Mike and Henning’s bond is a beautiful thing to behold, and their decades-long relationship provides the perfect backdrop for Afterlife Volume IV. This book is a testament to their deep connection, their importance to the tattooing world, and the influence they have had not only on each other, but on everyone who has known them throughout their careers. Volume IV illuminates Henning and Mike’s personal histories through lengthy individual interviews and conversation, while extensive high-resolution photo spreads display their powerful bodies of work. Sprinkled throughout are a selection of anecdotal letters and essays from other artists who share their love and admiration for these two tattoo luminaries.

Henning Jørgensen has been a part of tattooing history for nearly half a century. He started getting tattooed when he was thirteen years old, knowing immediately that this was the path he was meant to take in life. From tattooing in Copenhagen’s Red Light District to working at Tattoo Ole’s shop in Nyhavn to starting his own iconic shop, Royal Tattoo in Helsingør, Henning has witnessed firsthand the growth and change in tattooing. In many ways, Henning’s story is tattoo history, and his joy for all things tattoo-related combined with his genuine positivity has inspired generations of tattooers all around the world.

Originally from Long Island, Mike Rubendall came up under the tutelage of Frank Romano at DaVinci Tattoo. Mike’s fascination with all aspects of tattooing is infectious and his unquenchable thirst for knowledge is contagious—it is safe to say that there has never been a point in Mike’s life when he took “no” for an answer. Mike’s work ethic and dedication to the craft, combined with his New York hard-headedness, has allowed him to travel the world and learn from some of the greatest tattoo artists of our time. Mike’s Kings Avenue tattoo shops are a testament of both his dedication to the tattoo craft and his constant desire to continually push himself to create a better life for himself and those around him.

As many of you may know, Henning and Mike have a reputation for extreme documentation. Their obsession with taking pictures, collecting reference, and cataloging ephemera would make an archivist jealous, and while this might be a headache for those close to them, it is an absolute dream when it comes to publishing a book about them. Afterlife Volume IV exhibits their dedication to tattooing/tattoo history by weaving historical images and documentation throughout their interviews.

The attention to detail that went into making this book is, for lack of a better word, insane. We were so inspired by Henning and Mike’s enthusiasm that we ended up producing two editions:

• The special edition is hardcover bound and stamped with a gold foil illustration drawn by the two artists. It is packaged in a reinforced slipcase and includes signed prints by both artists.

• The standard edition is also hardcover bound, and features the same collaborative illustration done in white ink.

It was an immense honor and privilege to create Afterlife Volume IV with these two amazing artists. We know that you will enjoy reading it, looking at the beautiful images, and appreciating the thoughtful design, just as much as we enjoyed making it.