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.
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 …