"Featuring the works of video game artist extraordinaire Takehito Harada, lead character designer of the hit Disgaea RPG series! Takehito Harada Art works I covers the artist's work on all for Disgaea titles, as well as Prinny 1 & 2, Makai Kingdom, and Phantom Brave. Inside you'll find game covers, rare promotional art, rough layouts, creator commentary, and a detailed look at Takehito Harada's creative process"--Unedited summary from page [4] of cover.

Delve into the surreal realm of Disgaea 2, the unique video game that continues to captivate gamers worldwide. Including 200 pages of full-color illustration, concept sketches, interviews with game developers, and strategies for play, this is the ultimate Disgaea compendium for enthusiasts of all levels.

Prince Laharl wakes up from a two-year nap only to find his father dead and the Overlord's throne ripe for the taking. What’s a young prince to do but seize the throne, take over the kingdom, and rule with an iron fist? He may be new to the whole Overlord thing, but with the help of the demon-girl Etna and the ditzy angel Flonne, Laharl is determined to be the best ruler the Netherworld has ever seen. First, though, he’s got to get by the hordes of halfwit hellions determined to challenge him for the throne, foil an interdimensional plot, and keep his own vassals from trying to kill him. Soon, Laharl’s in an all-out brawl against both heaven and hell as he tries to keep his throne. This witty, exciting story features the appealing characters and wickedly funny battles that won the video game critical acclaim and legions of devoted fans.

Young author Aki Fujino appeared poised to making it big in the world of publishing. Her debut title UTSUBORA was being pitched about to a number of editors and at least one person felt it was set to propel her into stardom. However, before she could ever have her book published, the young woman was found dead. Some believe it was a suicide, but those close to her feel there is something more sinister involved in this young talent's death. Aki's death has become something straight out of a mystery. Much like the story behind UTSUBORA, there is something more to Aki, Sakura and their relationship with an author named Mizorogi than meets the eye. And it is possible that the only way to solve this mystery may be to uncover all their secrets.

"Can't get enough of Haruhi and the SOS Brigade? Then Haruhi Suzumiya Illustrations: Autumn & Winter is the art book for you! Haruhi Suzumiya Illustrations collects the fantastic key visuals and promotional artwork from the hit Haruhi Suzumiya anime series. Autumn & Winter features Haruhi and the whole gang in schoolgirl uniforms, winter clothes, elegant dresses, holiday outfits, and more, as they get into hijinks both in an out of school."--Publisher description.

It's a spectacular new collection of Hatsune Miku artwork from official Vocaloid character illustrator, KEI! Hatsune Miku is a world famous vocal synthesizer and cyber celebrity, and this volume presents some her best illustrations. Joining Miku are her friends Luka, Rin & Len, Meiko, and Kaito. It's a full-on Vocaloid celebration!

Literacy is a concern of all nations of the world, whether they be classified as developed or undeveloped. A person must be able to read and write in order to function adequately in society, and reading and writing require a script. But what kinds of scripts are in use today, and how do they influence the acquisition, use and spread of literacy? Scripts and Literacy is the first book to systematically explore how the nature of a script affects how it is read and how one learns to read and write it. It reveals the similarities underlying the world's scripts and the features that distinguish how they are read. Scholars from different parts of the world describe several different scripts, e.g. Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian Amerindian -- and how they are learned. Research data and theories are presented. This book should be of primary interest to educators and researchers in reading and writing around the world.