Wataboku – Kanzero Art Book Review

Posted By yonghow on February 6th, 2017

Wataboku – Kanzero (感0) is the first art book by Japanese illustrator Wataboku. The artist’s primary subject matter is in his own words, the “nostalgic schoolgirl” and his art work has been garnering plenty of fans online.

Wataboku has also been collaborating with many Japanese singers and bands to illustrate their album covers, some of which include – 中嶋イッキュウ(tricot) / 山岸美咲 / beauty:beast / WEBER / 歌川菜穂(赤い公園) / ヴィレッジヴァンガード / 前田希美 / yonige / Roland JUNO-DS / 横井ほなみ(FES☆TIVE) / うちだゆうほ / 雫(ポルカドットスティングレイ) / Yun*chi / 池田エライザ / chelmico.

This book features over 80 pieces of the artist’s illustrations spread over 116 pages.

Wataboku - Kanzero Art Book Review

(above & below) The art book comes in a square format ( reminds me of Inoue Takehiko’s LAST Manga art book ) and is housed in a clear plastic slipcase.

Wataboku - Kanzero Art Book Review

The energy and youthfulness of Wataboku’s schoolgirls are accentuated by the flourishes of color that artist floats around the main portraits, and his color sense is spectacular, especially in the last few pieces above featuring Japanese street scenes. His use of warm, super saturated colors bring to mind the work of Japanese photographer Ninagawa Mika.

In summary, I really love the artist’s style of art work. Highly recommended.

“Wataboku – Kanzero Art Book 「感0」(かんゼロ) 画集” details :

– Dimensions – 23 x 23 x 1.5 cm
– hardcover, 116 pages
– Full color, in Japanese language ( book contains mostly images )