Black Hook Press popped along to Yonabe Gallery, Yokohama to check out their Daruma exhibition that runs until 10th January.

The exhibition shows a variety of Daruma dolls customized by local artists/street artists/tattooists etc.

The Daruma doll (達磨), also known as a Dharma doll, is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. 

Though considered an omocha, meaning toy, Daruma has a design that is rich in symbolism and is regarded more as a talisman of good luck to the Japanese. Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, making them a popular gift of encouragement.
(source WIKI).

If you go then dont forget to pop into Pizza Myro (its just round the corner) for a slice of the best pizza in Yokohama!

#yokohama #japan #grafitti #daruma

Matt Groening made his first professional cartoon sale of 'Life in Hell' in 1978. At its peak it was carried by 250 weekly newspapers. Even with the success of The Simpsons he still continued to write Life in Hell up until 2012. Here's a Life in Hell Black Hook Press likes.

BHP Loves Rafael Coutinho's colour palette and story ideas. Here's the video
to garner support for Teen Kiss 3. If you fancy getting aboard the funding jump >>HERE<<.

Check out Yoshihiro Tatsumi's catalogue of translated titles over at >>>Drawn and Quarterly<<<.

Vimeo byline -  "TATSUMI celebrates the life and work of Japanese comics artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi. In post-war occupied Japan, young Tatsumi's passion for comics eventually becomes a means of supporting his poor family. Already published as a teenager, talented Tatsumi finds even greater inspiration after meeting his idol, famous Disneyesque animator Osamu Tezuka. Despite his steady success, Tatsumi begins to question why Japanese comics should cater to children with cute and whimsical tales and drawings. In 1957, Tatsumi coins the term gekiga (dramatic pictures) and redefines the manga landscape by encouraging an alternative genre for adults. Realistic and disquieting, Tatsumi's work begins to grapple with the darker aspects of life..."