Eckel's Times of Grace

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Size: 8.5” x 11.5” - Pages: 150 - Published: 2008 - Price: $120 - Binding: Hardcover

This is a beautiful new book just put out by Gentleman's Publishing called TIMES OF GRACE. It is a compilation of sketches, paintings and flash by German tattoo artist Eckel and it is one of the nicest collections I have come across in a while. Eckel has a signature style, his women in particular are stunning. Tortured beauties with cryptic messages that fold into his paintings seamlessly. I noticed these first but was drawn, of course, to the Japanese imagery. Eckel's Japanese illustrations are vivid and full. He pays attention to the small details critical in pulling of good Japanese tattoo art. Very nice compositions. This book is hardback, 8.5" x 11" and 150 pages. It includes 35 pages of sepia sketches, 92 pages of full color paintings and 17 pages of flash at the back. It is a well made, truly stunning volume that is a must have for any collector of tattoo art.

58 Musha by Horiyoshi III

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Size: 10” x 14” - Pages: 116 - Published: 2008 - Price: $190 - Binding: Hardcover

Japanese master Horiyoshi III's new book 58 Musha is finally out and is just beautiful. The book is B4 size and hardback in a cardboard slipcover...like his others...and is on the Musha, magical warriors of legend. Most of these images depict an animal and a warrior. There are a couple of insane fox illustrations, koi, frog, a spider, a dragon. Really really amazing stuff. This is one of his best books yet.

Jack "Horimouja" Mosher's Tibetan Skull Book

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Size: 10.5 " x 13" - Published: 2010 -Pages 50 - Price: $75 - Softcover/Spiral Binding

This is an amazing collection of Tibetan Skulls by Horimouja - hot off the presses! Jack Mosher's outdone himself with this one. The imagery is really compelling. 50 monochrome skull designs paired with bat wings, dragon heads, tengu noses, scorpions, horns, waves, flames, daggers, peony, lotus, there is am amazing dragon...made out of skulls - each image is unique and well crafted. It's evident Jack had fun with this book, and he did a really good job. His charicatistic attention to detail and careful linework is maintained throughout the collection, making it one of our "Must Have" tattoo reference books of the year. This collection includes 50 full page monochrome outlines of tibetan skulls. The book itself is large and the imagery clean and crisp. This one is a must have!

100 Demons by Horiyoshi III

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Size: B4 (almost 10” x 14”) - Pages: 146 - Published: 1998 - Price: $190 - Binding Hardcover with a cardboard sleeve

This is horimono master Horiyoshi III’s 1st book and it is my favorite...but I love the oni. The book boasts 146 pages including 100 B&W images of different demons of Japanese folklore. Horiyoshi III includes the names, details and stories for many of the figures in both English and Japanese. There is a wonderful afterword by Horiyoshi III himself that goes into his thoughts and feelings about tattoos and tattooing. This is a truly amazing resource for anyone interested in traditional Japanese art and mythology.

Hiroshi Hirata's Mononofu - Amazing Samurai Illustrations - ＯＯＰ

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Size: 8.5" x 11" - Pages: 112 - Published: 2003 - Price: $100 - Binding: Softcover

This is the coolest book on warriors and it is now out of print!  It is called Mononofu by Hiroshi Hirata and includes over 100 pages of awesome Japanese warriors - samurai, ronin etc. This book has both black and while and color imagery, most of it is full page and includes depictions of battle scenes, lone warriors, seppuku and men astride horses - TONS of different poses and costumes perfect for tattoo reference. This book rocks. It is softcover, well bound,   appx. 8" x 11.5" and 112 pages. Includes a forward in both English and Japanese and text is offered in both languages - what little of it there is.  He does include the names of the warriors in English on many of the prints - which is really helpful. Great for artists, collectors of Japanese art or Suikoden enthusiasts. 1000's of great ideas for tradition Japanese-esque tattoos.

36 Ghosts by Horiyoshi III

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Size: almost 10” x 14” - Pages: 82 (folded over - like centerfolds) - Published: 2007 - Price: $190 - Binding: Hardcover with a cardboard sleeve

This is horimono master Horiyoshi III’s 4th book it is intense. The same size as his 100 demons but the prints are twice the size, each page folded over. Black and grey imagery with text/explanations in both Japanese in English. It is hardcover, very large... B4 size (appx. 9.84" x 13.90") and 82 pages, doubled over all featuring some amazing phantoms and ghouls. A must have for any collector of the dark and twisted.

