Anyone else remember "Hook-ups"?

[danth]

Wow, good eye! I would not have recognized those as Urushihara, since I'm more familiar with his earlier art styles.

To be honest I'm not even mad. I think it's kind of cool that Hook-Ups hasn't changed. And they're even ripping of good artists.

[usamimi]

Wow, good eye! I would not have recognized those as Urushihara, since I'm more familiar with his earlier art styles.

To be honest I'm not even mad. I think it's kind of cool that Hook-Ups hasn't changed. And they're even ripping of good artists.

I wouldn't say I'm mad, I'm genuinely surprised they're still doing that, though! In this internet age, aren't they even the least bit afraid someone's gonna call them out on this? I guess not!

[greg]

Yes. Back then, I was mad at them putting tattoos on Madoka. Now I am just incredulous at their audacity for their blatant plagiarism.

[greg]

Ok, I took a look at a few of their other new "designs" and found these:

Warning: NSFW pics!
http://socalskateshop.com/images/produc ... hirtLG.jpg

Another Urushihara artbook lift:
http://i.imgur.com/UEgNjbt.jpg?1


http://socalskateshop.com/images/produc ... deckLG.jpg

Another U-jin artbook image:
http://i.imgur.com/ttIwYCq.jpg


http://hookupsskateboards.com/wp-conten ... 78fb_8.jpg

Definitely a character from Ikkitousen (I recognized it from when this shit was ALL OVER dealer rooms at conventions):
http://i.imgur.com/bJvtwRr.jpg?1


This one looks to be done by a Pixiv artist, which made me kinda mad...lifting stuff off DVD covers or artbooks is one thing, but Pixiv artists?
http://socalskateshop.com/images/produc ... hirtLG.jpg

Pixiv original here: http://www.pixiv.net/member_illust.php? ... d=14441390

I wish my Japanese was better, I'd message this Pixiv artist and let them know. :/


And they also have some new designs that look to be model photos...Any of these look familiar to anyone? It wouldn't surprise me if these were lifted from photobooks or something:
http://socalskateshop.com/images/produc ... DeckLG.jpg
http://socalskateshop.com/images/produc ... DeckLG.jpg
http://socalskateshop.com/images/produc ... DeckLG.jpg

[danth]

Is it wrong that I want some of these?

[greg]

Tee hee. I was at work yesterday when I saw usamimi's previous post, and had to close the window real fast. We're all adults, and I like the girlies as much as the next guy, so I won't remove the links. However, I'll have to remove the IMG tags. Please don't hesitate to share such images, but let's just be careful about posting such images and add a Not Safe For Work (NSFW) disclaimer so that others can view at their own risk. Thanks for sharing though, because it's interesting to see the comparisons!

[usamimi]

omg, I'm sorry!! I totally spaced, I usually remember to do that, too. ;__; Sorry, Greg.

[greg]

No need to apologize. I've probably done the same thing on some other forum at one point myself.

[Guyver I]

Oh yeah, I do remember seeing those when I would go into Pacific Sunwear at the mall to pick up cargo shorts or Vans or some other middle school necessity.

I honestly remember being irked by them (particularly the Evangelion "inspired" ones I remember seeing) because I remember folks at school wearing them, and knowing they had no idea what they were wearing. But, that was during the late 90s popularity explosion anime witnessed, so I can't say it's surprising, although I am surprised they've kept making them for as long as they have - but then again, if you can have a decent looking product, and not actually have to create it yourself, why stop a good thing?

[Animusubi]

So...the Hook-Ups instagram recently liked one of my old school anime haul photos, and I went to go look at it. I think there are enough cool artists still drawing 80s/90s anime style this guy could actually hire rather than just steal these pics for his skater stuff. I almost wanted to message him about it, but maybe it's because he can't afford to pay artists, and that's why he steals. LOL