Artist Spotlight: Kantoku | Solaris Japan

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In the vast world of anime, manga, and visual novels, there are artists who leave an indelible mark with their exceptional talents. Among them, one name stands out prominently - Kantoku (カントク). Kantoku, infamous for liking plaid, is a Japanese illustrator and character designer. He is well-known for creating beautiful and captivating artwork, and has gained a large international fan base. The origin of his pseudonym, Kantoku comes from a classmate saying he teaches “like a shady DVD director” (Kantoku can be translated as director in Japanese). As such, some of his art can be… less than wholesome…

Kantoku's art style is often characterized by its distinct flair for moe aesthetics, emphasizing the charm and cuteness of characters. Each illustration showcases an incredible attention to detail, coupled with vibrant colors and lively expressions that effortlessly draw viewers into the artist's world. The emotive depth conveyed through Kantoku's art connects with audiences on a personal level, making it easy for fans to immerse themselves in the stories he illustrates.

Kantoku has worked on a variety of projects for just about every medium that uses anime style art. From games, pachinko and visual novels to light novels and anime, he has run the gambit. When he isn’t working on a project, Kantoku spends time drawing for his doujinshi circle After School of the 5th Year. Some of the most well known series he has worked on is The Hentai Prince and the Stony Cat, his original Check series and A Sister's All You Need.

A Mostly Wholesome Hentai Prince

The Hentai Prince and the Stony Cat is a romantic comedy featuring elements of supernatural and fantasy themes. It was first published in 2010 and has gained popularity for its quirky premise and characters. The title of the series, despite its name, may give off a misleading impression due to the word hentai. Here, hentai means abnormal rather than its more… mature connotations (although the series does contain some fan service and ecchi moments).

The story centers around Youto Yokodera, a high school student who has a reputation for having perverted thoughts but is unable to express his true feelings. He wishes to be able to speak his mind openly and honestly. However, he believes that his facade is necessary to maintain a positive image. Youto discovers a stone cat statue that is said to grant wishes. He makes a wish to the statue, hoping to be able to convey his thoughts and feelings more openly. However, the wish ends up having unintended consequences: he loses his ability to withhold his perverted thoughts and expressions. At the same time, a girl named Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi, who is known for her unexpressive demeanor, wishes to become more emotionally expressive.

Thanks to Kantoku’s artwork, the series delivers a visual feast that complements its quirky storyline. Kantoku breathes life into the characters, infusing them with personality and emotion. The characters' expressions are particularly noteworthy, as Kantoku masterfully portrays a wide range of feelings, from comedic confusion to heartfelt sincerity. The playful and charming designs perfectly complement the series' light-hearted tone, while also conveying the deeper emotions that unfold as the story progresses.

From the whimsical character designs to the intricate details, Kantoku's art draws fans into the world of The Hentai Prince and the Stony Cat. The art's ability to seamlessly transition between humorous moments and more profound introspection adds an extra layer of depth. It is also very difficult to choose a best girl as each character in the series has their own unique quirks and moe stylized design Kantoku has mastered. Tsukiko might be the fan favorite but Azusa and Tsukushi put up a good fight!

More Check! Art and Characters Featuring Plaid

Kantoku’s circle, After School of the 5th Year has been around for over a decade and during this time a plethora of original characters and ideas have been developed. As a lover of plaid, one theme has been omnipresent, plaid skirts. Kantoku’s original doujinshi series, More Check! (モアチェック!), with check referring to the checkered/plaid pattern, focuses on this article of clothing. Apparently, his love of plaid is shared by many as figures have been developed from the art of More Check! Since it stems from doujinshi they are more risque with a heavier emphasis on ecchi themes.

Shizuku is the poster girl and most beloved fan favorite from Kantoku’s work. The figures available capture the essence of Shizuku's character and preserve the art style through great attention to detail. Each figure gives Shizuku a captivating pose, delicate lingerie attire and exudes a sense of charm and allure. The beauty and grace of Shizuku can be fully enjoyed in 3D. 

If you like Shizuku but aren’t a fan of the school girl attire, the figure of her cleaning might be more your style. There is no plaid skirt for this one but everything is covered… 

...except for the nicely done translucent t-shirt effect making the figure look wet from cleaning. And when white t-shirts get wet, they become more enjoyable to look at!

If you ARE a fan of the sacred sailor uniform but are looking for something a little less explicit, Kantoku also delivers. Kantoku supervised a fantastic anthology art collection featuring collaborations with many up-and-coming and popular illustrators. The theme was simple, sailor uniforms and girls belly buttons. Of course, other fetish focused artists like Yom and 40hara had to be involved. The cover art of the book titled: Sailor-fuku No Mannaka (Middle of the sailor uniform) was drawn by Kantoku and turned into a figure! I can also confirm that the skirt is optional…

  

A Sister’s ALL You Need?!?!

A Sister's All You Need is known for its mix of comedy, romance, and slice-of-life elements, as well as its exploration of imouto loving sis-cons. The story follows Itsuki Hashima, a young and aspiring novelist who has a fascination with little sisters. Despite this *ahem* peculiar interest, he doesn't actually have a little sister himself... Itsuki's close circle of friends includes Nayuta Kani, a genius novelist with a sadistic personality and Miyako Shirakawa a former classmate and friend.

As the group navigates their lives, they experience various challenges, successes, and personal growth. The series often presents a humorous and satirical take on the light novel and manga industry while delving into the dynamics of friendship, ambition, and romantic feelings.

Through a delicate interplay of artistic prowess, Kantoku's art adds a unique layer of depth to the world of the series. Kantoku's illustrations deftly capture the essence of each character, making them relatable and likable. The characters' expressions are depicted with meticulous detail, allowing us to feel their joy, struggles, and growth. The artistry beautifully complements the series' exploration of relationships and the creative process, infusing it with authenticity that enhances the overall reading experience.

From the visual nuances that reveal the characters' personalities to the subtle hints that enrich the storytelling, Kantoku's artwork elevates A Sister's All You Need to the next level. As you embark on the journey of these aspiring authors, take a moment to appreciate the artistry that enhances their tales, reminding us of the powerful impact of illustrations in crafting an engaging and immersive narrative.

Thank you for reading!

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