If you must blink, do it now because you won’t want to miss this review of the art book that accompanies LAIKA’s latest release, The Art of Kubo and the Two Strings. Kubo and the Two Strings is arguably the most beautiful animated release released this year and this book takes you through the process of designing everything in the world of Kubo inspired by ancient Japanese culture.

Unlike some of the previous LAIKA art book, this book really puts its focus on the designing process of the movie and not so much on everything that comes afterwards (like the animation and creation of the stop-motion characters and worlds). The book is divided in three main chapters, one for each act of the movie and it takes you chronologically through it.

Each chapter has a selection of scenes from that particular act that showcase some character, costume, and set designs; concept art; and occasionally some set photos. While there are some quotes from the artists who worked on the film and occasionally a paragraph of information, this book really puts its main focus on the art.

Even though it would’ve been nice to have some pages in the book that discussed the process of creating the physical world and characters that brought the movie to life, similar to previous LAIKA art books, all the art in the book is really gorgeous and really gives an in-depth look at the making of the movie. So, that only would’ve been a nice extra to include, but it definitely wasn’t necessary as the book, and the art in the book, is already fantastic.

The Art of Kubo and the Two Strings is a fantastic art book that features a great selection of beautiful art that was created to bring the magical world of LAIKA’s Kubo and the Two Strings to life. The lack of information of the actual making of the movie, compared to previous LAIKA art books, is a disappointment, but definitely doesn’t make this book any less great. If you enjoyed the visuals of the movie, then this book is definitely something you’ll enjoy and have to check out.

Purchase: The Art of Kubo and the Two Strings

Amazon: US | UK

Book Depository: Worldwide

A special thanks to Chronicle Books, who provided a review copy of the book.

Edited by: Hannah Wilkes