Rare Rockman X3 Book Scanned, Artwork Preserved

In 1996, Capcom and Nagaoka Shoten published a Rockman X3 pop-up book exclusively in Japan, adapting the game into a hands-on craft book where young readers could assemble scenes from the game.

While a neat collectible in its own right, the book has long been sought after by fans because it contains original cel-painted artwork not seen in any other X3 media. It also hasn’t been reprinted anywhere else.

Now, for the first time, the book’s contents have been preserved thanks to Epsilon1234. All 48 pages, along with the accompanying artwork, can be viewed on the Internet Archive across two uploads: scans of the 21 artwork pages and photographs of the full book, including the non-art pages.

And if you have a high-quality printer, you could even try printing the individual pages and assembling the dioramas yourself. If not, there’s still plenty of great pieces here to enjoy.

More Secret Level Mega Man Concept Art From Mauro Belfiore

Another batch of Secret Level Mega Man concept art has been shared by Mauro Belfiore, who previously posted several pieces last year. The Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse artist explained that these illustrations were created during the episode’s early exploration phase, when the team was experimenting to define a visual style.

Among the new material are both “anime-style” and more “realistic” passes, along with explorations of a battle-damaged Mega Man, which was previously seen in storyboards for a deleted scene.

Storyboards From Secret Level Mega Man Episode Show What Happens Next

Mega Man: Start, the Secret Level episode inspired by the classic series, runs just over five minutes, making it the shortest entry in the Prime Video anthology. Previous concept art and materials have already hinted that it was meant to be longer. Now, adding to that evidence, newly discovered material reveals a cut sequence set after the episode’s ending, showing Mega Man's struggle to protect the city from a rampaging Robot Master.

Mega Man Secret Level Dr. Light's Lab Concept Art by Luis Mejia

The steady drip of concept art from the Secret Level episode Mega Man: Start continues with a behind-the-scenes look at Dr. Light's lab. Luis Meija, the senior concept artist at Illusorium Studios, has shared new artwork showcasing the central location of the short. The images reveal intricate details, unseen areas, such as the return of Dr. Light's microwave from Mega Man 11.

Mega Man Timelines #1 Cover Concept Art by Kenny Ruiz

This month's issue of ImagineFX spotlights Mega Man front and center, featuring Kenny Ruiz's cover art for the debut issue of Mega Man Timelines. Inside, Ruiz breaks down his process, detailing the techniques and tools he used to bring the cover to life.

While I can't share full-page scans, I've cropped a few samples for a peek. During the conceptual phase, Ruiz explored two approaches to "connect with the viewer." One featured a direct, frontal gaze, drawing the viewer in with eye contact, while the other captured a more dynamic pose, frozen in a split second with eyes still locked onto the viewer.

You can grab the digital edition on Amazon or pick up a physical copy at bookstores like Barnes & Noble.

Mega Man Timelines #1 goes on sale May 28th.

Concept Art Shows Gamma Was Considered for Secret Level's Mega Man Episode

The Mega Man episode of Secret Level showcased a larger-than-life Bomb Man who, after being corrupted by Dr. Wily, turned rogue against Rock and Dr. Light. However, early in the episode's production, it's been revealed that Bomb Man was initially conceived as Gamma—the gentle giant created by Dr. Light and Dr. Wily in Mega Man 3.

Mega Man Secret Level Pre-Production Concept Art by Mauro Belfiore

Here's another batch of concept art from Secret Level's Mega Man: Start. These "exploration" pieces by Mauro Belfiore (Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse) give us an early look at Mega Man/Rock and Dr. Light, drawn at Nexus Studios before the episode went into full production. The designs are drastically different from the final product, but that’s the point of the exploration phase—trying out different ideas and seeing what works.

Mega Man Secret Level Concept Art by Hicham Habchi, Sangtaek Woo

Artists Hicham Habchi and Sangtaek Woo have shared a selection of concept art from the Secret Level episode Mega Man: Start. Habchi, known for his work on League of Legends, Marvel Rivals, and Overwatch, contributed designs for Mega Man/Rock. Meanwhile, Woo handled the design of Bomb Man, and brings us a look at an early version that differs slightly from the final design depicted in the episode.

After the break, I've collected some of the images they've shared along with commentary from Woo. You can see additional pieces at their respective socials and portfolios here and here.

Original Rough Draft for Mega Man 10th Anniversary Art Discovered

The Mega Man 10th anniversary collage has been a fan favorite for over 25 years. Packed with nearly every classic series character up to Mega Man 8, it’s fun to take in—but the original version looked a little bit different.

Rockman-san and Rockman-chan Final Volume Cover Art Revealed

The third and final volumes of Rockman-san and Rockman-chan are set to release in Japan in just a few weeks. In anticipation of their debut, Kadokawa has revealed the cover art for both manga, which look absolute stellar. Full-size images after the break!

Capcom Vs.Tezuka Characters Exhibition Returning This Summer

Capcom and Tezuka Productions are teaming up once again for the third iteration of the Capcom vs. Tezuka Characters art exhibit. This time, the event will be held at the Tokiwaso Manga Museum and Tokiwaso Street Showa Retro Museum from July 20th to November 24th.

The exhibit will feature unique collaborative illustrations of Osamu Tezuka characters drawn by Capcom creators and Capcom characters drawn by Tezuka Productions creators. While fighting games are a major highlight this time around, new pieces inspired by Mega Man will also be included. In fact, you can see Mega Man, Rush, and a Servbot in the event's main visual. Mega Man and Astro Boy also form the "heart" of the event's logo.

If you're in Tokyo during the event, you can find more information here. Ticket reservations will start on June 20th at 2pm JST.

Source: tokiwaso_mm