April 4th, 2010, 8:05PM by nat | 10 comments
There have been visual books released in the past for the Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica series, but Kannazuki Noboru Illustrations - Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica is the definitive collection of Kannazuki's work, with page after page of gorgeous illustrations.
I feel like I'm getting spoiled with great art books lately, and this one is no exception. The book starts out with a double sided poster that shows two full length body illustrations of Corticarte. The art works aren't new though, as one was a dakimakura cover illustration.
The two page spread illustrations are printed with a tiny amount of overlap, so the art works look complete without bending the book backwards. Most of the illustrations in the front half of the book are from the DVDs and even the DVD art box, so they are the kind of illustrations you don't see as often.
I didn't like the inclusion of 8 pages of in-game CGs. It didn't seem necessary, and even though they are small images to begin with they're piled in 6 pictures to a page. The quality just doesn't measure up with the rest of the art work in the collection especially with the visible pixelation in some images. But that's really a minor complaint, as it doesn't occupy a significant portion of the book.
Amazingly, aside from those pages of in-game CGs, every illustration in the book is either presented on a full page or on a two-page spread. Definitely not something I'm used to seeing, even with so many art books. Kannazuki Noboru Illustrations is 128 pages long, with the color illustrations concluding at page 112.
There are a few of these "set" type illustrations, where the post is the same, but the clothing and facial expressions have changed. I used it was kind of a cheap way to fill space, but at least for these the changes are pretty significant ^^
There is a small monochrome section on the end, but even the black and white illustrations get the full page treatment. The monochrome gallery runs from pages 111 through 126, which pretty much only leaves room for a short interview page and the copyrights page. There is no index in Kannazuki Noboru Illustrations, instead the image information is printed in a small corner of each illustration.
Though I've only watched the anime, I'd much rather have Kannazuki Noboru's illustrations for it than the animation designs. I think this is really one of those art books you can appreciate even if you have no connection to the series, because it's just that good ^^
- Title: Kannazuki Noboru Illustrations - Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica
- タイトル: 神奈月昇イラストレーションズ -神曲奏界ポリフォニカ-
- Pages: 128
- Release date: 03/29/2010
- Buy: Amazon Japan
14 years, 10 months ago
I adore the image you used for your post intro. Definitely a lot of red headed spoiling going on in that book. Mmmm.
14 years, 10 months ago
Kannazuki's art is to die for a perfect match of soft style combined with soft and breathtaking coloration. Thanks for the Artbook review (even though I'm trying to keep my focus on Doujin collecting rather than Artbooks your reviews give me a rough time to maintain enough restraint ^^). It's a pitty though Kannazuki paused his Light of Night Circle activities a couple of years ago though...
14 years, 10 months ago
That's some fine looking artwork you got there. It's mighty purdy!
14 years, 10 months ago
LOL everytime I see her she reminds of Shana.. there definitly is something wrong with me XD
very nice book, may buy if I have the money.
14 years, 10 months ago
Great intro picture ! I love Corticarte en this one ^^ I like the anime and I think that I will buy this artbook for Corticarte pictures ^^'
14 years, 10 months ago
I so want an artbook by Kannazuki Noboru. But alas, I can't get any stuff for the following next 3 months.
14 years, 10 months ago
The good thing about art books is that 3 months from now, it'll still be easy to buy :3
14 years, 10 months ago
Looks like a nice artbook. ^^
Am no fan of "Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica" but I do adore Kannazuki Noboru's terrific illustration style.
14 years, 9 months ago
D: NO MEN?! xD
14 years, 9 months ago
Pfft, you weren't looking hard enough! Manly men are everywhere!