Riccardo Federici has a knack for making iconic heroes feel brand new. Whether he's turning Batman into a nightmare from the Dark Multiverse or reimagining Aquaman as a sword-and-sorcery legend, his art pulls you into the shadows and refuses to let go. Now, fans can own a comprehensive collection of his DC work in a stunning new hardcover.
Clover Press has launched a Kickstarter campaign for The DC Art of Riccardo Federici, a deluxe 9-by-12-inch volume spanning more than 200 pages. The book brings together Federici's work on Batman, Superman, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and a host of other DC heroes and villains. It's a deep dive into the career of an artist who has become one of DC's most distinctive visual voices.
From Nightmare Batman to Aquaman's Folklore
Federici's DC journey began with a dark twist: he was asked to draw a Bruce Wayne from the Dark Multiverse in Batman: The Murder Machine. That early assignment set the tone for his career—he takes characters we know by silhouette alone and makes us stop to examine every shadow. His work on Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter with writer Tom Taylor is a prime example. The story reimagines Aquaman's origin as a fantasy tale, with Jonathan and Martha Kent discovering a child cast out from an underwater kingdom. It feels like a folktale, and Federici's art sells that shift in genre completely.
That versatility is on full display in this collection. The same artist who can make Batman terrifying can also make a story about the Kents finding a baby feel warm and mythic. It's a rare range, and this book captures it all.
Inside the Deluxe Hardcover
The hardcover pairs finished pieces with behind-the-scenes material from Federici's career. He's drawn interiors for Aquaman, co-created the fantasy-horror series The Last God with Phillip Kennedy Johnson, and contributed covers to Action Comics, Detective Comics, and Dark Knights of Steel. At this size, you can really linger over the anatomy, lighting, and composition that Federici discusses when he talks about his process. In a comic, you're usually turning the page to see what happens next—here, you can pause and appreciate the craft.
This is Clover Press's fourth The DC Art Of volume, following books on Jorge Jiménez, Bruno Redondo, and Michael Turner. They've also done Marvel editions. Backers of the Kickstarter get exclusive extras, including a special slipcase and dust jacket, plus art portfolios featuring Federici's takes on DC characters. The campaign launched on November 11 at noon ET.
If you first discovered Federici through a Batman cover and never followed him into Aquaman or The Last God, this hardcover is the perfect way to see the full scope of his work. It's a celebration of an artist who continues to push the boundaries of superhero art.
For more on DC's visual storytelling, check out our list of the most visually stunning shows on network TV. And if you're a fan of comic book adaptations, you might also enjoy our take on DC heroes who deserve a TV debut. For those who love collecting, there's also news about a stunning graphic novel collection for The Hobbit.
You can back the Kickstarter directly and stay tuned for more updates. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Federici's work, this book is a must-have for any serious comic art enthusiast.
