OMG UDON FANS! It’s another sensational week of new book releases, as two brand new translated video game artbooks and a highly-demanded reprint edition will begin appearing in comic & book stores and from online sellers this Wednesday! After the one-two punch of The History of Sonic The Hedgehog and The Art of Darksiders II last week, we’re going straight for the knockout with this week’s fantastic new releases. Check it out:

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Read or Die: R.O.D Official Archive

The Read or Die anime features the story of Yomiko Readman and the British Library Special Operations Division, a secret group dedicated to the location and protection of rare books! R.O.D Official Archive is your ultimate guide to the world of both the original 3-episode OVA and the 26-episode TV series. The book features character designs, promotional art, rough sketches, episode summaries, creator interviews, and tons of information about this landmark series!

Release date: January 2nd, 2013
Price (U.S.): $39.99

ISBN: 1-926778-62-6
ISBN-13: 978-1-926778-62-4

Format: Softcover
Page Count: 128, Color
Size: 8.25″ wide X 11.75″ long

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Shining Hearts: Collection of Visual Materials

Featuring more of the wonderful artwork of Japanese pinup artist and character designer Tony Taka!

Shining Hearts: Collection of Visual Materials gathers the beautiful artwork from the third installment in the ‘Shining’ spinoff series. The book includes full-page pinups, character designs, rough sketches, and interviews with the creators behind the SEGA video game.

Release date: January 2nd, 2013
Price (U.S.): $39.99

ISBN: 1-926778-52-9
ISBN-13: 978-1-926778-52-5

Format: Softcover
Page Count: 192, Color
Size: 8.25″ wide X 11.75″ long

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Okami Official Complete Works – New Printing

Because you demanded it! UDON has gone back to press for a brand new printing of one of its hottest artbook releases ever–Okami: Official Complete Works. This fantastic collection contains 288 full color pages, filled with character and location designs, concept sketches and production notes from the creators giving you an in-depth look at the fantasy world of Okami! A truly inspiring book, translated into English for the first time!

Based on traditional Japanese brush-painting, the visual look and style of Okami has become a fan-favourite and the original game has inspired a sequel, Okamiden, and a recently-released high-definition remake–Okami HD! This book contains all of the amazing artwork for the original Okami game that started it all!

Release date: June 2008 (original), January 2nd, 2013 (reprint)
Price (U.S.): $39.99

ISBN: 1-897376-02-2
ISBN-13: 978-1-897376-02-7

Format: Softcover
Page Count: 288, Color
Size: 8.25″ wide X 11.75″ long

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UDON art books are available wherever finer comics and books are sold! Check out our page “Where to buy UDON books” to find a retailer in your area!