Reference Reviews

Doug’s Student Reference Room

Computer Animation, by Hal Marcovitz. 104 pp. Detroit, MI: Lucent Books, 2008. ISBN 13: 978-1-4205-0004-2; ISBN 10: 1-4205-0004-X. $32.45.

This brief but exceptional volume provides an introduction to computer animation for teens and adults. The opening chapter traces the history of the field by first explaining the processes of cel and stop-motion animation, using examples like Steamboat Willy, Snow White, King Kong and Gumby to illustrate, then building on concepts from these techniques to describe the genesis and evolution of computer animation, from early computer-generated imagery in television graphics to the complex creations from Pixar and DreamWorks such as Toy Story, Shrek and Happy Feet. The following chapter looks at computer animation in games, from precursors of the elemental Spacewar! and Pong to the remarkable 3-D graphics on such recent games as Gears of War, which combines lifelike images and stunning detail in 360 degree viewing. The next two chapters unpack fundamental technical issues involved in computer animation, beginning with storyboarding, modeling and rigging and continuing with the intricacies of animating people. These chapters describe both early techniques and changes made possible through new technologies such as motion-capture, in which actors wear special suits that allows their live performances to be captured digitally and subsequently animated. These middle chapters, which describe complicated technical concepts clearly and simply, may nevertheless provide a challenge to younger readers. The final chapter explores the future of computer animation beyond entertainment in fields such as architecture, medicine and forensics. This volume is replete with color photos from movies, games and entertainment industry animation studios and the author provides abundant examples of the most popular computer animations to illustrate his explanations. A central theme throughout is that while technology advances the field of computer animation and there is an interdependent relationship between engineers and artists, it is the artistic sensibility which drives the final creations. Highly recommended for secondary school and public libraries.