Books
Books
Eric Nakamura - Whatever Falls in Between 1 - Photo Zine
24 pages, measures 5.5 x 8.5 inches.
This modest and beautifully executed booklet is an affectionate glimpse into the people, places and pets that surround the daily life of Giant Robot's own Eric Nakamura. See such familiar faces such as James Jean, Katsuya Terada, David Choe bound in alongside more intimate scenes of family life.
From the inside page:
"This is a collection of photos shot at the end of 2016 and early 2017. I have the need to say that it was shot on 35mm Tri-X film, and it is also a restart of my film photography work which began in 1986 until around 1996 when my entirety of camera gear was burglarized. Of course I used film for the earlier days of Giant Robot, but those were quick jobs and often not memorable. With digital photography and cellphones being so easy to use, I never thought I'd go back to film. My favorite subjects are starting to become evident, and there are days when I shoot a lot and then there are weeks in between touching the camera. I'll admit I've witnessed plenty of moments pass by and that's how it goes."
-Eric Nakamura, 2019
Science Fiction Illustration: The Near Future and Fantasy Worlds Creators' Showcase
Softcover, 192 pages, 10.16 x 9.76 inches.
This book is a large-format anthology that introduces 32 contemporary artists and their works depicting near-future and imaginary worlds with a variety of illustration styles and outstanding techniques.
Inside you will find a devastated apocalyptic world, a society with advanced science, humans and cities that are a fusion of machines and advanced technology, characters traveling through an infinite universe, novel gadgets with huge potential, and the future that we may have dreamt of during childhood. Enjoy these highlights from the world of science fiction illustration printed in full color and with a beautiful binding. Also, at the end of the book, there is a feature on the method of Atsuya Uki, a visual artist and illustrator who creates unique worlds with his vivid colors and bold compositions.
Rashomon at the 70th Anniversary Book
Softcover, 128 pages, 9 x 11 inches.
Directed by the remarkable Akira Kurosawa (1910–1998), ‘Rashomon’ was the first Japanese film to receive significant international attention. It was released in 1950 and won several awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1951, while its visionary artistic ambitions became a symbol of Japan’s post-war reconstruction. Now, on the occasion of its 70th anniversary, this volume presents an in-depth look at what the film’s notable production staff accomplished. Filled with original storyboards, screenwriting fragments, production photographs, scripts, posters, and other ephemera, it is a fascinating tribute to one of the greatest, most impactful films ever made.
This book is printed in Japanese.
New Retro Illustrations: Retro Reimagined by a New Generation
Softcover, 192 pages, 9.5 x 6.5 inches.
“New retro”, a combination of the word “New” and “Retrospective”, is a newly coined phrase meaning “appreciating and enjoying something old while reimagining it into something modern.” This book introduces 40 up-and-coming illustrators working in this “new retro” style. Through the 300 illustrations showcased in this one book, readers can appreciate and enjoy retro culture, items and motifs reimagined and transformed into something new.
Ushimitsudoki Midnight: Art Collection of DaisukeRichard Daisuke Richard
Softcover, 160 pages, 9.5 x 6.5 inches.
DaisukeRichard’s first comic art collection book KIKANETSU (9784756251046) went viral not just in Japan but also internationally giving him a huge attention in the industry and leading him to do many new commercial works in collaboration with big companies and artists (e.g. book covers, album covers, character design for Netflix anime, a collaboration with Red Bull, solo exhibitions and many more). The title of this new book “USHIMITSUDOKI”, meaning “in the dead of night” or “witching hour”, was chosen because the many melancholic girls illustrated in this book were given wings and horns to make them look like Yokai spirits, adding a creepy feel to each of the illustrations (as in the cover art). Collecting over 140 illustrations, including original illustrations and commercial works, this book is the world’s most anticipated book in the anime/manga illustration scene.
Written in Japanese.
Grow: The Art of Koyamori
Softcover, 192 pages, 7.5 x 7.7 inches.
Grow is artist's Koyamori's carefully curated and created collection of illustrations featuring their bright, colorful compositions and adorable characters and settings. This collection spans Koyamori's career including brand new pieces created just for this book! A reversible dust jacket includes the cover from the Japanese edition on the reverse side. Both covers are new illustrations exclusively drawn for this long-awaited book.
