Posted on December 13, 2024
Roman Albums, 1977-1980
As the brainchild of editor Shigeo Ogata at Tokuma Shoten Publishing, the Roman Album series has become so influential that the term is sometimes used to describe any form of anime-based book. Inspired in no small way by examples set in OUT and Rendezvous magazines, they examine their topics with color stills, design work, and production history.
Ogata invented the name, and it has nothing to do with Rome, Italy. “I thought the concept of animation was simply ‘romanticism,’ so I came up with ‘Roman Album’.” (from Shoot that Flag!, his 2004 memoir.)
1. Space Battleship Yamato,
Sept 1977
2. Cyborg 009, Nov 1977
3. Rainbow Sentai Robin, Jan 1978
4. Devilman, 1978
5. Tiger Mask, March 1978
6. Super Jetter, April 1978
7. Mighty Atom, May 1978
8. Brave Raideen, 1978
9. Mazinger Z, July 1978
10. Shinobu Kamui Gaiden, 1978
11. Farewell to Yamato, Sept 1978
12. Bander Book, Sept 1978
13. Tomorrow’s Joe, 1978
14. Voltes V, 1978
15. Grendizer, 1978
16. Combattler V, Jan 1979
17. Eight Man, 1979
18. Dangard Ace, March 1979
19. Heidi Girl of the Alps, 1979
20. Daimos, May 1979
21. Zanbot 3, June 1979
22. Treasure Island, 1979
23. Triton of the Sea, Sept 1979
24. Galaxy Express 999 (movie),
Sept 1979
25. Marine Express, Oct 1979
26. Adventure of Ganba, 1979
27. Babel II, Dec 1979
28. Age of the Dinosaurs, Jan 1980
29. Daitarn 3, Jan 1980
30. Space Pirate Captain Harlock,
Feb 1980
31. Yamato 2, March 1980
32. Getter Robo G, 1980
33. Poem of a Baseball Fanatic,
May 1980
34. Hurricane Polymar, 1980
35. Mobile Suit Gundam (TV),
July 1980
36. Be Forever Yamato, Oct 1980
37. Space Knight Tekkaman, 1980
38. Adventure of Marco Polo,
Dec 1980
Honorable mention
Probably inspired by the Roman Album series, publisher Shonen Gahosha released a six-volume set of “Animation Golden Books” in the same format, covering the animated works of Osamu Tezuka. All six were published in 1978.
1. Dororo
2. Mighty Atom
3. Jungle Emperor
4. Great Adventure of Goku
5. Wonder 3
6. Ribbon Knight
