Capcom has hired and worked with many of the most iconic and recognizable video game artists over the past 40 years, and we’ve gotten lucky with how much their talents have been used to bolster their fighting games from the arcades to now.
Quite a bit of that classic artwork is currently on display in their latest Capcom vs. Tezuka exhibit, which they’re showing off more of online now before it closes next week.
The official Capcom artwork social media account has been sharing photos of some of their displays containing a bunch of early design sketches of their characters and fighting games.
Currently, they’ve posted images containing the rough art for the Street Fighter Alpha games as well as Darkstalkers and even Star Gladiator.
Longtime fans will probably recognize quite a few of these pieces including Sakura’s initial takes from Bengus in Street Fighter Alpha 2 plus those from others like Edayan and Akiman.
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We normally wouldn’t be able to see these collections without going to the exhibit in person since outside photography is prohibited, but it’s alright if Capcom shares it themselves.
These Capcom vs. Osamu Tezuka Characters exhibits began as an unexpected crossover with the Astro Boy creator’s studio back in 2021 where it’s popped back up multiple times since.
The latest Capcom vs. Tezuka iteration is taking place at the Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum in Tokyo, Japan though it is scheduled to end in a week on November 24.
#テヅカプ 終了まであと10日！！『ストリートファイターⅡ MOVIE』セル原画展示中。11月24日（入館は17時30分）まで！#カプコンアートワーク #CAPCOM #ARTWORK pic.twitter.com/XTtOtLu53E
— CAPCOM OFFICIAL／ARTWORKS (@CAPCOM_AWT) November 15, 2024
While these artwork displays are one of the main attractions, that’s not all they have to offer with things like a timeline of Capcom’s fighting games included as well as new crossover works with Capcom artists drawing Tezuka’s characters and vice versa.
#テヅカプ 終了まで後三週間11月24日まで #テヅカプ #カプコンアートワーク @tokiwaso_mm pic.twitter.com/39TjThlLYe
— CAPCOM OFFICIAL／ARTWORKS (@CAPCOM_AWT) November 3, 2024
Some of them are also exclusive products too like art cards (including one featuring Morrigan and Dororo’s Hyakkimaru), a poster, key chains, coasters, acrylic stands and more.
Last year, this museum exhibit is also where Akuma and Ed’s concept art was first unveiled for Street Fighter 6 as well though it seems we aren’t getting that for Season 2.
Much of this and / or similar art may have shown up in their recent compilation galleries or upcoming ones like the Capcom Fighting Collection 2 — but it’d be much more special to see them in person on the paper.
#テヅカプ ストZEROシリーズ開発資料展示中！11月24日（入館は17時30分）まで！#カプコンアートワーク #CAPCOM #ARTWORK pic.twitter.com/a1oxI00xUu
— CAPCOM OFFICIAL／ARTWORKS (@CAPCOM_AWT) November 16, 2024
While prospects are growing for new entries in Marvel vs. Capcom or Capcom vs. SNK, the company’s other fighting games outside of Street Fighter probably won’t be that lucky any time soon.
That comes especially after learning about the modern Darkstalkers project that was canceled and Hideaki Itsuno leaving Capcom before getting to make Rival Schools 3 from his wish list.
At least most of their classics are finally able to be easily accessed again.
More information about the Capcom vs. Tezuka exhibit can be found on the museum’s website.
#テヅカプ ヴァンパイアシリーズ開発資料展示中！11月24日（入館は17時30分）まで！#カプコンアートワーク #CAPCOM #ARTWORK pic.twitter.com/ll9R0UurmH
— CAPCOM OFFICIAL／ARTWORKS (@CAPCOM_AWT) November 15, 2024