Book Review: The Art of Blade Runner: Black Lotus

Looks like graphics from a PS2 game

Let me start by saying that I like Blade Runner (1982) and Blade Runner: 2049 (2017) but have not watched animated TV series Blade Runner: Black Lotus (2021), BRBL

Because I did not watch the animation, I can't say much about the Blade Runner world. But based on what I see in this book, I don't really feel the Blade Runner vibe. Sure there's the cyberpunk vibe, but it's not Blade Runner enough. There are artbooks that are so good you don't have to be a fan of the IP they are based on. E.g. Blade Runner 2049 - Interlinked - The Art. This book is not one of them. If you've watched the BRBL or its trailer and like what you see visually, you may like this book. I did not like the animation style and quality.

The characters do not stand out to me. I know the artists and designers put in a lot of effort to create everything but seriously the characters look like those you can find from 3D model online stores. Harsh. Yes. But I don't know how else to describe them. The lead character Elle looks alright. And finally there's someone with a blade in Blade Runner.

The concept artworks and screenshots also look like speed paint, very CGI like they are from PS2 games. There are hand drawn and painted art but they just look alright. There are a few pages of storyboard at the back too. I'm a big fan of environment art but none in this book blew me away.

The proportion of hand drawn art vs screenshots and CGI is 50:50 in the book. I feel like the book could be so much better if they are more sketches and hand drawn art.

The text is quite brief with just 2-3 paragraphs on each character or setting. Maybe the book could be made better if it's a making-of book with more commentary.

I'm not sure what to make of this book. You can see the preview pages below to decide for yourself.

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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.

The Art of Blade Runner: Black Lotus is available at Amazon (US | CA | UK | DE | FR | IT | ES | AU | 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.