Where Are They Now? You mean Yoshitaka Amano!
We’re back again with Gossy-Senpai!
Angel’s Egg? Again? Well, if you were with me in my first review on Angel’s Egg then I must carefully inform you of why Angel’s Egg. Angel’s Egg is one of many collaborations which Yoshitaka Amano had. Collaborating with director Mamoru Oshii in writing this story (hmm, really fufu). Which perked my interest on the familiarity of the artwork which I had seen before. You might be elated to find out or even share the curiosity I have on the artist Yoshitaka Amano! Let’s go! FUFU!!!!
While watching the animated film Angel’s Egg, I felt that for some reason the art was very familiar to me, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. (Fufu as if that was all). And I was more excited to find out, Yoshitaka Amano is the same artist from my favorite film Vampire Hunter D (1985), but let’s not get ahead of ourselves before we start at the beginning…
Yoshitaka Amano (Japanese, b.1952)—that makes him 65! He is renown as an illustrator and animator for his works in comic books and video games. He’s also a character designer, a theatre and film scenic designer and a costume designer! (Whoa he’s got kudos fufu).
Born in Shizuoka, Japan at the early age of adolescence, he developed an attentive quality towards the arts. (I’m starting to sense a prodigy with my fufu senses). In 1967, the aspiring artist began! Working in the department of animation of Tatsunoko Productions, where he was initiated in the movement of Japanese anime in its infancy.
His first paid project was the franchise for Speed Racer! (Hold up; Speed Racer! The real Speed Racer! Oh my FUFU!) And he designed characters for shows such as Time Hokan, Gatchaman, Tekkaman, and Honeybee Hutch. But every artist draws inspiration from somewhere, and Yoshitaka drew his from Western Art, such as Pop Art and Art Nouveau. His exposure to western art styles which took place through comic books, also citing Neal Adams as a favorite artist. His fascination led him to American Pop artist Peter Max and during the 1970s, Amano studied artwork from the 19th and early 20th-century European movement of Art Nouveau, even ancient Japanese hand woodblock printing. The proud sensei remained at Tatsunoko Productions until 1982.
Yoshitaka Amano has thirty-30!-animated films under his belt. One novel and 12 illustrated works with eight Japanese editions of foreign works, including five foreign works. He also has art books—36 in all! And wait there’s more (now I’m a salesperson great…) VIDEO GAMES!
Let me take a breather guys… I was totally not expecting this huge pressure in my chest…
Character Designer, Title Logo Designer & Grapher Designer of FINAL FANTASY and his latest work of final Fantasy—Final Fantasy XV (Promotional Artwork, Title Logo Designer & Image Illustrator), Mobius Final Fantasy (Title Logo Designer), Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius (Promotional Artwork, Title Logo Designer) and soon to come (but not final works) Shinjuku Nexus as an illustrator… And this is 2016!
With 41 games title to his name… that’s it I’m done. Drop the mic and walk it off… fufu this guy right here. Sensei I’m so proud! (Crying like Rock Lee …might get me nowhere.)
Let’s bring it back though as he has also done some freelancing as well.
Wait there’s more?!
He had illustrated The Sandman: The Dream Hunters for Neil Gaiman, which garnered many or several awards and was nominated for a Hugo Award (by the way that was in 2000). Amano has also collaborated for a comic book tale: Elektra and Wolverine: The Redeemer. (Never read it but if I do… it’s all for you fufu). Where his characters designs for Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust was used as it was used for Vampire Hunter D (1985)—I think I just fell in love. I LOVE Hunter D. He could totally be your brother-in-law (if only we were related… plus I think it definitely won’t work him being a half vampire half human–the hand with the talking demon inside and his constant travels into dangerous situations which feature creepy monsters). Amano even illustrated three album covers for Japanese power metal band Galneryus: The Flag of Punishment (2003), Advance to the Fall (2005), and Beyond the End of Despair (2006). Amano in 2004 was even asked by GK Reid, creative director, to illustrate in collaboration with author Neil Gaiman, featuring David Bowie and Iman as sci-fi characters, for “The Return of the Thin White Duke” a portion published in V Magazine. With many more works of art, I can see that Yoshitaka Amano is indeed a marvelous, spectacular artist who I’m still in awe of his works of art—I encourage you to take part and see. For some in which you can take part by searching on some of the websites below:
http://www.artnet.com/artists/yoshitaka-amano/
https://www.artsy.net/artist/amano-yoshitaka
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshitaka_Amano#List_of_works
I most desire for you to join me again on our next adventure: Where Are They Now?
Leave a comment with your thoughts and as always, Gossy-Senpai will be there to reply.
Follow on Twitter @Hitanime & Instagram @animehitplus
And know my FUFUOtakus—I love you!
Anime Hit 