# Apocalyptic Consumerism Carl Bender Creates End-Of-Days Style Products By TopDog | Published 2009-11-29 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anarkon-project References: [lovelypackage](http://lovelypackage.com/student-work-carl-bender/) & [anarkon](http://www.anarkon.com/) Carl Bender is the artist behind these bizarre fictitious apocalyptic products. His controversial collection of fake consumer products urges consumers to have a closer look at commercial messaging and to attempt to define limitations for corporate responsibility. Products such as the Molotov Cocktail in-a-box, fast acting [suicide beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-death-misfortune-cookies), and the [Heroin Fun Kit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innocean-berlin) don't really exist, but are a part of the Anarkon project, which was designed to raise awareness for over-the-top style [consumer driven advertising](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coachtopia-1). **Implications** - Carl Bender has come up with some truly distinct products with this apocalyptic series. These are definitely products that will stick in my memory for a very long time because I have never seen anything quite like it in my entire life. I am excited for more Carl Bender creations. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Fake Consumer Products:** Creating fictitious apocalyptic products can challenge traditional consumerism and prompt discussions about corporate responsibility. - **Over-the-top Advertising:** The Anarkon project raises awareness by exaggerating commercial messaging and encourages consumers to question the limitations of corporate responsibility. - **Distinctive Artistic Creations:** Carl Bender's unique and memorable apocalyptic products offer disruptive innovation opportunities in art and design. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Advertising:** The Anarkon project presents an opportunity for advertising companies to reflect on the impact of exaggerated advertising styles. - **Art and Design:** Bender's apocalyptic products open doors for disruptive innovation and experimentation in the art and design industries. - **Consumer Goods:** Exploring the concept of fake consumer products sparks conversations about corporate responsibility and ethical manufacturing in the consumer goods industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Crystal-Adorned Crushed Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sam-keller.md) - [Artist-Designed Collectible Dining Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/killer-napkins.md) - [Coffin-Shaped Ice Cream Tubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-alchemist-by-jdo.md) - [Dramatic Doomsday Bunker Images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alastair-philip-wiper.md) - [Surrealist Beauty Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toiletpaper-magazine.md) - [Unexpectedly-Amusing Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-death-misfortune-cookies.md) - [Limited-Edition Designer-Forward Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-market.md) - [Retail Overconsumption Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coachtopia-1.md) - [Fictional Brand Collaboration Websites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brxndai.md)