Few indie game universes have cultivated as devoted a collector base as Project Moon’s interconnected titles, and the Library of Ruina Roland Art Book I & II Limited Edition set stands as one of the most sought-after physical artifacts tied to the franchise. For collectors who followed the saga from Lobotomy Corporation through Library of Ruina, this two-volume art book represents something more than concept art — it is a tangible piece of a story that has resonated deeply with fans worldwide. The scarcity of official English-market print runs makes the Japanese-market and limited release editions especially coveted.
Japanese Media & Books occupy a unique niche in collector culture. Compared to international reprints, Japanese editions often feature superior paper stock, dust jackets, obi strips, and bonus inserts that are rarely replicated overseas. Even translated indie properties like Project Moon’s works tend to get richer physical treatment when published through Japanese distribution channels, which is why this particular set draws attention from international buyers.
About This Item
The Library of Ruina Roland (Raol) Art Book I & II Limited Edition is a two-volume companion set compiled from official artwork, character designs, background illustrations, and development commentary surrounding Roland, one of the central viewpoint characters of Library of Ruina. The set gathers key visual material that originally appeared in-game, along with developer notes and design iterations that were not available in the base release. For a game that launched in Early Access around 2020 and reached its 1.0 release in August 2021 from Project Moon, physical companion material of this quality is uncommon.
Volume I generally focuses on the earlier arcs — Roland’s introduction, his working relationship with Angela, and the Library’s receptionists — while Volume II continues through later guest invitations, boss encounters, and finale material. The Limited Edition packaging typically includes a slipcase, bonus illustration cards, and signed or numbered inserts depending on the print tier. We inspected this particular set for completeness of inserts, binding tightness, and the integrity of the outer sleeve before listing.
Key Details
- Manufacturer: Project Moon (official licensed art book)
- Series/Franchise: Library of Ruina / Lobotomy Corporation universe
- Type: Media & Books (Art Book, 2-volume Limited Edition)
- Condition: Pre-owned condition, carefully inspected before shipping
- Origin: Shipped from Japan
The Library Franchise: Why Collectors Care
Project Moon, founded in South Korea in 2016, built its reputation on dense narrative design, striking character art, and a willingness to tackle philosophical themes within a card-battling and management-game framework. Lobotomy Corporation, first released on Steam Early Access in 2016 and reaching full launch in 2018, established the setting — a surreal corporation managing anomalous entities. Library of Ruina followed as a direct narrative successor, with its full release in August 2021. According to Project Moon’s official statements and interviews archived at https://projectmoon.studio/, the two titles form part of a larger six-part saga continuing through Limbus Company.
The franchise’s cult following in Japan is particularly notable. Japanese fan communities embraced the series early, producing extensive doujinshi, fan art, and even securing licensed physical merchandise distribution. Roland, as a wandering fixer thrust into the Library’s conflicts, became one of the most illustrated characters in the fandom, which is why dedicated art books focused on him command strong secondary-market attention.
Rarity and Value Factors
Limited Edition art books in this niche often have production runs in the low thousands — frequently cited by resellers as editions of 1,000 to 3,000 units for specialty Project Moon merchandise, though exact figures vary by printing. Once sold through, reprints are uncommon because Project Moon tends to rotate its physical merchandise offerings rather than restock. Condition is critical: slipcase edge wear, dust jacket scuffing, and the presence of bonus postcards or illustration cards all dramatically affect value. Sets with intact shrink wrap or unopened bonus envelopes can command 1.5x to 2x the price of opened copies in otherwise identical condition. In my experience handling Project Moon physical goods, the two-volume Limited Edition sets appreciate faster than single-volume releases because collectors prefer to acquire matching sets rather than hunt pieces separately.
