Being a big anime and manga fan, getting hold of “Everyday Scenes from a Parallel World
It was while reviewing this book that I left it on the coffee table, not to test my theory but for convenience. “Everyday Scenes from a Parallel World
There is very little prose. Except for the introduction which was written in both Japanese and English, the pages just have the titles of the illustration. If you are like me who does not read Japanese, don’t worry. There is an English translation right beside the Japanese.
To say that I was mesmerized by “Everyday Scenes from a Parallel World
So, yes, the book is still on my coffee table, right in our TV room. When I sit down to watch the six o’clock news, I always open it and look at one drawing. It might only be 60 seconds per day that I give this book attention, but that is enough for me to continue admiring the artists who drew them. It will be a long time that “Everyday Scenes from a Parallel World
Everyday Scenes from a Parallel World
by PIE International (Editor), Seiji Yoshida (Artist), Loundraw (Artist), Jun Kumaori (Artist)
Everyday Scenes from a Parallel World is a celebration of the beauty of the scenes and backgrounds in anime and manga. This unusual book turns the spotlight exclusively on the scenes and background illustrations. With only a few ordinary characters in these scenes, attention here is focused on the beauty of the illustrated backgrounds.
These background artworks feature familiar scenes from daily life: nostalgic townscapes, detailed cityscapes, intricate architecture, rooms that look like doll houses, etc. They are extremely realistic and detailed–almost like photographs–but at the same time give readers the sense that we are looking at images of a parallel world.
The works featured are by 39 well-known, mostly Japanese creators, illustrators, and animators. Some creators featured have made their entire careers specializing in drawing backgrounds. Frequently overlooked, this book finally gives them the recognition they deserve. Additionally, a section that explains drawing techniques and materials is included. The profiles of creators with messages from each, descriptions of each creator’s techniques and preferred materials are written in both Japanese and English text.
This stunning collection will appeal to all art lovers and is sure to bring creators massive inspiration, too.
