Gurihiru-Blog

Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Part 1

2012-01-27T01:05:00.000-08:00

At last, "Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Part 1" in stores!Look for this in the comic shops if interested in this.Hope you like it.

Writer: Gene Luen Yang, Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
Art &Cover: Gurihiru
Publisher: Dark Horse comics

Check out the 7 page preview at Comic Book Resources.

Here is some process from layout to final inks and color.

children's book illustrations

2012-01-13T06:11:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to illustrate a Australia's children's book last year. It is called FANGS and it was released in January 9. Written by Aleesah Darlison. I did the illustrations and published by Pearson Education.

Fangs is the story of a young boy called Max, whose friend Ki asks him to come to her place to see her new pet. But Max is afraid of all animals....

Here is a sneak peak from FANGS.

A:TLA library poster

2012-01-01T23:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I wish you all the best for this year.

This Avatar: The Last Airbender art is for a poster and bookmark that will promote reading in libraries. Aang and Katara based on the designs from "The Promise". Inside Wan Shi Tong's Library, the shelves of books appear to extend into infinity in the background.

My first sketch idea had Wan Shi Tong's Library's owl at the upper left hand. But since letter "Reading is mind-bending!" was print to the upper part of a poster, we had to take it off.

happy holidays

2011-12-22T04:38:00.000-08:00

Long time no see

2011-11-16T00:58:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry for not having updated a blog for a long time. Thank you for a lot of kind words about an earthquake disaster.

For several months I was working on visual development for game, animation, comics, books etc. The new Avatar: The Last Airbender comic book is one of them. I'm taking charge of art.
Avatar: The Last Airbender Volume 1—The Promise Part 1 TPB. It's release is scheduled for January 25, 2012.

Written by Gene Yang, author of the National Book Award-nominated American Born Chinese. He has awesome stories in A:TLA.

Four different approaches for a book cover.

The first Zuko's hairstyl idea is long hair. but his hairstyle was changed revisions from Nickelodeon. I like also new hairstyle.

I've been working on #2 ink and color now. Thank you for stopping by!

Earthquake

2011-03-11T15:24:00.000-08:00

Large earthquakes hit Japan.
We were safely.
We wish everyone's safety...

Illustration Friday "warning "

2011-03-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

Recent iPad drawing...

More iPad drawings

2011-02-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Dour girl

2011-02-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

These are my attempts at drawing on iPad.

Happy New Year !

2011-01-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

2011 is the year of the rabbit.

Happy holidays

2010-12-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

Recent sketches

2010-12-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

in progress work

2010-11-22T00:43:00.000-08:00

My cat distract someone when I am working. He often barge into in between PC monitor and keyboard.

Free card for Comitia

2010-11-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

The alligator illustrations was printed. It is postcard size business card. I distributed it for free at COMITIA held in Tokyo. COMITIA is a original Comics, art and culture event in Japan.

in progress alligator

2010-11-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

After returning home

2010-11-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am sorry I haven't been updating my blog.　Thanks for coming to my booth in NYCC!
Travel to NY had been great experience for me.　I met a lot of people and I really enjoyed during the trip.　I had a lot of fun doing some commissions.　

This Jack Power sketch is my last commissions in NYCC.

・・・And I'm working on a Captain America mini series now.

New York Comic-Con

2010-09-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

We (and many other artists from Japan) will participate the New York Comic-Con in October.

Here are cover of full color anthology for "HON vol,1".
A book collaboration with amazing Japanese artists and me, it will be available in the Katana Sutudio booth at NY Comic Con. Don't miss it! "Katana Sutudio" is a unit name of 9-member group make up of Japanese artists.

Hope to see you there!

More info about the book here:
Katana Studio special sketch book "HON" vol.1

WORLD WAR HULKS #1 & #2

2010-08-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

WORLD WAR HULKS:
CAPTAIN AMERICA VS. WOLVERINE #1 & #2.
We worked on the 10page Backup story.
Written by Brian Clevinger. Art by Gurihiru.

