Last month, renown artist Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy series, Vampire Hunter D) made his only appearance in the U.S. this year at New People's Superfrog Gallery in San Francisco for a panel discussion and autograph session.

He was there to promote the opening of a new exhibit featuring his latest art, pieces coated with auto paint and metallic glitter. Titled Deva Loka, the collection is presented as "an ode to [Amano's] childhood love for American comics and automobiles". Many of the paintings and sculptures recall the artist's years working at Japanese animation house Tatsunoko Productions.

"Between the late 60s and 70s, during my early years in the art world, I was greatly influenced by American comic books and pop culture," says Amano. "If you have seen my series of Gatcha-man, Time Bokan, and Yatter-man, you would be able to recognize this immediately. Also from Japan, starting with the traditional animal caricatures, original Japanese culture has uniquely influenced today’s Anime and manga. I feel that my current work is nurtured by both of these key elements."

He adds, "This exhibition at Superfrog Gallery brings me back to the U.S. after a long period of being away. I would like to show my gratitude for the inspiration America has given me through each of my work. With the theme of Deva Loka, the ancient Indian land of God, all of my concepts and influences have come together, centered within one place. I hope everyone enjoys my show."

You can see many of his pieces from the Deva Loka show, which runs through October 18th, below:

[Photos via New People, Patrick Macias, Eric Johnson]