Tanaka Tatsuyuki has to be in my artist top-10, and has been responsible for some of the most sophisticated animations in the industry. He forged his name in the late 80′s whilst working freelance as a key animator on the arm mutation scene in the cult anime classic Akira.

Tanaka Tatsuyuki

Since then he has joined with a few other artist (including another favorite of mine) at Studio 4°C. He now spends his time creating illustrations, manga, and short animations and other commissioned works.

His book titled Cannabis Works is a joy to read and study. It features works from across his career and continues in the theme of strange sinister acts in derelict surroundings.

The book features a lot of pastel colors, greys and black and pieces tend to have a green tinge finish. I’m not sure if this is his signature however videos I have seen produced by him have this weird finish too.

His backgrounds are as highly just as detailed as the main characters within any scene, some maybe more so. His ability to accurately render the technology and surrounding artefacts like pipes and bolts help to give this artists works a very convincingly macabre atmosphere.

If like me you love his style you may consider getting your hands on a copy of Comickers Vol 2 where he details his creation process. Be warned though, as he sketches don’t give much away. If you are looking for construction lines often left behind by other artists, forget it! His ‘ruff sketches’ are …. like finished works… they’re hot!!

See the arm mutation scene:

Related and juicy:
Akira (アキラ) Sound Clip by Geinoh Yamashirogumi Part 1

In the next clip pay attention to how the guy at 8min54sec hammers the notes off that instrument and mutes the ringout with the other hand whilst half asleep! – WOW!!!

Akira (アキラ) Sound Clip by Geinoh Yamashirogumi Part 2:

Loving Mr Yamashiros Apple Mac @4min 13.