City of Darkness Revisited
Measures 11 x 11 inches, Hardcover, Color and Black & White images, 356 pages.
After several failed attempts, Kowloon Walled City was finally demolished 20 years ago, leaving behind a legacy of fascination that continues to grow, fuelled in part by the extraordinary community’s many urban legends. Designed and edited by Greg Girard and Ian Lambot, the team behind ‘City of Darkness: Life in Kowloon Walled City’, this new publication questions those myths and explores the reality behind the Walled City’s extraordinary architecture and development. Through photographs, drawings and documents, many previously unpublished, plus an extended article by Hong Kong-based writer and journalist Fionnuala McHugh, the full story is revealed.
James Jean - Pareidolia: A Retrospective of Beloved and New Works by James Jean
Softcover, 288 pages, measures 9 x 12 inches.
Pareidolia is a long-awaited collection of the art of James Jean, featuring works that span the majority of his career.
Born in 1978, Taiwanese-American James Jean became one of the most prolific artists/illustrators in commercial and fine art. He created numerous covers for American Comics and also collaborated on special projects with PRADA in 2007.
As much of his art has previously only been available for consideration formatted as album covers or other specialized commercial art, this book holds many visual treats for fans across the globe. Bilingual introductions by contemporary artist Takashi Murakami and film director Guillermo del Toro! Includes supplementary poster. Text in Japanese and English.
Fashion Illustration: Outfit of the Day
Softcover, 192 pages, 9.5 x 6.5 inches.
This is the ultimate art collection book of illustrated Japanese fashion, featuring 40 different up and coming Japanese artists. Such fun usage of color and composition, with all different styles, this book is an endless source of inspiration and creativity.
Written in Japanese.
Polaris: The Art of Meyoco
Softcover, 192 pages, 7.5 x 7.7 inches.
Polaris is artist's Meyoco carefully curated and created collection of illustrations featuring their bright, colorful compositions and adorable characters and settings. This collection spans Meyoco's career including brand new pieces created just for this book!
KAWS: He Eats Alone
Hardcover, measures 8.20 x 10.10 x 1.20 inches, 322 pages.
This publication documents the artist’s first exhibit in the Middle East, with more than 40 key pieces in sculpture and painting from the last two decades. The exhibit in Doha, Qatar, and its accompanying catalog also feature a number of KAWS’ commercial collaborations alongside his 5-meter-tall sculpture Companion (Passing Through) and his inflatable 40-meter-tall piece Holiday. Bound in cloth, this volume is a gorgeous collection of KAWS’ most exciting work.
Brian Donnelly (born 1974), known professionally by his graffiti tag KAWS, is the mastermind behind one of today’s most recognizable artistic brands. A graffiti artist since adolescence, Donnelly received his BFA in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in 1996. He then worked as a background artist for animated TV programs before becoming an independent designer. He has worked with artists like Kanye West and collaborated with brands such as Supreme, Nike and Comme des Garçons. He is currently represented by Skarstedt Gallery in New York.
Gemma Correll - I Enjoy Being A Girl (Mostly) Zine
Gemma Correll's illustrations are a delightful blend of simplicity and charm.
Her latest zine is a collection of comics about “how bloody wonderful it is to be a girl.”
Gemma explores the great questions of our modern age, including “where are the bloody bobby pins?” and delves into the dark, deep thoughts that happen during Yoga.
Printed on recycled paper in the USA.
Size: 5.5" x 8.5"
Momentary - by Ilya Kuvshinov
Paperback with cover sleeve, Measures approximately 7.8 x 1 x 8 inches, 192 pages.
Ilya Kuvshinov is an illustrator and comic artist from Russia, based in Japan. In this first collection of his work, readers will find full-color, perfectly rendered illustrations of adorable girls with large, manga-influenced eyes. Backdrops and environments referencing Japan are illustrated with just as much detail and love. Momentary also features sketches interspersed, showcasing his ability to capture movement with his first pen strokes. Written commentary (in both Japanese and English) from the artist himself also accompanies these beautiful full-color pages.
