Hobonichi Cover MOTHER: Mr. Saturn (Doing Fine) (A5)

The "MOTHER: Mr. Saturn (Doing Fine)" cover for the Hobonichi Techo Cousin in A5 format is a collaboration with the Super Famicom game "MOTHER 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back!" (1994, Nintendo / APE inc.), for which Shigesato Itoi served as game designer. Numerous Mr. Saturns populate a mint-green background – a lenticular print makes the character rotate in circles depending on the viewing angle. The design is based on photographs of the original clay figures from the official MOTHER 2 Guidebook, unretouched and showing all their age marks. The outer material is TPU, with a polyester lining inside.

Features

• Lenticular print with depth effect: The lenticular print changes the image depending on the viewing angle – Mr. Saturn rotates in a full rotation. The band moves along charmingly. The effect is created by a ribbed lens film over the printed motif and is visible each time you open the cover.
• Mint green outside, vibrant rose-red inside: The cover interior is finished in a rich rose-red; the pen loops and bookmarks come in yellow and purple, adding a lively, playful accent.
• Butterfly pen loops as closure: The "Butterfly Stopper" pen loops on both sides keep the planner closed once a pen is inserted – two writing instruments can be secured simultaneously.
• Two bookmarks: A purple and a yellow bookmark allow you to mark two places in the book at the same time.
• Ticket pocket with MOTHER 2 logo: The interior pocket is printed with the MOTHER 2 logo and three views of Mr. Saturn – front, side and back views.
• Bonus paperclips: Included are two Mr. Saturn paperclips: one reading "In disguise." and one reading "Boing.", printed on both sides. The pixel-art clip has guide lines so Mr. Saturn peeks exactly over the edge when clipped on.
• TPU outer shell: The thermoplastic polyurethane is flexible, tear-resistant and resistant to abrasion and light moisture – the lenticular print remains permanently protected under the smooth surface.

Use & Tips

• Fit: The cover fits comfortably around A5 notebooks with a spine up to 1.27 cm; thicker spines allow for a snugger fit. Optimally designed for the Hobonichi Techo Cousin A5.
• Writing instrument compatibility: The butterfly loops accommodate slim to medium-thickness pens – fineliners, mechanical pencils and compact fountain pens fit without any issues. Thicker bodies may stretch the loops over time.
• Cover on cover: A transparent Hobonichi Cover on Cover protects the motif from wear and provides additional storage space for photos, stickers and postcards.
• Lenticular care: The lens surface is sensitive to scratches – when storing in bags, a Cover on Cover or a fabric interlayer is recommended to keep keys and other sharp objects away.
• Paperclip use: The pixel-art clip with guide lines can be clipped to pages or note cards so that Mr. Saturn peeks just over the edge – a small visual delight in everyday life.
• Collector's perspective: The motif is based on unretouched photographs of original clay figures from the 1994 MOTHER 2 Guidebook – for fans of the series, each copy carries a piece of gaming history.

For MOTHER Enthusiasts

The cover is a collaboration with the Super Famicom game "MOTHER 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back!" (released in North America as EarthBound, 1994, Nintendo), for which Shigesato Itoi served as game designer. The Mr. Saturn figures in the design correspond exactly to those found in Saturn Valley – photographed from the original clay figures from the official guidebook, with no subsequent image editing, so ageing and wear marks remained authentically preserved. Those familiar with the series will read a deliberate homage in this design choice: not polished rendering, but the analogue original with all its history. Hobonichi wishes everyone who carries this cover a year that makes them say: "Doing Fine."

Technical Specifications