TANKHEAD is a sci-fi/giant mecha narrative art book designed and illustrated by iD Software art director Emerson Tung ( DOOM Eternal, Warhammer 40K ) and written by Tim Popelier. The story is told through the military hardware perspectives of 3 warring states – the Britonica Alliance, Yamaichi Dominion and Greater Kyzerian Empire as they engage on the battlefields of the Neverending War.

While artist Emerson Tung’s most impressively detailed illustrations of the hulking mecha units is the main visual draw of the book, equal effort has been put into the world-building and lore behind these giant machines, and the writing creates a rich level of contextual immersion and cohesive depth to the art work that definitely adds to the reading experience.

I am particularly impressed by the sheer variety and scope of the different giant mecha designs featured in the book, with many of their form and aesthetics informed by both natural as well as World War histories. Also included is a sketchbook section, glossary as well as timeline found toward the end of the book.

I’ve always been a big sucker for beautifully illustrated and well-designed giant mecha art, so Emerson Tung’s excellent work is right up my alley, but I was also genuinely impressed by the rich level of writing that went into the lore and world-building behind the visuals. This one comes recommended.

If model kits and WWII military hardware, in particular tanks are your cup of tea ( both of which I suspect serve as inspirations for TANKHEAD ), I would also recommend Morinaga Yo’s ‘World Tank Museum’, a delightfully illustrated volume showcasing the miniature tank line-up sold by Japanese toymaker Takara-Tomy.

“TANKHEAD – Mechanical Encyclopedia” art book details :

– Dimensions – 8.25 x 0.9 x 11.25 inches
– Hardcover, 231 pages
– Full color, in English

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