Anime Structure celebrates iconic fictional cityscapes
Anime Architecture brings together some of the most elaborate and futuristic locations in the genre, emphasizing the level of work and detail with which these fictional pieces of architecture were created.
The images were all taken between 1988 and 2010. During this time, as the book's author, Stefan Riekeles, notes, the anime industry has changed significantly due to new digital technologies.
“In those 22 years, paper-based wallpapers have peaked in terms of realism and attention to detail. These days computer animation is used in all areas of production, but the main tools for the creators of the works featured here are still the layout table, paper, pencil and brush – these artists established their careers and reputations at a time when anime was still drawn almost exclusively by hand on paper. "
Picture above: Metropolis, scene 12, section no.7 et al. Final production background Shuichi Kusamori © 2001 Tezuka Productions / Metropolis Committee. Licensed by Bandai Namcoarts Inc. All rights reserved; Above: Patlabor: The film, cut No. 182. Final production background: Hiromasa Ogura © 1989 Headgear
Akira, cut no. 207. Final production background: Toshiharu Mizutani. Based on the graphic novel Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo. First published by Young Magazine, Kodansha Ltd. © 1988 Mash • Room / Akira Committee. All rights reserved
Akira, cut no. 1. Still images. Based on the graphic novel Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo. First published by Young Magazine, Kodansha Ltd. © 1988 Mash • Room / Akira Committee. All rights reserved
The book, which has been in the works for more than a decade, looks at the process behind these images, from concept design to color palettes to the final layout phase. It also explores some of the genre's influential moments – for example, Akira's Neo Tokyo setting and the more realistic portrayal of the Japanese capital through Patlabor films.
There's no shortage of beautiful imagery to accompany them either, and seeing such elaborate drawings that deviate from the plot of the film only reveals how many details their creators have carefully captured. Whether they show science fiction cities or edited versions of real places, the book is a welcome piece of architectural escapism.
Ghost in the shell, section 68. Final production background, detail: Hiromasa Ogura. © 1995 Shirow Masamune / Kodansha • Bandai Visual • Manga Entertainment. All rights reserved
Patlabor 2: The film, cut no. 572. Final production background: Hiromasa Ogura. © 1993 headgear
Anime Architecture is published by Thames & Hudson at a price of £ 35. thamesandhudson.com