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This Artist Reimagines Famous Cartoons With Black Characters To Raise Awareness (30 New Pics)
Interview With Artist
It's no secret that many artists out there love to remake/reimagine famous characters, movies, and TV shows. We have seen reimagined Disney characters, Marvel, Harry Potter, and many others. Many artists modernize them, illustrate them in all sorts of situations. What if this character was there? What if this movie was set at a different time?
Well, the artist Tyron Handy decided to join in. He took the characters we all know and love and changed their skin color. In a previous article on Bored Panda, Tyron mentioned that he never felt represented in cartoons, so with this project, his goal is to raise awareness of how misrepresented black people are in cartoons and TV shows: that the shows that do feature black people are filled with stereotypes and racial discrimination, and they're usually just the 'best friend' to the main character.
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#1
Ellen Turner 4 years ago
I always wondered why Mystery Inc only hired white people in the original
The artist was faced with all sorts of reactions, with some saying that what he's doing is wrong, that he's just 'keeping racism alive.' However, many are agreeing that this project shows that there is a lack of representation of black people in media. They are happy someone is addressing these issues and support Tyron wholeheartedly, saying that kids would benefit from seeing themselves represented in media in a better way. A lot of people are even asking Tyron to do his own animated series.
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#2
Bow, I’m a Slytherclaw 4 years ago
Why do pink and green look like cartoon versions of the Sychuler Sisters?
Xylle Flora 4 years ago
Seeing Blossom with her hair down is a bit unnerving but the rest looks so amazing
#3
Carmen Sandiego 4 years ago
She bears a resemblance to Fantastic Female (a knockoff) from Brainchild's superheroes episode.
Kennedy Johnson 4 years ago (edited)
You saw that episode. I didn’t know anyone else’s watched that!
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𝕊𝕒𝕞 (𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕪/𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕞) 4 years ago
Holy sh*t she looks amazing, why has no one done this (clearly a controversial topic, but i think she looks really good)
Ayden Henderson 4 years ago
I'm black but I'm not racist, I just wanna say that the white wonder woman looks a bit better, BLM
The artist told Bored Panda: "What inspired me was I had rarely seen any black cartoon characters on TV. Most of them were the main character's token black best friend or overexaggerated stereotypes. So for fun, I just started reimagining some of my favorite cartoon characters as the black versions of themselves and most of my redesigns took off. It was cool to see a lot of positive reactions toward my artwork."
#4
Nicola Dimigen 4 years ago
I like it, but not the way they changed the title to the Blacksons.
DDmaybeandor 4 years ago
Maybe I'm stupid, tell me if I am, I mean this sincerely. Are the Simpsons white? I mean, they're yellow, right? Bart's high flat top and Marge's hair always seemed to suggest closer to black to me as a kid
Andy Acceber 4 years ago
Yeah, they're coded white. Dr. Hibbert, Bleeding Gums Murphy, and Carl in the show are Black. Their skin is brown, not yellow.
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Andy Acceber 4 years ago
The artist is Black. The name is definitely an odd choice, but I'm not sure it's racist.
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Ashley Friloux 4 years ago
I would love this more if he would have left Marge's hair blue LOL Love these!!
PenitentEyeball 4 years ago
The are actually yellow because the creator thought that yellow would be more eye catching when flipping through channels
#5
Signe Manat Hansen 4 years ago
And Bushido Brown is a character from Boondocks.
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Kurtis Wethington 4 years ago
For those who don't get it: Bushido Brown (a Jim Kelly expy) is a character from "The Boondocks" cartoon. Johnny (an Elvis expy) already knows/does karate moves so...
RoseTheMad 4 years ago
and what was wrong with the name Johnny? Bushido is a pretty weird name considering it's the philosophy of Japanese samurais...
Slopra 4 years ago
Did you miss the part where it was explained that this art is meant to raise awareness?
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glowworm2 4 years ago
It’s based off of a 90s cartoon called Johnny Bravo, a macho, blond haired man who sounded like Elvis and tried to unsuccessfully hit on women.
Load More Replies..."My goal is to create my own original black characters and cartoon series and hopefully inspire more black artists to create their own. My comic series Apple Dapple Tactics was created out of boredom. I never really planned to do much with it, but after the first skit went viral on Twitter, I delivered. Currently I'm working on making longer skits that feel more like mini episodes and posting them on my IGTV and YouTube page. I hope to get the series one day on a streaming platform like HBOMax, Hulu, or Netflix. It's always been my dream to see my characters come to life on the screen."
