CLAMP Official Artbook COLOR GOLD 1989–2024

This ultimate CLAMP art collection includes the entirety of the previous SHIRO and KURO artbooks, plus a beautiful gatefold spread and 48 additional pages. A strict limited edition in Japan, this set is already a rarity in its original language. Don't miss this chance to own the new English translation!

The professional debut of CLAMP in 1989 with RG Veda brought a new energy and style to fantasy manga, and the four-member manga collective would go on to reinvigorate and revolutionize nearly every genre. But what has set CLAMP apart from other master storytellers is the consistent beauty and creativity in their visual art. In 2024, fans in Japan got a chance to celebrate this aspect of CLAMP with an acclaimed exhibition at the National Art Center in Tokyo.

As part of the meticulous process of curating and restoring CLAMP's art for the exhibition, two premium art books were produced: SHIRO and KURO. Now, the COLOR series concludes with GOLD, a cloth-wrapped, jacketed hardcover packed in a diecut slipcase. This large-sized, archival-quality artbook includes all the stunning color artwork from SHIRO and KURO—over 250 pages—as well as content exclusive to this edition, including a stunning fold-out illustration from CLAMP's classic X in the center and a new, 48-page section focused on the collective's masterful black-and-white work.

Drawing on not just manga and anime but also a variety of rarities, such as magazine bonuses, a video game, a telephone card, and other official merchandise and communications, CLAMP Official Artbook COLOR GOLD features art from series including:

• Tsubasa -RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE-
• Cardcaptor Sakura
• Chobits
• Magic Knight Rayearth
• xxxHOLiC
• CLOVER
• Angelic Layer
• X
• Tokyo Babylon

• RG Veda

…and many more!

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs