The Sky: The Art of Final Fantasy Book 2

by Yoshitaka Amano

"Previously available only as a part of the now sold-out The The Art of Final Fantasy Boxed Set or still-available The The Art of Final Fantasy Slipcased Edition , Dark Horse is pleased to offer the stunning visions of designer Yoshitaka Amano as individual volumes. The Sky Book Two contains Amano's sketches and paintings for Final Fantasy IV (1991), V (1992) and VI (1994), depicting characters such as Cecil Harvey, Rydia, Bartz Klauser, Lenna Charlotte Tycoon, Faris Scherwiz, Terra Branford, Locke Cole, Sabin Rene Figaro, Shadow, Setzer Gabbiani, Celes Chere, and, of course, Mog (among many others!).

Bonuses include Amano's art for the 1994 Final Fantasy Grand Finale CD, the 1994 Pinball Mandala series, and advertisement lithographs of the 1999 Final Fantasy Collection exclusive watch. The truly impressive Book Two of The Sky is almost twice the size of the other books in the series, yet value priced! Don't miss your chance to return to the strange and beautiful realms of Yoshitaka Amano with The The Art of Final Fantasy Book Two !"

Genres: Art, Fantasy

276 pages, Hardcover

First published November 4, 2014

About the author

Yoshitaka Amano (Japanese: 天野 喜孝) is a celebrated Japanese visual artist, illustrator, and character designer known for his ethereal style and cross-genre influence in anime, video games, literature, and fine art. He began his career in 1967 at the age of 15 with Tatsunoko Production, where he contributed to iconic anime series such as Speed Racer, Gatchaman, and Tekkaman. In 1982, he became an independent artist, illustrating acclaimed fantasy novels including Vampire Hunter D and The Guin Saga, and later provided character and logo designs for the globally popular Final Fantasy video game franchise, which brought him international recognition.
Amano’s distinctive aesthetic combines intricate linework with vivid colors, drawing on Western comic books, Art Nouveau, Orientalist painters, and traditional Japanese ukiyo-e. He has published numerous art books and illustrated graphic novels, including The Sandman: The Dream Hunters with Neil Gaiman, which won the Bram Stoker Award.
In addition to his work in illustration and design, Amano has contributed to stage and film productions, created album art for musical artists, and exhibited paintings in galleries worldwide. In 2010, he founded Studio Devaloka to develop animated and multimedia projects, including the illustrated novel Deva Zan. With a career spanning over five decades, Amano remains one of Japan’s most influential and visionary contemporary artists.

Reviews

[Kelly Dashiell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book and haven't even opened it yet, but I'm giving it 5 stars. Why?? Because it contains the best artwork by the best artist for the best video game ever. (It's 6, by the way)

[Mothlight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely work, though I wish there were notes along side the sketches

[Rosenblue · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can one guy's art be so breath-taking?!

[Arianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love Final Fantasy or cool artwork then I highly recommend you take a look at this book. There are some really beautiful and interesting takes on the characters and creatures of the series.