Noble Boy by Scott Morse

Looks like CARTOON MODERN won’t be the only Fifties-related animation book released next year. Comic book/animation artist Scott Morse (currently working at Pixar) has just announced a new book project, NOBLE BOY, which will be out in spring 2006 through his new publishing company Red Window. The book is a graphic tribute to his mentor, Fifties designer Maurice Noble. Morse recently told Newsarama:

“I worked with Maurice beginning in 1994 and grew close with him. He was a sort of surrogate grandfather for the small group he hand-picked to train, dubbed ‘Noble Boys’, though there were a couple of women, as well. What was so great about Maurice was not only the aesthetic of his artwork, but his drive and energy as a human, his ability to be so down to Earth and not take himself so seriously. It was this view of life that informed his work, and it’s more that than anything that informed the work of the people he grew close to.”

Newsarama’s Chris Arrant has more details on the project: “Told all in rhyme, NOBLE BOY seeks to encompass both the playful quality of the man as well as bringing new light to his teaching and theories. Although it is set to be bound as a ‘board book’-style children’s book, Morse promises that ‘it’s very much for adults as opposed to kids.’”

It’s cool to see that the new artwork Morse is creating for the book incorporates elements of Maurice Noble’s own artwork, like the image above, which is based on a Noble layout for WHAT’S OPERA, DOC? (1957). This project is also a great example of how Fifties animation design continues to exert its influence on today’s animation creators. I can’t wait to check out this book!
(via Drawn!)