(Spectrum 23 cover art, “The Year of the Ram”, Android Jones)

The annual stretching out of my birthday celebration continued this lovely post-Thanksgiving Saturday with another annual tradition, the page-by-page review of the newest volume of Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art, with my friend Jeff Smith.

Spectrum 23, the third volume produced by Flesk Publications, is the best volume yet under John Fleskes’ editorial reign. Given the quality of the previous two Flesk Publication volumes, built upon a foundation of greatness established and sustained for two decades by Arnie and Cathy Fenner, that is saying something.

Beauty, of course, is in the eye of the beholder, and what is inspiring, uplifting art to one may not cause the heart of another to beat faster, but I have to confess that I found much to like in the work created by the artists accepted in this year’s volume. And John Flesk and the folks at Flesk Publications have a real eye for design, showcasing the included works in ways that inspire conversation and multiple viewings.

I will share a handful of the many images that arrested my gaze below, with links to the website of the artist who created the work. Please be sure to visit each artist’s website for more examples of their work, and pick up a copy of Spectrum 23 (available in hardcover and paperback) to experience your own visual feast.

(“The Bride of Frankenstein – Dark Hall Mansion”, Nico Delort)

Winner of the Advertising Gold Award, artist Nico (Nicolas) Delort was a new discovery* for me and Spectrum 23 has several examples of his gorgeously rendered work.

(“Narcissu”, Guangjian Huang)

Even if there were not many, many more lovely works like that featured above, it would be worth visiting Guangjian Huang’s site simply to see the large version of Narcissu. You can also see more in Spectrum 23.

Beautiful.

(“Not My Circus”, Galen Dara)

I have been a fan of Galen Dara from the first time I saw her work and I honestly feel that she gets better and better every year. I absolutely love this image.

Wow.

(“Spy vs. Spy”, Yuko Shimizu)

Mad Magazine was one of my guilty pleasures growing up, and the Spy vs. Spy series was one of the best ongoing series in the magazine. Yuko Shimizu captures the riotous fun of the characters with this lovely illustration. It is such a creative way to pay homage to these two relentless spies.

(“Freedom is Space for the Spirit”, Greg Ruth)

Greg Ruth has been on fire this year, creating one stunning image after the other. I recommend that you follow all the Spectrum artists on social media, most especially Greg. Your feed will be filled with jaw-dropping images.

His Star Wars inspired work alone makes him a force to be reckoned with, pun fully intended.

(“Held”, Derek Stenning)

This latest volume is heavy on fantasy–no complaints here–but as the work of Derek Stenning demonstrates, the science fiction illustrations in Spectrum 23 are top-notch.

(“Cosmonaut”, David Malan)

I love how hopeful and determined she looks. This is the first illustration I’ve seen from David Malan.

Impressive.

(“In a World of Her Own”, Michael Whelan)

Michael Whelan has always been amazing, and his work gets more and more impressive the more he explores his personal visions. This one is lovely and inspiring.
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Spectrum 23 is wonderful. These images barely scratch the surface of all it has to offer. I say this every year, and every year it remains true. Spectrum: The Best of Contemporary Fantastic Art is a must-buy if you are in any way a fan of art. Not simply fantastic art, but art period. Get yours!
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Thank you so much, Jeff, for keeping our annual tradition alive. It is one of the highlights of my year and I enjoy it so much every time.