Japanese magazine and newspaper company Kosaido has been confirmed as being in charge of the printing, binding, and publishing of the second Slam Dunk manga art book PLUS/SLAM DUNK ILLUSTRATIONS 2 which will launch in France, Italty, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The art book was originally released by Kosaido in Japan in April of this year and will launch in six countries overseas.
Kashimi (Kosaido Salesperson) | Comment
“Following the Japanese release, I am in charge of helping to publish the overseas edition of PLUS/SLAM DUNK ILLUSTRATIONS in six countries and regions around the world, something which has been made possible by Shueisha and [Slam Dunk creator] Takehiko Inoue. It has been a lot of work to ensure that the content of the book lives up to the same standards as the Japanese edition, including the quality of Shueisha’s work, the quality of the Slam Dunk content, and the zeal that Takehiki Inoue has towards the quality and the book. It has been a fantastic experience and a lot of fun working on it.”
Ando (Kosaido Printer) | Comment
“Being in charge of printing has shown me just how much Shueisha puts into their art books, and when I think about Kosaido’s print work being seen overseas, I get even more excited. We’re using a printing technique for this book that no other company is using called concentric screening which allows for detailed expression in the print. To make the dots in the print even tidier this time around, we’ve also been carrying out maintanence on the rollers, cleaning the machines, and other things which will allow for a greater level of quality. The finish of the book will also be taken to the next level by choosing a powder that has much less rough deposits. The printing team has put all of their efforts into creating this book.”
The first Slam Dunk art collection, INOUE TAKEHIKO ILLUSTRATIONS, was first published in 1997. This new book will feature 130 illustrations specially selected by the manga’s author and illustrator Takehiko Inoue as well as sketches, never before seen drafts, and more. Inoue has also drawn 14 new illustrations for the book including the cover.
Information
PLUS/SLAM DUNK ILLUSTRATIONS 2
Overseas Publishers
South Korea: Daewon Culture Industry Inc.
Taiwan: Cite Publishing Limited
Hong Kong: Jonesky Limited
Thailand: NATION INTERNATIONAL EDUTAINMENT PUBLIC CO., LTD.
France: Dargaud-Lombard s.a. Kana
Italy: Panini SpA