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Haruhi Suzumiya Artist Questions Fans About How 'True' Her New Art Is

Haruhi Suzumiya artist Noizi Ito drew new artwork of the series' titular heroine to commemorate the re-release of the novels in January. Although the re-release will be published by Kadokawa Bunko (a mainstream novel publishing line, not a light novel imprint) and will not feature Ito's illustrations, Kadokawa Bunko's announcement on Twitter showed her new art.

Ito has drawn the illustrations for the Haruhi Suzumiya novels since the publication of the first volume in 2003. After the visual was released, Ito mused on Twitter whether her new art is true to her own style, which has changed significantly over the past15 years.

"Although people say that Noizi's Haruhi doesn't look like this, it is still Noizi's Haruhi. Looking at it another way, what is the 'true' Noizi's Haruhi?" she wrote.

Ito received numerous messages of support from fans, saying they love her artwork both now and then. Ito apologized for worrying her fans and said that she intends to have fun drawing her illustrations now and into the future.

Earlier this year, Ito drew Haruhi for the cover of The Sneaker's light novel magazine one-time revival issue, which also showed off her new art style. The special issue was published to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sneaker Bunko, and included a new Haruhi Suzumiya story written by author Nagaru Tanigawa. The novel series has been on hiatus since 2011.

Ito worked as a character designer or illustrator on a number of popular series, including The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Shakugan no Shana, and the Another light novels. She also drew several character designs for Concrete Revolutio, including the heroine Kikko, who is her current Twitter avatar.

Source: Nijimen