A headless busty blonde, a face-stealing psychopath, a sleazy serial-killer sculptor, a horny handsome hunchback, a vengeful caterpillar cuckold, a torturous hangover in the pits of hell...
Welcome
to the raunchy and gristly world of FACE MEAT, from the decadent imagination of outlaw polymath Bonten Taro—ex-kamikaze, ex-yakuza, singer, songwriter, actor, world-famous tattooist, husband of seven, and underappreciated pioneer of “pinky violence” femme fatales and adult horror manga.
Bonten Taro was a renowned
Japanese manga artist, tattooist, and designer. During World War II, he served in a Special Attack Unit, guiding kamikaze pilots. Post-war, he pursued art at Kyoto Art College, working as an assistant to a kamishibai artist to fund his studies. In 1948, he published his first akahon manga and adopted the pen name Tarō Bonten in 1955. Bonten Taro was also a pioneering tattoo artist, introducing the tattoo machine and colored inks to Japan and aimed to destigmatize tattoos, associating them with
art rather than crime.
A trailblazer in the manga world, Bonten Taro is celebrated for his bold and boundary-pushing narratives. His work often delves into themes of rebellion, resilience, and societal marginalization, offering a raw and gritty portrayal of his characters' lives. Bonten Taro's art style is equally compelling,
characterized by dynamic compositions and striking visual contrasts. His illustrations convey intense emotions and action, drawing readers into the story's gritty reality. Beyond his beloved tale "Konketsuji Rika," Bonten Taro's body of work includes a range of gekiga (dramatic pictures) that explore the darker aspects of human nature and society.
His influence extends beyond manga, impacting Japanese tattoo culture and fashion, with his legacy emphasizing one of creativity and defiance, inspiring artists and readers alike with his fearless storytelling and unique artistic vision. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of manga, cementing his place as a revered figure in the industry.
FACE MEAT is the fourth volume of SMUDGE, an imprint of Living the Line that boasts a line of vintage horror, occult, and dark fantasy manga, curated and translated by award-winning historian Ryan Holmberg.