Illustration Friday "double"

2010-07-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

I submit the pelicans a recent drawing for this weeks Illustration Friday.

Warriors Four cover layouts

2010-07-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

These are the rough layouts of covers for "Thor and the Warriors Four"!

Thor and the Warriors Four #4

2010-07-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

The last issue,"Thor and the Warriors Four #4" in stores!
Hope you like it.

Written by Alex Zalben
Art & Cover by Gurihiru
backup story by Colleen Coover

Loki: triumphant! Thor: defeated! Power Pack: no more! Exclamations: And questions? Will Power Pack be able to save the life of their grandmother, or will the world be destroyed first? All this, plus a guest appearance by The Pet Avengers, and the moment you didn't know you were waiting your whole life for: The League of Thors! AND the final chapter of Colleen Coover's Hercules/Power Pack cross-over. An issue so big, so funny, so awesome, that critics are saying, "This solicit was actually written before the first issue came out, so there's no press quotes yet!" All Ages …$2.99

Thor and the Warriors Four #3

2010-06-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Thor and the Warriors Four #3 in stores!

Written by Alex Zalben
Art & Cover by Gurihiru
backup story by Colleen Coover

Oh noes! All of Asgard has been turned into tiny little babies! Volstagg? Baby! Sif? Baby! Odin? Teeny, tiny wittle baby. Now, it's up to Power Pack and Thor, Tot of Thunder to set things right. Meanwhile, Julie makes a fateful decision that may just play into Loki's evil plans, and Alex reaches his breaking point. Will this be the end of Power Pack? All this, plus Ratatosk, Squirrel of Mischief: the second most dangerous squirrel in the Marvel Universe! PLUS: Hercules continues the tale of his twelve labors! All Ages …$2.99

My favorite panel. Warriors Three babies!
process:from thumbnail to pencil to final inks and color.

Illustration Friday "Fearless"

2010-05-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

For this weeks Illustration Friday.

Thor and the Warriors Four #2

2010-05-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

Thor and the Warriors Four #2 is out!

Written by Alex Zalben
Art & Cover by Gurihiru
backup story by Colleen Coover

Who are the WARRIORS FOUR? What do they want with THE MIGHTY THOR, and his alien pal BETA RAY BILL? And how does a no-holds-barred stone throwing contest feature in all of this? The answers: 1) They’re POWER PACK! 2)They want magical Golden Apples to save their grandmother’s life, and 3)who doesn’t like a good stone-throwing contest? The adventures of Power Pack continue as they reach Asgard, fight Dark Dwarves alongside Thor, and move one step closer to bringing about the end of everything they hold dear!
32 PGS./All Ages …$2.99

I hope you like it!

process:from thumbnail to pencil to final inks and color.

Train sketches 04-20-10

2010-04-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Warm up animals sketches 2

2010-04-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

005-impala

006-sea otter

007-Komodo dragon

008-Eastern Bongo

009-Gorilla

Illustration Friday "linked"

2010-04-10T01:30:00.000-07:00

destined soul mate

Thor and the Warriors Four #1

2010-04-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Thor and the Warriors Four #1 is out (4/7/10)!
Look for this in the comic shops if interested in this.

Written by ALEX ZALBEN
Art & Cover by GURIHIRU
backup story by Colleen Coover

Issue Synopsis -- It all starts here! Power Pack’s biggest adventure ever begins, as they desperately search for the only person who can save the life of their grandmother -- THE MIGHTY THOR! But first, they’re going to need to get to Asgard, and that means joining forces with Frog Thor…And THE PET AVENGERS! An epic tale that starts with a book of myths and ends with the destruction of the entire world, this is a journey into mystery that will leave Power Pack changed -- forever! All Ages …$2.99

Check out the 7 page preview at Comic Book Resources.

process:from thumbnail to pencil to final inks and color.

