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Ever wondered what cartoon characters in real life would look like? Yes, they’re fictional sketches, which means we’ll never know their human looks in our world. But what if cartoon characters were real? 

The subject of cartoon characters IRL is fascinating, so Bored Panda’s pro member Hidreley delved into experimenting with AI-generated cartoon characters. That’s what digital art is about—blurring the lines between fantasy and reality on screen!

Surprisingly, some cartoon characters as humans look even better than the originals. See if your favorite cartoon characters are on this list, and scroll further to witness 23 pictures of real-life cartoon characters!

Note: The original article was written by Hidrėlėy and later edited and updated by the Bored Panda team. 

More info: Instagram

Hidreley did all the work on AI-generated cartoon characters by himself: “I’ve done some similar posts by other authors here on Bored Panda. I wanted to try something out myself, and so I dove into the world of AI. This time, I challenged myself to try to do one on the theme of cartoon characters. For this project, I used Photoshop and three mobile applications, FaceApp, Gradient, and Remini.

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    #2

    Eric

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Eric character from the cartoon

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    #3

    Carl Fredricksen

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Carl Fredricksen character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The nose reminds me of Robin Williams’

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    The Simpsons were the most challenging when making realistic cartoon characters. “In terms of how they all turned out, I’m more and more pleased with the results with each post I make. I really liked how Moe Szyzlak, Ned Flanders, and Milhouse Van Houten turned out because initially, I thought that the Simpsons drawing style would be very hard to emulate on ‘real life’ terms. Still, they are actually very easy to recognize,” Hidreley explains. 

    #4

    Moana

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Moana character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “I am Moana of Moto’nui. You will board my boat, sail across the sea, and restore the heart of Te’fiti.”

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    “This post inadvertently brought back some good memories from my childhood. Like every kid in my generation, I loved watching cartoons. I really loved the Simpsons and Hanna Barbera classics, and I can safely say that they’ve made a huge impact on my life,” adds Hidreley. 

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    #6

    Tinkerbell

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Tinkerbell character from the cartoon

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    #7

    Pocahontas

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Pocahontas character from the cartoon

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    “I’ve been exploring the world of artificial intelligence recently, and I can tell you, it’s a world without limits! With the rise of AI-assisted art generation, there are virtually (no pun intended) no boundaries for digital art; you just have to be creative and know how to guide the blind hand of the machine,” explains Hidreley. 

    #8

    Jasmine

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Jasmine character from the cartoon

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    #9

    Ned Flanders

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Ned Flanders character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His glasses kinda look drawn onto his face if you look closely

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    At some point, we’ve all wondered if cartoon characters were real. Were they inspired by celebrities or real-life events? Hidreley explains that he’s also intrigued by this concept: 

    “I don't want to tease anything too early, but currently, I’m working hard on a project where I’m trying to show what some prematurely deceased celebrities would have looked like if they were still alive. I hope it will turn out great, and I’ll be able to share this with you soon!”

    #10

    Milhouse

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Milhouse character from the cartoon

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    Kristina Meyer
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like a guy I went to elementary School with (except the haircolor). His Name was Sten.

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    #11

    Rapunzel

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Rapunzel character from the cartoon

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    Robin Woordes
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is so perfect that the right eyebrow frustrates me too much

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    #12

    Aladdin

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Aladdin character from the cartoon

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    #13

    Anna

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Anna character from the cartoon

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    #14

    Peter Pan

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Peter Pan character from the cartoon

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    Mermaid Elle-Jaye
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My little sister went to school with twin boys with similar ones 😂 they more like angry ones though

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    a human
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    and yes the hair should be a lot redder

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    Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have reached the uncanny valley here. He looks human...yet there my mind is going "I really don't like this..."

    Lynne Hammar
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jeremy Sumpter was a *fantastic* Peter Pan (2003 film). Wish I could post a pic here, but he's just perfect!!!

    GFSTaylor
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn't know Peter Pan was meant to have a lazy eye.

    Shelli Aderman
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The eyebrows are spot on. And yet creepy AF!

