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Undertale: Art Book
Every video game has concept art... UNDERTALE is no exception..."
The art book features 228 full-color pages showing UNDERTALE from the very first concept sketches to the end of development.
♥Art from Toby Fox, Temmie Chang, Gigi D.G., and more
♥Commentary from Toby Fox on the design and development process
♥Gold debossed Annoying Dog on the back
The art book features 228 full-color pages showing UNDERTALE from the very first concept sketches to the end of development.
♥Art from Toby Fox, Temmie Chang, Gigi D.G., and more
♥Commentary from Toby Fox on the design and development process
♥Gold debossed Annoying Dog on the back
225 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2016
26 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 14, 2021
Don't pick up this art book if you are accustomed to the art books slathered in thumbnail sketches or digital art masterpieces. Also don't pick up this art book if you are accustomed to art books containing long expositions about the story writing process, development, or artistic technique. This is not like one of those uber fancy The Hobbit art books resplendent in professional artwork or anything, and it doesn’t have walls of text explaining game production. No one should go in expecting the UT art book to have that sort of “caliber.”
What you'll get instead are pages of pixelated disproportionate stick art from Toby. There are some other pieces of sketches, landscapes, and digital paintings from artists like Temmie Chang, but many pages ARE Fox's unrefined scribbles. I also admit that, from someone who owns a fair share of art books, this one is a lot smaller and more “sparse” in terms of visuals and text compared to most. But then, I was sort of expecting that.
All that said, Undertale's art book is exactly what I was hoping to get, and I love every page of it. This art book contains everything I want in an art book, and it’s given me what I was hoping to for the Undertale world. I actually love this book more than I thought I would. It’s fun. There are some endearing and beautiful drawings from Temmie. The Photoshop Flowey section written by Everdraed has a lot of text and discussion. The art book shows us the early concepts that got scrapped (Papyrus’ character change being the most notable one), lists the things that were intended to be included but still did not make the cut, gives hints at how the development process proceeded, and puts us into the mind of the game creators as they were making Undertale. We even learn how the idea of Lesser Dog was created (something I was literally puzzling over yesterday). It’s also got a lot of Toby’s whimsical humor in it. It’s great, great, great fun so far as I’m concerned!
And of course there are the little subtle canon details one can extract from it. Art books for me are a good way of gleaning tiny little bits of canon (or “near canon” or whatever people want to call it when they’re being picky) and learn a little more about the characters. If the creators intended it but just didn’t include it, so far as I’m concerned, I’m learning more real deal stuff about my precious babies.
I was ecstatic to see Papyrus on the trumpet since I’ve been saying for the longest time that was totally his instrument. There’s a sketch of video game controllers hooked up to the television screen in the skeletons’ living room. Fandom debates such as whether or not Sans can open his mouth (he can’t) and what animal species Alphys is (a lizard) can be resolved. We maaaaybe learn what Papyrus’ special attack (arguably special attack - text just says “last attack,” so this could have been his “really cool regular attack” - all just depends on how the ideas would have come down through game production) would have been - it’s not the Gaster blasters, interestingly enough - and also what Asgore’s special attack would have been.
So for me, the Undertale art book was completely worth it. It gives me insight into discarded game concepts, story development, and the whimsical and humorous world that I came to love in the video game.
What you'll get instead are pages of pixelated disproportionate stick art from Toby. There are some other pieces of sketches, landscapes, and digital paintings from artists like Temmie Chang, but many pages ARE Fox's unrefined scribbles. I also admit that, from someone who owns a fair share of art books, this one is a lot smaller and more “sparse” in terms of visuals and text compared to most. But then, I was sort of expecting that.
All that said, Undertale's art book is exactly what I was hoping to get, and I love every page of it. This art book contains everything I want in an art book, and it’s given me what I was hoping to for the Undertale world. I actually love this book more than I thought I would. It’s fun. There are some endearing and beautiful drawings from Temmie. The Photoshop Flowey section written by Everdraed has a lot of text and discussion. The art book shows us the early concepts that got scrapped (Papyrus’ character change being the most notable one), lists the things that were intended to be included but still did not make the cut, gives hints at how the development process proceeded, and puts us into the mind of the game creators as they were making Undertale. We even learn how the idea of Lesser Dog was created (something I was literally puzzling over yesterday). It’s also got a lot of Toby’s whimsical humor in it. It’s great, great, great fun so far as I’m concerned!
And of course there are the little subtle canon details one can extract from it. Art books for me are a good way of gleaning tiny little bits of canon (or “near canon” or whatever people want to call it when they’re being picky) and learn a little more about the characters. If the creators intended it but just didn’t include it, so far as I’m concerned, I’m learning more real deal stuff about my precious babies.
