#itoi

Hobonichi flips the HAL Laboratory logo for an adorable set of towels ⊟ 

It’s fun to follow the news for Mother/Earthbound creator Shigesato Itoi’s company, because there’s always something unexpected. Like, they’re selling sets of towels that look like gifts for a family welcoming a newborn? And artist Gugi Akiyama’s image on them is a twist of the weird HAL Laboratory logo, but with another sleeping dog and a kitten cuddled up to their stomach?

In case you missed Famitsu and Itoi’s 40th anniversary celebration for HAL Laboratory (Kirby, Super Smash Bros.), the story behind the logo is very cute! Here’s a portion of it translated by Robert Sephazon back in April, recounting the reaction of the studio’s then-president Satoru Iwata:

"It was a request to make a logo for HAL. I approached a number of ideas from various angles, but considering the theme of 'an unexpected bond... one that brings about the birth of something new,' I proposed a picture in which a dog protects eggs and keeps them warm."

"The illustration was created by Mr. Akiyama. I wasn't reluctant for its consideration – I was confident that it was a great concept."

"I was looking forward to seeing what kind of response it would receive, but I remembered Mr. Iwata being open and honest, saying, 'is that so..? I see...' Well, it wasn't quite like many people making noise for it."

Available in four different sizes and colors, the towels will go on sale through Hobonichi’s Japanese online shop next week for about $10-50 before shipping.

This drawing popped in my head when I thought about Ness leaving Porky’s house- he had been up all night, battled a starman jr, experienced his psi powers awaken, heard buzz-buzz’s prophecy, then listens to his neighbor peers getting punished physically and then buzz-buzz’s final words: “It’s already dawn... not that it matters too me... I’m fading fast” these words must have followed him as he steps out into the dawn and heads home.