Great Muta vs Jinsei 'Hakushi' Shinzaki (Way of the Blade Art Print)

“The Great Muta vs. Jinsei 'Hakushi' Shinzaki ” - ink & digital illustration

On the way to the upcoming Way of the Blade sequel, here’s another flashback to an illustration & match that I have fond memories of from the original (from the great guys at Hybrid Shoot, written by the rad Phil Schneider, art by yours truly!).

This crimson-soaked, total spectacle of a Professional Wrestling match took place on April 29th, 1996 at ‘NJPW Battle Formation in Tokyo Dome’ - a massive interpromotional-focused dream-show for New Japan at the time. Before around 65,000 fans!

So I love this one for a variety of reasons. It’s just such a classic Great Muta match that highlights so many of the things that made him so unique & special. Shinzaki is another guy who I have a lot of love for. Fresh off of his very fondly remembered run in the WWF 'New Generation' as Hakushi. You couldn’t write a more epic return match, against a character who he’s mirrored in many ways.

This is just chock full of crazy visuals, wild violence & intriguing symbolism. Shinzaki bringing out the grave marker for Muta, only for Muta to break it, stab him with it & write ‘DEATH’ in his blood on it!! White becomes red in quick & chaotic fashion. As Phil points out in the book, this match is just a properly epic collection of amazing moments & spectacle. And looking at it as an artist who really digs the visual language of this thing, what more could you ask for?!

This RULES!

ENJOY!!

Fancy, high quality art prints of this book illustration are now available to purchase for as little as 25 clams, FREE worldwide postage!

HQ Basic Art Prints: Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. (Printing & delivery arranged by Printful).

'Premium' Art Prints: Voluptuously extra thick, textured & hand-signed! Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you! + ALL PREMIUM PRINT PURCHASES COME WITH CHRIS THINGS ZINE VOL. 1!!

Pre-Framed Art Prints (HQ Basic): For those who don't want to worry about the hassles of framing! Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick, light-weight wooden frame from renewable forests. (Printing, framing & delivery arranged by Printful).

Pre-Framed Art Prints (Premium): Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Black or Oak-finish frame (Medium-density fibreboard) w/ double-mat border. 8 x 8" print size / 10 x 10" total frame size. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you! + ALL PREMIUM PRINT PURCHASES COME WITH CHRIS THINGS ZINE VOL. 1!!

Please don't hesitate to send me a message if you require a different size - all prints made to order.