#6
Unnamed Hooman 4 years ago
I like this one! Sabrina can rock the fluffy hair! (Not to offend anyone by accident I’m sorry my sister has hair like that)
~Ella Cipher~ 4 years ago
cool! i am watching the og series (i think) right now, and it is amazing! i really like how the artist drew her!
#7
Nicola Dimigen 4 years ago
I don't even know what the origanal looked like, but I think this looks good. I like how the artist is ading more diversity to shows that lack it.
Requiem 4 years ago
You dont know whatthe original looked like and you think you can say this one has more diversity??? the original had black people in it
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Elizabeth Etzel 4 years ago
They should have made Susie Carmichael white or asian since the character is originally black.
Tyron told us what the goal of his comics is: "There wasn't a specific goal I set for making my cartoon reimaginings. But I guess if there was it was just simply to see the reaction of people seeing these redesigns for the first time and hopefully inspiring others to make some of their own and or make more original black cartoon characters. My main goal is to post more of my original cartoon characters starting now with my comic series Apple Dapple Tactics."
#8
Slopra 4 years ago
I'm embarrassed to admit this, but when the remake was announced and I read that Ariel would be depicted with dark skin, I said to my boyfriend "I support the intent, but I'm not sure that dark skin under water would even be possible: it developed as an adaptive defense to strong sunlight exposure. The sea lacks this, especially the deeper you go". He answered, "Slop, mermaids aren't bound by things like that. They aren't even real". Thanks babe. I am glad that you countered my asinine logic, because my resistance was motivated by the ghost of bigotry. I am disappointed that I even reacted like that .
Chrissie M. 4 years ago
You reacted in a science-conscious way and not a racist way, I don't see a problem with that.
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Hermione Granger 4 years ago
Good news then! This is what she’ll look like in the new live action movie!
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Craig Aitken 4 years ago
One thought is they have replaced an under represented minority with another. My wife is a redhead and growing up Ariel was the only Disney Princess she could relate to, there are plenty of blonde Disney princesses that should be replaced.
Andy Acceber 4 years ago
She can still be a redhead. Black people can have red hair. Now, there's also Anna and Merida -- two more redheads. Tiana is still the only Black princess. In the U.S. (where Disney is headquartered), Black people make up 13% of the population. Redheads make up 2%. Those two categories aren't mutually exclusive. It's well past time for more Black representation.
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#9
Victor Manteca Hierro 4 years ago
I guess now Cleveland's family are all white.
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Hannah Marshall 4 years ago
I think Meg looks much better in a backwards Snapback than her stupid beanie
"I've been drawing for as long as I could remember. My daily routine as a kid consisted mainly of me watching cartoons all day and drawing my favorite cartoon characters. I'm self-taught if I see something once I can draw it perfectly from memory at any time."
#10
Carmen Sandiego 4 years ago (edited)
Thanks! Though I don't really know what you mean, am I shown here?
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Janus Sanders 4 years ago
that was my first thought lol. still a cool drawing tho
Load More Replies... Bow, I’m a Slytherclaw 4 years ago
Cyborg looks very... interesting. Why does he give me Burr vibes?
Unnamed Hooman 4 years ago
Starfire is the only one a little off, I like it, but the red hair just clashes
"Growing up I rarely seen any black cartoon characters on TV. And the ones I did see were mostly always the token black best friend of the main character or a small role side character. I started my illustrations as fun what-if scenarios to see some of my favorite cartoon characters looking more like me."
#12
Signe Manat Hansen 4 years ago
Because they're fairies and not human maybe?
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Wendy Emlinger (ManyTotems) 4 years ago (edited)
Yeah, the fairies should be Black, too. Just keep their hair the same color. That's their 'thing.'
#13
Kurtis Wethington 4 years ago
I never realized how much I need to see a Black (and green-eyed) Kim Possible.
The artist told us what the reaction to his recreations was: "The reactions from people were mixed lol. But way more positive reactions than there were any negative. The reactions from my followers are what motivates me the most to continue creating more."
#14
Sleazy Weaver 4 years ago
I know it's his shirt hanging out the front of his hoodie, but for a second I thought it was a diaper, lol! For real though, this looks cool.
#15
Nicola Dimigen 4 years ago
I think they made adventure time in pokemon, and added more diversity. That would explain why there is a Pikachu, and that the mai charcter (I think, I've sadly never watched adventure time) is dressed in trainers clothes.