I was ecstatic to see Papyrus on the trumpet since I’ve been saying for the longest time that was totally his instrument. There’s a sketch of video game controllers hooked up to the television screen in the skeletons’ living room. Fandom debates such as whether or not Sans can open his mouth (he can’t) and what animal species Alphys is (a lizard) can be resolved. We maaaaybe learn what Papyrus’ special attack (arguably special attack - text just says “last attack,” so this could have been his “really cool regular attack” - all just depends on how the ideas would have come down through game production) would have been - it’s not the Gaster blasters, interestingly enough - and also what Asgore’s special attack would have been.
So for me, the Undertale art book was completely worth it. It gives me insight into discarded game concepts, story development, and the whimsical and humorous world that I came to love in the video game.
February 1, 2017
"Everyone says the protagonist's sprite looks terrible. That's right. If it looks too good, you'll have a different expectation."
A really neat glimpse into the development of one of my favorite games of all time. I love all the times creator Toby Fox says things along the lines of "I was gonna do this thing and then I forgot" or "I wanted to put this in but it didn't work so I scrapped it" or even "someone else drew this but they made it look too good so I put in my own crap version instead." Really enjoyed the lack of romanticizing/honesty about the creative process.
Unfortunately, now I'm just left craving more information about the development of Undertale's narrative and game design. When does that book come out??
A really neat glimpse into the development of one of my favorite games of all time. I love all the times creator Toby Fox says things along the lines of "I was gonna do this thing and then I forgot" or "I wanted to put this in but it didn't work so I scrapped it" or even "someone else drew this but they made it look too good so I put in my own crap version instead." Really enjoyed the lack of romanticizing/honesty about the creative process.
Unfortunately, now I'm just left craving more information about the development of Undertale's narrative and game design. When does that book come out??
October 19, 2019
There is some absolutely incredible and hilarious concept art in here. A must read for anyone who loves Undertale.
December 10, 2020
Цікавий погляд за лаштунки однієї з моїх улюблених ігор. А ще тут кілька справді крутих замальовок, які не соромно поставити на заставку робочого стола.
January 2, 2022
i mean can you even go wrong with this
March 7, 2022
It's both Undertale, art, and book, so 5 stars. Truely makes you appreciate how much work and effort went into the game, if the game itself didn't already make you do that. Wait, is it gramatically correct to say 'both' for 3 things? Should I have said 'throth' instead? 'threeoth'?
April 1, 2017
Toby Fox is a fuckin' troll and I wouldn't have it any other way.
August 8, 2024
I love poking through this book! I revisit it every so often. I love Undertale, and I love behind-the-scenes extras and insight into the process of making art. The commentary contains a lot of the same humor as the game which makes it extra enjoyable, it feels like it was written friend to friend.
I DO need to let you all know, however, that the physical book is made out of the WORST paper in the world. It gives new meaning to “getting your grubby little paws on it”, literally every smudge and fingerprint shows up on this paper. The cover, the inner pages, everything. I just needed you to know.
I DO need to let you all know, however, that the physical book is made out of the WORST paper in the world. It gives new meaning to “getting your grubby little paws on it”, literally every smudge and fingerprint shows up on this paper. The cover, the inner pages, everything. I just needed you to know.
February 22, 2018
Undertale was a game developed almost entirely and soley by Toby Fox and when it was released it was an internet sensation and massive commercial hit. I think the 'homemade' feel of the game accounts for it's wide appeal and this accompanying art book gives us a brief look into the design process Fox went through during the development of the game.
Just as Undertale was an unusually low-key game, this is an unusually low-key art book. Don't expect depths of information nor huge, glossy art within it's pages. Expect instead lots of slices of information about Fox's design choices and character designs and also plenty of unused and early-in-development content. It's a book for huge fans of Undertale who want to devour as much information about this quaint game as possible. If that profile fits you, rest assured you will love this book.
Just as Undertale was an unusually low-key game, this is an unusually low-key art book. Don't expect depths of information nor huge, glossy art within it's pages. Expect instead lots of slices of information about Fox's design choices and character designs and also plenty of unused and early-in-development content. It's a book for huge fans of Undertale who want to devour as much information about this quaint game as possible. If that profile fits you, rest assured you will love this book.
April 10, 2019
Grillby is pretty hot lol
March 20, 2023
This is one of my favorite video games ever, and as a pixel art fan as well, I needed to add this art book to my collection. Read it very quickly, I enjoyed it a lot. I love getting to know more about why certain things look the way that they do and the artists that made it happen and how. This is not your typical art book, it is very small (at times I wished the images were bigger). And the text that it contains, is presented in a very “Toby Fox” fashion. Very casual and funny. As a fan of Undertale, this art book was amazing, I’d recommend it to anyone who likes art and is curious about the behind the scenes of this amazing game :)
December 1, 2024
4.5 Stars
Physically-owned. A birthday present from my cousin. FanGamer sent some bonus promo postcards and a sticker with the order which was nice.