108 Heroes by Horiyoshi III

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Size: B4 (almost 10” x 14”) - Pages: 216 - Published: 2004 - Price: $250 - Binding: Hardcover with a cardboard sleeve

This is horimono master Horiyoshi III’s 2rd book and it is absolutely stunning. The book boasts 216 pages with 108 b&w images of different Suikoden heroes and Horiyoshi includes the names, details and stories for many of the figures in both English and Japanese. The drawings are examples of images he uses for full body tattoos and the ttention to detail is incredible. Includes an afterward by Horiyoshi III himself. A must have for those interesting in traditional Japanese tattoos.

Joe Capobianco Sketchbook

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Size: 8” x 12” - Pages: 122 - Published: 2007 - Price: $48 - Binding: Softcover

This is a new copy of Joe Capobianco's Sketchbook. 122 pages of awesome babes, brides and broads in his signature style. Capobianco's ladies are the kind your momma warned you about - they're fun, but they'll stomp a mudhole in your heart. This book kicks ass. Predominately monochrome sketches with a few full color renditions throughout...and occasional comments about the illustrations. Well bound, 8" x 12", second printing.

UEO's Style Sketchbook vol 1

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Size: 8.5” x 11.5” - Pages: 50 - Price: $80 - Binding: Softcover w/spiral binding

This is the first collection of Japanese style tattoo sketches from Ueo. Lined and shaded full page images include his signature female warriors, heaps of flowers, oni and demon faces, Buddhist Deities, and so much more. Ueo came out of the gate swinging hard with this collection. Lots of food for thought here!

UEO's Japanese Style Sketchbook vol 2

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Size: 8.5” x 11.5” - Pages: 50 - Price: $80 - Binding: Softcover w/spiral binding

This is a great collection of tattoo sketches from Ueo. Lined and shaded full page images include some amazing dragons, flowers, ghost samurai, oni, noh masks, Buddhist Deities, and so much more. I really like this one kids, there is a lot here to work with!

Gekkou Manga - Traditional Japanese Sketchbook

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Size: 7” x 10” - Pages: 112 - Published: 2006 - Price: $48 - Binding: Softcover

This is a great collection of Ukiyo-e master Ogata Gekkou that just came out last year. Gekkou was a painter and Ukiyo-e artists in the 1900's that was inspired by master Hokusai and even did his own 100 views of Mount Fuji. This book includes some brilliant landscape scenes, men and women performing daily tasks, and lots of great animals. It includes some good waves, oni (demons) ghosts and gods. Quite a few brilliant warrior images and some fish/insect sketches that are amazing. The book is 112 pages with 1-3 images per page. Images are monochrome. Includes images of houses, buildings, bridges, temples, mountains, tea sets,waves, rocks, people - workers, women, gods and samurai, assorted animals, trees, lots of great stuff.

Jee Sayalero Sketchbooks 1-3

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Size: 8” x 11.5” - Pages: 152 - Published: 2011 - Price: $75 - Binding: Softcover

Jee Sayalero owns and works in HumanFly tattoo in Madrid Spain. This is his first 3 sketchbooks combined into one book with 12 additional illustrations in it. Over 140 very original tattoo drawings - not all Japanese style - but all definitely food for thought and perfect as a springboard for original ideas. Sayalero is incredibly creative and his artwork is fresh and in your face. The illustrations are predominately full page - nice and large with brilliant detail. This book would be a brilliant addition to tattoo artist and collectors of tattoo art.

Tigers, Hawks & Snakes by Horimouja

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Size: 10.5” x 13” - Pages: 50 - Published: 2008 - Price: $65 - Binding: Softcover w/spiral binding

This is an amazing collection of Tiger, Hawk and Snake Imagery by Horimouja (Jack Mosher) - one of my personal favorites! This is a brilliant, no nonsense reference book - a great way to start off 2008! Horimouja's animals are fighters. His tigers are fierce and full bodied - not the meek kittens often found in traditional Japanese Art. His Hawks are regal, intelligent and not to be trifled with and the snakes are just plain intense. He obviously enjoyed himself with this one and his evident pleasure in these creations manifests itself in the small details that make his artwork exemplary. The book itself is large (appx. 13" x 10.5") and composed of 50 pages of monochrome, full page drawings of tigers, hawks and snakes. Insane.

Tattoo Designs of Japan by Horiyoshi III

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Size: 8.5" x 11" - Published: 1990/2002/2007 - Price: $100

This collection of Horiyoshi III sketches was compiled by Ed Hardy via Hardy Marks Publications. It is a sturdy hardback and includes both monchrome and full color tattoo designs in various stages of completion from the early 90's. This book boasts 80 pages of artwork, with an introduction, in English from Mr. Hardy himself. It includes notes on the illustrations and a glossary detailing Japanese tattoo iconography. A must have for fans of Horiyoshi III's distinctive artistic style.

