Coffee Table Masterpieces: 5 Anime Artbooks Every Fan Should Own

Beyond the Screen

We all love displaying manga volumes and action figures on our shelves. But if you want to elevate your collection and add a touch of mature, sophisticated aesthetic to your living room or office, you need to invest in Artbooks.

These oversized, hardcover books are printed on premium glossy paper. They contain concept art, storyboards, creator interviews, and full-color illustrations that showcase the sheer amount of human labor required to make your favorite shows. Here are the 5 essential artbooks for any serious collector.

1. The Art of Studio Ghibli (Any Film)

Studio Ghibli artbooks are the gold standard. Whether you choose Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, or Howl's Moving Castle, these books are filled with Hayao Miyazaki’s original watercolor sketches. They are soothing, beautiful, and perfect for guests to flip through.

The Essential Pick: > Get The Art of Spirited Away Hardcover on Amazon.

2. Akira Club

Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira is a visual miracle. This massive book contains title-page illustrations, unused promotional art, and Otomo's commentary on the cyberpunk masterpiece. It is a heavy, gorgeous piece of history.

3. Der Mond: The Art of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Illustrated by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (the character designer for Evangelion), this book is a nostalgic trip to the 90s. It features stunning watercolor and marker illustrations of Shinji, Asuka, and Rei, proving that the characters are just as iconic as the mechas.

4. Blanc et Noir: Takeshi Obata Illustrations

Takeshi Obata is the artistic genius behind Death Note and Bakuman. This slipcased hardcover features silver-stamped printing and double-sided fold-out posters. His gothic, hyper-detailed style looks incredible in this large format.

A Collector's Dream: > Grab Blanc et Noir on Amazon.

5. The Art of Fullmetal Alchemist

Hiromu Arakawa’s world of Amestris is rich in detail. This book compiles over 300 pages of color illustrations, promotional posters, and character designs. It is a must-have for fans of the ultimate alchemy story.