PEATEROOKIE

ARTIST STATEMENT

"The manga gang's dynamic is so interesting to me partly because of how the series ended. For those not in the loop and would rather not be spoiled, I'll just simply describe it as Lupin being the center, all leading each and every one of them to their downfall. He is what drove them to be the worst version of themselves, but they all chose to be with him in the end because he provided them the freedom that they desire.

In the beginning, he's the one that brought them all together and made them feel like they're not alone in the world, but it's twisted into a situation where they are bonding as criminals, and leaving that circle is an impossibility. After all, what kind of world would welcome such horrible and perverted people? My drawing tries to depict that sort of strange relationship they have with each other. There's quite a major sexual undertone behind it due to the manga just being that way, but I also find it an apt way to show that they find pleasure in doing the things that they know is wrong to do, much like many people who struggle with their strange urges. The Lupin crew love each other very much, but love can turn rather nasty quickly, hm...?"