Immaculate Tattoo's Aaron Coleman's Flash Book

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Size: 11 " x 14" - Pages:60 - Published: 2009 - Price: $220

This is an AWESOME collection of flash from Immaculate Tattoo's Aaron Coleman. It's a beast....11" x 14" and 60 pages done on thick, high quality paper and sized to fit in flash frames. 45 full color pages and 15 monochrome on coquille. This collection give us an intimate glimpse into the pandemonium that resides in Coleman's melon. Predominately traditional, old school imagery crafted with a heavy helping of humor, a dash of perversion and an abundance of skill and talent. This book is a must have for shops and we are stoked to have it in stock!!

Boog Script Book

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Size: 8 " x 11.5" - Published: 2009 -Pages 45 - Price: $75 - Softcover/Spiral Binding

We've just added Boog's Script Book to our collection! This one is out of tune with the usual Japanese stuff but the publisher, Gentleman"s Tattoo Flash,  consistently turns out quality collections and this one is no exception. This is a no nonsense reference book with page after page of script styles as well as a few pages on instructional text to get you started. The book includes 45 pages with illustrations on one side. This is an excellent reference book for anyone interested in Chicano and "gangster Style" script work. 

Gifu Horihide Sketchbook vol. 1

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Size: 9 " x 11" -Pages 242 - Price: $280 - Softcover

This book is a collection of drawings, sketching and tattoo photos from Gifu Horihide. It is vol. 1 of 2 and focuses on the Heroes of the Suikoden. This books is a must have for anyone interested in traditional tattoo art and imagery because the illustrations are brilliant and the explanations are translated into English and are really enlightening. In theis volume Horihide outlines all 108 heroes as well as the Buddhist gods and goddesses. He includes 16 full page sketches, and a glossary at the end in Japanese & English which really allows for fuller understanding of Japanese history and mythology. All in all a masterful collection.

Steadfast from Rich Handford

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Size: 8.5 " x 10.5" -Pages 64 - Price: $52 - Softcover

This is a great book of tattoo designs from Kapala Tattoo's Rich Handford called STEADFAST. It boasts 64 pages of monochrome illustrations including some brilliant Japanese imagery, as well as haunting portraits and some amazing skulls. Handford's attention to detail and respect for tradition makes this book stand out. The book presents more like an art book that a single line sketchbook, with several pages full of sketches arranged pell mall and others more traditionally displayed one per page. It is loaded with illustrations - both sketches and shaded imagery - and is an excellent springboard for original ideas.

Beppe Shiro - Revisiting the Oriental

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Size: 8." x 11.5" - Pages 38 - Price: $72 - Spiral bound softcover

We love Beppe! This is a brilliant tattoo sketchbook that draws primarily from traditional Japanese design work. Illustrations include dragons, koi, hannya, geisha, phoenix, lotus, chrysanthemums, kingyo and one of the best koi-to-dragon (or what I like to think of as frankenfish) illustrations I have seen yet. Beppe has a great eye for details, which make the difference between a good tattoo artist and a great one.

Tattoo Drawings by Jee Sayalero Sk4

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Size: 9 " x 13" - Pages 200 - Price: $115 - Softcover

This latest installment from Madrid's Jee Sayalero is just beautiful. It includes 200 pages of amazing sketches and drawings - both monochrome and color. There are 12 double spread fold outs so you can see the finer details involved, as well as several illustrations of the same piece in progress so you can follow it's development. There are several pages of photos in the back so you can see Sayalero's finished results. This book is well crafted and very instructional. Jee has a passion for life that is evident in his artwork. His pieces are full of energy and movement, they are whimsical and fun, just like the man himself.

Beppe Shiro - Revisiting the Oriental II

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Size: 8." x 11.5" - Pages 45 - Price: $72 - Spiral bound softcover

We've just got our paws on Beppe Shiro's second sketchbook REVISITING THE ORIENTAL II and it's ever bit as good as the first. He included some awesome morphed animals (you'll have to see to believe), lots of masks, some really cool kingyo, flowers, butterflies, snakes, hannya, dragons birds...this book has a little of everthing. Beppe has done a good job adhering to the forms of traditional asian imagery yet creating his own signature style. His illustrations are whimsical and well crafted, you can tell he enjoys his work.  This book is full of imagery that makes you think,"oh, oh, I want that!" 

