Xanadu, or Shang Du, was Kublai Khan’s utopian summer palace along the Silk Road, an escape from the court and an escapist intersection between the cultures of the East and the West.

This piece represents the same for illustrators Manu Stegui and Matt Lu, an opportunity to work outside of their normal realms and find a peaceful intersection that is both unexpected and welcome. Although it is far from a utopian composition, this piece echoes more the reality of the attempts at idealism in its dystopian feel.

“Xanadu” marks the genesis of their collaborations, and is a shining example of a culmination of their varied and contrasting styles.

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