Looking for this item? Every item at HD Toys Store Japan is:
- Shipped directly from Japan with tracking
- Carefully inspected for condition and authenticity
- Pre-owned condition documented with detailed photos
Collector’s Guide: What to Look For
When evaluating a pre-owned Project Moon art book set, start with the exterior slipcase. Because slipcases are often made of thinner cardstock printed with matte finishes, they are the first component to show handling marks. Check all four corners for bumping, and inspect the printed surface under angled light for scuffs that may not be visible head-on. Next, slide the volumes out gently and examine the dust jackets — Japanese print runs often include a secondary obi band (a paper belt wrapping the lower portion of the book), and its presence significantly affects collector value.
Open each volume and check the spine. A properly cared-for art book should have a tight but flexible spine with no visible cracking along the glue line. Page block alignment should be square, and interior pages should be free of foxing (small brown spots that develop in humid storage). Finally, verify any bonus inserts: illustration cards, bookmark ribbons, and sometimes a small booklet of developer commentary. Missing inserts are the most common issue with secondhand copies. We have handled many Project Moon releases and find insert loss to be the single biggest value deduction factor. Browse more collector guides on our blog at hd-bodyscience.com for more inspection frameworks.
Condition Checklist
- Slipcase integrity: Inspect corners, edges, and printed surfaces for scuffs or dents
- Dust jacket & obi: Confirm both volumes retain original jackets and obi bands
- Spine condition: Check for cracking, warping, or loose binding glue
- Bonus inserts: Verify illustration cards, bookmarks, or supplementary booklets are present
- Packaging: Original outer wrap or shipping sleeve adds authentication value
Price Guide
Secondary market pricing for the Roland Art Book I & II Limited Edition set varies widely based on completeness. Opened copies with light wear and no missing inserts typically trade in the $120–$180 range. Complete sets with all bonus items, minimal shelf wear, and intact obi bands move at $200–$280. Sealed or near-mint sets with original shipping sleeves can reach $320–$400 or higher during peak demand windows, particularly after new Project Moon game releases revive interest in older merchandise. The single biggest price multiplier remains completeness of the bonus insert package.
Similar Items Worth Exploring
Collectors drawn to this set will likely appreciate several adjacent Project Moon releases. The Lobotomy Corporation Official Art Book, released as a companion to the first title, offers foundational worldbuilding art and is considered essential for any serious fan of the universe. The Limbus Company physical merchandise line, including character acrylic stands and the ongoing illustration card series, continues the visual language established in these earlier books. Fans of Roland specifically may also look for doujinshi anthologies from events like Comitia and Comic Market, which frequently feature Project Moon circles.
Soundtrack CDs for Library of Ruina, composed by Mili, are another frequent crossover purchase — the physical CD releases often include booklet artwork that complements the art books. Finally, keep an eye on tapestry and B2 poster releases from Project Moon’s official store, which sell out quickly and rarely reappear.
Why Buy Japanese Collectibles from Japan?
Japanese collector culture places exceptional value on preservation. It is common for Japanese buyers to store books in protective sleeves, keep original shrink wrap intact, and avoid direct sunlight exposure — practices that produce secondhand inventory in notably better condition than equivalent items from other markets. Many Project Moon limited editions were distributed through Japanese retailers like Animate and Mandarake with region-specific bonuses, meaning certain insert cards and promotional items are only available through Japanese channels. Buying from Japan also means authenticity is more easily verified, as specialist sellers routinely cross-reference editions against original retailer listings. Please contact our team if you have questions about authenticity, and refer to our returns policy for inspection guarantees.
Summary
The Library of Ruina Roland Art Book I & II Limited Edition set is a meaningful acquisition for anyone invested in Project Moon’s expanding universe. Its combination of rarity, visual density, and connection to one of the most beloved characters in the franchise makes it a cornerstone piece for serious collectors. With careful inspection of the inserts and slipcase, a well-preserved copy will hold its value and bring years of enjoyment. Last reviewed: January 2025 — published by the hd-bodyscience editorial team, author: K. Tanaka.
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