Product Description: "Intron Depot 2: Blades is the newest full-color book from creator Masamune Shirow. It collects 209 fantasy-themed illustrations, paintings, and computer graphics created by Shirow between 1992 and May 1998, none of which have been published in the U.S. before. It also contains detailed commentary (in both Japanese and English) on each work, and an "info-box" that explains the techniques used to produce each piece.
A great "read" for diehard Shirow fans.....and ONLY Shirow Fans As a longtime fan of this man's work not only as an artist but a writer, I cannot recommend this book highly enough, not just to Shirow fans, but to ALL fans of awesome, highly detailed CG-art. At first, I found Shirow's transition from good old-fashioned pen-and-ink-and-airbrush-and-whatever-isn't-nailed-down(yes, while he still used conventional means in rendering his art, he did use an ecclectic assortment of tools) to CG somewhat unforgivable and unfathomable, I did gradually warm to his new style. Indeed he was revolutionary in his use of CG rendering. I mean look at all the myriad mangaka that use CG now!! This images in this book were truly a harbinger of things to come in the manga world.
Anyway, like I said before, if you're into sci-fi manga and anime, and hyperdetailed CG, and above all else, the female form, and ain't put off by the price, then by all means BUY THIS BOOK. Please ignore linlin's moronic, and obviously BIASED commentary, as it's borne out of the mind of a closed-minded nobody who thinks all Japanese-made audio/visual entertainment should be of the sacharrine/annoying variety. If anything "linlin-chan" (egads, what a stupid, contrived name) should try to judge something based upon its MERITS, not her insipid tastes.
Intron Depot 2 Review This book is fantastic. Shirow is arguably the greatest manga artist yet. If you're at all interested in his work or manga in general I'd recomend this to you, although I do agree with a previous reviewer. If this is your first Intron Depot I'd go with 1 or 3 which focus on scifi. Also, a word to linlinchan; you're reviewing the quality of this item. You do no one any good to squeel "Ew, big boobs!" Ok, so you don't like that he draws large breasts. The quality of the work is still fantastic, regardless of whether you approve of the content.
Shirow's color work... Shirow's work in color is ok, and its mainly the details and the lush CG color that makes it look good. My main problem is that he draws mainly large breasted women with big guns (or big swords, in this volume) wearing skimpy costumes, and this is really obvious in his illustration volumes. The problem I have with this isn't just that it doesn't match my personal tastes, (I am a girl... so not so interested in the girls in this book) but also that I feel like its presence does alot to further the stereotype that many people have as anime being only about girls with big boobs and big weapons wearing very little clothing. In fact, I have read hundreds of volumes of original Japanese manga, and it doesn't have to be about this at all! It can actually have good substance. That's why Tokyo Pop is commendable in its quest to find real manga of all different genres and bring it to America.
Interesting work, but only for a die-hard fan Masamune Shirow is one of the most interesting and accessible manga creators with his works Appleseed and Ghost in the Shell. This is his second color art book and - while good - is not what you may expect. This book focuses on his fantasy work, not science fiction, so don't expect to see any familiar faces from his manga. I found his experiments using computer art interesting, and artists may enjoy his detailed descriptions on composition. I would recommend getting Intron Depot 1 first and waiting for 3 which is again to be science fiction pieces.
Glorious Work
If you're looking for inspiration look no further. Masamune Shirow displays some his most awesome (newer) works within this beautifully artistic portfolio. Wether a mere enjoyer of art, or a hardcore anime fan, I guarantee you will enjoy the vibrant colors and detailed drawing hidden within this book.
Warning: This book DOES contain suggestive nudity. I would say that this book is not intended for anyone who isn't mature enough to see it as art and not pornography.
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