mech - design studio press

Weingart Lieutenant Richard Mertzbow (aka “Mertz”) has been stuck on the mysterious Abakan Base in solitude for decades, while war raged on his home planet, Terra, between the ruling Weingart power, which put him on Abakan, and those rebelling against their oppressive rule. One day a young woman suddenly appears at his door, revealing secrets that threaten to unravel his already fragile state of mind. Abakan 2301 picks up where 2011’s Abakan 2288, by renowned mecha artist Kallamity, left off. The sequel is an exciting exploration of mecha, narrated by the compelling, but strained voice of Mertz as he navigates a world he does not recognize, alongside Kallamity’s, which shares his own complicated adventures in executing his mecha designs. Just as with the first installment, Abakan 2301 features Kallamity’s original story illustrations and images of his remarkable mech creations―the Kastor, the Watchel, and Briegel II, to name a few―in all their intricate and colorful glory, with detailed information about their builds, as well a section featuring prominent artists reimagining Kallamity’s remarkable designs.

ABAKAN 2301

$39.95

It all began in 2009, when designer Lorin Wood started the Nuthin' But Mech blog to share artwork by him and his colleagues featuring their favorite subject: robots. Three years later Wood launched the eponymous book series, providing three (now four!) opportunities for dozens of talented artists from around the world to showcase their passion projects and personal visions of robots in print.

Wrapping up the undeniably popular series, Nuthin’ But Mech 4 perfectly complements the thrilling volumes that preceded it, and celebrates how far artistry and technology can advance in just a few years. This final installment features artists from all manner of industries (film, animation, video games, theme parks), and their remarkable works illustrate a vast range of tones and themes. You'll also learn about the creators themselves through their accompanying biographies, which add a personal―sometimes comedic―touch.

It's fitting that with the series coming to a close, Nuthin’ But Mech 4 brings together the highest number of creatives yet―fifty-seven in all―each with original and imaginative points of view. More talent, more inspiration, more mech!

Nuthin’ But Mech 4

$29.95

Fifty-four artists contribute to this amazing third installment of the popular Nuthin’ But Mech book series, based on the eponymous blog started by designer Lorin Wood in 2009 to create a place for his friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to share a common passion: robots. The popularity of the blog led to the publication of the first Nuthin’ But Mech book in 2012 with the work of 31 artists, followed by the highly anticipated second volume in 2014 with 40 artists. Nuthin’ But Mech 3 is the biggest volume to date, with new and returning contributors, and it is dedicated to the memory of contributing artist Francis Tsai, a remarkable talent and inspiring figure who passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease in early 2015. In addition to featuring exceptional portraits that Tsai created using eye-tracking software, mech fans will appreciate the breadth of high-quality digital paintings, 3D models, as well as traditional works, by some of the most prominent artists and designers working in the entertainment industry today. In appreciation of Francis Tsai’s contributions to the artistic community, proceeds from the sales of this book will be donated to his family.

Nuthin’ But Mech 3

$27.95

From the creative force who brought us the sci-fi tale Abakan 2288 comes Kallamity Sketchbook: Mech in Ink, the latest collection of drawings from world-renown artist and sculptor Luca Zampriolo. Discover his wondrous mech suits and vehicles and meet many fascinating characters, plus, learn about the treasured tools he uses—from specific fountain pens and inks to different types of paper—to bring his remarkable drawings to life.

About the author:
Luca Zampriolo is a concept designer, painter, and celebrated sculptor who has worked for DreamWorks and Oktobor Animation and is well known for his limited-edition mecha design robots. Zampriolo’s first book, Abakan 2288, considered a must-have for mech lovers, features his imaginative robot designs and the world that they inhabit.

Kallamity: Mech in Ink

$21.95

Darren Quach is a Los Angeles–based concept designer who has contributed his creativity to numerous video games, including Hawken, Fuse, Ratchet & Clank Future: ACIT, Total Overdose, and all three Resistance games.

Worldwide, Quach has worked with video game studios Adhesive Games, Insomniac Games, Etcetera, Universal Entertainment, and Killer Game. He is currently with BLUR Studio in Culver City, California.

INKWORKS: vol. 1

$19.95

The highly anticipated follow up to best seller, Nuthin' But Mech, Nuthin' But Mech 2 delivers outstanding artwork from 40 artist contributors to the Nuthin' but Mech blogspot. Founder of the blogspot, Lorin Wood is so passionate about Mecha design that he created a nook of cyberspace to dedicate to the talent that he found among his colleagues. Currently with Gearbox, Lorin has been involved with the development of games Aliens: Colonial Marines, Borderlands as well as Borderlands 2. Prior to joining Gearbox in 2007, Lorin worked with major studios such as Walt Disney Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Warner Independent Pictures.

Nuthin’ But Mech 2

$24.95

Kallamity (Luca Zampriolo) creates an imaginary future world dominated by dark undertones where protagonist robots (Hard Doll Machines a.k.a. H.D.M.s) mass-produced from recycled metal are needed in a failing society to secure resources for mankind in order to progress its technology.

Kallamity poses the question, “As oil and gas are depleted in the future and inhabitants of Planet Earth continue to grow exponentially, how will a world based on the exploitation of these two natural resources maintain its current technological growth?” and then he precedes to present amazing visuals for the answer in the form of ABAKAN 2288.

In this Sci-fi tale, with oil resources tapped out and the ensuing crash of the world economy, the Weingart family holds a dictatorial monarchy over Earth as a result of their development of WEIN technology which allows for the fabrication of H.D.M.s as well as travel to other planets for more natural resources.

ABAKAN 2288 not only focuses on the images for the world that is yet to be but also on the creation of the Hard Doll Machine mecha designs. Kallamity designs the master patterns that are cast, assembles and creates machine dolls from these pieces of various sizes; ranging from a volleyball to the head of a pin. Being a worldwide success as a collectible sculptor of machine warrior dolls, readers will learn from one of the best in the industry how to conceptualize, fabricate and finish machine robots.

Kallamity combines mecha designs with the steampunk aesthetic to create the stunning yet depleted Sci-fi world of ABAKAN that we hope to not have to occupy someday, as visually captivating as it is!

ABAKAN 2288

Out of Print