“METAL GEAR: GHOST BABEL / メタルギア ゴーストバベル”, Set of Two Original Japanese Video Game Promotional Posters 2000, Artwork by Yoji Shinkawa, B3 Size Each (36.4 × 51.5 cm) — Ultra Rare Pair

An exceptional opportunity to acquire two original Japanese B3 promotional posters together, issued in 2000 by Konami / Konami Computer Entertainment Japan for the original Game Boy Color release of Metal Gear: Ghost Babel.

Both illustrated by Yoji Shinkawa, the pair brings together the game’s protagonists and adversaries in two strikingly different compositions: Solid Snake and Chris Jenner in expressive colour against white, and Metal Gear GANDER towering above Black Chamber beneath spectacular holographic foil lettering.

The set unites the two original Japanese B3 launch designs known to us, each carrying the same 27 April 2000 release announcement. Their matching dimensions, complementary imagery and contrasting finishes make them particularly compelling displayed together.

Preserved in Near Mint and Excellent+ condition respectively, these are remarkable survivors of an advertising campaign more than a quarter of a century old. Both posters are included and offered together as one set.

About the release

Following the international success of Metal Gear Solid on PlayStation in 1998, Ghost Babel brought the series’ tactical espionage to Nintendo’s 8-bit Game Boy Color through a substantial original adventure.

Produced by Hideo Kojima, directed by Shinta Nojiri, and featuring a scenario by Tomokazu Fukushima, the game occupies an alternate continuity, set seven years after the Outer Heaven incident depicted in the original Metal Gear.

Solid Snake is recalled to infiltrate Galuade, a heavily defended fortress in the fictional Central African state of Gindra, following the seizure of a nuclear-capable Metal Gear prototype. His mission introduces a distinctive supporting cast, including Delta Force operative Chris Jenner and the dangerous mercenary unit Black Chamber.

The game combined the overhead stealth foundations of the earlier MSX2 titles with mechanics associated with the PlayStation era. Eight-directional movement, flattening against walls, knocking to distract guards and extensive Codec conversations created a remarkably complete handheld experience.

Its original cartridge included a 13-stage story, 180 VR training missions and a two-player Link Cable Versus mode—considerable ambition for the hardware.

Outside Japan, the game was released simply as Metal Gear Solid. The Ghost Babel title identifies the Japanese release, giving this domestic promotional material its distinctive place within the series.

Yoji Shinkawa’s artwork

Both posters carry the printed credit “Illustration by Yoji Shinkawa” vertically along their lower-right margins.

Shinkawa is the legendary artist and art director whose expressive character and mechanical artwork helped define Metal Gear’s visual identity. For Ghost Babel, Ikuya Nakamura created the character designs, which Shinkawa interpreted in his promotional illustrations.

Together, these posters demonstrate the range of that interpretation: richly coloured, sharply defined protagonists and a dark, atmospheric ensemble dominated by an immense mechanical silhouette. Fluid contours, dramatic shadows and carefully balanced areas of open paper give both images the unmistakable energy of Shinkawa’s work.

Poster One — Solid Snake & Chris Jenner

This design features the colour illustration associated with the Japanese game packaging, presented beneath an enormous black METAL GEAR / Ghost Babel title.

On the right, Solid Snake stands in his tactical sneaking suit, his bandana trailing behind him and his handgun aimed towards the viewer. His concentrated expression and heavily shadowed face convey the controlled tension central to the character.

Standing back-to-back with him is Chris Jenner, the Delta Force sergeant who assists Snake within Galuade. Her flowing reddish hair, shoulder-slung rifle, pink shoulder insignia and U.S.-marked field bag distinguish her figure and introduce the game’s original supporting heroine.

Deep violet and blue shadows, warm flesh tones and expressive black brushwork give the figures depth and movement. The expansive white background allows their silhouettes to dominate, while the multicoloured Game Boy Color logo completes the upper-right corner.

Condition: Excellent+.

Poster Two — Metal Gear GANDER & Black Chamber

The companion design is dominated by Metal Gear GANDER, its enormous armoured body filling the upper composition. Shinkawa developed its appearance from one of his earlier unused Metal Gear designs, connecting the image to his broader mechanical design work.

