Book Review: Monster Hunter Illustrations (English Edition)

I've reviewed the Japanese edition of this book (モンスターハンターイラストレーションズ) before, so I just borrowed this copy from Basheer Graphic Books to find out the differences.

The English edition translated by Udon is just one book as compared to the Japanese edition which comes with two books and a slipcase. Udon has combined the two books into one and did away with the dust jacket. This is a 304-page paperback and the binding looks good enough for the thickness.

The main section features the concept art for the monsters, characters, armour and weapons. All the art are drawn in detail with captions. Some monsters even have their bone structure drawn. There are over 100 of drawings for the monsters.

For character designs, there are 300 variations, different and same characters in different armour. It's just so fun looking at the armour and weapon designs. They are clearly created with the emphasis of using materials found in that world. It's amazing the different kind of weapons that can be created with dragon bones, and still look good.

Finally, there are also cartoons drawings, promotional marketing art and game screenshots.

The second section contains black and white sketches. The paper used here is also different. It's just the usual white paper without the glossy finish. The sketches are mainly on monsters and characters but rougher in details. This section is 64 pages and the earlier one 240 pages.

The artbook is great except that there are some editing errors like spelling mistakes.

Other than the minor issue, this book is most highly recommended to fans of Monster Hunter, video game art and fantasy artists.

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

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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 or visit their website.