Shopping Guide
Arpeggio of Blue Steel - Ars Nova, the anime adaptation of Ark Performance’s manga that broadcast from October to December 2013, was an epoch-making work. It was the first 30-minute late night anime to be fully CG and it fully depicted the charms of its beautiful female characters that took the form of “Mental Models.” Now, the perfect book for looking back once more at this series’ secrets and charms will be published on April 18. That book is Arpeggio of Blue Steel - Ars Nova: Official Archive.
Arpeggio of Blue Steel - Ars Nova: Official Archive is of course full of content, but its large size is amazing right off the batt. In addition to it being a large A4 size, it is also 192 pages long, which contributes to a substantial heft that can be felt when holding it. The front cover is of a specially drawn illustration with a blue background that shows Iona and the other Mental Models lined up. Opening up the book, you will first see a key visual followed by a collection of many copyrighted illustrations. Fans can enjoy scenes that can only be seen in these illustrations.
There is also an explanation of the story, introductions to the characters and mecha, production documents, and loads of other materials. The explanation of the story includes pictures of the major battles and a timetable for gaining a deeper understanding. Also take a look at the line drawings and rough sketches. The rough designs and early concepts and plans are worth seeing. There is also an abundance of 3D CG line drawings of the mecha.
In addition to this, there are also full interviews. Included is a discussion with director Seiji Kishi, music director Masato Kouda, series composer Makoto Uezu, and sci-fi investigator Shigeru Morita, as well as an interview with voice actresses Mai Fuchigami (Iona) and Yukana (Kongo) that are worth reading.
Arpeggio of Blue Steel - Ars Nova: Official Archive
Compiled by Post Media editorial department
Release Date: 4/18/2014
Size: A4
Price: 2,500 yen + tax
Source: animeanime