Kobayashi’s NAhopa!

Anime has been steadily evolving and growing as an art form and cultural phenomenon since it’s birth in the 1960′s. While it has influenced a generation of artists the world over, the forces that shape it’s styles — and ultimately it’s destiny — are still firmly rooted in Japan. Once such force in Anime’s future is surely the talented Mr. Kobayashi, and his compelling 3D characters. His sci-fi action heroes and fantasy maidens breathe new life into the anime form, while preserving it’s charm and spirit.

Kobayashi-san’s high-tech warriors and spellcasters are created and animated using the latest modeling techniques, but they’ve a logical progression from the genre heroes of more established anime franchises. He’s also provided his take on a lovely selection of a few of these legends: Rei and Asuka from Evangelion are the most notable examples, as well as more than a few lovely videogame fighters from Dead or Alive and Street Fighter.

A little bit of hunting at NAhopa will uncover tons of cute, bouncy animation clips, as well as additional views of his captivating cartoon subjects. All in all, NAhopa! is a sneak-peek at the future of Anime.

Posted on Friday, June 9th, 2006 by Jeff in Animators.