Fans of classic robot anime, take note—legendary mecha designer Koichi Ohata has just released his very first art book, ART OF BATTLE: Koichi Ohata Robot Chronicle. Packed with original sketches, production boards, and even scrapped concept designs from iconic titles like MD Geist and Gunbuster, this volume is a full-color dive into the creative firepower behind some of the most distinctive robots in anime history. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or simply fascinated by the craft of mecha design, this book offers a rare glimpse into Ohata’s artistic evolution.
A Legendary Career Captured in One Book
Koichi Ohata, the visionary mecha designer behind cult classics like MD Geist, Gunbuster, and Blue Gender, has unveiled his first-ever art collection: ART OF BATTLE: Koichi Ohata Robot Chronicle. Released on April 22, 2025, by Genkosha Publishing, this 208-page full-color art book highlights Ohata’s signature style—robust, imaginative, and always battle-ready.
What’s Inside?
The book features original rough sketches, design blueprints, image boards, and production artwork from over 40 anime and conceptual projects. Fans will instantly recognize iconic machines from series like Zeta Gundam, Vifam, Macross II, Garatt, and more. Ohata’s unique visual language—a fusion of power, precision, and chaos—is on full display, offering a deep look into how he visualizes combat through machinery.
Notably, the book includes designs from unrealized or canceled projects, making it a true collector’s item. Ohata refers to these never-before-seen illustrations as “creative offerings,” giving readers a rare chance to witness ideas that never made it to screen.
The Philosophy Behind “Art of Battle”
More than just a collection of robot drawings, ART OF BATTLE reflects Ohata’s belief that every mecha tells a story through its function and form. In an exclusive essay titled “My Personal Mecha Design Rhapsody”, Ohata discusses his lifelong obsession with battle-driven design and how he crafts machines to move, fight, and exist within the worlds he imagines.
How to Get It
ART OF BATTLE: Koichi Ohata Robot Chronicle is now available in Japan through major bookstores and online platforms like Amazon Japan. The book is printed in A4 size and priced at ¥4,180 (tax included). International fans can also purchase through import-friendly retailers.
Why It Matters
Whether you’re a fan of gritty ‘80s mecha, a student of animation design, or a robot aficionado looking to expand your collection, this book is a unique time capsule of Japan’s most experimental era in mechanical aesthetics. Ohata’s influence continues to ripple through the genre, and this chronicle captures his contributions in all their bold, explosive glory.
Ready to Enter the World of Battle-Driven Mecha Art?
Dive into four decades of robot design with ART OF BATTLE: Koichi Ohata Robot Chronicle—a must-have for fans of classic mecha, anime history, and kinetic concept art. Secure your copy today and experience the artistry behind some of anime’s most unforgettable machines.
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