[This review is based on a sample provided by the publisher.]
VIZ Media recently released a limited edition art book, Blanc et Noir, featuring Takeshi Obata’s work. I can’t imagine many anime fans haven’t at least seen his art in passing. The artist is perhaps best known for Death Note but he also drew Bakuman and Hikaru no Go (my favorite of his series).
OBATA TAKESHI ILLUSTRATIONS -Blanc et Noir- © 2006 by Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.
With a title like Blanc et Noir, you can imagine that the images housed within are dark or sinister. But you would only be half-right. Yes, the majority of the pages are dedicated Death Note and its grim-looking cast but the rest of the (surprisingly heavy) book contains drawings from Hikaru no Go along with promo art from throughout Obata-san’s career and even some original works (see the image directly below.) One of the features are the author’s notes in the back, completely translated to English. The notes describe each page, including what series it is taken from, inspirations for the drawing, and other tidbits. I am glad they included this part as it adds a lot more depth to the pictures included.
OBATA TAKESHI ILLUSTRATIONS -Blanc et Noir- © 2006 by Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.
The quality of the book itself is impressive. The pages are large, as if you were holding a portfolio of thick posters. Some of the pages have a sort of film on them (which can be pulled away) or on a different textured paper (most are on a glossy-type page) to give certain images a different look The cover is a smooth matte black with a simple embossed silver emblem on the front. And the book is hefty! It has 132 pages of illustrations not to mention a four-page “How To Draw Section” and 12 pages of author’s notes.
OBATA TAKESHI ILLUSTRATIONS -Blanc et Noir- © 2006 by Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.
Included with Blanc et Noir are three lithographs from art also found in the book. Those and the book are housed within a sturdy, textured book sleeve. Only 10,000 of this title were printed.
The edition size plus the quality of the product would justify the $99.99 price tag for most collectors and fans of Obata-san. Even if you aren’t familiar with his work, it still makes for a cool book to display on your coffee table (people still do that, right?) if you can fit it into your budget. The cost is really the only downside to an otherwise awesome art book.
I would give Takeshi Obata’s Blanc et Noir a 4.5 out of 5. The book itself is spectacular but the price is a barrier some fans may not be able to get past.