Illustration Friday "dip"

2010-04-03T02:21:00.000-07:00

For this weeks Illustration Friday.

Illustration Friday "rescue"

2010-03-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Ptarmigan said "Rescue me."

Warm up animals sketches 1

2010-03-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

001-mouse

002-horned owl

003-peafowl

004-black rhinoceros

Here's some warm up animals sketches . I do to get my engines running in the early part of the day. These are sometimes opened to the public on my twitter.

Recent sketches

2010-02-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

Illustration Friday "propagate"

2010-02-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

For this weeks Illustration Friday.

TAILS OF THE PET AVENGERS #1

2010-02-09T15:26:00.001-08:00

A one-shot collection of stories about the Pet Avengers is coming out on 10 February. I was in charge of drawing art in the two short tales. Check out the 14 page preview at Comic Book Resources.

Children's books "Gateway to English"

2010-02-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

These are some page I did of new children's book. It was released in January. It's a studying English book for Japanese elementary school student. "Gateway to English" Each books edited 24 page spreads.

Because I hope to draw illustration for kids, I had a lot of fun doing this job. Hope you and children enjoy!

Below are some pages without the text. Pencil layout to final inks and colors.

Train sketches 01-18-10

2010-01-29T07:17:00.000-08:00

Free sketch

2010-01-27T05:23:00.000-08:00

Illustration Friday "wilderness"

2010-01-15T15:55:00.000-08:00

For this weeks Illustration Friday.

Airport sketches

2010-01-08T15:11:00.000-08:00

These are year-end and new-year sketches I did at the airport.

Illustration Friday "Renewal"

2010-01-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

redesign of a drawing last year.

Happy holidays

2009-12-20T14:52:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a great holidays.

Recent sketch

2009-12-16T15:10:00.000-08:00

I carry my sketchbook. Sometimes I am sketching for people-watching.

Illustration Friday "hatch"

2009-12-12T02:54:00.000-08:00

For this weeks Illustration Friday.

Tails of the Pet Avengers

2009-12-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was working on a short comics for Marvelcomics. It is a short story of Pet Avengers "Zabu". Written by Chris Eliopoulos. I'm a huge fan of his work. It was big pleasure work to get do his script.

The release of "Tails of the Pet Avengers #1" is scheduled for February 2010. Check out the info over at MARVEL.

Illustration Friday "entangled"

2009-11-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

For this weeks Illustration Friday.

Sketches from train

2009-11-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

More sketches while in taking a train.
I use time to draw the people around me.

in progress

2009-11-09T15:03:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone. Really appreciate the comments.
I'm currently working on a new comic for Marvel. Here's some in progress stuff.

Blue chair

2009-10-21T01:35:00.000-07:00

Illustration Friday "flying"

2009-10-13T02:03:00.000-07:00

For this weeks Illustration Friday....Flying dragon!

during break time...

2009-10-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

Just colored it in photoshop while taking a break at work.

Pet Avengers

2009-08-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is some characters of "Pet Avengers". Throg, Zabu and Ms. Lion....I love this hero team! I'm working on a new comics now, they make a guest appearance.

Illustration Friday "Caution"

2009-08-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

For this weeks Illustration Friday.

Illustration Friday "wrapped"

2009-08-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

For this weeks Illustration Friday.

SDCC2009

2009-07-19T23:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the comment about my sketchbook.!
I have not table at SDCC.

We can't speak English well,but please feel free to speak if you find us. Also,trade with your sketchbook is anytime welcome. However, it might be impossible to find us in the convention center.

I haven't yet decided specifically about on-line sales. It thinks about on-line sales if there is a stock after coming back to Japan.

Gurihiru's sketchbook!

2009-07-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

This is the my promotional sketchbook that we made for San Diego Comic-Con.

"GURIHIRU FAIR : second portfolio by Gurihiru"
28page, full color. Some recent works and personal artwork collected to this book.

