Atomic Punk (1991, Irem America Corp via Hudson Soft)

For whatever reason that anime didn't get mainstream attention in the 1980s, there seemed to be an associated fear that youth wouldn't purchase a foreign product unless an American artist was instructed to Americanize a Japanese design. Sometimes that tactic works, and sometimes it doesn't.

I would consider the flyer for Atomic Punk to be a success art-wise, but a failure in gameplay instructability.

It's like the artist saw nothing except for a few screenshots while composing this image. The grid on the floor, a multi-coloured rogues gallery, a laughing demon sun, and an evil-looking wizard. Yet all of these pale in comparison to one key element of this design.

The children.

64th Street: A Detective Story (1991, Jaleco)

There are so many good things about this promo flyer. From the DOGOOOON! onomatopoeia to how a pencil-pushing researcher can be nothing more than a judo thug.

One of the little things I really liked was how his name is Rick.  Just Rick.  It's the late 1930s at the start of World War II, and he has already decided to inspire future generations like Cher, Madonna, KeDOLLARSIGNha, and others. I would hazard that he inspires these descendants with his fists and throwing techniques, given the above image.

This promo showcases one of the files he's currently on.