Katsuya Terada x Giant Robot - I Love Coffee Zine 2 + Sticker
Softcover, 24 pages, Measures 5.5 x 8.5 inches, full color. Includes a 2.8 x 3.7" vinyl sticker (girl with green hat)
Released along with Katsuya Terada's Dragon Girl solo art show at our Giant Robot 2 gallery comes this beautifully printed art zine.
I Love Coffee 2 includes various digital drawings by the artist expressing his love and/or neurotic addiction to the magical beverage. What caffeine junky can't relate to that joy?
No Forward for this edition is provided, however, Terada does include one page that reveals what this zine is about.
Giant Robot: The Zine Years (Issues 1 + 2)
At 5.5 x 8.5" this publication features the first two Giant Robot issues ever in the same single-fold-page size as the originals! Inside, find 162 pages of Giant Robot nostalgia and plenty of notes by Eric Nakamura, offering fascinating behind the scenes info and his thoughts looking back from the point of view of over 25 years later. The Giant Robot fan whether new or true will not want to miss this walk down memory lane.
Reprint, issued in early 2023.
If you want your copy signed by Eric Nakamura, leave a note with your order!
Real Size by Katsuya Terada Book
Book Dimensions – 7 x 12 inches and 1 inch thick - Hardcover ( codex binding ), 202 pages - Full Color, in Japanese ( book contains mostly images )
This beautiful book feels like an extra special object. “Codex Binding” allows for the book to be spread fully open to fully enjoy the spreads. 3 pages fold out to reveal stunning, larger images.
The book is wrapped in a glossy cover but take that off and discover beautifully intricate and detailed marker drawings reproduced onto the thick chip board cover.
Towards the back of the book, find a beautifully written excerpt by Terada musing over his need to draw and his frustrations with this addiction. Without spoiling too much, the translation is poetic and profound.
Katsuya Terada x Giant Robot - I Love Coffee I Love Ninja Zine + Sticker
Softcover, 24 pages, Measures 5.5 x 8.5 inches, full color. Includes 3x3" sticker.
Released along with Katsuya Terada's Rakugaking solo art show at our Giant Robot 2 gallery comes this beautifully printed art zine.
I Love Coffee I Love Ninja includes various drawings and paintings by the artist expressing his love and/or neurotic addiction to the magical beverage. What caffeine junky can't relate to that joy?
Excerpt from the forward written by Katsuya Terada:
"Mornings, I wake up.
I don't feel like working at all.
There's tons of shit that needs to be done, but I don't want to do it.
This is when I throw myself into grinding beans..."
Craft Coffee, a Manual by Jessica Easto
Hardcover, 272 pages, 6x8x1 inches
"An engaging resource that holds value for home brewers and professionals alike. This is a coffee book well worth poring over."
-Ellie Bradley, editor, Fresh Cup Magazine
Written by a coffee enthusiast for coffee enthusiasts, is a comprehensive guide to improving your brew at home. The book provides all the information readers need to discover what they like in a cup of specialty coffee—and how to replicate the perfect cup day after day. From the science of extraction and brewing techniques to choosing equipment and deciphering coffee bags, Craft Coffee focuses on the issues—cost, time, taste, and accessibility—that home coffee brewers negotiate and shows that no matter where you are in your coffee journey, you can make a great cup at home.
Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg
This landmark publication accompanies a major retrospective exhibition of Takashi Murakami’s paintings. Although other volumes on Murakami in English address the crossover between his fine art and commercial output, this book presents the first serious consideration of his work as a painter. It provides a sustained consideration of the artist’s relationship to the tradition of Japanese painting and his facility in straddling high and low, ancient and modern, eastern and western, commercial and high art. Lavishly illustrated with large-scale images of works that span his art student days to now—many reproduced together for the first time—the book contextualizes Murakami’s output in postwar Japan with essays that situate the artist in relation to folklore, traditional Japanese painting Nihonga, the Tokyo art scene in the 1980s and 1990s, and the threat of nuclear annihilation. The volume includes essays by curator Michael Darling, Michael Dylan Foster, Chelsea Foxwell, Reuben Keehan, and Akira Mizuta Lippit, as well as a biography and exhibition history, selected bibliography, and index.