    Julieandthephatones
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i mean other than the eyes ( which creep me out a little) i like this one

    Nour Slassi
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You guys know that peter pan is evil cause Unlike his Disney fairytale counterpart who is slightly pompous but is otherwise heroic, this version of Peter Pan is totally evil and heartless (relating to a role thought by J.M. Barrie in the early drafts of the original book). He is also the arguable archenemy of his son, Rumplestiltskin

    A.T. Raine
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even the Disney version was sociopathic and generally disrespectful. He ignores the girl he convinced to sneak out and brought to his land while avidly flirting with others in front of her, wastes time taunting his favorite rival While the victim he's there to rescue almost drowns (is he even aware his comrades are about to be burned to death?), and let's Not forget the time he scars a guy for life by cutting off his hand for No reason in the middle of supposed "play time". Even Captain Hook calls him a "Flying Devil," and were I in his position, I'd want revenge on Pan, too.

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    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ahh yes, peter pan looks like a guy named "jack"

    Tahir Aman
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once upon a time got it so close I love it

    Pat Wooster
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, if you dyed his hair red and made it longer. Also plucked the eyebrows a little, he’s pretty close.

    Edamame
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    honestly i think the show once upon a time did a great job with peter pan

    ljbeanfield
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh my god he looks like my brother

    Brie Sansotta
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Should be a redhead (or ginger), if he is the Disney Peter.

    George Bone
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Think they got the eye color wrong.

    Carter Allen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like a wannabe bad boy. His eyebrows look…. Disturbing.

    Bobby Driscoll
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bobby Driscoll (the first of Disney's tragic child stars) his looks were used for Peter Pan as well as they used his voice.

    possessedcat101
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was a kid i went to sleepaway camp and there was a counselor who looked exactly like this photo

    Lola-Beans Moores
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Robbie Kay who actually played peter pan (villan) in Once Upon A Time, actually looks more like peter than this image. But that's my opinion

    Crazy Paul
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    male version of Anna Taylor Joy

    Kari Cline
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your AI is missing the pointed ears and the upturned nose. But very good likeness

    ThatOneWriter
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Could be Anna Taylor Joy's twin brother

    Haaaapppyyyyy!
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those r some crazy eyebrows. Although the color of the eyes and the hair aren't accurate.

    Hypogryff4
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    woa who just comes out of the womb with eyebrows like that

    taylor lancon
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just about had a heart attack seeing this.

    Dawnieangel76
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like the Peter Pan actor from Once Upon A Time.

    Allex Anderson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THOSE EYEBROWS ARE TOO MUCH *wheeze*

    Sametta Jackson-Parker
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Peter Pan was drawn from the actor who voiced him, Bobby Driscoll...and wow...this pretty much looks like him--even the eyebrows!

    Lindsey Rose
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *falls in love and can't look away 😍 💕 ♥*

    Shae Kelly.CG
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HE WOULD OF BEEN BETTER IF HE HAD NORMAL EYEBROWS

    Madonna Borromeo
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those eyebrows are the worst I’ve ever seen…they gota GO!

    Erika Florang
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was Tinkerbell in my high school play and this was our Peter! Wow!

    Crep 105
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He be looking like a slightly more attractive troglodyte.

    Judith Colella
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay, this adorable version absolutely did NOT grow up to be Robin Williams (not casting aspersions on Robin W, one of my absolute favorite actors and comedians). Great rendition.

    Leilani Russell
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    bru whats with those caterpillars attached to his face

    Yas Min
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Y'all calling this one "creepy" but I srsly loved it, he looks so handsome

    James Carmichael
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So, I’m not the only one, I hope, that sees the VERY obvious feminine traits in the cartoon version. The eyelashes and stylized feminine, high cheek bones, contrappasto stance with a cheeky expression, narrow but high shoulders pulled back as a lady might stand…. Then there’s the fact of the character classically being portrayed by females in the theatre. Makes me wonder if the character wasn’t supposed to have been female.

    Djtp09
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Besides the eyebrows it looks exactly like a kid I went to school with

    Hannah Evans
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would not be happy with that kid in my room! Creepy

    Ellie X
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both of them look like they are trying to find the meaning of like by staring into my soul might just be me though

    Kathleen Ferber
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This Peter Pan has Esotropia, a type of Strabismus ( eye misalignment) often found in young children, in which one or both eyes turn inward. It is not Crossed eyes or Lazy eye. Two of my sons had this. One started at age 5 and was corrected with glasses, which he then no longer needed. The other presented at age 3, and he was prescribed eye drops and it cleared up fairly quickly because I caught it earlier. It can occur in adults as well, IDK how that goes.

