Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga – The Art of Avengers: Age of Ultron is the tenth release in the 24-book Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga series, which is republishing previously released art books as a resized matching set.
Buy The Art of Avengers: Age of UltronAfter Marvel’s The Avengers, three of the heroes (Tony Stark/Iron Man, Thor, and Steve Rogers/Captain America) were each featured in sequels, with Black Widow teaming up with Cap in The Winter Solider, before reuniting with writer/director Joss Whedon for Avengers: Age of Ultron. In the book’s introduction, there is a recap of those films and of the state the characters are in as well as an explanation of the Ultron character, the movie’s villain, and what inspired the decision to use it.
Chapter One is about “A Country in Turmoil,” which is the fictional Eastern European country of Sokovia where the Avengers are “trying to find Loki’s scepter” with the intention to return to Asgard for safekeeping. Paul Chandler’s concept art for the Hydra fortress looks formidable but bleak with its lack of color in the winter.
Head of Visual Development Ryan Meinerding created concept art for the heroes. A new Iron Man armor, Mark 43, was developed using new color combinations, and he details what went into the new designs for Captain America, including changes to the shield, such as magnetic connections and a foldout handle, which Meinerding explains, “would…allow for different and new actions with the shield.” He even developed a pair of stretchy pants for Bruce Banner/Hulk, which was an idea of Whedon’s from the first film.
Costume Designer Alex Byrne speaks about “the joy of” working on Thor’s costume for the third time, having skipped The Dark World. With Whedon happy with Hawkeye’s costume, Byrne and concept artist Andy Park only had to focus on a “sleek, new jacket…[for] colder climates.” Park also redesigned Black Widow with the idea “to go more superhero” while Concept Artist Chris Rosewarne upgraded her batons. Propmaster Barry Gibbs streamlined the archer’s bow and upgraded his arrows.
For the villains, Concept Artist Josh Nizzi worked on Baron Stucker’s army, which “blends arctic military wear with stolen Chitauri technology” in their outfits and their weapons, as well as the locations. Various artists worked on the look of the twins, Wanda and Pietro, and their alter egos, spell-caster Scarlet Witch and speedster Quicksilver. Black and white storyboards by Bryan Andrews visualize “Wanda Invokes Tony’s Dream” and later outline the “Final Battle.”
Chapter Two is about “Avengers HQ.” Concept Artist Roberto Fernandez Castro says it “looks like a modern mansion, a luxury streamliner and a hi-tech laboratory [allowing for] endless possibilities.” This chapter spotlights the Quinjet, the Infirmary, the Living Area, the Locker Room, the Lab, and the Machine Room, the last of which is “the perfect environment for the birth of Ultron.” The artwork is of sleek, futuristic spaces, yet it all seems plausible.
Chapter Three is about the “Rise of Ultron,” and it begins by reusing material from the Introduction about the character. At Whedon’s request, Park’s designs had Ultron comprised “of spare Iron Man parts.” The chapter segues into the concept art by many artists for Ultron Prime with Meinerding revealing he took inspiration from the art-deco period.
The highlight of Chapter Four is the concept art for the Hulkbuster armor that Tony uses to combat the Hulk, who is sent into a rampage by Wanda. Rodney Fuentebella drew many “Hulk vs. Hulkbuster Fight Gags.” More importantly for the MCU moving forward, Age of Ultron is where the Vision first appears, a character Executive Producer Victoria Alonso calls the “soul of the film,” and it’s clear a lot of thought went into its creation.
Chapter Five, “Showdown in Sokovia,” focuses on the climatic battle between the Avengers and Ultron and his sentries. Tony has a new suit, Mark 45, which Concept Artist Phil Saunders approached as “wearable Ferrari,” and the subtle differences are apparent. Oddly, the final chapter, which typically focuses on the marketing material, is limited to concepts for the San Diego Comic-Con collectible posters.
The Art of Avengers: Age of Ultron is an impressive peek behind the curtain at the creation of the movie. Having gone through ten books in the series with many of the same artists involved, my awe at their artistic talents is undiminished. Fans of superhero movies and how they are made should add this to their library.