We are going to San Diego after an interval of three years :)

Wolverine: First Class #16

2009-06-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

June 24, 2009 "Wolverine: First Class #16" was released for publication by Marvel Comics. Written by Peter David, with art by Gurihiru.

PREVIEW THIS ISSUE, you can see some pages.

Here are the process from pencil to finished art for the page below:

Random sketches

2009-06-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

Illustration Friday "unfold"

2009-06-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Unfold a letter. ...For this weeks Illustration Friday.

Girls

2009-06-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

Avatar comics

2009-05-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates lately... Recently I'm working on "Avatar" comics. My first work of Avatar comic will be appear in the "Sponge Bob Square Pants comics magazine". Don't miss it!

Some iPod touch paintings.

2009-03-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

These are some paintings I did at break during work. (using Brushes)
Winter sky from January through February.

Illustration Friday "breezy"

2009-02-27T17:51:00.000-08:00

For this weeks Illustration Friday.

Sonic works

2009-02-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

These are some character designs that was done for Game "Sonic Unleashed"....and illustrations of short film "NIGHT OF THE WEREHOG".(not official)

Flyer illustration

2009-02-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

This is illustration I did for theatrical flyer. (below:rough sketch)
I'm pleased with the red hair girl.

WOLVERINE & POWER PACK #4

2009-02-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

February 4, 2009 "Wolverine and Power Pack #4" was released for publication by Marvel Comics. Written by Marc Sumerak, with art by Gurihiru.

Alex and his family will visit Japan for Japanese TV show "Ninja Master".

Power Pack and Wolverine fights against the ninja at Shibuya in Tokyo. I had to depict many display advertising and building in Tokyo city. I enjoyed working on these draw background of homeland.

PREVIEW THIS ISSUE, you can see some pages.

Here are the process from pencil to finished art for the page below:

My cat sketches

2009-01-31T01:08:00.000-08:00

This is my cat I recently painted.
It is sketches drawn on ipod touch, using Brushes.

iPod touch sketches

2009-01-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

I see Mt. Fuji from the window in my workspace.

I recently purchased a iPod touch and have been sketching digitally.
Here are sketches using by application "Brushes". "Brushes" is a great tool that can be easily sketched!

Illustration Friday "pale"

2009-01-16T07:32:00.000-08:00

For this weeks Illustration Friday.

Wolverine and Power Pack #3 and #2

2009-01-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

January 7, 2008 "Wolverine and Power Pack #3" was released for publication by Marvel Comics. Written by Marc Sumerak, with penciland inc by Scott Koblish.
Gurihiru take charge of the cover art and coloring.

...and sorry! I just forgot inform about issue2 here.
"Wolverine and Power Pack #2" came out last month. Written by Marc Sumerak, with art by Gurihiru.

A number of X-MEN characters makes a cameo in this issue.
The following are some of my process.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-09T00:23:00.001-08:00

I hope the new year will bring you good luck and happiness. 　

This is my new year's card. 2009 is the year of the Ox in Chinese Zodiac. The model is a two cats that I have.

Illustration Friday "clandestine"

2008-12-26T16:16:00.000-08:00

My clandestine friend is ...Dragon!
For this weeks Illustration Friday.

Happy holidays

2008-12-22T15:28:00.000-08:00

I am surprised because many new visitors are stopping here.
Thank you for your many kindly comments!

Happy holidays to you all.

However, I have work down to the end of the year....(:-<

Illustration Friday "rambunctious"

2008-12-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

Rambunctious three pigs.
For this weeks Illustration Friday.

Night of the Werehog !

2008-11-23T04:45:00.000-08:00

The sales promotion short movie of the "Sonic Unleashed" has just been released on official site.
It was my job to design the three-ghosts, two-kids, and large green enemy with whom ghost united. I really enjoyed working on these character designs, since it was my first animation project. Hope you like it!

