The large-format, full color book EXTRA SNK Characters 2 - All About Illustrations is in Japanese, but don't worry if you don't speak Japanese. This is an art book and the focus is all on the artwork. There is no text in this - not even an introduction - beyond the title of each work.

So it's true you'd have to do some Googling to figure out who the artist was who did each item shown. But that's a small price to pay to get access to these beautiful works.

I loaded up two images below so you can see just what these artworks are like. There are a range of styles and images. Some are dark and brooding. Others are light and playful. Some are sensual. The book is 8 1/2 x 11 1/2 large and is in full, glossy color. So each image takes up a full page and can be examined in detail.

This is perfect for people who love these games, and also for those who are interested in illustrating and painting. There is such a wealth of styles shown here, and all of them are executed beautifully. Some are just stunning in their detail.



Surely if there are any people left who still feel gaming is somehow "below" other art forms, this will help to convince them otherwise. The glisten in someone's eye is just as potent if the character is wearing a game-style Japanese kimono. The artists help bring these characters to life.




Highly recommended if you can get your hands on a copy. Just be sure to treat it right. This isn't the type of thing you'd want to toss beneath your bed and have it get old pizza crust all over it!

Buy EXTRA SNK Characters 2 - All About Illustrations from Amazon.com