Beneath GANDER stand the four members of Black Chamber:

• Black Arts Viper, the unit’s leader, occupies the centre with his prosthetic left arm raised.

• Pyro Bison crouches at the lower left with his enormous flamethrower and fuel apparatus.

• Slasher Hawk rises behind the group, accompanied by his hawk with its wings spread.

• Marionette Owl appears at the lower right, wearing goggles and accompanied by his two unsettling bunraku puppets.

The predominantly monochrome illustration combines smoky shading, deep black masses and an open white lower field, creating a powerful sense of scale.

The holographic foil title

The METAL GEAR / Ghost Babel lettering is finished in beautiful holographic metallic foil, with reflective treatment also visible in the Game Boy Color branding.

As the light and viewing angle change, the title shifts through blue, violet, green, gold and red, producing a luminous contrast with the restrained artwork below. The reverse retains the corresponding impression of the stamped title, a fascinating physical detail of its production.

Condition: Near Mint, with the foil retaining its spectacular reflective effect.

The appeal of acquiring the pair

Together, the posters present the opposing forces of Ghost Babel through a particularly effective visual balance: the human partnership of Snake and Jenner, and the immense machine and mercenaries confronting them.

Both carry Konami and KCE Japan branding, the Game Boy Color insignia and the original announcement:

“Produced by Hideo Kojima. 2000.4.27 thu ON SALE”

Their shared format and dated footer connect them directly to the same Japanese launch campaign. Displayed side by side, the white colour composition and darker foil design form a striking presentation of Shinkawa’s artwork and Japanese video-game advertising at the turn of the millennium.

Acquiring both together in this condition is a rare opportunity for a Metal Gear collector or admirer of Shinkawa’s work.

Original retail promotion and survival

These posters were produced as Japanese shop promotional material, rather than decorative prints offered for general retail sale.

Advertising sheets of this kind had a practical, often brief working life. They could be pinned, taped or mounted during a release campaign, then removed as displays changed.

Each design also presents its own preservation challenges. The white-background poster readily reveals handling and surface marks, while the dark printed areas and reflective foil of the GANDER design make creasing and abrasion particularly noticeable.

Their survival together with such strong colour, detail and overall presentation makes this an especially attractive pair.

Why collectors prize this set

• Two ultra-rare original Japanese B3 promotional posters, offered together.

• Both illustrated by Yoji Shinkawa, with printed artist credits.

• Includes the Solid Snake & Chris Jenner colour design and GANDER / Black Chamber holographic foil design.

• Matching format and original 27 April 2000 launch announcement.

• Bears the distinctive Japanese Ghost Babel title.

• Near Mint / Excellent+ condition, with outstanding display appeal as a pair.

Details

Country: Japan
Year: 2000
Title: Metal Gear: Ghost Babel / メタルギア ゴーストバベル
Quantity: Two original posters, sold together as one set
Size: Japanese B3 — approximately 36.4 × 51.5 cm / 364 × 515 mm each
Type: Original Japanese retail promotional posters — original release campaign
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami Computer Entertainment Japan / KCE Japan
Platform: Game Boy Color
Illustration: Yoji Shinkawa
Designs: Solid Snake & Chris Jenner; Metal Gear GANDER & Black Chamber
Japanese release date: 27 April 2000

Condition

GANDER / Black Chamber foil poster — Near Mint. An exceptionally well-preserved example, with crisp artwork and beautifully preserved holographic lettering retaining its striking rainbow reflection. Its survival in this condition is remarkable.

Solid Snake & Chris Jenner poster — Excellent+. Vivid colours, crisp typography and excellent overall presentation. There is a small closed edge tear, approximately 5 mm, at the side margin, together with light handling impressions and surface marks on the reverse. The tear sits away from the main illustration and may be concealed by a suitably sized window mount.

Both posters will display beautifully when framed together. Please review all photographs carefully, as they show the exact two posters included in this set, including their fronts and reverses.

Both posters are over 26 years old.

They are original promotional posters, not reproductions or reprints.