“Kaba” (meaning Hippopotamus in Japanese ) is renowned manga artist and anime director Otomo Katsuhiro’s first published illustration book, a compendium of artwork he created from 1971 to 1989.
While a couple of other books by Otomo, like the superb Akira Club and the more recent Viva Il Ciclissimo ( a collaboration with the equally amazing Terada Katsuya ) have since been published, Kaba stands unique because of its smorgasbord of eclectic illustration work that precedes Otomo’s rise to fame after the phenomenal success of Akira. As such, it is a rare peek into the budding creative mind of the genius at work, allowing us, albeit vicariously, to follow Otomo’s progress as his illustration and narrative style evolved slowly over time to become what it is today.
Many of the featured art work in the book come with bite-sized Japanese and English production notes, and Otomo gives us insights and background information on the various projects he undertook. Otomo was also a big fan of legendary French comic artist Moebius, and in many of his early works the influence can clearly be seen, in particular his use of harmonious, muted tones and light pastel colors.
Kaba was first published in 1989 and unfortunately is no longer in print anymore. Folks who are keen to get a one however, can still find 2nd hand copies, in great condition, right here. You can also contact me directly to get a discount.
Related posts:
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Who is Katsuhiro Otomo ? 大友克洋 新解説
Revisiting the Art of Akira Part II – Akira Club
Brutus Special Issue : Takehiko Inoue
Revisiting the Art of Akira Part I – Akira Animation Archives
I’m more and more amazed by your stock. Cheer-ya!
“Kaba was first published in 1989 and unfortunately is no longer in print anymore.”
Unfortunately, just like the Marvel color Akira hardcovers. ;-; Seriously, I’m still wondering why Kodansha doesn’t use that version in a re-release, because it’s literally like “watching” an anime. Or does Otomo not really like that version, and only agreed, because he thought it would help expand his work here?
what a great artist Katsuhiro Otomo is!
i love the ilustration with the huge white whale stuck in the city, very surreal, also his cyber punk draws.
I wasn´t familiar with his pre-Akira period, indeed a style that it´s recognized inmediatly. i can see a tribute to M. C. Escher in the b/w draw of the sphere reflecting the whole room.
Agree with BitterLix, you must have a whole furniture just for books, ages ago i want to grab my hands with “Xenogears perfect Works” or “Slam Dunk 10 days after Cardboard cards set”. Any sugestions? expensive ones both things
Greetings! ñ____ñ
That’s a very good book, nice post man. I am wondering when Otomo will have new work publish again. May be a new movie or new comic. We need to see more from him out there.
Thats a great looking book. Otomo is one of my favourite artists, and I’d love this book, but it looks too pricey for me. I love that Eischer piece on the left page in the 11th photo.
I just ran across your blog in a google search and now I think I’m in love! Your blog is awesome. It really made my day!
I bought Kaba many years ago just after I had seen Akira (which was already out for at least a decide haha).. I stumbled upon it in the famous comic shop Lambiek in Amsterdam. They were pretty proud to have that book, but I basically put down all the money I had at the time (teen, always strapped for cash) and bought the book. I never regretted it, and it’s still one of my most cherished books..
). Only years later I was finally able to read Akira in its entirety after Dark Horse republished it. Still, Kaba is an amazing book, if you have any doubts if you should buy it, just do it ok? 
I’m not a collector or anything, but there’s just something in his works that utterly compels me. Since then I managed to find a couple of small color Akira volumes from Epic (US) and even one of the colored big volumes (volume one
I own this book. It is by far one of my favorites. Kaba is not easy to find these days, so if any of you see it out there grab it. Highly recommended!!