The Art of Kubo and the Two Strings

Concept art from Laika’s new animation, set in ancient Japan, takes centre stage in this stunning artbook

Author Emily Haynes Publisher Chronicle Books Price £25 Web www.chroniclebooks.com Available Now

Kubo and the Two Strings, the latest animation from Laika, is set in ancient Japan and follows the adventures of a boy on the run from a vengeful spirit. This book offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of its making, illustrated by acres and acres of lush concept art.

Following a foreword by Laika president Travis Knight and an introduction by author Emily Haynes, the book begins by explaining The Woodblock Effect, the source of the signature look Laika has given this film. This expressive texture is, we learn, drawn from the work of Kyoshi Saito,– a woodblock printmaker in the Sosaku-hanga– art movement of 20th century Japan.

The book is divided into three main sections that follow the chronology of the film’s story: Home, Quest and Return. You’re greeted by a constant stream of incredible concept art, including character and environment designs, each credited to the individual artists (a point so many film art books, sadly, fall down on).

There’s also reference material, rough sketches and storyboards, along with some CG models and in-studio photography showing the production of props and puppets. (That said, if the stop-motion/film-making aspect is your sole interest, this isn’t really the book for you.)

While the book is more of a visual feast than a heavy textual read, there’s a fair amount of exposition on the page, typically from film production leads rather than concept artists. For example, David Vandervoort, lead 2D facial animation designer, explains how sketching a full range of emotions for Kubo was a challenge because of his overflowing hair and eye patch. Director of photography Frank Passingham details the challenge posed by casting a white monkey against a snowy background, while assistant art director Phil Brotherton explains how the interior design of Beetle’s cave reflects his internal conflict between pack-rat bug and noble warrior.

The main event here, though, is the (mainly digital) concept art. Ean McNamara’s epic evocation of Kubo’s mother, looking lost on a cliff’s edge; the thrilling magnificence of Kubo’s trek towards Hanzo’s fortress, depicted by August Hall; Trevor Dalmer’s menacing Hall of Bones painting; Andy Schuler’s breathtaking underwater scene, and beyond... the vibrant colours and intricate details are all reproduced beautifully.

The vibrant colours and intricate details are all reproduced beautifully

David Vandervoort found depicting Kubo “particularly challenging”. Eyes show our emotions, but the protagonist only had one visible.

For the sets, artists attempted to capture the spirit of wabi-sabi, which translates as imperfect beauty.