This is an illustration I did yesterday, in honor of Night of the Werehog, which just came out on;

Human design...

2008-11-21T04:06:00.000-08:00

This is a development screen shot of the "Sonic Unleashed" PS3 and X-box360 versions. When this game was made, the company requested a new human design from me. Neither too real nor too Manga-style. At moderate deformation...

The blog by Sachiko Kawamura who is the art director of the sonic team is here. She mention the role of Gurihiru in game.

This game is scheduled to be release in late November.

Wii,PS3,X-box360...it is put on the market with each model. But visually, Wii is not as sophisticated as the PS3 and X-box360.

Wolverine and Power Pack

2008-11-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

November 5, 2008 "Wolverine and Power Pack #1" arrived in stores from published at Marvel Comics. Written by Marc Sumerak, with art by Gurihiru.

This is the first issue in a new series.
At Comic Book Resources, you can see some pages.

Wolverine and Power Pack in this issue fights in the Museum of Natural History. I did not visit the Museum of Natural History though I went to New York two years ago. I want to visit there if there is a next time to go to NY.

Here are some of my process below:

Sonic Unleashed Trailer

2008-11-01T01:26:00.000-07:00

Sonic Unleashed TGS Trailer

Sonic Unleashed - Night of the Werehog - Movie Trailer

I'm delighted to be part of this project.
The official website is up as well.
Sonic Unleashed official English site

Color in progress

2008-10-31T02:34:00.000-07:00

These SENTINELS are old type.

In progress

2008-10-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

"Wolverine & Power pack #4" cover

"Sonic Unleashed" NPC

2008-10-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

These are really early designs.
They have not announced the design, so I am not allowed to give decision design　on it yet.

Tokyo Game Show 2008

2008-10-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

I went to Tokyo Game Show 2008 (TGS2008). The new game introduce in Makuhari Messe from October 9st to the 12th.

The exhibition site. The big yellow hero is Norton Antivirus has "Norton Fighter" as their image characters:)

I have had the honor to cooperate on the video game for sonic-team in SEGA. My job was design the NPC characters. It was fun and challenging!
"Sonic Unleashed" Japanese title "Sonic World Adventure"
It will be marketed by SEGA November for the Xbox 360, PS3.
Can't wait!

The official website is up as well.
Sonic World Adventure official Japanese site

Now on sale

2008-10-07T01:20:00.001-07:00

"Power Pack :DAY ONE" TPB is out just-ended month.
Story by FRED VAN LENTE, with art by GURIHIRU. This digest-sized trade paperback collects Power Pack :DAY ONE #1-4. It tells the new origins of the Power Pack. Look for this in the comic shops if interested in this. You can order it also on Amazon.

Here are some inked page:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In stores:17 Sep 2008

"Skrulls vs. Power Pack #2"
Story by FRED VAN LENTE, with art by CORY HAMSCHER,JACOPO CAMAGNI. GURIHIRU is cover art, coloring and fill in for a page.

Skrulls vs. Power Pack#2

2008-09-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

I'm busy so sorry about lack answering comments and updates.

"Skrulls vs. Power Pack #2" arrived in stores from published at Marvel Comics. Written by FRED VAN LENTE, with art by CORY HAMSCHER. GURIHIRU take charge of the cover art and coloring.

Below pencil and ink for this cover. This work were tough. Because,I had to draw children like the gangster but it looked gentle.

Dr. Lykos

2008-09-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

This is a pencil sketch from the villain characters of upcoming new PP title "WOLVERINE & POWER PACK #1".

Skrulls vs. Power Pack #1

2008-08-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

"Skrulls vs. Power Pack #1" arrived in stores on July 30 from published at Marvel Comics. Written by FRED VAN LENTE, with art by CORY HAMSCHER. GURIHIRU take charge of the cover art and coloring.

We are currently starting new series.

These are sketches for "Skrulls vs. Power Pack #1" cover.

