Couple of Art Reference Book recommendations

Greetings Grasshoppers! Just wanted to share a couple of book recommendations that I recently acquired for my own reference library. The Monster Hunter illustrations is a massive tome filled with creature and character designs that reminds me a bit of the style of the Final Fantasy series. The creative team drew inspiration from many different cultures when creating the Hunter characters of this Capcom game. This is the full review I wrote for its Amazon listing:"Just received my copy of this absolutely awesome Game Development Art book, and I'm quite pleased with the visual quality and variety of the creature and character designs featured in this massive tome. Flipping through its pages should provide hours of enjoyment and many examples of how the talented artists went about the process of creating the world and fantastical inhabitants of the Capcom game "Monster Hunter" (which I have never seen nor played). While I really appreciate the opportunity of reading the text of this book originally published in Japanese, I have to agree with my fellow reviewer that the numerous spelling and editing errors detract some from what could have been a flawless experience. Highly recommended reference book for anybody interested in creating their own monster creatures and fantasy warriors despite its lack of proper proof-reading."
The second book: Illustration School: Let's Draw Cute Animals by Sachiko Umoto is a very useful drawing guide with a distinct Japanese flair suitable for artists of all skill levels. It is packed with many step-by-step animal drawing demonstrations that are easy-to-follow. While at first glance Umoto's style might come across as deceptively simple, it is a very effective method of reducing a complex subject to the fewest lines possible while retaining its charm and appeal. Kawaii!

Most recent additions to my Class Drawing Reference Figures

Spotted these large PVC figures in the clearance section of a local big-box store. While I'm not terribly familiar with these Ben 10 characters, I figured they would make fine additions to the pool of reference drawing manikins used in some of my Manga cartoon sketching classes. Their design certainly reminds me of Kaiju or typical Japanese giant monsters. So remember grasshoppers, keep an eye out for suitable reference models in the clearance sections of retail stores as they gear up for the next big holiday season. Much of my class reference manikins have been acquired in this manner.

Another Source for Imagine FX magazines in Naples!

Attention local readers. I was pleasantly surprised to find the 71st issue of Imagine FX at the Naples Costco. Ever since Borders closed their doors, I had not been able to pick up my favorite British magazine on digital arts applied specifically to the creation of science fiction and fantasy subjects for movies and video games. The Artist Q&A section also offers plenty of tips and drawing advice useful to analog or traditional artists. This particular issue was dedicated to Manga and showcases the work of several international artists influenced by the wide range of the popular Japanese comics style.
So now you know grasshoppers, you might be able to find this awesome reference sci-fi digital painting magazine at your local Costco. At least for their usual 30% off newsstand discount, it's worth the walk to check out their magazine rack. Recommended for teenagers and older students.