Book Review: The Art of Ryo Kanai

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The Art of Ryo Kanai



Binding: softcover
Pages: 64
Print: Full colour
Size: 23.5cm x 32cm approximate
Content type: concept/anime & manga CG
Content genre: anime & manga art
Publication: 2010
ISBN: 978-88-6233-017-6
Language(s): French, Italian, English, Japanese
Recommended readers: anime & manga fans, artists & readers interested in concept designing
Can be purchased at:
Labyrinth Books | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.fr | Amazon.de


Note: the book that I own was picked up from Labyrinth Books and has all comments written in four languages. Amazon.uk however, lists it as written only in French. I do not know if this is a mistake on the website's part or if this book was published with a French only version. Individuals who are interested in purchasing this book and require English and/or Italian comments are encouraged to either check with Amazon or its publisher Pavesio for clarification or purchase from Labyrinth Books as their copy is guaranteed multilingual.









This book features the illustrative works of Ryo Kanai, an illustrator for various mediums from novels and covers to magazines, and game promotional media etc. A good portion of the book is dedicated to his illustrations for the upcoming comic "Kitsukiba", a collaborative work between Italian writer Massimo Soumare with Kanai as the illustrator. It features panel previews as well as a few sample pages from the manga itself.







The remainder of the book shows various pieces of Kanai's art that he had selected, along with notes and comments. The beginning of the book has a forward, and interview comments with Kanai are written throughout. It ends with a tutorial or "making of" for the cover illustration which offers some insight into how he goes about his illustrative process.

Highly recommended for those interested in anime and manga type illustrations, as well as those with an interest in oriental type designs. A good deal of the Kitsukiba artwork is heavily inspired by traditional Japanese designs, patterns and motifs and are very beautifully detailed. He ends with comments on how he goes about illustrating the cover and is also a good reference for those getting into CG illustrations with Photoshop.