Japanese manga are becoming an increasing source of inspiration within the visual culture of the West, and are also attracting substantial critical attention in all media. Suehiro Maruo's collections may, so far, have been inadequately seen in many Western cultures, yet they form an essential part of manga culture, and are vastly popular in Japan, both for their vivid imagery and hypnotic narratives.

Representing the cutting-edge, adult end of the expansive manga market, Maruo's 'erotic-grotesque' (ero-guru) style of manga is a unique fusion of sex and violence. His influences range from 19th century Japanese atrocity prints (Ukiyo-e) to Western film directors and rock stars such as David Lynch, Andy Warhol, and the Sex Pistols.

Now, Western audiences can appreciate the work of this acclaimed, cult-manga artist in Ultra-Gash Inferno. This compendium edition of 9 graphic-novellas never before translated and published in English, serves as both a long overdue introduction to Maruo’s vast catalogue of work and a revelatory cross-cultural event in comic-book publishing.

Author Biography:

Suehiro Maruo, a self-taught artist, high school dropout, and former shoplifter, is now perhaps the most talented adult manga artist working in Japan today. His cult following extends far beyond the confines of the manga market. Increasingly, de-luxe, hardback editions of his work are being produced and his lithograph prints sell for high prices. However, in spite of this growing interest, Maruo has never compromised the style or content of his work and it remains some of the most challenging and cutting-edge of the manga art being produced in Japan today.