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As a person who couldn’t even draw a passable stick figure to save my life, I deeply admire those who can create stunning, detailed imagery using just their hands and a set of colors. What is even more remarkable is that some of these artists are capable of creating what many would consider a masterpiece having never really had any formal education, i.e. having learned it all on their own.

One such artist is Marcelo Ventura, a 36-year-old drawing hobbyist from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who reimagines TV, movie, and video game as well as other pop culture characters all the way from the ‘80s and ‘90s in a darker, unglamorous, and sinister comic book style. Bored Panda invites you to get acquainted with Marcelo’s art thus far and with the artist himself through an interview with us.

[Interview originally conducted in Portuguese and translated into English]

More info: Instagram | Facebook

#1

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid

Marcelo Ventura Report

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broken butterfly
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this one so much, I think it really shows how pollution is affecting underwater life, it's really sad but I love the artist's art style

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    “I am a nostalgic of the ‘80s and ‘90s. I love to resurrect characters from this era in a comic book style. In a style that is strongly influenced by legendary artists such as J. Scott Campbell and a duo that inspired me a lot in my teens (and continue to do so), Todd McFarlane and Greg Capullo,” Marcelo explained the inspiration behind his art.

    We asked Marcelo how he decides what pop culture characters to reimagine in his unique comic book style, to which he responded: ”I like to connect and associate different universes. I usually choose a character and try to insert it into a certain context, whether it is from a movie, series, or a book. For example, mashing up Buzz Lightyear with Alien, Scooby & Shaggy with Into The Wild, Mario Bros with The Walking Dead, and so on.”

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    #6

    Rick & Morty, Beavis And Butthead, South Park, & Others

    Rick & Morty, Beavis And Butthead, South Park, & Others

    Marcelo Ventura Report

    Now, Marcelo has an interesting way of introducing himself: the Frustrated Artist, a hostage to a secular Freudian materialist education of a Cartesian Newtonian paradigm. We asked him why he considers himself the Frustrated Artist: “Like many artists, I would love to live only on my art. However, the lack of opportunities and a little bit of self-esteem, too, hinders me from taking bigger steps forward in this career.”

    #7

    The Strange Things Kids

    The Strange Things Kids

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    Lastly, we asked Marcelo if he is willing to spill some beans for us and to reveal what other characters he’s thinking of drawing in the near future: “I have many drafts and ideas that will soon materialize on a piece of paper. It’s things like Hellboy, ThunderCats, and, most definitely, Rick and Morty, who are currently the two characters I like to draw the most.”

    #9

    Po (Teletubbies) & Sadako (The Ring)

    Po (Teletubbies) & Sadako (The Ring)

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    #16

    Princess Jasmine & The Genie

    Princess Jasmine & The Genie

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    Baron Simone Von Bianco
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is more a technicality than a weird way to represent Disney's Genie: Djinns like also Eefrets in many saharian cultures are demonlike spawns.

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    #17

    Princess Peach & Zombie Mario & Luigi

    Princess Peach & Zombie Mario & Luigi

    Marcelo Ventura Report

    #18

    Pucca

    Pucca

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    Daria B
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ehehhe.... But really, it's the other way around. Pucca is the one chasing after him. I think the author probably knows this, it's just for the sake of information for those who might not know. Gives it a new meaning.

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    #20

    Him, Jessie, Cruella De Vil, & Others

    Him, Jessie, Cruella De Vil, & Others

    Marcelo Ventura Report

    #22

    Bojack, Rick, Bender, & Others

    Bojack, Rick, Bender, & Others

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    #33

    Tinker Bell

    Tinker Bell

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    #34

    The Grinch

    The Grinch

    Marcelo Ventura Report

    #36

    Gary & Quinn From Final Space

    Gary & Quinn From Final Space

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    #37

    Earthworm Jim & Princess What's-Her-Name

    Earthworm Jim & Princess What's-Her-Name

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    Russian Otaku
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Damn Jim now there is a throw back. I remember playing his game on the something way back when

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    #39

    Captain Planet & Amazonia

    Captain Planet & Amazonia

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    Zei Kiljoy
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I rather like this one. Captain Planet, hero of Earth, picking up Gaia up after all the BS we have put her through. Taking her away from our toxic reach.

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    #41

    Dungeons & Dragons-Inspired

    Dungeons & Dragons-Inspired

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    #43

    Rick & Morty

    Rick & Morty

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    #45

    The Triplets

    The Triplets

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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    #47

    Princess Carolyn, Todd, & Bojack

    Princess Carolyn, Todd, & Bojack

    Marcelo Ventura Report

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