Discovering Fantomorphia: An Extreme Coloring and Search Challenge by Kerby Rosanes
As a long-time admirer of Kerby Rosanes and his enchanting artwork, I was practically buzzing with excitement when I pre-ordered Fantomorphia: An Extreme Coloring and Search Challenge. My first encounter with his mesmerizing designs was back in 2013 with Doodle Invasion, and I’ve eagerly anticipated each subsequent release. This latest venture was no different—though, as it turns out, some surprises came hidden within its pages.
Upon receiving my copy, I was greeted by the familiar whimsy and detail that Rosanes is celebrated for. However, I quickly discovered the book contains only 19 designs—half the number of his previous releases. To compound this disappointment, the designs are printed only on one side of each page, drastically reducing the variety. Mathematically speaking, it’s like getting a quarter of what I’d hoped for at a price that felt unchanged. Had this been the format from the outset, I think we’d collectively have welcomed it with open arms. But given past experiences, there’s a palpable dissatisfaction when expectations clash with reality.
Yet, even as I grumbled over the skimpy page count, my husband, who had been watching me color, wasted no time in ordering his own copy. He was delighted with the single-sided prints, a feature I had initially lamented. Colorists, it seems, may appreciate this change, especially those who prefer to use markers without the fear of bleed-through ruining adjacent designs.
The artwork itself is undeniably gorgeous, with Rosanes’s signature blend of fantasy imagery featuring charming doodles and intricate details. However, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment when I encountered an image of a wolf that spans the front and back covers, yet only the front half is presented in the book. This choice left me feeling a touch cheated, as if an opportunity for a more complete artistic experience was right under my nose but just out of reach.
In terms of the physical aspects of the book, I found the paper to have a slightly smoother texture than his previous works, yet it retains that heavy feel that eager colorists appreciate. The designs are expertly sized to avoid merging into the binding, allowing for an easy coloring experience once you break the spine just a bit. I’ve had successful results coloring with both water-based and alcohol-based markers, though a blotter sheet is recommended to prevent any potential bleed-through.
Ultimately, while I set out to give this book a four or even five-star rating for the visually striking designs, my frustration regarding the publication choices drags my overall impression down to a three. It’s a shame, really, because the artwork is something that certainly deserves higher praise.
Fantomorphia offers a unique experience that might appeal to those new to coloring books or fans of Rosanes looking for a combination of search and coloring fun. While my initial excitement felt somewhat dulled by the book’s format, I will still cherish the moments of creativity it inspired.
So, if you’re keen on tackling intricately detailed designs while engaging in a half-hearted treasure hunt, jump into this book! Just be prepared for a different rhythm than its predecessors. Happy coloring!
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