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A super cute look at the early concept art and makings of the game Undertale - which I haven't played in years but still have a fondness for.
The book it cute and well organized, though I wish it was a but bigger as though its a decent length for an art book, its mini-sized. The character design artwork and location illustrations were my favorite part.
Makes a great gift for any Undertale fan, especially if they are the kind of person who collects art books.
Physically-owned. A birthday present from my cousin. FanGamer sent some bonus promo postcards and a sticker with the order which was nice.
-
A super cute look at the early concept art and makings of the game Undertale - which I haven't played in years but still have a fondness for.
The book it cute and well organized, though I wish it was a but bigger as though its a decent length for an art book, its mini-sized. The character design artwork and location illustrations were my favorite part.
Makes a great gift for any Undertale fan, especially if they are the kind of person who collects art books.
May 24, 2025
* Despite everything, it's still you.
The artbook for the game that has given me comfort through every trial and tribulation in my life, UNDERTALE. 11/10, no notes, I am filled with determination.
I would say more but the amount of care, joy and genuine feeling I have for this game cannot be put into a short review
The artbook for the game that has given me comfort through every trial and tribulation in my life, UNDERTALE. 11/10, no notes, I am filled with determination.
I would say more but the amount of care, joy and genuine feeling I have for this game cannot be put into a short review
July 1, 2025
really cool insights to one of the most creative stories out there and ill keep it forever
i bought this when it was my dream to make a game like toby fox
i definitely wouldve used this amazing book as my inspo if i didnt find out that i hated coding
BUT WHo knows maybe i will make a game one day and ill credit toby fox + temmie chang and their works thank you mwah
i bought this when it was my dream to make a game like toby fox
i definitely wouldve used this amazing book as my inspo if i didnt find out that i hated coding
BUT WHo knows maybe i will make a game one day and ill credit toby fox + temmie chang and their works thank you mwah
February 3, 2022
Great even tho i cant read
December 28, 2022
went in with the wrong expectations. completely thought this was going to dive into the themes and thought process of making the game, but it’s just the art. not bad, but was expecting more :/
January 17, 2024
reread i mean does this really count it’s an art book oh well idc i love this sm i’ll cherish it more carefully than dogs are with eggs
March 3, 2024
very fun to read this back to back with the Steven universe the movie artbook. people really be creating art that is important to them and yet completely acting different about it
December 20, 2024
Undertale is an amazing game. The art book shows prototypes, it's charm, and annotations by Toby. 10/10.
June 6, 2025
tan bonito que me moriré
February 3, 2020
A detailed book of official and conceptual art for Undertale, filled with insight on the creative process behind the game.
December 27, 2016
For a tiny little book on an unsuspecting tiny little game, this art book on Toby Fox's grand hit is sure to please fans and enthusiasts alike for its charming allure and behind the scenes tidbits.
There's a surprising openness to the content in this book, and it features a near-perfect balance of text-to-images that most art books of animated films seem to often have trouble finding. It's commentary from Fox and his team is charming, down-to-earth and immensely informative.
Any fan worth their salt should have this on their shelf.
There's a surprising openness to the content in this book, and it features a near-perfect balance of text-to-images that most art books of animated films seem to often have trouble finding. It's commentary from Fox and his team is charming, down-to-earth and immensely informative.
Any fan worth their salt should have this on their shelf.
February 19, 2024
UNDERTALE IS SO COOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 8, 2017
Unlike traditional video game art books that are giant tomes filled with pieces, the Undertale Art book is a smaller thing, filled mostly with creator Toby Fox's work on the game, whether his sprite design or even literal stick figures and chicken scratch. However, this is a feature, not a bug. In doing this it again highlights the work and care put into the game, and the promise that a great story can shine through regardless of the creator's ability. The sprite work in the book is beautiful, as well as the backgrounds and concept art made by his co creators. The book features text from all of them, discussing the design process, bits of trivia, game content, cut or otherwise, etc.
The book is not perfect; although the art shown is great, the smaller size of the book means you're not getting as much bang for your buck. With more design work as well, if you're not interested in the game and the work put in seeing some of the more basic things designed for the game might be off putting. But, like the game itself, going in with a willingness to learn and an appreciation for the game and this art book is a fine purchase.
The book is not perfect; although the art shown is great, the smaller size of the book means you're not getting as much bang for your buck. With more design work as well, if you're not interested in the game and the work put in seeing some of the more basic things designed for the game might be off putting. But, like the game itself, going in with a willingness to learn and an appreciation for the game and this art book is a fine purchase.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews