Famous Japanese Manga artist, Shigeru Mizuki, has published a new book taking a look at Japanese folk monsters and their anatomy. Entitled, Yōkai Daizukai, it features 85 monsters such as (pictured above) Kuro-kamikiri, aka Black Hair Cutter (a large, black-haired creature that sneaks up on women in the street at night and surreptitiously cuts off their hair) whose anatomical characteristics include a long, coiling tongue covered in tiny hair-grabbing spines, and a sac for storing sleeping powder used to knock out victims. And then there’s Makura-gaeshi, aka Pillow Mover, (a soul-stealing prankster known for moving pillows around while people sleep) who has an organ for storing souls stolen from children, another for converting the souls to energy and supplying it to the rest of the body.

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Later this month, Rizzoli will be releasing a new book on Kanye West, focusing on last year’s Glow in the Dark tour. The 288-page book provides a look at on stage performances, behind-the-scenes shots, and also includes conceptual sketches by West, costume designs, and stage models. The book comes with an audio CD featuring the previously unreleased live instrumentals for “Hey Mama”, “Touch the Sky”, “Jesus Walks”, and “I Wonder”, as well as an interview with tour collaborator Spike Jonze.

Check out some images from the book after the jump.

Carhartt reports on a new project they’ve collaborated on with Andrea Caputo, and his new book, All City Writers. Published by Kitchen93, with 1230 pictures, 620 articles, 410 full-colour pages, and more than 250 writers involved, the book aims at exploring New York’s influence on European graffiti in the ’80s. The book is scheduled to release November 7th at Carhartt locations and select book stores. Early next year they’ll launch a European exhibition series with the participation of “All City Writers” contributors at selected Carhartt stores.

More after the jump.

The first volume was published back in May, and now Carhartt releases its second Brand Book. The new issue features an in-depth look into the Fall/Winter collection, the current advertising campaign, collaborations, detailed information about the Heritage Collection, interviews, the latest news from the Carhartt BMX and skate teams, and more. Available only at Carhartt stores and select retailers.

More after the jump.

A few weeks back, we reported on Ryan McGinley’s new exhibit, Moonmilk. For those who are unable to make it to London’s Alison Jacques Gallery, there is the book of the same name. Slated to release on September 10th through Mörel Books, you can already pre-order your copy here.

pic and info: Mörel

Artists Mac and Retna have created artworks together several times. Usually Retna uses his distinctive bold calligraphic brushwork for the background, while Mac places his uniquely stylized faces and figures in the forefront. Now, Upper Playground and Gingko Press have published a book documenting their artistic collaborations. You can purchase it online through Gingko Press here.

More after the jump.

Photographer/graffit artist, Ruedione spent six years from 2002 until 2008 taking photographs of fellow graffiti writers at night. His new book, Backflashes: Graffiti Tales aims at visualizing the feeling writers get when venturing out into the night to carry out their art. The book also features quotes from several other artists from around the world to show that this feeling is lived and celebrated by an international community. To read more about the book and Ruedione, check out an interview I Love Graffiti did with him recently.

Check out some of the photographs from the book after the jump.

Pro-skater, artist, and company owner, Ed Templeton has been taking photographs of skaters and skateboard culture for over fifteen years as part of his “Wires Crossed” series. His new book, Coming to Grips offers a look at these images. You can get it now through Colette.

pic and info: Colette

“So whether you’re learning the ropes, considering going pro, or just want to tap your inner DJ, this book is for you.” - is how The Scratch DJ Academy Guide describes itself, and aims to be the mini-encyclopedia of the Scratch DJ Academy founded by Jam Master Jay.

The book, however, doesn’t stop at just showing you how to handle a crossfader. It goes into detail and offers much helpful information from start to finish on mastering the art of DJ-ing. From Brooklyn to Ibiza, well-known DJs acquaint the reader how they got started, and what they went through to get where they are today. They also give helpful tips, such as what steps are involved from booking to gigs, and share their thoughts on music, scratching, mixtapes, their techniques. And if you don’t know what beat juggling is, they even go into details about that too.

To mention just a few names who contributed to the book: Grand Wizard Theodore, A-Trak, Richie Hawtin, DJ Yoda, Q-Bert, Nick Warren, Matt Black, DJ Craze.

To find out more, and to purchase, click here.

Documenting their 40+ year history, Vans will be releasing their first book, Vans: Off the Wall, Stories of Sole from Vans Originals.

“The book weaves together the multi-generational story of the community and culture of all that has influenced and has been influenced by Vans: boards, bikes, art, music, and street culture, and the iconic shoes that have united them together. “

The book releases June 1st. For more information, head over to vans.com/vansbook.

pic and info: Juxtapoz