I have a confession to make, but it makes a point on how good the title being reviewed is. I hate standard "mecha" shows; that to me counts anything that is robot shaped and 50 feet tall, transforms or joins from five other objects. Gundam gives me hives. Watching Transformers is punishment. So opening this book is tantamount to reading geometry for fun and then finding out... it *is*.

Let's Draw Manga: Transforming Robots is written by PLEX. PLEX is a design company that has produced a variety of toys for shows like Ultraman to what is known in the states as Power Rangers. With such extensive "real world" background and the necessity of making these designs work and appeal to many, PLEX is the perfect candidate for this book

In order to understand a little about this type of robot design, a short history of the transformative toy starts the book. The massively complex robots are based on a surprisingly simple block and hinge principle; that simple principle is then elaborated on into different variations. As the designs become more complex, Let's Draw Manga: Transforming Robots details ways to break down whole objects such as cars, trains, even animals and insects. In later chapters, the aesthetics of the overall design of the robots are addressed. For example, a tank transforming into a robot is covered in detail. The company plays upon the strength of a tank and builds the robot accordingly, making a stocky, heavy design that reflects the spirit of the tank itself.

One would assume such designs could only be done by genius, but with the simple steps involved you see it is a matter of using only a few concepts in clever ways. Someone who has never drawn a robot design can do so with ease after reading this book. The images are large and simple; care has been taken not to overload a person at once with too many facts. Clear and precise drawings show the stages of each hinge variation, starting with a block split in to, to two and three hinge design. Each deviation is show in context with where it can be used in a real design; there are no hypothetical jumps from a car door to an arm.

However, this book *does* require some drawing knowledge beforehand; knowledge of perspective and proportion must already be in place before picking up this book. Although very careful in showing the designs as easy as possible, this is not a book for the very young (7-9 years old) and would be better suited for an older child. However it does not mean that the book is too simple for adults; someone who is interested in this field can gain much from reading it.

In short, a transforming robot isn't a jumbled up mess of blocks, but a finely designed creation that takes a lot of work and thought. This is a useful introduction to the theories behind robot classics such as Voltron and Transformers. Let's Draw Manga: Transforming Robots is impressive for not only the scale of knowledge involved, but for the fact that it does so in such an easy manner. If someone who can dislike the genre get something out of this book, then someone who is already fond of transforming robots will find this a must have. (And in all seriousness to all the mecha fans out there you have a pretty cool hobby.)

Now if you will excuse me, I have a scorpion design I'm dying to go figure out...