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Darkwerks: The Art of Brom
One of this generation’s most popular cult fantasy artists, Brom has a distinctive and disturbing vision. 150 full-color reproductions offer a glimpse into the mind of this dark master whose work has enhanced books, comics, games, and videos, ranging from Dungeons & Dragons to Doom II. Among the material included are unpublished early works; covers such as the deeply unsettling Fire Clown and horror-filled Rat’s Den ; and trading cards in a variety of genres, including the collectible Dark Age.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
4 people are currently reading
3620 people want to read
About the author
Brom
60 books6,471 followersBorn in the deep dark south in the mid-sixties. Brom, an army brat, spent his entire youth on the move and unabashedly blames living in such places as Japan, Hawaii, Germany, and Alabama for all his afflictions. From his earliest memories Brom, has been obsessed with the creation of the weird, the monstrous, and the beautiful.
At age twenty, Brom began working full-time as a commercial illustrator in Atlanta, Georgia. Three years later he entered the field of fantastic art he’d loved his whole life, making his mark developing and illustrating for TSR’s best selling role-playing worlds.
He has since gone on to lend his distinctive vision to all facets of the creative industries, from novels and games, to comics and film, receiving numerous awards such as the Spectrum Fantastic Art Grand Master award and the Chesley Lifetime Achievement award. He is also a national best-selling author of a series of award-winning illustrated horror novels: Slewfoot, Lost Gods, Krampus the Yule Lord, The Child Thief, The Plucker, and The Devil’s Rose. Brom is currently kept in a dank cellar somewhere just outside of Savannah.
At age twenty, Brom began working full-time as a commercial illustrator in Atlanta, Georgia. Three years later he entered the field of fantastic art he’d loved his whole life, making his mark developing and illustrating for TSR’s best selling role-playing worlds.
He has since gone on to lend his distinctive vision to all facets of the creative industries, from novels and games, to comics and film, receiving numerous awards such as the Spectrum Fantastic Art Grand Master award and the Chesley Lifetime Achievement award. He is also a national best-selling author of a series of award-winning illustrated horror novels: Slewfoot, Lost Gods, Krampus the Yule Lord, The Child Thief, The Plucker, and The Devil’s Rose. Brom is currently kept in a dank cellar somewhere just outside of Savannah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 7, 2022
Brom is one of the coolest guys in the modern horror and dark fantasy scene, retelling classic fables and fairy tales in a refreshingly grim, adult and grotesquely comical fashion. From turning Peter Pan into a child-kidnapping sociopath to turning Santa Claus into a terrifying evil god, his imagination is wild. On top of being a skilled author, he's also famous for some spectacular dark fantasy art.
Elric of Melnibone is on the cover of the book, one of the most influential antiheroes in fantasy fiction, responsible for inspiring the creation of the entire grimdark genre next to the likes of Glen Cook, Gene Wolfe and George R.R. Martin. His art tackles a wide range of themes from grimdark fantasy antiheroes, brooding barbarians in dystopian worlds, morbid angels in ghastly attire, gritty fairy tale reimaginings, seductive demons, even some works inspired by Dungeons and Dragons and Doom.
Lovely gothic horror and dark fantasy goodness.
Elric of Melnibone is on the cover of the book, one of the most influential antiheroes in fantasy fiction, responsible for inspiring the creation of the entire grimdark genre next to the likes of Glen Cook, Gene Wolfe and George R.R. Martin. His art tackles a wide range of themes from grimdark fantasy antiheroes, brooding barbarians in dystopian worlds, morbid angels in ghastly attire, gritty fairy tale reimaginings, seductive demons, even some works inspired by Dungeons and Dragons and Doom.
Lovely gothic horror and dark fantasy goodness.
July 25, 2016
I discovered Brom while reading The Child Thief...
Dark and beautiful....often disturbing. I like it.
Dark and beautiful....often disturbing. I like it.
August 7, 2011
Another great book of Broms darkly beautiful art. Can't get enough of the traditional style of painting and I often use this book as a reference whenever I'm doing a dark comic or something. Just love the way he paints. Thank you for letting us into the dark creative mind of yours Brom!
December 12, 2025
I love the artwork, it's absolutely beautiful, especially his take on Elric, even if Elric's a touch more muscular than Moorcock described him.
I do wish there were less "posed" images and more with something going on. The images are beautiful but rather static. Still, he's one of the better artists working today.
This would have been more of a five-star had there been just a little more context to the images, aside from, "these are covers that were challenging, but my favourite" or "these are cards that were challenging, but my favourite".
Nice collection, though.
I do wish there were less "posed" images and more with something going on. The images are beautiful but rather static. Still, he's one of the better artists working today.
This would have been more of a five-star had there been just a little more context to the images, aside from, "these are covers that were challenging, but my favourite" or "these are cards that were challenging, but my favourite".
