BOOK REVIEW: The Art of Rumiko Takahashi: Colors 1978-2024
by
Kara Dennison August 7, 2025 
Since 1978, Rumiko Takahashi has been spinning tales of romance, action, horror, and the supernatural. Her latest manga, MAO, is on track for an anime adaptation. One of her classic series has recently wrapped its remake, with a second returning this fall. Theres never not a good time to appreciate her art, but we feel like now is an especially apt one.
Next month, explore her work in depth in a brand new artbook, with extra commentary and interviews translated into English. Before its release, take a peek inside with us and see what awaits!
Full-Color Art
Unsurprisingly, The Art of Rumiko Takahashi: Colors 1978-2024 contains gorgeous full-color spreads. Even storied fans will find art theyve never seen before& or at least never seen in all its color glory. These spreads highlight manga covers, character art, and more.
One of the best things about this book is watching Takahashis art refine and evolve between Urusei Yatsura and MAO. Shes always got that certain style, but moving from project to project shows you how her work has grown and changed over the course of her career. Finishing with the ongoing MAO, its a gorgeous and colorful timeline.
Manga Pages with Commentary
Each section kicks off with several pages of Rumiko Takahashis original manga, complete with her commentary. Check out breakdowns of unique panels and see what she thought of characters like Ataru and Lum.
In many cases, this may be readers first time seeing certain pages in full color. Paired with the artists behind-the-scenes thoughts and observations, this is a valuable and informative collection for any fan!
And More&
Fans of Rumiko Takahashi will love the extras scattered throughout the book. For example, you can peruse early sketches of what Lum might have looked like!
Best of all (or at least our personal favorite) is an extensive interview with Takahashi at the back of the book. The interview starts with a discussion of MAO before diving backwards into her earlier works, her work ethic, and more. Whats the most iconic part of Lums design? (Hint: youre probably guessing wrong.) What are the three pillars of Ranma 1/2? Whats the hardest thing about writing a comedy manga? And how much plotting does she actually do for her long-running manga? These questions and more are answered in the final pages of the artbook.
The art alone would be ample reason to pick up Colors. But for an artist as storied, successful, and beloved as Takahashi, only a publication this in-depth will do. Its a definite must-have for any fans.
The Art of Rumiko Takahashi: Colors 1978-2024 is now available for pre-order.
