Range Murata / Luscinia

An unbelievable acquisition from Comitia 100th anniversary, held in May 5th, 2012. Some of fellow CAF collectors might know that it is very hard t get a decent sketch from a well known Japanese artist as they do not take any commissions or they don't even sell pages. I was extremely lucky to win this super rare tight pencil sketch.

I have been a big fan of Range Murata since when I first saw his art on a promotional poster of now cult classic video game Power Instinct (豪血寺一族, Gōketsuji Ichizoku?, "The Gōketsuji Clan") . I still remember the moment I saw the image though I was 11 year old at that time. Even at thet age, I could see that his art had power and elegant lines that no one else had. Murata then moved on to character designs for a number of successful animations such as Blue Submarine No.6 and Last Exile.

Murata has been putting his headshot sketch for sale at comic events for charity purpose since the earthquake in 2011. When he put two of his head sketch of charcters of his choice for auction last year, I think the highest bid went to almost JPY70,000 (=USD875)! Lucky for me he decided not to put this sketch for auction, and instead, he priced it much lower price JPY5,000. But here comes the problem: You have to beat 20 other participants by paper-rock-scissors. and guess what.....I WON!!! One of my friends was there for the whole competition, and he said it was not miracle that I won this sketch...it was destined to fall in the hands of a dedicated collector.