Nice collection, though.
May 24, 2017
I became acquainted with Brom's work when I picked up his adult illustrated book Plucker. I was hooked.
Someone once said "art is supposed to disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed", and I feel Brom's works do that. Aside from being fantastic and creative they carry with them a sense of horror, as if something isn't completely right [and honestly how right can it be if half your face is melting off, do ya feel me?]. But that's what I love about it, it's weird, it's quirky, it might scare some people, but I still find some solace looking at these fascinating creatures.
As an art graduate myself just looking at his shading and blending still makes me sit down in awe. I'm still working on getting that good, and I'm dying to see more of his stuff out there.
This collection is made up of 3 categories, book covers, trading cards, and dark age.
Someone once said "art is supposed to disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed", and I feel Brom's works do that. Aside from being fantastic and creative they carry with them a sense of horror, as if something isn't completely right [and honestly how right can it be if half your face is melting off, do ya feel me?]. But that's what I love about it, it's weird, it's quirky, it might scare some people, but I still find some solace looking at these fascinating creatures.
As an art graduate myself just looking at his shading and blending still makes me sit down in awe. I'm still working on getting that good, and I'm dying to see more of his stuff out there.
This collection is made up of 3 categories, book covers, trading cards, and dark age.
March 9, 2009
One of my favorite artists. He does some really original Fantasy work.
August 18, 2025
Perhaps even less reading than the last book, but the art, my goodness, I love it.
September 2, 2009
Beautiful artwork!! Love his dark artwork!
September 27, 2013
Some serious skill at drawing the human (and occasionally not so human) body. His work leans towards the disturbing, but his ability is genuinely amazing.
July 7, 2015
This is a beautiful collection of works. His traditional painting skills are exceptional. Love his work.
June 3, 2022
Brom's artwork came into my life when I was drawing similar hellscapes when I was a middle schooler and high schooler. It was a comfort, a delight, and an inspiration to discover and recognize a style not easily accepted in "regular" society be acceptable, published, admired, and even successful! Although I no longer draw on any sort of basis, I still have a deeply profound appreciation for his work and talent. This book collects several outstanding pieces from full-fledged paintings for book or game covers to quickly completed card faces for tabletop games. My only gripe is that it's not longer!
September 4, 2025
My mom handed me this book and told me I should look at and assured me it was appropriate. The guy has some really weird art and even some creepy ones. There were a few though that I absolutely love and found one I really want because it's just so beautiful. I am glad my mom introduced me to Brom's art and look forward to seeing more.
February 3, 2025
Incredible. 🖤
December 7, 2012
This is the first volume in the collected works of Brom, and it is a beauty! Starting off with his artwork from age 5 through his teens, the book showcases the progression of one of fantasy's most brilliant (and disturbing) artists. Many of his most famous pieces are presented here in a large enough size to appreciate the painting style that has made Brom famous. A must have for the Brom enthusiast!
July 30, 2015
aaaah, brom strikes me once again with his beautiful imagery. i connected with the collector and editor of this book who also happens to be an obsessed fan of this man's work. she managed to combine not only his visual art but also his literary. this was how i found his poetry - dark fantasy combined with the whimsical heart of a magnificent poet.
July 21, 2009
Brom is my favorite fantasy artist. His figures are solitary and strong and often have a transgendered like look to them. They are also very dark but not in a too horrific way.
September 12, 2016
A collection of art by my very favourite artist! I loved flipping through the pages of this book.
April 21, 2012
A little "Giger" a little steampunk and a whole lot of awesome. Recognize some of the art from album covers and company adverts. Check it out!
January 29, 2016
If you like Brom's work or are fan of dark fantasy art then this is a recommended art book for you.
May 13, 2017
A staggeringly talented artist, who has worked on some of my favourite covers.
January 17, 2018
All the magnificent and eye-catching artwork by BROM from the year of 1994 to 2000. Couldn't help myself but kept watch those artwork again and again. Totally brilliant. Love it...
January 26, 2018
It was amazing. Not really anything to read, just page after page of his pictures. Keep it up, Brom. It's dark and captivating.
March 1, 2019
The first is undeniably action-packed.
August 19, 2019
An easy, simple, pleasant read.
August 5, 2021
I need my own copy!!
I confess, did not read all of it, mostly obsessed over the artwork 🤩
I confess, did not read all of it, mostly obsessed over the artwork 🤩
December 23, 2022
Elric on the cover holding stormbringer was all I needed to see. Plus I've read all of broms other books so I had to complete the collection.
May 14, 2024
Really cool art! Didn't realise it was just a collection of his works and not a graphic novel, but a nice introduction to Brom nonetheless.
December 25, 2025
Stunning.
July 30, 2022
Pretty cool characters.
April 25, 2023
Work of genius and madness. Thank you for the nightmares <3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews