Singapore publisher Basheer Graphics Book has finally gotten around to publishing and releasing the English edition of 斗战神原画集 Asura Original Artworks, the companion artbook for Asura Online, a MMORPG game. I've reviewed the original artbook in 2014 so I don't actually have much to add except to say that this is an excellent artbook.

This 288-page hardcover is slightly smaller than the original. But it's well produced with beautiful artworks adorning every page. The concept art is heavily influenced by Chinese style art and character since this game was developed Tencent Technology, the software development unit of Chinese investment holding company Tencent.

The story is inspired by Chinese mythology such as Journey to the West. Now that I can read the translated text, I found out that The Monkey is actually one of the other playable characters in the game.

Most of the artworks are digitally painted. I like the style. It can be rough at times but it's always done in an artistic style to show off the design. Character designs are wonderful. I liken them to the epic look and feel of those characters from God of War but with Asian stylings. There are lots of character designs to check out. For selected characters, I can feel a god-like aura to them that is not apparent in others (probably less important enemies).

Art direction is terrific. The designs look cohesive. Characters and environment look like they belong to the same world. You get to see props, housing, stage design and mood paintings.

Now that the book's in English, you can read and learn more about the game and the design process.

This book has many levels of awesomeness. Most highly recommended.

Phenomena Art of Asura (English edition) is available at Amazon (US | CA | UK | DE | FR | IT | ES | JP | CN)

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This book was borrowed from Basheer Graphic Books for review purposes. You can order the book from them. Check with Basheer on Facebook.