TLDR : This book is really, really GOOD. Get it !

After a significant delay of almost 6 months ( the original release date was June 2024 and was pushed due to the complex printing process ), the third and final volume of the AKIRA Animation Layouts & Key Frames is finally out, and for a lack of better words, it’s a real doozy !

Not only is this book the biggest of the three ( read my review for Volume 1 and Volume 2 ) with a whopping page count of 678 pages, it also comes with ALOT more layered, high quality cel reproductions than the previous 2 books ( I guesstimate about 30-40% more, if not twice as many ). This splendid volume is a most fitting tribute to the climatic third act of Otomo’s AKIRA film.

Just like the previous 2 books, the contents showcase 4 distinct components used during production of the film; 1) the layouts, 2) the genga ( key frame drawings, printed on yellow colored pages ), 3) select background art paintings and 4) reproduction cel frames which are layered over these background paintings. The reproduced cel paintings are extremely high quality as you can see in the images below, and many of the layouts and key frame drawings are also printed in color, making the reading experience really, really immersive, and an absolute delight.

(above & below) The cel reproductions, many of which have 2 or more separate layers printed on respective clear plastic film and are presented overlaying the background art painting, exactly how they would be printed during the film out process.

(image above) A fold-out page featuring the layout drawing for the SOL ( Satellite Orbital Laser ). I should caution here that delicate care should be taken when folding out these pages, in my hurry and excitement I accidentally made a tear on the edge of the page close to the book spine. *sob*

At 9900 yen ( about $65 USD ), this is a fairly costly book, but taking into consideration the huge page count, the complexity of the printing process as well the material cost for the high quality cel reproductions, it is a fair and reasonable price tag. The artistic value of the contents is worth much more; this book gets my highest recommendations, especially if you’re a fan of Otomo and AKIRA. It also earns an easy spot on my upcoming favorite art books of 2024 list.

Also be sure to check out my reviews for Volume 1 and Volume 2 as well, both of which are excellent.

“AKIRA Layouts & Key Frames Vol 3 ( Otomo Complete Works ) 大友克洋全集” art book details :

Dimensions – 17.5 x 3.5 x 25 cm
Softcover with dust jacket, 678 pages
Full color with select pages of reproduction anime cel printed on glossy plastic sheet, In Japanese language

  
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