Gambino as a friend and collaborator. The introduction, from Gambino himself, is a funny and enlightening prelude to the chronicle of the man’s relationship with digital art.

A good half of the book is dedicated to Gambino’s brainchild Dark Shepherd; it goes into some depth, offering pages of screenplay at a time. The best sections, though, are those which let the text take a back seat and have the images speak for themselves.

The collection spreads to encompass many different branches of Gambino’s career, frustratingly so. Instead of keeping the focus on the titular project and a few related ones, it tries to make sure every aspect, no matter how small, of his digital career gets a look-in. Yes, it’s all interesting enough, but more of his promo pieces for BioShock would have been a welcome replacement for the two-page section ‘Advertising and Commissions’ or the underwhelming ‘Star Wars Visuals’.

Introduction to the Graphic Novel’ is perhaps the most exciting section of the book, leaving the reader wanting more of the story. ‘Speed Paints and More’ is the most impressionist side of his work and may just be the most revealing.

Dark Shepard is a beautiful but bloated book, more a collage than a collection. It’s one more for 3D modellers and Photoshop hobbyists than your average sci-fi fan. That’s not to say they won’t enjoy it, but those looking just for art might want to give this one a miss. Still, pictures of space suits, ships, battle-tech, planets and even robo dragons go a long way.

Dominic Cuthbert

You May Also Like...

chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More