As the title of this massive tome declares, Takashi Murakami has become well known as a multinational brand, possessing as much art-world clout as superstars Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. His rise to fame has been rapid — from the creation of his first manga-inspired character, DOB, in '93, to his pop-art-meets-business collaborations with Louis Vuitton nearly a decade later (although not a single LV product is reproduced in the book). With a BFA, MFA, and Ph.D under his belt, and great knowledge of both Eastern and Western art, Murakami brings subtle social criticism to his candy-colored creations. After inventing "superflat," his own art movement, he established the Kaikai Kiki stable of artists to produce work in this new aesthetic. The essays in © Murakami discuss his approach in relation to Warhol, Disney, Sanrio, and others, but it's the vibrant reproductions of his work that convince us of his artistic potency.

The exhibition © Murakami is on view at LA's Museum of Contemporary Art through February 11. Kaikai Kiki presents GESAI Miami, hosted by PULSE Miami, from December 5 to 9.