Jay Cavna's Unfinished Business Part 2

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Size: 8." x 11.5" - Pages 44 - Price: $65 - Spiral bound softcover

This is Jay Cavna's follow up to his first sketchbook which I've sold heaps of because it is rad. If you bought the first, you know why you should pick up the second. Cavna is wicked talented and his sketches will keep you on point. His Japanese imagery adheres to tradition but is crafted with a western eye which I think, makes his work stand out. He doesn't spend his time trying to be Japanese, but studies the Japanese aesthetics for what they are and applies them to his own illustrations. His lines are solid and his images reflect his confidence as an artist. This book included skulls, dragon, flower, tiger, goldfish, turtle, deities and gods, snakes, hannya, grim reapers, koi, oni foo dog....a little bit of everything. You won't be disappointed.

Maruyama's Sketchbook

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Size: 8." x 11.5" - Pages 63 - Price: $80 - Spiral bound softcover

We love Maruyama!! He's an incredible artist and his illustrations keep getting better and better. He contributed to out Japanese Ghost Stories Book and is currently working on the cover of the new Gomineko Compilation Japanese Mythological Creatures. Currently operating under the name Hougen and working out of the prestigous private studio of Horiyasu in Asakusa, he a guy to keep your eye on in the years to come. This book is rife will brilliant Japanese imagers, Oni, Kirin, Nue, Phoenix, Dragons, Demons, Namakubi, Hannya, Chrysanthemums, lotus, snakes, Koi and Kingyo....it has it all. This is a must have for anyone focused on Japanese style imagery.

Mokuyobi Sketchbook

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Size: 8.5" x 11.5" - Pages 48 - Price: $40 - Softcover

In 2005, Naoki of TNS Tattoo began his collaborative sketchbook series
featuring artwork based around unique themes. Since the initial
release of "Sunday," the "…Days" project has grown and evolved along
with the ever-changing carousel of artists involved. Mokuyobi, which means "Thursday,"is the latest incarnation in the series, and showcases the work of Naoki, along with 3 additional tattoo artists from around Japan: Kosei(Nara) Ryo(Okayama) and Benny(Osaka). Ten new themes were chosen and each individual artist has been set free to interpret the ideas as they see fit - creating a total of 40 original sketches. This compelling collection is a breath of fresh air in sketchbookland...the artists included are all talented and their styles unique which allows for a playful mix between the covers!

This was a small print run of 250 and the books are hand numbered. Gomineko received 50 and once they are sold out, that's it...

Incognito Press' Flowers & Compositions 2009

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Size:5.5." x 8 " - Pages 82 - Price: $32 - Softcover

This book is a gem!! You guys have been all over me for flower sketchbooks - well this one is pretty rad. Tons of roses, chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms - both on and off the branch, peony, lillies, orchids, lotus and more. Predominately 1-2 flower outlines per page with the occational bird, heart, skull etc for accent and inspiration this book. It is well bound and is small and lightweight making it perfect for conventions.

Lost Art - From Tattooing's Past

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Size:5.5." x 8 " - Pages 62 - Price: $32 - Softcover

Here's another hot little number from Incognito Press. Lost Art - From Tattooing's Past. These illustrations were found in a flea market in 1991 by Incognito's owner Jason Schroder. It was unsigned and to date the artist is not confirmed but believed to be Owen Jenson 1891-1976. Schroder felt compelled to share what is evidently tattoo history and bound the flash sheets in this little collection exactly as he found them. The book includes 4 pages of thumbnails and the rest feature 1 full color illustration per page. The illustrations are all American traditional and amazing food for thought.

Timmy Tattoo Book of Scripts 2010

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Size:8.5." x 11 " - Pages 42 - Price: $32 - Spiral Bound Softcover

This is a rad little collection of script from Timmy Tattoo. 48 pages of various script and a few illustrations as well. With about 3 samples per page you're sure to find exactly what you need for your piece.

UEO's Big Sketchbook

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Size: 11.5 " x 16" -Pages 100 - Price: $185 - Softcover/Spiral Binding

This is a huge collection of tattoo sketches from Ueo. Lined and shaded imagery included some amazing flowers, samurai, skulls, koi, flowers insects, snakes, demons, geisha, phoenix, goblins, Buddhist and Tibetan deities...it has a little bit of everything! A great book to have around the shop an a great springboard for original tattoo designs.

