2012 was a great year for art books, and I managed to post about 70 reviews in total; you can see the full list here. I buy most, if not all the books I write about, and enjoy all of them, but the ones in this post are some of my favourites this year. Do note that some of these books might not have been published in 2012, but earlier.
1) Kim Jung-Gi 2011 Sketch Collection
A shockingly good draftsman, on par with the best Japanese masters out there . Flipping through his book is both inspirational and at the same time, despairing.
Click here to read the full book review.
2) The Art And Making Of The Dark Knight Trilogy
An in-depth and thorough look at the making of Nolan’s final Batman film, complete with a generous serving of production stills, concept art, storyboards, and more.
Click here to read the full book review.
3) Hellboy Library Edition Volume 3
Two words – Mike Mignola. I only have 2 volumes from his Hellboy library editions, but I’m saving up to get all of them at some point in the future.
Click here to read the full book review.
4) The Art Of Mamoru Hosoda’s Wolf Children
Mamoru Hosoda’s Wolf Children also happens to be one of my favourite films of 2012. This book is packed full amazing background art and in my opinion priced only about 1/2 of what it is worth.
Click here to read Part 1 of the book review.
Click here to read Part 2 of the book review.
5) Cover Run – The DC Comics Art Of Adam Hughes
Perhaps its the influence that Mucha has on Adam Hughes’s work that make me like it so much, but I’m sure there’s a lot more in there.
Click here to read the full book review.
6) Moebius Oeuvres Art Book
I chanced upon this during my trip in Paris and cost more than 100 Euros, but it’s worth every single penny.
Click here to read the full book review.
7) Tim Walker Pictures
Ideas, inspiration, innovation.
Click here to read the full book review.
8) Genga – Otomo Katsuhiro Original Pictures
The very best of Akira director Otomo Katsuhiro, all in one monstrous sized book. What more can one ask for ? The exhibition was equally amazing.
Click here to read the full book review.
9) Cinematography – The Filmmaker’s Eye
A practical, technique by technique study of the different ways to compose and frame shots in filmmaking. A must read for anyone studying cinematography.
Click here to read the full book review.
X) Kaba 2 – Otomo Katsuhiro Artwork
A collection of Otomo’s illustration work for the past 20 years or so, including Freedom, the OVA series I was lucky enough to work on.
Click here to read Part 1 of the book review.
Click here to read Part 2 of the book review.
I’ll love to hear about what art books you’ve particularly enjoyed last year as well. You can see the full list of books I’ve reviewed in 2012 here.
I also recommend my list of favorite art books from these other years –
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012.
If you need help with ordering on Amazon Japan, the FAQs below will guide you through, step by step.
My 10 Favourite Art Books Of 2013
2012 Art Books Review List ( 59 Total )
2018 Art Books Review List ( 74 Total )
2013 Art Books Review List ( 56 Total )
2011 Art Books Review List ( 36 Total )
January 12th, 2013 at 6:18 am
THE ART OF JOURNEY. In my opinion, the best art book ever created to the best interactive work of art ever…
January 12th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
i actually have most of these! i can’t remember what i got this year that is actually from 2012, though.
January 12th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
also, the front cover of Kaba 2 deserves it’s own reward, honestly.
January 13th, 2013 at 9:24 pm
FAUNA – I’ve heard good things about that book, will check it out. Thanks for the heads up !
Zack – I was lucky to see the original for Kaba 2’s cover during the exhibition. Stared at it for the longest time. :]
January 16th, 2013 at 8:31 pm
In 2012, I’ve finally acquired these artbooks and comics from my favourite artists:
By OTOMO:
– KABA
– KABA 2
– Hansel and Gretel
(this one contains some of Otomo’s best comic panels)
By MOEBIUS:
– Arzach
– Le monde d’Edena – Les réparateurs
– 40 jours dans le désert B
– Les yeux du Chat
If you don’t have it, I recommend you “Les yeux du chat”:
http://www.wurzeltod.ch/?p=2064219897
January 16th, 2013 at 11:55 pm
yes, that’s a beautiful book. i will second your recommendations for any of those books, all among my favorites.
January 30th, 2013 at 5:44 pm
Damn man, this post alone is killing me with the amount of incredible art books I now must have in my collection, let alone the rest of the book reviews you’ve done. I’m dying here!!