Charismatic illustrator Range Murata has put together a talented team of young artists in his self-edited collection of illustrations and short manga pieces. ROBOT contains works by artists such as Yug, known for his soothingly cute kiddy-style art, and Shin Nagasawa, whose specializes in monster and character design (he has designed monsters for games like Final Fantasy 7 and 9). SABE, famous for his depiction of his fanatical-minded characters as well as popular illustrator and mangaka Hanaharu Naruco, who has some erotic tendencies in his art, are among the other members of the ROBOT team. The level of artistry displayed in ROBOT makes it a showcase of the best in the Japanese manga, anime and game industry, with house-hold names and up and coming artists alike contributing a unique touch to its content. Each piece is distinct from the other in its story line and style of art - the common denominator being that all are composed with amazing skill and talent. With page after page of beautiful images, ROBOT is sure to be a delight for those looking to observe different techniques to enhance their own skill as well as those simply looking to be blown away by a quality of artwork rarely seen bound together in a single book.
DMP announces English adaptation:
Dir. of New Business Development, Isaac S. Lew states, "Robot Volume 1 is a perfect flagship title for Digital Manga's summer schedule."
"Robot Volume 1 flew off the shelves in Japan, mainly because all-color manga are rare, and compilations of this caliber are even more prized. During the last Pop Japan Travel tour, I had the honor of being Murata's guest at his kickass Tokyo pad last month, where he told me a little more about his work. Murata knew a lot of artists in his community who were overdue for some time on the center stage, and he enginered a book to showcase their talents. He was also astounded at the fact Americans can walk around sleeveless in a freezing Tokyo winter climate. I think he thought I was insane."
In other news:
Even super anime pop culture periodical gods Newtype-USA have taken notice: "Robot is unlike anything we've seen recently in the US. The book is beautifully and lavishly illustrated with so many artists represented that every page assaults the senses in new and different ways. Just when you've fully immersed yourself in the nuances of an artist's work, you're hit with something entirely fresh and exciting. You won't be able to put this book down. It is a sumptuous visual feast that is sure to please American fans seeking out the very best among cutting-edge illustrators from Japan. We are very excited to see this unique project come to the States in English."
The fan breakdown:
Robot has already taken an advance appeal with several die hard Murata fans. Buying the Japanese version months ago, William Feng and Joshua Kaplowitz love to "Do the robot" and explain their excitement for Murata and Robot's English acquisition:
William: I really appreciate the work put into Robot. It opens gates for a lot of people. Murata-san has displayed such an Industrial 1920 post WW1 designs to all his work. Also his coloring has this very "puni... puni..." feel. In his work, scenes of design and fashion are really closely related. There is a lot of imagination to a possible reality Murata conveys in his art. The style we usually get to see is stuff like Cowboy Bebop and Ninja Scroll. The trademark design of big eyes and small mouth. Murata-san creatively selected artists that have a unique and solid foundation and style. Mie Nekoi, Okama, Shigeki Maeshima and Ugetsu Hakua. I have admired several of these chosen artists for a long time and by releasing Robot in America, not only am I satisfied in reading an English adaptation, but it's cool that Robot will also now be exposed to a greater audience. I can't wait to see the English version!
Joshua: Murata was an obvious draw, I've been a fan of his since Blue Submarine no. 6. But I'm also a huge art fan, so I appreciate Robot. I see a lot of stories without words and Robot gives me that same feel. Not so many words but still a strong story. My favorites are YUG, Shigeki, Evony Ivory, HACCAN and Suzuhito Yasuda. I would love to see more of this eventually. Some of these artists belong in art gallery!
Being a comic magazine of sorts, ROBOT vol. 1 will be followed up by sequel volumes. This explains the nature of many of the short pieces included in the present volume, which do not quite conclude in its span of about eight pages. The plot line of other works fit neatly within their given page-span, and still others are simply a collection of illustrations which are either done in full color or monochromatic fashion. If the meaning of some of the pieces is difficult to grasp, perhaps ROBOT 2 (scheduled for release February 2005) will help to make more sense of things. But for now, let all tensely wait to "do the Robot"...