an Omnipresence in Wired

As you can guess, this book collects together images from the cult series Serial Experiments Lain. While it took me a while to actually like the story, the artwork blew me away. It was also the first time I was introduced to yoshitoshi ABe.
The introduction at the beginning of the book gives a unique incite into how ABe views Lain, and the best part is that the intro is not only in Japanese, but in English! Infact, throughout the book you’ll find translations for certain pieces of text, although unfortunately there is none for the colour manga. A translation would be nice, but I think you can get the jist of whats happening… moody, creepy and extremely surreal! There are sections dedicated to artwork from each of the 13 layers from the series, as well as illustrations done for the covers of AX Magazine, video/ld/dvd covers, game art, omake and a variety of gorgeous sketches and illustrations depicting scenes from the series & characters. The chibi versions of the characters is a bit of a surprise though, seeing them actually look cute and smiley is well, a complete shock considering that the general theme of the series is anything but!

The book has a matt black texture to it, hardcover and about an inch longer/wider than A4. When I look at it I think “coffee table artbook” it looks just so good! It’s presented in a thick opaque plastic slipcase with parts of the background buildings embossed on it (in white) so that, with the book slipped in, it provides an almost 3D aspect to the whole presentation.

A must for fans of the series & the artist, and for anyone who wants to enjoy gorgeous artwork!