Vans Vault has celebrated some of the great American pop artists of the last century this year.  There’s no questioning, say, Robert Crumb’s cult status, which is also true of Japanese comics and cartoons in America.  Anime is pretty widespread thanks to Cartoon Network, but there are probably plenty of sneakerheads who aren’t yet aware of  ‘manga’ (Japanese comics), much less its prominent figures.

Much as Vans is shedding light on their chosen artists, exposing them to the younger set, this Nike Hyperize designed by Slam Dunk creator Takehiko Inoue will draw some into the artform.  The kicks themselves actually look more like those ‘china’ plates your grandma won’t let you eat off of, and since these are an Asian-exclusive for the time being, they’re just as hands-off.  via Trendy

Additional photo via HK-Kicks: