Book Review: The Art of Archer

This one’s important.

All of your Mt. Rushmores of adult animation have all gone through their aesthetic changes over the years. Certainly, the visual comparisons between present and first season runs of The Simpsons, Family Guy, and South Park are quite evident. However, there is no one franchise that has gone through more of a visual renaissance in the best eight seasons than the multi award winning Archer. 

“The Art of Archer” is a new book compiled by show producer Neal Holman that effectively conveys these changes using a printed timeline that should be required purchasing by any who really appreciate this franchise. Included in the 240-page effort isn’t just a visual history of the show’s radical changes as production budgets have increased, but a written one as well. From the get-go, we get to check out the early days of the pilot production process of Archer way back when it was called Duchess. The character designs were vastly different, but the heart of the show that was presented in those early days are still prevalent today (well, until we get to Archer: Dreamland).  The book features interviews with producers, voice talent, and even creator Adam Reed talking about all things Archer that will certainly educate even the most ardent of fan bases.

Other than the final 24 episodes that are incoming, we don’t know what’s going to be left of the Archer franchise in a couple of years. A book like this is a fantastic way to have sort of a “time-capsule” featuring one of animation’s most brilliant franchises that has certainly upped the ante in terms of visual presentation.

SCORE
9/10