1989 Manga x Typography Project

Dedicated to Kentaro Miura

The 1989 Manga x Typography Project merges three bespoke typefaces with three influential manga from 1989. Each poster showcases one of the typefaces and gives a brief overview and history of the manga being featured.

The stoic and utilitarian Bureau/Mosaic typeface heralds the somber and horrifying mood of Kentaro Miura’s dark fantasy Berserk.

The wonky reverse contrast of Spilt/Milk pairs well with the over-the-top fashion and tarot-themed magical abilities (“stands”) from Hirohiko Araki’s Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders.

The retro dot matrix-inspired Bike/Chain complements Masamune Shirow’s cyberpunk classic The Ghost in the Shell.

Historically, many posters designed in Japan would feature a large circle in the center as a nod to the country’s flag. This tradition was continued in these three posters to honor the heritage of the influential manga they are based on.

The scans featured here are from Kentaro Miura’s Berserk.