“Kikan S” is a popular Japanese illustration magazine released quarterly ( in March, June, September and December ), and contains a superb collection of the latest art work from the top illustrators and comic artists working in Japan. Browsing a copy is a great way to be introduced to new and upcoming artists, as well as staying in touch with the latest news and development in the Japanese comics/animation industry. Every issue comes with a pull out poster illustrated by Range Murata. ( image below )

The theme/special coverage for this issue is background art  –  so we have features and interviews with some of the best background artists working in the field, including Kimura Shinji ( of Tekkon Kinkreet, Steamboy fame ) and Yamamoto Nizou ( Mononoke Hime, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. )

(above) Background artwork from Final Fantasy XIV. Below – a step by step tutorial on how to paint a background of an everyday life street scene.

(above) Illustrations from regular contributors Yoko Tanji and Pinfan. ( below)

Kikan S magazine, being a periodical, gets limited prints so do purchase your copy early. Once the issue is sold out, the publisher will not issue reprints and the only way to get a copy is via a 2nd hand bookseller via Amazon Japan.

“Kikan S Illustration Magazine No. 33″ details :

– Dimensions –11.6 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches
– Softcover, 185 pages
– Full color / b & w
– Comes with fold-out Range Murata Poster ( see 2nd image of this post )

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