The Art of Bone – Jeff Smith (2007)
This visually rich companion book to Jeff Smith’s legendary Bone graphic novel series offers an immersive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the epic fantasy saga. Filled with preliminary sketches, unused character designs, and full-color artwork, the book traces the evolution of the Bone cousins (Fone, Phoney, and Smiley) and the lush Valley world they inhabit.
Smith’s commentary reveals his artistic process, from early cartoonish doodles to the intricate brushwork and cross-hatching that defined the series’ mature style. Highlights include:
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Rare concept art for Thorn, Gran’ma Ben, and the menacing Rat Creatures.
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Storyboard comparisons showing how key scenes (like the Great Cow Race) developed.
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Insights into Smith’s influences, from Walt Kelly’s Pogo to Carl Barks’ Disney comics.
A must-have for Bone fans and aspiring cartoonists alike, celebrating the blend of slapstick humor and mythic grandeur that made the series a classic.
“Where comics meet folklore—and every sketch tells a story.”
