Bojack Horseman: The Art Before the Horse - by Chris McDonnell (Hardcover)

About the Book

Netflix's BoJack Horseman has quickly become one of the most critically acclaimed animated comedy series in recent memory. Set in an off-kilter, cynically spun rendering of modern-day Hollywood, the show follows washed-up horse actor BoJack Horseman (voiced by Will Arnett) as he attempts to turn his life around. This is the official behind-the-scenes companion to this cult-hit series. Part oral history sourced from original interviews with the show's cast and crew, part art book--including sketches, storyboards, and background art--this book will trace the series from conception to post-production. Beginning with the initial development of creator/showrunner Raphael Bob-Waksberg and production designer Lisa Hanawalt's inimitable aesthetic vision, The Art Before the Horse goes on to reveal all of the moving parts--direction, writing, casting, animation, and music--that come together to form this uniquely bleak, emotionally potent, very funny show.

Book Synopsis

Part oral history based on original interviews with the show's cast and crew, part art book--including sketches, storyboards, and background art--this official behind-the-scenes companion book traces the hit series from conception to post-production.

Beginning with the initial development of creator/showrunner Raphael Bob-Waksberg and production designer Lisa Hanawalt's inimitable aesthetic vision, The Art Before the Horse goes on to reveal all of the moving parts--direction, writing, casting, animation, and music--that come together to form this uniquely bleak, emotionally potent, very funny show.

Netflix's BoJack Horseman remains one of the most critically acclaimed animated comedy series of all time. Set in an off-kilter, cynically spun rendering of modern-day Hollywood, the show follows washed-up horse actor BoJack Horseman (voiced by Will Arnett) as he attempts to turn his life around.

This collectible book is the perfect immersion in the world of BoJack Horseman.

Review Quotes

"...part behind-the-scenes companion, part art book, and part history of the project quilted from interviews with cast and crew."-- "Animation Magazine"

"...the perfect companion book for fans..."-- "Advocate Magazine"

"An official behind-the-scenes companion book to BoJack Horseman so you can see what all the crazy-cool art looked like before it aired."-- "Buzzfeed"

"For fans of BoJack Horseman, The Art Before the Horse offers over 200 pages of fun, behind-the-scenes tidbits and images that you just won't find anywhere else."-- "SyFy Wire"

"Netflix's BoJack Horseman has cemented itself as one of the best comedies - animated or live-action - of the past decade, thanks in large part to its meticulously detailed world and the fascinating design of its quirky characters. Every scene is brimming with visual gags, ridiculous animal puns and Hollywood-skewering easter eggs, to the point where it's impossible to catch them all in a single viewing - which is why a new book, BoJack Horseman: The Art Before the Horse, should appeal to fans of all stripes (and spots)."-- "IGN"

"The sumptuous and comprehensive "Bojack Horseman: The Art Before the Horse"... is fascinating." -- "The New York Times"

About the Author

Chris McDonnell has designed books on Ralph Bakshi, Bill Plympton, the Joker, Wonder Woman, and more. McDonnell served as author and designer for Adventure Time: The Art of Ooo and Steven Universe: Art & Origins. He lives in Philadelphia.

Lisa Hanawalt is an artist in Los Angeles. She is also the author of My Dirty Dumb Eyes, Hot Dog Taste Test, and Coyote Doggirl.

Raphael Bob-Waksberg is the creator and executive producer of BoJack Horseman. For more information on BoJack Horseman or Raphael Bob-Waksberg, please buy this book.