Fun announcement:
I've printed out the Samurai Jack menko design!
It took a little bit of experimentation with dimensions, card stock thickness, and assembly, but I'm pretty happy with the way the final versions turned out. Here's the back:
They've got a heft and feel similar to menko of the mid-20th century. To make them even more period correct, I decided to give the edges of each card a slight "aged" look. The red NP stamp on the back is also a nice little nod to the way menko were sometimes stamped in the golden days.
As for size, these cards are based on a vintage menko that measured 1 3/8" wide by 2 7/8" tall. Seems like that's pretty standard, but it does push the height of an Ultra-Pro or BCW tobacco sleeve just a tiny bit. (The top edge of the menko will come right up to the top edge of the sleeve.)
Ryan from Japanese Sumo Wrestling Cards and Menko, since you so kindly helped me verify the Japanese characters on the front and back of this menko while I was first creating the design, I'm going to send a copy to you as a way of showing my appreciation.
I'm also going to mail out a copy to the first three readers to leave a comment describing their favorite episode or favorite character from the Samurai Jack series.
If you're one of the claimants and I don't already have your mailing address from a previous giveaway, here's how to reach me:
My email address is available on my blogger profile page.
Because I've only printed out a small amount so far, the rest will be split between my bonanza store and my eBay store. The price is set slightly higher than the other custom cards due to the time of assembly and cost of materials involved.
Stay tuned for more, and thanks very much for reading!
I've never watched this show... or maybe I have, but I didn't get into it. That being said... awesome Menko! The card is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment, Fuji! I'm very happy with the way these cards turned out.
DeleteI never saw the show either. I really dig the backs on these though. Kudos to Ryan for the assist!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jon! I recommend you try out an episode of the show, or at least some short clips. Plenty available on YouTube.
DeleteI wanted one of these for a kid I know! I personally have never seen the show though.
ReplyDeleteI'll be happy to send one along, Matt!
DeleteThanks!!
DeleteI'm probably taking the easy way out, but Aku's smart-assedness (and his shapeshifting mastery of darkness, of course) always had me slightly rooting for him. HAHAHAHA
ReplyDeleteMost descriptive comment of the bunch so far, Derek. Consider a copy yours!
DeleteI've never seen the show, but those look great. They really do capture the look and feel of late 40s/early 50s Japanese menko cards.
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated, Sean!
DeleteI got mine in the mail. Excellent production quality and true to the original designs. Thanks again!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that, Ryan! I know you'll give Jack a good home there.
DeleteWhen I saw this menko on SumoMenkoMan's youtube channel I was blown away. it's really nice, great work.
ReplyDeleteThe first season of Samurai jack reminds me of Sundays as a kid when I watched it on TV. If I had to choose a favorite character I would say that crazy Scotsman lad. Guess I have to do a Samurai Jack marathon now
Thanks very much for the compliment, Scott! The crazy Scotsman is definitely a memorable character. Good choice there. Good to know another Samurai Jack fan, too!
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