Next project・・・？

2008-07-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

Sneak peek at recent work.
Below is a photoshop painting experiment I did today.

Four colors girl

2008-07-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

Brush pen- doodles

2008-07-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid I can't go at the upcoming San Diego Comic Con 2008.
I make up plan a schedule to go to my hometown in Hokkaido instead. Hokkaido is to the north of Japan's main island. It is very cool climate.

Airfare have been costing more since this year because of high-price of crude oil. Quite a few Japanese don't go abroad.

Cartoon for TV program

2008-07-08T01:41:00.000-07:00

This is a Cartoon I did for the NHK educational station. It is a short story of six panels. The Cartoon was recently televised in Japan. It is study English program for Japanese children.

Power Pack: Day One #4 On Sale !

2008-07-02T00:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry for this late notice.
"Power Pack Day One #4" arrived in stores on June 25 from published at Marvel Comics. Written by Fred Van Lente, with art by Gurihiru.

This is the final issue of the Power Pack Day One. However...set your mind at ease. The series of new Power Pack is put on the market in July. It will be a titled "Skrulls vs. Power Pack."
The main artist of a new series is not me. Gurihiru take charge of the cover art and coloring.

Here's some of my process... Other three pages from "Power Pack Day One #4". The story starts from Jack's imagination scene. A muscular body Jack is pretty funny.

Capture the pose

2008-06-16T01:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a page of some pose studies and random sketches.

Random sketches

2008-06-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

Power Pack: Day One #3 On Sale !

2008-06-02T01:36:00.000-07:00

May was a busy month for me and I come back. Finally finished the Power Pack issue today. Thank you for all comments and visits!

Power Pack Day One #3 arrived in stores on May 28 from published at Marvel Comics. Written by Fred Van Lente, with art by Gurihiru. The preview in this issue is here.
I came up with a concept of this cover because I saw the photograph of the girl who was giveing a racoon baby a bottle. This cover was very popular with editors.

Here's some of my process... Other three pages from "Power Pack Day One #3".

Three girls

2008-05-01T04:51:00.000-07:00

The "Golden Week" holidays in Japan. It is the week when four of the national holidays happen during the end of April and the beginning May. But I don't have holidays. Comics, Character design, staff meeting...Many work are concentrated in May.

Power Pack: Day One #2 On Sale !

2008-04-28T00:26:00.000-07:00

Power Pack Day One #2 arrived in stores on April 23 from published at Marvel Comics. This issue is written by Fred Van Lente, with art by Gurihiru. The preview in this issue is here.

Here are some Pencil→Ink→Color images.
The many perspective line on the left image is actually draw in blue pencil.

Part of the latest work

2008-04-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

In progress - SvPP#2 cover

2008-04-15T02:14:00.001-07:00

Here's a in progress work for new PP comics. Children's appearance are gangsters. Julie will be changing hairstyle to the cornrow!

More drawings

2008-04-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

New York Comic Con starts in Aplil 18 - 20. I was planning to go there... but regrettably, I can`t go to the convention in USA this year. The cancellation was due to a scheduling problem. I hope to take part in NYCC next year.

2008-04-10T01:05:00.001-07:00

Only yesterday It was imported into Japan from USA, so I was able to buy this issue. My worry color problem wasn`t all that terrible. Printing image seemed just the same as original image. I reassured myself about it.

The next PP comics announced HERE!

I bought marble lead of a pencil the other day.
Scribbling by using it is fun. It is interesting color expression.

Power Pack Day One #1 In Stores !

2008-03-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

Power Pack Day One #1 arrived in stores on March 26 from published at Marvel Comics. This issue is written by Fred Van Lente, with art by Gurihiru.
Check out explanation this issues HERE!

This comic is a story of the origin of Power Pack. Based on a story by LOUISE SIMONSON and JUNE BRIGMAN.

Here are some Pencil page, Ink & Color that I did for PPDO#1.