The Art of an Otomo Storyboard, Vol. 2

Notes on filmmaking.

A still from Combustible (2012), part of the Short Peace anthology

Happy Thursday! Glad you could join us — and a special welcome to our new members! This issue of the Animation Obsessive newsletter takes a look into the artistry of Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira).

Across his animation career, Otomo has tried things. Each film has been an experiment — with style, with technical process. His storyboards are material evidence of these changes in approach. Combined with his own words, they offer hints of his thinking as he developed.

Today’s story is a follow-up to our debut paid issue in 2021, which traced Otomo’s storyboarding from Akira onward. We’re bringing in a host of new sources this time — and focusing on the evolution of Otomo’s style, especially during the ‘80s and ‘90s. If you haven’t read the original, don’t worry: this one stands alone.

Now, let’s go!