• 'The Return of the Thin White Duke' - Amano's tribute to David Bowie


    On Sunday, January 10th, the world suffered a terrible loss. Choosing the words to describe how powerful David Bowie’s presence was in the artistic world, is difficult. At least to me. Which is why I’ll use these paintings to illustrate what I’m talking about. Because Bowie influenced more than music, and these pictures are one of the things that connect Bowie to Final Fantasy.


    Yoshitaka Amano needs no introduction. A world-renowned artist with a distinct style, he is famous for combining elements of art nouveau and traditional Japanese woodblock prints. In our circle, he is known as the Final Fantasy artist. He has served as the lead character designer for Final Fantasies I through VI. Of note is the design of the Emperor from Final Fantasy II, who is explicitly modeled after Bowie’s portrayal of Gareth the Goblin King.


    Back in 2004, Amano collaborated with Neil Gaiman on a story called ‘Return of the Thin White Duke’. This was not the first time when the two joined forces, but it is strange that this partnership does not happen more often, as Amano’s style and Gaiman’s writing seem to have been made for each other. The sci-fi story is set in a futuristic New York, featuring Bowie’s 1976 persona – the titular Thin White Duke, alongside his wife, Iman. Take a look at some of the artwork from the story and if you’re interested in reading it, it is available as part of a collection on Amazon.



    It’s comforting, really. While he was alive, Bowie was one of those people you thought would never die. But even now, after he actually lost his fight with cancer, he still has a presence. His music is the greatest part of his legacy, of course, but it’s just amazing when you consider how many artists one artist can inspire. Thanks to that, Bowie will live on in our collective consciousness not only through his music, but also through the art of others, including the one and only Yoshitaka Amano.
    This article was originally published in forum thread: 'The Return of the Thin White Duke' - Amano's tribute to David Bowie started by Fynn View original post
    Comments 10 Comments
    1. Freya's Avatar
      Freya -
      His art fits bowie so perfectly!
    1. Fynn's Avatar
      Fynn -
      I know, right?
    1. Midgar Mist's Avatar
      Midgar Mist -
      That's some brilliant artwork
      Yesterday I watched 'Underground' on you tube. He's a living breathing person to me still, because I can see him on you tube anytime I want. Youtube heaven....where everybody lives forever
    1. Psychotic's Avatar
      Psychotic -
      Hell yes Amano.
    1. Zanmato's Avatar
      Zanmato -
      These are gorgeous!
      Hail to the King, baby!
    1. Mirage's Avatar
      Mirage -
      Did he make all those between bowie's death and now? He's pretty efficient in that case.
    1. krissy's Avatar
      krissy -
      gaiman has this up

      http://www.neilgaiman.com/Cool_Stuff...hin_White_Duke
    1. Fynn's Avatar
      Fynn -
      Quote Originally Posted by Mirage View Post
      Did he make all those between bowie's death and now? He's pretty efficient in that case.
      2004

      Reading comprehension is a useful skill
    1. Wolf Kanno's Avatar
      Wolf Kanno -
      These are gorgeous. I'll have to read the story when I have more time.
    1. Mirage's Avatar
      Mirage -
      Quote Originally Posted by Fynn View Post
      Quote Originally Posted by Mirage View Post
      Did he make all those between bowie's death and now? He's pretty efficient in that case.
      2004

      Reading comprehension is a useful skill
      It is, and I've never claimed to possess it.

      Strange that it only popped up now, then.
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