    Scarlet Wilde
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like Thomas Brodie sangster

    Abri Correa
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    pffft--- I just can't stop laughing at this

    Citiezen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    he be cross-eyed like a 2 year old

    CypherTheBread
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *gets the wax* boy them eyebrows gotta be fixed they look like a whole caterpillar

    JAY
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LOL. Looks like Jeff Lewis on Flipping Out

    Tyler Hernadi
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    looks like the guy from maze runner (forgot name)

    Sharon Billups
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hit it right on again. Great job!👍

    June Taylor
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His hair should be more red but the EyE bRoWs

    Amanda Davids
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Something just gives me puking vibes

    Angela
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He can take me to Neverland now

    chunchunmaru
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i can't take the eyebrows seriously

    LizaIsabellaXD
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my class just finished peter pan and i hate this

    jus jinx
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why, Yes I WILL go to Neverland with you!

    GollyRojer
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ariel gets red hair, but Petey doesn't.

    China Nolan
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gurl, it's that boy from the Roundup Saloon...

    Khi Harmon
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HIS EYEBROWS ARE IN ANOTHER DIMENSION!!! ROFL

    Run
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A few theory Youtubers have said that Peter kills the lost boys when they get too old, so the picture is definitely a believable one.

    Lijo Kim
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why does he kind of look like the grinch?

    Al
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the eyebrows omggg

    Lily and Artie
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a peter pan lego and he looks like a maniac. I took a lego ax and put it n his hand. With my friends, we had made "Battle of Hogwarts 2.0" around it. We combined multiple different universes.

    Nugget
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Related to Will Poulter with those brows!

    Irrelevant
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My gut feeling is telling me to murder real-life peter pan right now

    HARLOW BARHAM
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the eyebrows messed it all up for me

    Brittany Stover
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like he'd be a theater kid that gets mad that he's not cast as the hunky leading man every year.

    GramDB
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    E Y E B R O W S are too bushy!

    Sean Pack
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is vaguely disturbing.

    goth mouse (they them)
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "If you can't imagine yourself being Peter Pan, you won't BE Peter Pan, so eat up."

    Taylor Carroll
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ain't this the guy from One Direction? 😂

    The
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow okay not what I was expecting

    Christie Schmitz
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He reminds me of Jerome Valeska from Gotham

    Scourge McCloud
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cute, I feel bad for laughing when I saw the eyebrows.

    Misty Wittkop
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep.....totally looks like the kindof guy I would regret accidentally getting pregnant by. Sports on!

    GoddessOdd
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder why the hair color wasn't changed in the AI image like some of the others.

    Shelby Jackson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. He looks very similar to the guy who played Pan in Once Upon a Time!

    2022emmam trent
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I died laughing, those eyebrows are hilarious!

    Gypsy Lee
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, I take it back; making the man-boys features like all the prepubescent Disney women’s faces is creepy… sort of like making women look like underage girls at age 25.

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    #15

    Olive Oyl

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Olive Oyl character from the cartoon

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    Julieandthephatones
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what is this app slash website?? does anyone know?!

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    #16

    Lady Tremaine

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Lady Tremaine character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wrong hair. Her butt hair has always been very important to me

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    #17

    Handsome Hans

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Handsome Hans character from the cartoon

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    #18

    Kristoff

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Kristoff character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He kinda looks like some kind of 2000’s Disney Channel character from a show that takes place in a summer camp

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    #19

    Elsa

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Elsa character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ummmm excuse me sir where is her braid ??

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    #20

    Isabela Madrigal

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Isabela Madrigal character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WELCOME TO THE FAMILY MADRIGAL! THE HOME OF THE FAMILY MADEIGAL! WHERE ALL THE PEOPLE ARE fAnTaStIcAl AnD mAgIcAl!

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    #21

    John Smith

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of John Smith character from the cartoon

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    Rachel Walsh
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like he would say "bruh" a lot

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    #22

    Show White

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Show White character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    …did you know she’s 14 in that movie?…

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    #23

    Bart Simpson

    ai recreation of appearance in real life of Bart Simpson character from the cartoon

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    Orange Is Aging
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    AI was having trouble with the eyes..

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