Is 'The Sky' Worth It? A Final Fantasy Art Collection Guide
Last Updated: November 6, 2025
In the vast tapestry of video game history, few artistic styles are as instantly recognizable and profoundly influential as Yoshitaka Amano's work on the Final Fantasy series. His ethereal, dreamlike illustrations defined the look and feel of a franchise that would captivate millions. For fans and collectors who have long admired this foundational artistry, the ultimate collection, The Sky: The Art of Final Fantasy Box Set, stands as a monumental tribute.
While its premium nature suggests a high price tag, this coveted anthology is frequently available at a significant discount, making it an accessible masterpiece for those who know when to look.
A Museum in a Box: Journey Through a Decade of Art
The Sky: The Art of Final Fantasy is more than just an art book; it's a curated museum exhibit chronicling a pivotal era of the beloved RPG series. This premium collection gathers Yoshitaka Amano's breathtaking illustrations from the very first Final Fantasy in 1987 all the way through Final Fantasy X in 2001.
The experience is presented across three distinct, hardcover volumes, each beautifully printed on heavy stock and bound to last, offering a tangible connection to the series' artistic soul. Volume 1 covers Final Fantasy I-III, Volume 2 explores the 16-bit worlds of Final Fantasy IV-VI, and Volume 3 delves into the rich, transitional era of Final Fantasy VII-X. Across these 640 pages, fans can trace the evolution of Amano's style and see his initial, often otherworldly, conceptions of characters like the Warrior of Light, Cecil, Terra, Cloud, and Tidus before they were ever translated into pixels and polygons.
The Enduring Legacy of Yoshitaka Amano
Before Final Fantasy became a global phenomenon, Yoshitaka Amano was an acclaimed artist in Japan, known for his delicate ink lines, vibrant watercolors, and stylistic influences from Art Nouveau, traditional Japanese woodblock prints, and American comics. His collaboration with Square (now Square Enix) was transformative. Amano's designs provided the series with a unique high-fantasy aesthetic that set it apart from its contemporaries.
He wasn't just designing monsters and heroes; he was building entire worlds with his brushstrokes. This collection serves as a powerful testament to his impact, showcasing everything from haunting character portraits and biomechanical monster designs to sweeping landscapes and intricate weapon concepts. His logos for each title remain iconic in their own right, each a self-contained piece of art that subtly hints at the game's central themes and narrative. The Sky is the definitive chronicle of this visual groundwork that shaped generations of games.
More Than Just Books: The Collector's Bonuses
Beyond the three main volumes, The Sky box set includes a host of exclusive materials that elevate it to a truly definitive collection. Tucked inside is a fourth, smaller softcover book titled All About Yoshitaka Amano, which features an extensive interview with the master himself, offering rare insights into his creative process and his reflections on the series. Additionally, the set includes a small flipbook animating one of his moogle sketches, two commemorative postcards, and an acetate print of a classic Amano illustration. The entire collection is housed in a sleek, magnetically sealed display box, making it an impressive centerpiece for any fan's shelf.
The Price of History: How to Get This Collection
High-quality art collections of this magnitude often carry a steep list price, typically retailing for between $150 and $200. However, this is one collector's item where patience pays off. The Sky frequently sees deep discounts on major online retailers like Amazon, especially during seasonal sales events. It’s not uncommon to see its price drop by 30-50%, often bringing it into the $90-$130 range.
For longtime fans, it's a powerful dose of nostalgia and a new way to appreciate the games that defined their youth. For newer fans, it's a comprehensive history lesson on the artistic origins of the series they love. By keeping an eye out for these regular promotions, you can own a cornerstone of gaming history without paying a premium, making it one of the best value art anthologies in the industry.