12 Anime Artbooks That Belong in Every Collection

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The Art of Spirited Away

This stunning artbook features breathtaking designs from Studio Ghibli’s iconic film Spirited Away. It offers a glimpse into the creative process behind the animation, showcasing the intricate artwork that brings the fantastical world to life. From character sketches to environmental designs, each page immerses you in the artistry of Hayao Miyazaki and his team.

In addition to showcasing visual artwork, the book provides insight into the inspiration behind the film’s enchanting settings and characters. With a market value of around $100, The Art of Spirited Away remains a highly sought-after item for anime collectors and art lovers alike.

The Art of Studio Ghibli Films

A comprehensive collection of artwork from several of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved films, this book brings together the beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations that have made the studio famous. The artbook features designs from films like My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. Each film is represented with vibrant character sketches, detailed backgrounds, and concept art.

A fantastic addition to any collection, it captures the creative genius behind some of the most visually stunning animated films in history. This book typically has a market value of approximately $90, making it a must-have for fans of the studio’s extensive filmography.

Attack on Titan: The Final Season Artbook

The Attack on Titan artbook for the final season highlights the dynamic artwork of one of the most successful anime franchises. The book includes various character designs, landscapes, and scenes from the action-packed conclusion of the series. Fans of the show will find their favorite titans, soldiers, and battles captured in intricate detail, revealing the level of craftsmanship involved in bringing the story to life.

Beyond just character designs, the book offers insights into the animation techniques used for the high-octane scenes. Its market value is around $80, and it is perfect for both casual fans and dedicated collectors of the series.

Cowboy Bebop: The Art of the Series

Cowboy Bebop stands as one of the most influential anime series, and its artbook pays tribute to the timeless visuals that defined its futuristic world. This book showcases detailed illustrations of the show’s iconic characters like Spike Spiegel and Faye Valentine, along with the gritty, yet sleek, settings that gave the anime its distinctive style.

Fans can expect to find sketches, background art, and conceptual pieces that offer a deeper appreciation for the show’s unique animation. Priced at approximately $75, this artbook is a valuable collectible for those who admire both the series and its visual storytelling.

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Art of Fullmetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist is widely regarded as one of the most influential anime series, and this artbook is a great reflection of that legacy. The collection includes detailed artwork from the series, including sketches, character designs, and storyboards. It shows the complex world-building that made the show such a success, highlighting the Steampunk-inspired environment and iconic alchemy symbols.

This artbook is perfect for fans who want to see the artistic evolution of key characters like Edward and Alphonse Elric. It is available for around $70, and its pages give fans a deeper appreciation for the series’ dynamic visuals.

Ghost in the Shell: The Art of Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell is a classic, blending cyberpunk with philosophical themes, and this artbook captures its iconic aesthetic. It includes visual concepts and designs from the original film as well as the Ghost in the Shell TV series. The artwork emphasizes the anime’s detailed, futuristic cityscapes, and the highly stylized cybernetic characters that are key to the series’ visual identity.

The book features many early designs of the characters and explores how the world was shaped from the ground up. Its market value is around $90, making it a must-have for collectors of cyberpunk anime and art.

Your Name: The Art of Your Name

Your Name quickly became one of the most visually stunning anime films ever made, and its artbook is just as captivating. This collection features a variety of breathtaking landscapes, character designs, and concept art from the movie, allowing fans to relive the beauty of the film’s vibrant visuals. The intricate details of the environments, such as the bustling Tokyo streets and serene rural landscapes, are showcased in full-page spreads.

The artbook also offers insight into how director Makoto Shinkai brought the stunning animation to life, highlighting the importance of color and light. Available for about $80, it is a valuable collector’s piece for fans of the movie and those who appreciate visual storytelling in animation.

The Art of Akira

One of the most iconic and influential anime films, Akira’s artbook showcases the visually stunning work that made the film stand out in the world of animation. The book includes original sketches, storyboards, and conceptual drawings from the groundbreaking anime film. Akira‘s detailed portrayal of a dystopian future in Neo-Tokyo is beautifully represented in this collection of art, which includes the character designs of Kaneda and Tetsuo.

The book is not only a tribute to the artistry but also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the animation techniques used to bring the film’s groundbreaking visuals to life. Its market value is approximately $120, and it is a highly sought-after piece for fans of the movie.

One Piece: The 20th Anniversary Artbook

To celebrate two decades of One Piece, this anniversary artbook features the work of Eiichiro Oda and showcases key moments, character designs, and behind-the-scenes art from the anime. From the Straw Hat Pirates to the islands they visit, this book captures the vast world-building that has made One Piece a global phenomenon. It is filled with iconic images from the show, from early sketches of Luffy to more recent designs of the expanded crew.

With rare artwork and visual explorations of the series’ growth, this book is an essential collector’s item. The market value for this artbook is around $70, and it offers a comprehensive look at the beloved series for both new and longtime fans.

The Art of Akame ga Kill!

This artbook dives into the intense world of Akame ga Kill!, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the character designs and breathtaking action scenes from the series. The illustrations showcase the sharp, bold styles of characters like Akame and Tatsumi, as well as the dark and gritty atmosphere of the show. Fans will also enjoy the full-color concept art that highlights both the visual and thematic elements of the anime.

The book captures not only the action but also the emotional depth of the characters, with a strong emphasis on their personal struggles. Available for about $65, this artbook is a must-have for fans of the series, giving them an in-depth look at the artistic craftsmanship behind Akame ga Kill!.

Berserk: The Art of Berserk

This dark and powerful artbook explores the stunning world of Berserk, featuring detailed artwork from the iconic manga and anime series. With beautifully illustrated panels, this book showcases the brutal, yet mesmerizing, landscapes and characters that make Berserk so legendary. The highly detailed illustrations of Guts, Griffith, and the Band of the Hawk are captured in full glory, emphasizing the series’ complex characters and intense action.

Fans can also appreciate concept art and illustrations that delve deeper into the mythology of Berserk’s universe. The book is generally available for around $100, and it’s a must-have for fans of the series who want a closer look at the intricate art style that helped define Berserk.

Sailor Moon: Sailor Moon Artbook Collection

For fans of the Sailor Moon franchise, this artbook collection is a beautiful tribute to the beloved magical girl anime. It contains a rich selection of illustrations and designs from the series, including character sketches, final art, and stunning cover art. The book features iconic scenes of Sailor Moon and her fellow Sailor Scouts in vibrant, detailed illustrations that capture the heart of the series.

The artbook not only covers character designs but also includes insight into how the show’s visual style evolved over the years. With a market value around $80, it is an essential addition for fans of Sailor Moon who wish to own a piece of its magical art.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.