ABAKAN 2288: kallamity's world of mecha design part one

by Luca Zampriolo (Artist)

Kallamity (Luca Zampriolo) creates an imaginary future world dominated by dark undertones
where protagonist robots (Hard Doll Machines a.k.a. H.D.M.s) mass-produced from recycled
metal are needed in a failing society to secure resources for mankind in order to progress
its technology. Kallamity poses the question, “As oil and gas are depleted in the future and inhabitants of
Planet Earth continue to grow exponentially, how will a world based on the exploitation of
these two natural resources maintain its current technological growth?” and then he precedes
to present amazing visuals for the answer in the form of ABAKAN 2288.

In this Sci-fi tale, with oil resources tapped out and the ensuing crash of the world
economy, the Weingart family holds a dictatorial monarchy over Earth as a result of their
development of WEIN technology which allows for the fabrication of H.D.M.s as well as travel
to other planets for more natural resources.

ABAKAN 2288 not only focuses on the images for the world that is yet to be but also on the
creation of the Hard Doll Machine mecha designs. Kallamity designs the master patterns that
are cast, assembles and creates machine dolls from these pieces of various sizes; ranging
from a volleyball to the head of a pin. Being a worldwide success as a collectible sculptor
of machine warrior dolls, readers will learn from one of the best in the industry how to
conceptualize, fabricate and finish machine robots.

Kallamity combines mecha designs with the steampunk aesthetic to create the stunning yet
depleted Sci-fi world of ABAKAN that we hope to not have to occupy someday, as visually
captivating as it is!
 

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2011

Reviews

[Parka · Rating 5 out of 5]

(More pictures on my blog)

This is an amazing book featuring the mecha art and models of Luca Zampriolo, aka Kallamity. Great for anyone interested in assembling, building or designing mechas.

The concept is set in the future in a world that has run out of resources. The idea is not particular unique but more to provide background. As usual, there will be one powerful entity, in this case the Weingart family, who has the power and technology to build all sorts of stuff of which some are mechas.

The book starts of with concept art for the dystopia future world. It looks like there are mining plants built everywhere, even in cities with skyscrapers there are factories spilling out smoke just beside.

The rest of the book are concept art for mechas and a selected few are being made into actual models. There are only a few featured because each one has an crazy amount of detail. One model took 11 months to finish. They are mainly the walker-type heavy mechas, a spaceship carrier and a crew all suited up. You can see some design influence from Kow Yokoyama which was mentioned in the book.

There are photos of all the created parts either by casting or sculpting. The models are made from Milliput (bicomponent stucco) and plasticard. For one of the human models, Super Sculpey was used.

Every piece created is intricately designed and worked on. For example, you can see all the tiny holes for ventilation grills. All surfaces have details even though some were eventually covered up by other parts. There are also many photos from different angles, and photos at different stages of completion.

Lengthy commentary is provided on how each mecha was designed and built. It's not tutorial style so it's not a beginners book. Some of what's mentioned might make more sense to actual model builders. Towards the end, there are also some guest designers featured, like Michael Fichtenmayer, Ryu Seoung Ho, Matt Tomczek and Jason Stalnaker.

Highly recommended for mecha lovers. Even if you don't build or assemble them, there are plenty of designs to see.

[Patrick Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a fascinating pseudohistory/art book/modelling and sculpting guide and an introduction to a subculture and art world that I knew nothing about, the only thing that made me sad about it was the fact that I probably couldn't even assemble the kits this guy sells.

[Tank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca is a genius and such a visionary!!! Absolutely love his work and this book is a personal fav. In my collection :)

[Caoimhin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for someone looking into the world of mecha of a sculpting from scratch point of view.
The description of the details, time, and complexity going into creating models from putty, metal, plastics, and scraps
is well done. Trying to create a world for the models is intriguing, but does not go far enough to help immerse a reader
into the world. I would enjoy seeing a cg or stop-motion mecha anime using Luca Zampiolo's designs.