A Complete Guide to Special Effects Makeup: Conceptual Artwork by Japanese Makeup Artists [Paperback]

Graphic-Sha (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 4766118332 | ISBN-13: 978-4766118339 | Publication Date: August 19, 2008

Created by some of Japan's most talented and up-and-coming special effects make-up artists, this is the first Japanese language Special Effects Make-Up "how-to" guide! From easy "scar" make-ups to basic techniques to masks and full-scale prosthetics, each process is covered in a fully illustrated, step-by-step process.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Graphic-Sha Publishing (August 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4766118332
• ISBN-13: 978-4766118339
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,041,642 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than "Grande Illusions" ?, June 5, 2009

By 

Victoria (Lancaster, US, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Complete Guide to Special Effects Makeup: Conceptual Artwork by Japanese Makeup Artists (Paperback)

I own several books and DVD's on special effects make-up including both of the Grande Illusion books, Movie FX Magazine Master classes, books by Vincent Kehoe, Thurston James and more... and let me tell you this one book covers more ground then any of them. Everything from basic eyeliner and blush to full head latex appliances, costumes, props and metalwork. It has dozens of projects for you to follow along with to create some breathtaking effects.

Now that isn't to say that this is perfect, the first and most obvious problem isn't really any fault of the original authors - but the copy I got from amazon has several mistakes and printing errors. But even with these errors the book is still very easy to follow.

Other problems might be that some of the information might have gaps as suggested by another reviewer... it is hard for me to tell because I have studied this subject so much that I can fill in the blanks without really thinking.

If you are on the fence about buying this book don't be, it is in full color with amazing full page artwork of the finished designs and step by step photos of everything. This book even answered questions some "professionals" I asked could not! For the money this book is very, VERY hard to beat.

Now if only someone would put out a book this detailed about animatronics!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent., September 23, 2010

By 

Jaytee Starr (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Complete Guide to Special Effects Makeup: Conceptual Artwork by Japanese Makeup Artists (Paperback)

This book is the best thing to happen to special effects in a while. Great pictures, great ideas, and great instruction.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Grande Illusions, hands down, sorry Tom., June 26, 2009

By 

JT "I wear my pants backwards and on fire, ju... (Odessa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Complete Guide to Special Effects Makeup: Conceptual Artwork by Japanese Makeup Artists (Paperback)

I never in my wildest dreams did I think there was a better book than the fabled Grande Illusions, which everyone swore by. Today is that day. While Grande Illusions does cover some information, it only contains a hand full of illustrations and only covers major parts like hair punching and break down prosthetics.

This book covers far more ground and it's information is up to date. Not that Grande Illusions is bad mind you, it's just that much of what Tom Savini had access to 20+ years is no longer in production or has changed radically since then. Going from basic makeup and foundations to full blown prosthetics and even metalwork, this book not only supplements Grande Illusions, but surpasses it in many respects.

For me, this book is a Godsend. Filled with excellent and easy-to-understand diagrams on the casting and moldmaking section really helps! Also learning how to create realistic fake eyes is something not cover by Savini, and is quite easy to do thanks to this book. All of the projects coincide with the creature gallery as well, which is really cool and quite fun if you have the time to sit through them all.

And further more, most of the supplies can be found at your local art or hardware store, making it easier to create realistic effects on a budget! Materials covered here even include silicones and Gelatine, which are the trickest of the bunch aside from industry standard Foam Rubber Latex. All in all, get this book and Grande Illusions 1&2, I feel it's worth the money.