Book Review: The Art of 宇宙ショーへようこそ 上 (The Art of Welcome to THE SPACE SHOW Vol. 1)

This is volume 1 of 2 for a set of books on the background art for Japanese animated movie 宇宙ショーへようこそ (Welcome to THE SPACE SHOW). Both books come with a transparent slipcase with characters that overlay the cover.

The background art is absolutely gorgeous.

草薙 (Kusanagi), the Japanese art studio, has created yet another beautiful world. If you have seen other works from Kusanagi, they are just doing what they do best - background art. It's always great to see new work from them.

The art follows the sequence of the movie. In volume 1, it features art on the earth and the moon. So it's a progression from countryside to a futuristic environment.

The watercolour paintings for the greenery, school and landscape are stunning. The lighting and colours are just perfect. You will want to be there. I can almost hear the crickets.

When the environment is shifted to the moon, there are some minor difference in the artistic style. The textured watercolours are less obvious, and there's more gradient colours to highlight the futuristic aspect of the moon city. Some pieces look like they were created with computer, with a mixture of traditional medium. The architecture uses much circular designs. The occasional use of bright colours against duller backdrop seem to suggest that this is animated movie. It's a beautiful and foreign place created with imagination.

There are 192 pages including interviews with director Masunari Koji and scene designer Takeuchi Shiho.

This is a wonderful book. Be sure to check out volume 2 as well.

Here are direct links to the book:
Amazon Japan | YesAsia USA

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