NEVER COMPLETE is the official 184-page exhibition catalog and art book celebrating the 30th anniversary of Takeshi Obata’s

The book showcases Obata’s incredible range, moving from the gothic, sharp lines of Death Note to the intricate, architectural beauty of Platinum End. It includes rare sketches, prototypes, and variations that offer a glimpse into his creative process. For aspiring artists and dedicated fans, the book is a masterclass in anatomy, perspective, and inking. The high-quality printing of the physical volume captures the nuance of his screentone usage and the boldness of his brushwork—details that are arguably lost in a compressed digital file. The demand for this work proves that Obata is viewed as a fine artist within pop culture, worthy of gallery exhibitions and high-end collectible volumes.

Never Complete: Exclusive sketches and a special Death Note one-shot (the "A-Kira" story) that was debuting during the exhibition. 📖 Book Specifications

The Never Complete art book is more than just a collection of drawings; it is the official catalog for a massive exhibition held in 2019 to celebrate Takeshi Obata's 30th anniversary as a mangaka. 🎨 The Essence of "Never Complete"

Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Includes rare sketches, character drafts, and behind-the-scenes content that highlights his meticulous creative process.

2. The Out-of-Print Problem Shueisha has not reprinted Never Complete since the late 2000s. Unlike Death Note’s 13th "How to Read" book, Never Complete was a limited run. Consequently, the money from a used sale goes to a reseller, not the artist. This moral gray area leads many fans to rationalize downloading a PDF.

Exclusive Sketches: Includes rough drafts and shinigami design sketches for Death Note that were never seen before the exhibition.

Never Complete documents this 30-year evolution, showcasing over 500 illustrations. The book highlights his shift from the softer, more traditional styles of his early 1989 debut, Cyborg Jichan G, to the hyper-realistic, gothic, and fashion-forward aesthetics that define his current "legend" status. The Manga Art of Takeshi Obata - A Complete Guide