Racten 1826 Third Edition

Posted by Zeb in Artbook Reviews on Apr 25th, 2005 | 0 comments
Title Racten 1826 Third Edition
Artist Range Murata
Published 30/12/1995
Publisher Doujinshi Circle = Pasta’s Estab
Content 60 pages in total; 14 pages monochrome sketches & illustrations; 46 pages of black & white sketches/illustrations; Softcover
Extras None
Cover Price ¥1500
ISBN N/A
Rate Good
Purchase 06/10/2004 | Tokyo Central | US$24.50
Comments Racten 1826 Third Edition is the third printing of Murata’s first ever doujinshi work, the first edition being printed on 01/01/1992 and sold at Comiket 41, and the second edition being printed on 01/01/1993 and sold at Comiket 43. All editions differ in terms of cover art and presentation. The first edition was housed in a white PSE envelope, with the cover image of the girl (as per the image below) but with a more red background. The cover for the second edition was exactly the same as the first edition, except the background colour was a duller red, similar to the image below. On the back of each book was written the words: “Come, whoever is thirsty: accept the water of life as a gift, whoever want it.”

Racten 1826 Third Edition was a complete change in terms of cover, with the cover now being a blood red almost vinyl looking material, and the words RACTEN 1826 THIRD EDITION embossed on the front, and the PSE symbol and PASTA’S ESTAB. RANGE MURATA indented in black on the back of the book. What makes Racten 1826 Third Edition different from the others, is that it also comes with an additional 8 pages of artwork.
(fyi the Pasta’s Estab. 10th Anniversary Bibliography lists this book as having 68 pages, but this includes the covers of the book as well as inner flaps, which I have not included.)

Flipping through this book, I’m delighted to see that it features some very old work by the artist (which is obvious since this book is a reprint of his first doujin!) This appeals to me because I can see the progression in his style, and even though his final work at the end of this book isn’t on par with his current style, you can definitely see how he got where he is today. His subject matter back then hadn’t quite gotten to the mech/art nouveu look it is today, but you can see it coming.
The book contains both sketches and illustrations, all black and white. A range of characters and themes (and also what looks like cover design for a game?) there are two main characters featured in this book, although where they are from I’m not sure. Takeo and Kazuo, Takeo being the girl featured on the front cover of the earlier editions, and Kazuo on the back cover (as featured on the image below.)

All in all this book was definitely worth getting. A definite must for fans of Range Murata!
Racten 1826 Third Edition



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