WebFind: H.G. Wells: The War of the Worlds, illustrated by Adam Ruffino

By John Freeman on February 14, 2021

Award-winning specialist publisher Bitmap Books has recently released a stunning illustrated edition of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds as a 276-page hardback containing the original book text, brought to life by artist, Adam Rufino.

H.G. Wells is often referred to as the ‘father of science fiction’; his tales of time travel and alien invasion have enthralled generations.

His 1898 novel, The War of The Worlds, tells the story of an invasion from Mars and the ensuing conflict between the Martians and mankind. Over the years, there have been many cinematic adaptations and a musical version, but never before has there been a fully illustrated coffee table book in which all the classic scenes are brought to life.

H.G. Wells: The War of the Worlds Illustrated is a 276-page hardback containing the original book text, expertly brought to life through a series of illustrations by artist Adam Rufino.

In all, the book contains nearly 100 full-colour artworks, along with an introduction by award-winning British science fiction author Adam Roberts, who is Vice President of the H.G. Wells Society. Also included is a substantial feature on the life and works of H.G. Wells and an interview with Adam Rufino that showcases his concept sketches from the books development.

H.G. Wells: The War of the Worlds Illustrated is the first major project to be illustrated by Adam Ruffino, a freelance illustrator and graphic designer based in Mexico with a huge fondness for dinosaurs, and games such as Super Mario and Dragon Quest. He’s also the creator of a wide range apparel design.

The book looks simply stunning and there are plenty more sample pages to enjoy on the Bitmap Books web site if you’re still not convinced.

Founded by graphic designer Sam Dyer, Bitmap Books is an award-winning independent publisher of retro gaming books. The company aims to celebrate the software, hardware, developers, and code shops that laid down the foundations for the billion-dollar industry we know and love today.

• Buy War of the Worlds illustrated by Adam Ruffino here direct from Bitmap Books

Please note Bitmap Books have temporarily suspended shipping from the UK to EU and non-EU European countries. They hope this issue, the result of Brexit, will be resolved by early March 2021

• Buy H.G. Wells: The War of the Worlds, illustrated by Adam Ruffino from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

With thanks to Philip Boyce

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.