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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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tanyagarcia avatar
broken butterfly
Community Member
3 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.

#4

Baby Yoda

Baby Yoda

Marcelo Ventura Report

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JazzyRuns12
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What happened to him?!? Lol I really like this piece though!

smilepls35 avatar
🛸 🌠⭐Lucita 🌌🌙 👽
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know if you're talking about the red marks, but he's painting in red, and instead of saying Star Wars it says "Stop Wars".

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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
3 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
3 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

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#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
3 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
3 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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