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Rin Tohsaka Portraits

Wed 02/17/2010 20:20 UTC | Omake | comments (5) | 1,582 Views

Today going to review the lovely Fate / Stay Night Rin Tohsaka Portraits art book.  This is the second Fate portrait book released, the first being the Saber Portraits that was released last year.  I am hoping that they will continue to make more portrait books, as I would love to have a Rider book next.  Maybe even a Rider x Sakura book =3

I have always been fond of Rin and she has been my second favorite Fate girl after Saber.  But my fondness for Rin has grown over this last year because of my lovely DD Rin!!  So I had to have this art book.  Also figured it would be a good time to get the Saber book since I neglected to do so last year.  I opted to get two copies of both books, I’ll explain the reason behind this shortly.

Here we have the back cover of the book.  Like the front, it has small thumbnail previews on the strip that wraps around the dust jacket.  Speaking of which, what do you call that paper strip??  Usually included on anime artbooks but never given what it is called much thought until now ^^

Inside the cover we see the previous Saber book.  No doubt to remind those folks that don’t have a copy to pick one (or more) up for their collection.

Okay.  So why would I get two copies of an artbook?  The answer is simple – one I plan to keep as part of my collection and one I plan on destroying.  I love anime artbooks, I love being able to see the artwork on paper and being able to flip through it.  But I also like to have digital artwork that I can use for things like desktops for my computers.

I like to have digital copies for my own use, not to plaster them across the internet.  In fact, my main reason was to try out the debinding technique I read about on Hunting the Elusive.

Lovely shot of Rin in her school uniform.  Obviously a must for a Rin artbook.

Rin enjoying a hot beverage on a cold day.  Love this outfit.  Another reason I wanted this book was figured it could give me ideas on things I could try with my darling Rin ^o^

I think this is  my favorite shot from the book.  It highlights that not only is Rin an intelligent girl but that she has a sexy side.

I don’t recall previous illustrations of Rin in a swimsuit being this eye catching!  If you prefer school swimwear, there is also an illustration for you in this book.

Another school related outfit from Rin.  Uniform, swimsuit, and now gym.  Rin takes school very seriously.  She has a cute expression in this picture.

Rin in her magical girl gear.  Believe this is from Fate / Hollow Ataraxia.

Image on the left is Rin dressing in Saber’s casual clothes, which is funny because in Saber Portraits it is Saber putting on Rin’s casual wear.  The right image to me plays on Saber’s rocker look from her portrait book as well.

In fact, I think I may replicate this look for my Rin.

Rin in her maid outfit, also from Hollow Ataraxia I believe.

Some lovely Rin cheesecake because you know you love it (I know I do ^^)

This would be a cute look for my Rin…

… but I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to have this look for her.  Super Sexy ^o^

Concept art of Rin’s pendant, used to save Emiya and summon Archer.  Why take picture of this?  You guessed it, I want to make one!!

The Rin Tohsaka Portraits artbook also contains in the back this sealed envelop.  Being that I can’t read Japanese, the contents were a mystery to me.  I assumed it was cards, which is cool because I like cards.

What is contained was actually set if very nice photos featuring artwork from the book!!  Very thin, very glossy photo paper.  They are actually quite nice and absolutely gorgeous.  Rin insisted we show some of her favorites.

Had to show my favorite illustration again.

The school swimsuit I mentioned above.  Very cute.  Looks like all the two page spreads were made into photos.

And of course I had to show off that delicious slice of cheesecake again.  Yum Yum!!  =P

I know as of late there have been quite a few Fate / Stay night posts here.  With the release of Unlimited Blade Works last month and news of various Fate related merchandise coming out, I just felt that I had to share it with you all.  I love the Fate franchise, and would dare venture to say it holds number one spot on my list.

I think this book does a great job of showing off the many sides of Rin Tohsaka.  Not just the tsundere side we are accustomed to, but also the softer, sweeter, and sexier side of her character.  The artwork in this book is top notch in my opinion.  Of course some of the illustrations appealed to me more than others, but each of them did provide a nice look at Rin.

I am sure you noticed that I did not scan a single illustration used in this review.  My purpose for two of the same art book is because I do plan on scanning the images, but for my personal use.  I believe that a true otaku supports the cause, which in this case means buying the art book over downloading it from some image site.  I included photos so that those interested in purchasing the book would know what to expect once they get it.

I ensure you photos and scans don’t compare to holding the actual work in your hands.  Especially when talking about a book full of gorgeous illustrations like this one.  I would highly recommend picking this up this book.

I got my copies from Amazon Japan.  It was my first time ordering from them and have to say the experience was a lot easier than I thought it would.  In fact, I got my order in about two days after placing the order.  I will definitely have to try them again for another art book been looking at getting.

You can pick up Rin Tohsaka Portraits artbook at the following retailers:

Amazon
J-List
Hobby Search

You can also read punynari’s impressions of the book at Moe Passion.