Manga Corps - An Archive of Japanese Rave Artifacts

Manga Corps - An Archive of Japanese Rave Artifacts

Never Sleep is  proud to present Manga Corps a new book by Italian artist and archivist Gabber Eleganza.

Manga Corps is the first book of its kind to document over a decade of Japan’s hardcore techno scene. This visually stunning collection compiles flyers and artifacts from the underground rave movement, spanning from the 1990s to the early 2000s, offering a rare and unfiltered glimpse into a subculture that remained largely unseen outside of Japan.

Through distorted visuals, speedcore beats, and earth-shattering bass, this book brings to life a graphic world defined by DIY aesthetics, cyberpunk influences, otaku culture, and the iconic visual impact of manga.

Across 200 pages, you'll find improbable illustrations, eerie mascots, and chaotic designs that represent an underground scene that never sought approval from mainstream Western culture.

Manga Corps is not merely an archive—it’s a portal into an alternative visual and sonic landscape. From the first hardcore raves in Osaka to Tokyo’s explosive rise as the epicenter of the genre, this book captures the true essence of Japan’s hardcore movement. The collection also highlights the unique fusion of gaming culture with rave music, with collaborations that boldly defied expectations and created new paths in both music and visuals.

This book stands as a testament to the frenetic energy and experimental nature that laid the groundwork for today’s most radical musical movements—hyperpop, breakcore, glitch art, and more.

The influence of Japan’s underground rave culture continues to shape modern genres and aesthetics. Manga Corps isn’t just a piece of history; it’s a living legacy that still resonates today, redefining the boundaries of both sound and image.

The book incl. a text by Yuta Umegatani and an essay by Boris Postma.

Archivio is a new publication series by Never Sleep, dedicated to exploring archiving practices and showcasing private collections of visual artifacts, memorabilia, collectible garments, and graphic curiosities. A memory Wunderkammer spanning from rave-club culture to youth subcultures.