Shou Harusono’s Candy Collection, recently reviewed by Anime UK News, offers a delightful assortment of stunning illustrations, rough sketches, exclusive bonus manga, and an interview with the series creator. The large format of 8.25″x11.75″ showcases the mangaka’s artwork beautifully, with all cover art included within the pages.
Although the art book features a removable dust jacket and soft covers, the quality of the paper and printing within is commendable. Shou Harusono’s signature use of color is highlighted throughout the collection, from the gorgeous shades of blue and russet on the Sasaki and Miyano cover art to the expansion of the Hirano and Kagiura side story.
Readers will appreciate the inclusion of rough sketches, offering insight into the mangaka’s creative process. Additionally, full-page cover arts from Monthly Comic Gene and original fan arts for other manga/anime series, such as Love of Kill, are also featured. Fans of Sasaki and Miyano will enjoy the 4-koma color panels that originated from Twitter posts and the Valentine’s bonus story.
The collection concludes with a Q&A section featuring Shou Harusono, the original editor Izumori, and the current editor Sakura, providing answers to various questions from fans. Exciting news for fans of the main series is revealed, with Volume 10 set to release in January 2025, hinting at a new college arc for the characters.
The inclusion of adorable cats and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the mangaka’s creative process adds depth to the collection, making it a must-have for fans of Shou Harusono’s work. With a promising future for the main characters and insight into the mangaka’s artistic journey, Candy Collection is a delightful addition to any manga lover’s collection.
Overall, Shou Harusono’s Candy Collection offers a sweet and visually captivating experience for fans of the mangaka’s work, with a mix of artwork, bonus content, and insights into the creative process.