PLUS an INSIDE LOOK at the book decades in the making…
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UPDATED 5/31/24: New info! The book will also include pages from later editions! Click here for details.
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We told you it was coming — and now here are the details you’ve been waiting for: The long-awaited 1982 DC Comics Style Guide is now available for pre-order. The cost? $90 for early birds — and it ships in August. (Click here to order.)
Dig the full, official description, as well as an INSIDE LOOK:
The long-awaited reissue of the 1982 DC Comics Style Guide is now available for pre-order.
Reproduced from a rare original copy, the book features over 165 high-quality scans of the legendary art of José Luis García-López.
First issued in 1982, the Style Guide aimed to assist licensees in delivering a consistent look for DC’s Super Heroes. The reprint is a fascinating mashup of comic art, typography, and graphic design history, and a preservation of García-López’s legacy.
Order before July 4th for early-access pricing. Available only in the in the US and Canada.
Here are the specs, from the Standards Manual website:
— 384 pages
— 165+ image plates
— 9.5 × 11.5″
— 24.1 × 29.2 cm
— CMYK + 1 Pantone® spot color
— Stochastic screen offset
— Perigord Matte 135 gsm paper
— Case-bound (hardcover)
— Soft touch laminated cover with spot varnish
— Printed in Italy
— Individually packaged in custom protective mailer
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A few thoughts:
— Thanks to 13th Dimension All-Star Walt Grogan!
— Why is this such a big deal? Here’s why.
— I’ve already bought mine because I ain’t taking no chances.
— Hey, don’t forget DC’s Style Guide variant covers coming in July!
— Boy, August is gonna be some month.
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MORE
— OUTSTANDING! 1982 DC STYLE GUIDE Reprint Will Include Pages From Later Editions. Click here.
— 1982 DC COMICS STYLE GUIDE to Be Released as a Hardcover — Finally! Click here.
May 17, 2024
Actually it was never intended to guide artists in a consistent image of the characters—the whole purpose was to create art for our licensees rather than the comics. Sheesh!
May 17, 2024
Great to know this is a myth, and know the real reason.
May 18, 2024
It mat not have been “intended” as a reference guide for other artists, but some ’80s and ’90s DC artists have stated that they used it for that purpose, too.
May 18, 2024
When I read that originally I was thinking the reference was to the artists that worked for the vendor. Is that even how it worked? Would Mego pay for artwork from DC or did they produce their own and have it approved by DC first?
May 20, 2024
Hi Seby, “some ’80s and ’90s DC artists have stated that they used it for that purpose, too”. Possible you have a source for this?
May 18, 2024
Also, if this is the 1982 Style Guide, Supergirl should be in the hot pants and blouse, but I’ve seen 2 previews now that show her in the headband and skirt. Are we sure this isn’t the 1985 Style Guide? Or could it possibly include both versions of any pages with Supergirl?
May 18, 2024
It is the 1982 guide. The headband image was a placeholder I used at one point before realizing it was anachronistic.
May 18, 2024
Yep, I corrected that in their descriptive copy.
May 17, 2024
I’ll be ordering before July 4th! It looks great!
May 17, 2024
Oh my god this is a thing of beauty!
Will it be available through Previews and other comics or book sellers?
May 17, 2024
I couldn’t hit PREORDER quickly enough! A dream come true for this DC fan!
May 17, 2024
It seems the link doesn’t work 🙁
May 17, 2024
It definitely does.
May 18, 2024
As I type this it definitely doesn’t. All links produce a 404 Page Does Not Exist result.
Possibly because I’m in Europe, but still…
May 18, 2024
You might need to use a proxy to get around any issue with coming from Europe.
May 18, 2024
That’s exactly why. It’s only for sale in the US and Canada.
May 18, 2024
Hey, Juan. I just made a successful purchase. I’m using a Chrome browser under iOS.
May 17, 2024
I’m still very pleased that the style guide is getting the official release it’s so long deserved. This sneak preview of the guide has been very pleasing to read.
May 18, 2024
Ordered! Can’t wait!
May 18, 2024
Order confirmed! I also submitted a request for my local library to purchase a copy for its collection, so that many more folks may have the opportunity to enjoy it. Thank you, Dan.
May 18, 2024
Looks like a really well-crafted edition. I think though, I’ll wait for the lower-priced paperback… if there ever is one.