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Wendy Emlinger (ManyTotems) 4 years ago
I think he confused Jake the Dog from 'Adventure Time' with Pikachu from the Pokemon series. Although he does have Finn the Human holding a Poke Ball.
We asked Tyron if he thinks TV shows and movies are going in the right direction and are representing people of color in a better way than before: "It's not perfect but I can see there is more of an effort than there was when I was younger. I'm hoping they continue to do better and maybe one day I will be one of the main ones helping with that."
#16
Carmen Sandiego 4 years ago (edited)
Y'know, I never understood why Robin's costume had to look like that.
Candace Alagappan 4 years ago
OMG THEY MIXED THAT BATMAN SHOW THINGY WITH FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR!!!! BIG FAN OF THAT SHOW :))))
#17
Hugo A-niro 4 years ago (edited)
I know it's possible but this one doesn't do it for me .i think it's gomez
We asked Tyron if he's thinking of making his series: "Yes! I'm trying to focus on my original cartoons more. Right now I'm working on creating longer skits for my comic series Apple Dapple Tactics and making them feel more like mini-episodes. I'm hoping to one day get the series picked up on HBOmax, Hulu, or Netflix. And I have plenty more original cartoon ideas I will reveal soon."
#18
#19
"The support from my followers is what keeps me going the most. I used to be very hesitant with showing my artwork to people before I started posting anything on social media. But I always receive mostly positive responses and that just makes me more excited to share more with my followers."
#20
#21
Tessa Merkley 4 years ago
omg I was waiting for this one this is so awesome i love it its my favorite
Here's some advice from the artist if you want to start creating your art: "I would say always challenge yourself with your art. Don't be afraid to learn from others. And focus on finding your style and perfecting it and always have fun creating."
#22
Nicola Dimigen 4 years ago
Technically, everyone in the Flintstones should of had dark skin, because we all lived in africa at te time, before some of left to other arts of the world, and got light skin bc of the Neadertals that lived in the Neander Vally
Ondřej Macák 4 years ago
Ok, no. Seriously, no. The Flintstones are supposed to take place during the late stone age (10000 b.c.). At that time humans were already all over the planet, because the peopling of the Americas and Australias had already had happened at that time.
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Madeleine Flowers 3 years ago
I want to watch the flintstones now, but with these characters and these characters only! I'll be disappointed if it doesn't have these characters.
David Lightfoot Sr. 4 years ago
Why does Betty looks like Elizabeth Montgomery of bewitched? Wilma looks like weezie Jefferson , Fred looks like Rick Ross, Bamm Bamm looks like one of the twins from the proud family 🤣🤣🤣
Wendy Emlinger (ManyTotems) 4 years ago
I wish he'd have left Wilma's hair red. I see a lot of black women who've tinted their hair red. Looks nice.
Kristal 4 years ago
Hmm, maybe more like a stylized pixie cut? Eh, either way, she has short black hair normally
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Call Me Mars 4 years ago
Because in the show he is green. But he does have some super cute curls!
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Call Me Mars 4 years ago
Hi there! I have seen you commenting "no" to a lot of the posts. Please stop. Also, Starfire is beautiful in this.
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Tyron tells us more about himself: "I was a shy and awkward kid growing up. Lived in a lot of rough communities. Art was my escape it kept me focused and out of a lot of trouble. If it wasn't for art I would most likely be a completely different person."
#25
What do you think of this series? What misrepresentation of people of color have you seen in media? Tell us in the comments down below and upvote your favorite picture. Don't forget to go show Tyron some love and support on his social media pages!
#26
Brandy Dor 4 years ago
I agree with Ayden... noooooooooooooooooo no no no.....there is absolutely no reason for Eliza a young child to be shown in a sports bra....SHE IS A CHILD!!! GIVE HER A WHOLE SHIRT!
Victoria Lenny 4 years ago
its just a top? maybe its a swimsuit. maybe its really hot outside. what is sexual about a child's torso ffs
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#28
#29
Kurtis Wethington 4 years ago
Funny enough, B&B *did* have an imagine spot (and in the books) of them being Black watching the same video and realizing it doesn't matter what your skin color is, the video still sucked.
Kid Coyote 1 year ago
Original Beavis and butthead wore Metallica and AC/DC shirts. This version should wear N.W.A and Public Enemy shirts.
