He sold his name to a Japanese company much like bitch skateboards did back in the day which means they can (and will) print his shit on literally anything!
Now… when you say “sold his name,” you mean
licensed the use of his name for specific purposes, am I correct?
That is to say, it is licensed for use on clothing, for example. I imagine you may be less likely to see it on an actual skateboard, as that would be in direct conflict/competition with another market segment his US based brand occupies.
Way I see it is: if Mark can secure a mid six figure salary for himself & family, just by faxing some napkin art to Japan a couple times a year, more power to him.
The street ware/fashion label also assures his lasting legacy as a “brand” in Japan, leaving open the possibility for celebrity endorsements later in life.
I was initially bummed by all of this when it 1st appeared on my radar way back when, but the longer I think about it, the more I like it and I’ve been thinking about it for some time now.
I’m on team wacky old skate pioneer.