hontou ni
3Sep/0713

[Artbook] Nanairo Ice – Nanao Naru Illustrations

I agree with TheBigN. "Moe" ranks up there with 'loli' and 'tsundere' when it comes to abuses of anime terms. But unlike 'loli' and 'tsundere' where there are still widely recognisable traits (whether physical or behavioural) governing their definitions, the meaning of 'moe' varies greatly from individual to individual. This is not a post to define moe. This is a post about the art of Nanao Naru, an artist whose work DEFINES moe for this tanuki.

Nanao Naru is the artist for eroges such as Da Capo, Canvas2, ef~ a tale of memories (anime adaptation to come!) and more recently the anime, Sola. To date, she has only one illustration book, Nanairo Ice, which I bought accompanying my Yoakena purchase. Here are some sample scans of the book taken from the gallery at animeartbooks

These pictures are representative of what I deemed to be moe - imouto-esque with a refreshing air of innocence. No overloaded mammaries or excessive fanservice. Yes, there are occasional touches of fleeting naughtiness, but they only serve to accentuate the charm of the bishoujos as they respond in cute embarrassment or annoyance.

If you are a fan of this brand of moe, do support Nanao sensei. Grab a copy and use it to guide your life as you find an imouto-esque wife or raise a daughter to be moe-personified.

Related posts:

  1. [Artbook] Tsukiyo Chakai ~ Tinkle Illustrations
  2. My humble artbook collection
  3. [Artbook] Code Geass Heroine Tribute

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Comments (13) Trackbacks (1)
  1. flaskis
    September 3rd, 2007 - 03:35

    Really nice images. I would love to support Nanao-sensei, but where to buy this? Could you perhaps share an amazon link or something like that? ;)

    Also, you’re forgetting that she also has done the characters for both the Nanatsuiro Drops game and anime, plus the original design for SuzuHaru, and Shakugan no Shana. They mustn’t be neglected!

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  2. edogawaconan
    September 3rd, 2007 - 03:57

    Also, you

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  4. meganeshounen
    September 3rd, 2007 - 05:44

    It’s the character’s eyes that she draws that are unique. Though, most famous artists today have their own style of rendering eyes, but Naru Nanao’s style still looks great~

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  5. Hemisphere
    September 3rd, 2007 - 05:52

    I’m glad to see that you’re able to define for yourself what artwork evokes moe from you. Me, I’m still confused, as there’s so much artwork to choose from! There’s Itoh Zatsuon/Noizi’s, Carnelian’s, and so much more (I count at least seven to nine artists whose names I don’t know, but whose art just strikes me as absolutely fabulous).

    Ugh. ;_;

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  6. Stripey
    September 3rd, 2007 - 07:27

    flaskis: Glad you like them :) Can’t find an amazon link but here’s an Akadot’s.

    http://www.akadotretail.com/product_info.php?products_id=8311&cPath=27_2

    meganeshounen: Nanao’s bishoujos have beautiful eyes indeed :) But in term of eye-rendering, I personally think few beat Tony Taka. Beyond the eyes, Nanao’s work stand out for me because of the girlish poses her bishoujos in are always and those moelicious outfits she always creates for them :)

    Hemisphere: Heh, no worries, I’m also slowing educating myself over at animeartbooks by trawling through the artbooks and taking note of the artists. Have noted a few names. Will share them in a post soon :)

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  7. Beowulf Lee
    September 3rd, 2007 - 09:01

    When I first glanced at the title from my live bookmark, I thought it had “Naruto” in it :(

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  8. Stripey
    September 3rd, 2007 - 09:57

    LOL! Let’s just say it’s going to take A LOT MORE for me to restart on Naruto. I actually gave it a chance when the Shippuden kicked in. But dropped it after 4 eps. :P

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  9. Xellos-_^
    September 3rd, 2007 - 10:25

    It is me or does it seem like all the best Ero-artist are female? The female designer seems to give thier creation more detail and depth then their counterparts.

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  10. Adun
    September 3rd, 2007 - 14:05

    You know, every time I walk into Kino, I see this one the shelf, but I never buy it for some reason. One day I will!

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  11. Stripey
    September 3rd, 2007 - 22:10

    Xellos-_^: LOL! Actually I don’t know that many artists and even fewer who are female. But I’m gonna venture a guess to say that female artist capture feminine charm in a non ero way better than most one-track mind male artists? Just a wild conjuncture XD

    Adun: For a Sola fan, I think this Nanao Naru illustration book is a must! :) Maybe you can look through the book before deciding on the purchase. The Kinokuniya allows for browsing.

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  12. Hemisphere
    September 4th, 2007 - 03:19

    Well, female artists know the proportions of the female body all too well, so their drawings just look so…”natural”. They also know how to make their characters look charming/seductive, whether it be from their poses, appearance, or facial expressions.

    …I should really get back to work on my entry about these things. ;_;

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  13. Stripey
    September 5th, 2007 - 00:53

    Indeed! Looking fwd to that entry :)

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Artbook Review: Nanairo Ice
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