Detective Conan: The Complete Color Works

Posted by Zeb in Artbook Reviews on Sep 19th, 2004 | 1 comment
Title Gosho Aoyama The Complete Color Works 1994-2002 Detective Conan
Artist Gosho Aoyama
Published: 01/05/2003
Publisher: Shougakukan
Content 163 pages in total; 156 pages of colour illustrations & colour comic art; 7 pages of interview & ‘How To’; Hardcover
Extras A total of 16 single sided posters!
Cover Price ¥3300
ISBN 4-09-199891-7
Rate Excellent
Purchase Date Unknown | JPQUEEN.COM | Price Unknown
Comments Detective Conan (or Case Closed, as the US release of the anime is called!) is by far one of the best anime/manga I’ve ever come across. The story will appeal to all age groups. It follows Conan Edogawa in his adventures, solving crimes while at the same time following a plot involving the Black Organisation, and their dealings with Conan (and Shinichi Kudo who is Conan’s “grown up” form!) and a range of other, fun and interesting characters! Definitely something I’d recommend to everyone :)

The artbook itself is, as the title describes, a collection of artwork done for the series between the years 1994 to 2002 by Gosho Aoyama, and is one of the best “series specific” books I have ever come across. This thick book (it’s an inch thick, not including the covers!) covers colour art & illustration used in the manga, as well as the comic cover illustrations, cd jacket collections and calendar covers.

All the main characters from the series are shown, Conan (and Shinichi!) Ran, Heiji, Kogoro Mouri, Professor Agasa, the Detective Boys, Ai Haibara, Sonoko, Gin, Vodka, Vermouth and the Kaitou Kid! You also see the colour pages of the manga here. There is also one page showing a Aoyama’s chibi version of himself in different poses… all hilarious, some rather painful looking!
At the very end there is an interview with Aoyama and the voice actress of Conan, Minami Takayama (aka part of the group Two Mix.)

The book itself is bound in thick hardcover, with a wrap around cover on top. The words ‘The Complete Color Works’ on the wrap around are actuallly embossed in gold (unfortunately this does not scan well!) Due to the thickness and size of this book, care needs to be taken not only with the spine, but also the edges to prevent dents and breakage.
At a price of 3300 yen, you are definitely getting your money’s worth, the 16 posters that are included are just an added treat for fans :)

All in all a complete, well rounded MUST HAVE for fans of the artist and the series.
The Complete Color Works Detective Conan



One Response to “Detective Conan: The Complete Color Works”

  1. kirite says:
    June 20, 2009 at 8:50 am

    Thanks for this review! I’m a huge fan of Detective Conan and hearing that this artbook is of good quality makes me really happy =). Looks like I’ll be importing this lol.

    Reply

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