In some far off fantasy land, fans of A Game of Thrones are eagerly expecting the latest instalment of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire to turn up in their stocking this Christmas. Unfortunately, in this world the book still isn’t finished yet, so those excitable fans will have to make do with what is available. Given recent trends in the publishing, that stocking filler is, of course, HBO’s Game of Thrones Colouring Book.
This artefact of fandom is inspired directly by the TV show, and as such, all of the black and white illustrations for you to colour in are instantly recognisable as characters and things from the show. This, unfortunately, makes the whole affair a little bland, as they’ve gone for stuff that works and is obvious.
This is a bit of a pity; anyone who’s seen the work of storyboard artist William Simpson knows that much of the art for the TV series is gorgeous stuff. Fans of the series will be familiar with how the Iron Throne should look (and able to contrast the book version from the HBO version) or what all the heraldry looks like; this has none of this subtlety. Some of the pages may as well be tracings of TV stills.
Worse still, this is a colouring book rather than a mindfulness book. The difference is key; mindfulness colouring books are complicated in places, allowing the user to enjoy the activity book as a meditation. Complicated patterns designed for colouring in are a great tool for relaxation. Alas, none of that is here. This is a book that can be done with crayons.
The heart and soul of the show’s powerful images have been stripped bare to create what is essentially a basic and disposable. It’s hard to work out exactly whom this book is for; they are better colouring books out there and plenty of them have fantasy themes. They are better art books of the show and they are certainly more atmospheric and immersive books inspired by George RR Martins world for you to enjoy. Still, as a stocking filler, it does the job; just don’t expect any of the prettier, gorier or even interesting bits of the series to be in this one.
HBO’S GAME OF THRONES COLOURING BOOK / PUBLISHER: CHRONICLE BOOKS / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
