Back in 2015, Marvel did a series of "Manga" variant covers for their comics. This brought in some notables like Shigeto Koyama (animator and designer on Evangelion, Kill la Kill), Hiroyuki Imaishi (Kill La Kill) Q Hayashida (Dorohedoro), and, of course, Yusuke Murata (One-Punch Man). Guardians of the Galaxy spin-off Groot appropriately got one by superlog. This charming piece has now inspired a statue from Good Smile Company, on sale ahead of a February 2018 release.

【宣伝】Marvelさんから8月頭にでる「Manga Variant Cover（http://t.co/T3TfQqmufZ）」シリーズでガーディアン・オブ・ギャラクシーのキャラクター、「グルート」の表紙をやらせていただきました！ pic.twitter.com/kvAeRI8AKN

— Superlog (@superlog) July 11, 2015

Manga Variant: Groot Superlog Ver.

"I AM GROOT!" (Superlog's illustration has been transformed into a figure!)

From MARVEL's unique "MARVEL Manga Variant" project comes a statue figure of Groot! The figure faithfully captures all the details of Superlog's original illustration, while also including all the details on the back and sides allowing fans to see a whole new dimension compared to the original illustration.

In addition, the figure includes three background sheets illustrated by Superlog, allowing you to switch between them for a change in atmosphere. The special base was designed for the figure and allows you to easily place Groot on display on your desk or in your collection. Be sure to add the very first figure based on one of Superlog's illustrations to your collection!

- Who is Superlog? -
Superlog received his name from Rock'in Jelly bean in 2009 when he started his artistic career. In his early years he created the jacket illustrations for VAMPS, and also moved out of the music scene to illustrate and design for professional wrestling, games and manga. In 2015 he was selected to join MARVEL's Manga Variant project and illustrated this "Groot #3" cover illustration. Since then, he has been involved in various other projects in the American comic scene.

Product Details

Product Name

   Manga Variant: Groot Superlog Ver.

Series

   MARVEL Manga Variant

Manufacturer

   Good Smile Company

Category

   Non-Scale Figure

Release Date

   2018/02

Specifications

   Painted non-scale ABS&PVC figure with stand included. Approximately160mm in height.

Sculptor

   Yoshihito Kobayashi

Paintwork

   Kenji Ando

Cooperation

   Nendoron

Superlog also later did a "Kaiju" for  Rocket Raccoon & Groot, inspired by the beloved Anatomical Guide to Monsters by Shoji Otomo with illustrations by Shogo Endo, from 1967. 

来年1月発売予定の「Rocket Raccoon and Groot’ #1」のヴァリアントカバー描きましたー。宜しくお願いします。しかしよくこんなデタラメなのわかって頂けたな……！MARVELさんの懐の深さに感謝しかない表紙です。 pic.twitter.com/zJY6OnsAhs

— Superlog (@superlog) December 6, 2015

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Scott Green is editor and reporter for anime and manga at geek entertainment site Ain't It Cool News. Follow him on Twitter at @aicnanime.