Shukan Gundam Perfect File special #1

It launched September 20th! Issue #1 was only ¥290! And it came with a special binder! You can even subscribe via mail! And there's the 'My Best Scene' launch promo! Click here for more info!

■ Commissioning the Art
The first step in commissioning the art is the Gundam Perfect File editors putting together a spec sheet. This features the pose and angle, situation, requests for the background, and more. Sometimes it can be text-only, but a rough sketch helps nail things down. With this established, a Sunrise coordinator commissions an artist.

Gundam Perfect File #2 illustration specs (from spec sheet)

● MS
RX-78-2 Gundam

● Pose / Angle

Brandishing its beam rifle.

Shown from a low angle.

Its shield should be stowed on its left arm or back, or not pictured at all.

● Background
Something like the wilderness where the Gundam fought Garma's squadron after reentry.

Sketch from Sunrise

■ Rough draft completion
The artist produces a rough draft based on these requirements. This is then run by Sunrise and the editorial staff, and any corrections are made. Sometimes several rough drafts are made; this is the point where one will be selected for the finished piece.



■ Lineart
Once the rough draft is accepted, clean lineart is made. This is where the markings and details are drawn in. After the lineart's done, it's time to color!



■ Coloring



■ Assembling the finished product
Once the mobile suit is painted, further effects are applied to its lit portions and to achieve that mechanical feel. Once this is complete, the artist checks the finished product. Any errors are corrected, and then it's complete!



■ Completion
The completed illustration goes to a designer for layout. A proof is sent to the artist to check the colors.




What do you think?
Isn't it amazing how many steps a single image takes?

Shukan Gundam Perfect File features an image like this every week!
Be sure to pick up a copy if you see it on your local newsstand!


We continue this feature on October 18th!