HUMANTREEE 4 years ago
This is cool though. And in the TV they will watch Snoop dog and 50 Cent instead of rock / metal bands. Not that they couldn't, but it would fits better :D
Signe Manat Hansen 4 years ago
Why? Because black people can't listen to metal?
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Kurtis Wethington 4 years ago
As Youtube and a number of articles out there have stated, "A Goofy Movie" already reads Black, seriously, look it up.
Andy Acceber 4 years ago
That's true. I really like this reimagine though.
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#31
#32
Nicola Dimigen 4 years ago (edited)
We have two of the same one. There is also a "Blacksons" further up, and I dunno, the name seems kind of racist.
Call Me Mars 4 years ago
I'm black, and it is IMO. The Simpsons were a perfectly fine name.
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Rachel Knaub 4 years ago
Why change it to the Blacksons? This is racist and the Simpsons is fine
Scagsy 4 years ago
What's racist about it? It's just a name. My mate is called Dave White. Is his surname racist?
Load More Replies... Penny Kemper 4 years ago
Why change the name though? Like Simpson is not a black oriole name? O.J.?
#33
#35
#36
Scagsy 4 years ago
Well, that would be a bit silly because Lincoln is clearly stood in the background to the left of Lenard. To call this guy Lincoln too would be a bit weird and a touch confusing.
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#37
⭐Onyx (they/them)⭐ 4 years ago
I like this and love the diversity but I think it's changing the actual show a bit too much
Bacony Cakes 4 years ago
Funny thing is, this could be one of the past versions of Finn and Jake.
#38
#39
#40
Andy Acceber 4 years ago
This looks like Vince's big brother from the episode where they learn he's a nerd.
#41
#42
#43
Kurtis Wethington 4 years ago
Either high-yellow or golden brown would've done better. Either would've Contrasted her hair and/or complimented her eyes.
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What do you think ?
Shelp 4 years ago
I really like the art, the style, and the personality of the author's drawings, although I don't really see the point of that
tuzdayschild 4 years ago
You can go ahead and make Fat Albert and friends white, I won't mind.
Load More Replies... Call Me Mars 4 years ago
As a black person myself, I LOVED this! We really need more diversity in animated TV shows/movies. Thank you to the artist!
Freya the Wanderer 4 years ago
This reminds me of just how few Black cartoon characters there are - indeed, how few non-white cartoon characters there are. We need more!
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Joana Jana 4 years ago
So what kind of diversity is raised here? That the only way to represent black people is taking white characters and make them black? And by the way, we have Pride Month, why not dress them in the Rainbow Flag?
Wes Voelker 4 years ago
This is stupid. Racism isn't over because of this and changing the names to "black" names is stereotypical
Troux 4 years ago
To me, these look like an animated 'blaxploitation', where they kind of lean into some stereotypes just to become a fully black experience in a tongue-in-cheek way, rather than just some people who happen to be black.
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Minha Khan 4 years ago
It’s should be specified : BLACK DOES NOT EQUAL DIVERSITY. There can be an all black team of superheroes, but that is equal to an all white team. Yoh can’t have a bunch of black people in a drawing and then be praised for your diversity.
Shelp 4 years ago
I really like the art, the style, and the personality of the author's drawings, although I don't really see the point of that
tuzdayschild 4 years ago
You can go ahead and make Fat Albert and friends white, I won't mind.
Load More Replies... Call Me Mars 4 years ago
As a black person myself, I LOVED this! We really need more diversity in animated TV shows/movies. Thank you to the artist!
Freya the Wanderer 4 years ago
This reminds me of just how few Black cartoon characters there are - indeed, how few non-white cartoon characters there are. We need more!
Load More Replies... Joana Jana 4 years ago
So what kind of diversity is raised here? That the only way to represent black people is taking white characters and make them black? And by the way, we have Pride Month, why not dress them in the Rainbow Flag?
Wes Voelker 4 years ago
This is stupid. Racism isn't over because of this and changing the names to "black" names is stereotypical
Troux 4 years ago
To me, these look like an animated 'blaxploitation', where they kind of lean into some stereotypes just to become a fully black experience in a tongue-in-cheek way, rather than just some people who happen to be black.
Load More Replies... Minha Khan 4 years ago
It’s should be specified : BLACK DOES NOT EQUAL DIVERSITY. There can be an all black team of superheroes, but that is equal to an all white team. Yoh can’t have a bunch of black people in a drawing and then be praised for your diversity.
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