【Book Introduction】
This artbook presents a collection of works by female illustrator Aogachou, showcasing the unique fantasy world she has crafted through the inspiration of creatures and monsters. Active since the 2000s and based in Osaka, Aogachou is known for her mastery in depicting dragons, mythical beasts, and fantastical creatures. She has contributed artwork to numerous games such as Requiem of the Gods, Cross Legend, MONSTER HUNTER, Legend of Monsters, and Fire Emblem, as well as providing illustrations for publications featuring mythological and fantasy themes.
In addition to her commercial work, Aogachou actively participates in solo and group exhibitions, working across both digital and traditional media. She has been a frequent exhibitor at events like Comiket and Comitia, and in recent years has expanded her practice to include commissioned work. Since 2017, she has competed in the "LIMITS Digital Art Battle," winning the world championship in her first appearance and placing as runner-up in 2019 by a margin of just one point, showcasing her impressive skill and adaptability in live art creation.
Aogachou’s artwork often includes intense and sometimes grotesque imagery, reflecting her unique perspective on life and death inspired by the harsh realities of nature—such as survival, predation, and the law of the jungle. At the same time, her creations exude a subtle tenderness and respect for life. Her beasts and creatures are often infused with elements of mythology and fairy tales, forming richly layered visual narratives that define her distinctive fantasy universe.
This artbook places a strong emphasis on storytelling. It opens with an original illustrated tale written and drawn by Aogachou herself, and each piece in the collection is accompanied by her commentary, offering deeper insights into the background and themes of her work.
At the heart of her art lies a deep fascination with biology. Her knowledge spans from insects, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals to extinct creatures like dinosaurs. She conducts anatomical research into bones, joints, and muscle structures to infuse her illustrations with a sense of lifelike realism. This scientific approach brings believability even to fantastical beings like griffons, pegasi, and dragons. Her work manages to portray wildlife with realism without becoming strictly academic, instead elevating it into a poetic and philosophical form of fantasy art.
This book is not only a visual anthology but also a journey into the meeting point of nature and imagination. For fans of fantasy worlds, creature design, and narrative illustration, it is a masterful and timeless collection worthy of appreciation and lasting admiration.
【Details】
Author: Aogachou
Publisher: Genkosha
Publication Year: 2019
Dimensions: 30 × 21 cm
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 128 pages
