Out of all of Japan’s excellent bishoujo artists, Naru Nanao would have to be my favourite. I can’t quite put my finger on why, nor can I use any over-the-top artistic jargon to justify that statement, but in layman’s terms, her character designs are absolutely delicious. Seeing as she worked for companies like minori and Circus and designed some of the more famous eroge characters such as Miyako Miyamura (ef) and Nemu Asakura (Da Capo), I highly doubt that I’m the only one who feels this way about her work.
And if you’re willing to pay up to the overpriced import stores, you can see first-hand why she has earned her place as a personal favourite.
The book is colour-coded, if you will, based on flavours of ice cream – or in this case, themes and colours in the designs. You can also see certain trends in the clothing and backgrounds, such as the obvious summer setting in the pictures above, but the one truly important aspect remains: the quality of the designs.
The colours and tones shift into a deeper green, creating a different – but equally powerful – feeling.
The book also contains some of her renditions of other popular characters, such as the girl pictured above: Minamo from Wind – a breath of heart. The game was produced by minori but I don’t believe she was working with them at the time. Takoyaki, anyone?
Nerine from Shuffle!, looking even more stunning in my eyes than when she was drawn by the Navel staff.
Now the cooler autumn tones start hitting, leaning toward light yellow and red.
Irrelevant, but a testament to Nanao’s ability to design characters that appeal to the male otaku instinct without the use of blatant fanservice.
And now for winter, with scarves and sadness and everything else that’s wonderful.
Quite a different style is present in this one, focusing on the surreal background rather than the character. It’s the minimalist approach, I suppose, vaguely reminiscent of the Shaft moments where the screen appears so blank yet so alive.
By this point you’ve probably already determined whether or not you’re interested in Naru Nanao’s work. Actually, if you’re familiar with visual novels, you probably made that decision a long time ago. Despite the number of excellent artists in the industry – Ikegami Akane and Mutsumi Sakaki come to mind – Nanao will always remain as one of my favourites, if not my absolute favourite, and I’d recommend her to any and all fans of complex hair ribbons and adorable uniforms.
Name: Nanairo Ice (Rainbow-coloured Ice)
Available From: HLJ (discontinued), beNippon (used)
Scans/Reviews: Hontou ni Taihen Desu
~ ETERNAL
つづく