UEO's Script Sketchbook

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Size: 8.5” x 11.5” - Pages: 50 - Price: $80 - Binding: Softcover w/spiral binding

50 pages of fonts and tattoo script samples! Lots of variety and originality in this one....peppered here and there with images enhance the lettering this book brings a lot to the table!

Chinese Foo Dogs by Dong Dong Chou

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Size: 11 " x 14 " - Pages: 126 - Published: 2010 - Price: $90 -Hardcover

This book is amazing and I highly recommend it! It's a beautiful cloth bound collection of foo dog reference by Mummy Tattoo's Dong Dong. Predominately full page, full color illustrations, with a few sketches and close ups of eyes and claws. Dong Dong's sketches are full of movement and expression - they are powerful and translate beautifully into tattoos. This is the best foo dog reference I have seen on the market - do yourself a favor!

Hokusai's Encyclopedia of Plant & Animal Sketches - OOP

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Size: 6” x 8” - Pages: 282 - Published: 1998 - Price: $85 - Binding: Softcover - used/good condition

Hokusai is probably the most well known of ukiyo-e "pictures of the floating world" artists. You know his stuff...he did the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (circa 1826-33) - amazing waves..... This is a volume of his Aminals and Plants sketches - a brilliant traditional Japanese imagery reference book. Text in English and Japanese, B&W images including people, seals, weasels, dogs, cats, wild boar, rabbits, ox, cows, horses, (riders) Kappa (Japanese mythological creature), Japanese fox, bear, BRILLIANT FOO DOGS!!, rhinos, bats, monkeys, deer, fiery horse, elephants, dragons, tigers, raccoon dogs, mice, tapir, baboon, goat, squirrel, donkey, nightinggale, mandarin ducks, geese, cranes, pheasants, roosters, over 30 different birds, carp, eel, octopus, kingyo goldfish, shrimp, tons of different fish and waterlife, dragonflies, spiders, snakes, grasshoppers, butterflies, 48 pages of assorted plants and flowers including iris, chrysanthemum, lotus, water lily, gourd, wasabi, orchid, and cherry blossoms and ending in several pages of different waves and water formations. These images are all pulled from his artwork, they are strikingly Japanese and vary in size from 1/2" to 3". Images vary from simple line drawing to very detailed full page sketches. This is a must have for and Hokusai fan as well as anyone needing a great compilation of tradition Japanese rendering of flora and fauna for their own artistic endeavors.

THIS BOOK A MUST HAVE AND IS NOW OUT OF PRINT. I CAN GET CLEAN COPIES BUT NOT NEW AND NOT FOR MUCH LONGER. xo Gomineko

100 Japanese Designs vol. 1   by Horimouja

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Size: 10.5" x 13" - Published: 2006 - Pages: 100 - Price: $85 -Binding: Spiral Bound Sketchbook

This is an amazing collection of Japanese Traditional Imagery by Horimouja (vol. I) - one of my personal favorites! It includes some of the best monster and animals illustrations I have seen yet! Crisp lines and great attention to detail make this a must have for any collection of Japanese tattoo art and imagery. Absolutely stunning. The book itself is large and 100 pages of monochrome full page drawings/flash of beautiful Japanese monsters, ghosts, dragons, bakku, phoenix, kappa, koi, long tailed turtles, kirin and tengu. Insane. It is bound by a spiral to make it easier to prop up.

Tattoo Flash Book - Reed, Coleman, Soner, Cavna - LIMITED RUN!

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Size: 10.5" x 14" - Published: 2011 - Pages: 60 - Price: $400 -Binding: Spiral Bound Sketchbook

This is an amazing flash sheet collaboration from Danny Reed, Aaron Coleman, Chad Soner and Jay Cavna. The pages are sized to fit flash frames should you prefer the illustrations be hung. These guys evidently had a good time with this one - it's insane! Dragons, kitsune, clowns, devils, tigers, flowers, insects, snakes, hannya, skulls, panthers pin ups and soooo much more! Definitely something for everyone and well worth the money spent. Pay this puppy off with a couple tattoos and have a lifetime of food for thought!!!!

Japanese Monsters Sketchbook by MAL

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Size: 8" x 11.5" - Published: 2012 - Pages: 50 - Price: $80 -Binding: Spiral Bound Sketchbook

This is a rad new collection of Japanese Monster illustrations from MAL who did our Japanese Mythical Books cover! Formerly Maruyama, this Japanese artist has come up with some amazingly evil eye candy. Oni, Kappa, namakubi, Namazu, all sorts of goblins and miscreants graze these pages....PLENTY of food for thought. We LOVE this book!