Barcode Fighters: Neon x Bitmap Books Return for Fatal Fury: Garou Densetsu – The Ultimate History

Our collaboration with Bitmap Books continues to evolve, and this time it’s packed with punches, nostalgia, and unmistakable SNK attitude.

Following the success of our previous barcode collaborations, we’ve once again teamed up with the brilliant team at Bitmap Books to create bespoke illustrated barcodes for their latest release:

Fatal Fury: Garou Densetsu – The Ultimate History — available in both standard and collector’s editions.

A Signature Detail, Reimagined.

At Neon, we’ve always believed that even the smallest design elements can carry storytelling weight. The humble barcode is no exception.

For this latest project, we transformed functional retail graphics into character-led artwork inspired by one of SNK’s most iconic fighting franchises. These aren’t just scannable codes, they’re extensions of the book’s identity, celebrating the legacy of Fatal Fury in a way that feels both playful and authentic.

Meet the Fighters.

For this release, we created two unique barcode illustrations, each tailored to a different edition of the book:

• Mai Shiranui
  Featured on the standard edition, Mai brings energy and motion to the barcode. Her dynamic pose integrates seamlessly into the vertical rhythm of the bars, blending elegance with action.
• Terry Bogard
  The collector’s edition gets the series’ poster boy. Terry’s unmistakable stance — cap, gloves, and all — punches through the barcode structure, giving the design a bold, collectible feel.

Each character was carefully illustrated to interact with the barcode lines themselves, ensuring the designs remain fully functional while adding personality and depth.

Design That Serves the Story

Bitmap Books are known for their meticulous attention to detail, from print quality to editorial depth, so it’s always a pleasure to contribute something that complements that level of craft.

With Fatal Fury, the goal was clear:

• Respect the legacy of the series
• Capture the spirit of SNK’s iconic fighters
• Add a subtle but memorable twist to the physical product

The result is a pair of barcodes that feel right at home alongside the bold cover artwork and premium finishes of both editions.

An Ongoing Collaboration

This project marks another chapter in our ongoing partnership with Bitmap Books, one built on shared values: attention to detail, love for gaming culture, and a desire to elevate print design.

From previous releases to this latest title, it’s been exciting to see how these small creative interventions have become a recognisable part of the Bitmap experience.

And we’re just getting started.

Explore the Collection

If you haven’t already, take a look at the latest release from Bitmap Books:

• Fatal Fury: Garou Densetsu – The Ultimate History
• Fatal Fury: Garou Densetsu – The Ultimate History, Collector’s Edition

Final Round

In a world increasingly dominated by digital, it’s projects like this that remind us how powerful physical design can be. A barcode doesn’t have to be invisible — it can be expressive, collectible, and just a little bit fun.

More soon 👊

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Written by Dana Robertson, Founder and Creative Director at Neon Brand Consultants, a Chichester-based brand consultancy working across sectors from law and finance to culture and start-ups.

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If you have an upcoming project you’d like to talk about, then for sure contact Neon we’d be absolutely delighted to hear from you.

Please drop an email to or connect with via LinkedIn Dana Robertson.