Book Review: Gurren Lagann Parallel Works 2

[stainspecktacle]

*NOTE: I’ve been wondering whether I should post about this, since it’s not exactly an “artbook”; but bonus material bundled with the DVD. But I figured it’s got enough content to interest this forum. Mostly for people who are unsure of the “Limited Edition”(as apposed to “Regular Edition”) and want to know what it actually contains before purchase.

What the hell is this? Gurren Lagann Parallel Works 2 is the 2nd collection of animation shorts directed by people involved with “Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann” (mostly key animators). They’re like Music Videos featuring songs from the series (Though this collection has completely new songs, never heard in the original series), and tell stories of “parallel” worlds to Gurren Lagann. Most likely release in conjunction with the 2nd Movie. Here's the 1st short
OR as AmiAmi put it:A new compilation of alternate-universe mini stories with your favorite Gurren Lagann characters! And this time, featuring all-new music as well!

Gurren Lagann Parallel Works 2 [Limited Edition] includes:

• Slipcase
• 1xDVD (containing all 7 Parallel Works 2 shorts)
• 1xCD (containing 5 songs/music pieces used for ParallelWorks2)
• 1xBook (Looks to be an accompanying production book of sorts)
• 7xPrints (1 for each short)
  

Presentation wise, it’s pretty awesome, everything comes neatly in a (thin) cardboard gurren lagann slipcase, Decorated the Gurren Lagann way. The book is 104 pages, soft-cover, pretty much separated by colour into 7 sections for each short. Content provided for each short varies, but the book mainly has interviews with directors of the shorts, screenshots, animation sheets/frames, storyboards, concept art/sketches, model sheets, image boards and background boards, that stuff. Cover’s shiny, quality colour images on smooth paper, pictures can be small at times, but it’s clear.
I really like this book, no regrets on my purchase. If you like Gainx, Gurren Lagann, ‘artsy’ sort of alternative take on it, ‘anime’ production or the first Parallel Works, chances are you’ll like this. Is it worth the extra cash $30?….well the regular was already $30 (that came with only the DVD!)….

THE STUFF. (btw, i actually removed the CD holder thing onto the other side so people can see both disc, isn't originally arranged like that.)
   
THE PRINTS
   
THE BOOK IN QUESTION
   
   
   
   
See the background/border colour, Colour coded for each section
   
   
   
   



Bind: Soft Cover
Booklet Dimension: B5/18.3cm x 25.8cm x 1cm (measured by yours truly)
Pages: 104 (I think)
Text: Japanese (unless you're talking about the heading)
Print: Colour
Release: May 2010

Book can only be bought in combination with the "Limited Edition" bundle (unless told otherwise).

Available at: Play-asia|YESASIA||Amazon Japan|CdJapan

[parka]

Thanks for the detailed review.
I didn't even know there's a parallel world arch to the original series.