KABA: Katsuhiro Otomo Artwork 1971-1989 is a comprehensive art collection showcasing the evolution of Katsuhiro Otomo’s illustrative mastery over nearly two decades. Published by Kodansha in 1989, this 178-page hardcover volume features a curated selection of Otomo’s works, including illustrations from his seminal manga AKIRA, commercial projects, and television collaborations. Notably, the book includes two short stories: SUIKA MESHIA (1981) and the American-colored version of Farewell to Weapons (1981), offering insight into Otomo’s narrative range. Presented in a 29 x 28.5 cm format, the book’s title, “KABA,” translates to “hippopotamus,” reflecting Otomo’s unique artistic vision. While the text is primarily in Japanese, the visual content transcends language barriers, making it an essential addition for enthusiasts of Otomo’s groundbreaking work.
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Katsuhiro Otomo is best known for Akira, a dystopian epic that fused cyberpunk aesthetics, political paranoia, and visceral action into a genre-defining landmark. With cinematic paneling and meticulous detail, Otomo brought a new intensity to manga, influencing anime, sci-fi, and global visual culture. His work examines chaos, trauma, and power in post-industrial landscapes, often reflecting anxieties rooted in Japan’s history. Beyond manga, Otomo is an acclaimed director, screenwriter, and artist whose impact crosses mediums and continents. He remains a foundational figure in both Japanese and international comics, bridging underground sensibility with blockbuster scale.
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Katsuhiro Otomo is best known for Akira, a dystopian epic that fused cyberpunk aesthetics, political paranoia, and visceral action into a genre-defining landmark. With cinematic paneling and meticulous detail, Otomo brought a new intensity to manga, influencing anime, sci-fi, and global visual culture. His work examines chaos, trauma, and power in post-industrial landscapes, often reflecting anxieties rooted in Japan’s history. Beyond manga, Otomo is an acclaimed director, screenwriter, and artist whose impact crosses mediums and continents. He remains a foundational figure in both Japanese and international comics, bridging underground sensibility with blockbuster scale.
KABA: Katsuhiro Otomo Artwork 1971-1989 is a comprehensive art collection showcasing the evolution of Katsuhiro Otomo’s illustrative mastery over nearly two decades. Published by Kodansha in 1989, this 178-page hardcover volume features a curated selection of Otomo’s works, including illustrations from his seminal manga AKIRA, commercial projects, and television collaborations. Notably, the book includes two short stories: SUIKA MESHIA (1981) and the American-colored version of Farewell to Weapons (1981), offering insight into Otomo’s narrative range. Presented in a 29 x 28.5 cm format, the book’s title, “KABA,” translates to “hippopotamus,” reflecting Otomo’s unique artistic vision. While the text is primarily in Japanese, the visual content transcends language barriers, making it an essential addition for enthusiasts of Otomo’s groundbreaking work. Anime, Manga, Katsuhiro Otomo, Kodansha, 1989 Kodansha 978-4063050042 Katsuhiro Otomo 1989