A Special Thanks to Viz Media and NetGalley for the ARC.
Like the book we’re about to review, it is a celebration of one of the most iconic manga creators in Manga history. Her name is Rumiko Takahashi, known for works such as Ranma 1/2, Urusei Yatsura, and Maison Ikkoku has thrilled fans over the years with her versatile storytelling. Today, my review covers something inspirational to not only fans, but to creators who have looked for guidance on creating a manga with The Art of Rumiko Takahashi: Colors 1978–2024.
I have reviewed an art book previously, but this focuses on a career spanning 45+ years with notes and commentary, artwork that starts from the sketching phase up to the final product that is presented in its original right-to-left format. The book is separated into sections that focus on Takahashi’s career from the very beginning up to her most recent work, keep in mind that the pages that contain reproductions of original drafts of chapters from the series, many of which are in full color.
Speaking of chapters, they include comments from Takahashi herself, walking the reader through the developmental process of each story. She also identifies some of her favorite panels from the series and why they stand out to her. Keep in mind, some of the commentary was uneven in the book, but it is most likely due to translation. As an artist, this felt like a learning experience that was not only helpful, but it was something that could motivate creators to try new things creatively with art and stories. Her artwork in this book is wonderful, whether it be sketches, or the finished product it is a piece of history in both of the Manga Industry and history itself.
While I enjoyed her earlier stories later in life, Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha were the first stories that introduced me to Takahashi’s unique storytelling and her artwork. Speaking of Inuyasha, in that part of the book she switches up her commentary with statements about her approach to creating manga in general. Overall, this art book is another way of providing insight into the creation of manga as a process and career. One of her newest stories, MAO is getting an anime adaptation, confirming that all of her work in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Magazine has been adapted into anime.
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The Art of Rumiko Takahashi: Colors 1978–2024 is available now at your local bookstore and e-retailer. It is the perfect art book for admirers of Japanese Art, fans of Rumiko Takahashi, anime, and manga.
Final Grade:
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