# Controversial Cartoon Makeovers Banksy Directs Simpsons Opening Credits By Zach Bussey | Published 2010-10-11 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banksy-directs-simpsons References: [ropeofsilicon](http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/banksy-storyboards-the-simpsons-opening-couch-gag) & [thesimpsons](http://www.thesimpsons.com/) In case you missed it, The Simpsons got a controversial cartoon makeover by England's most famous and elusive [street artist Banksy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enigmatic-graffiti) for Sunday night's episode. Portraying slave labor, animal abuse and substandard practices in a Chinese factory, Banksy creatively and effectively pushed a strong message rarely seen on The Simpsons. Banksy stayed true to form so there can be no discussion about him "selling out." The controversial cartoon makeover has a punchy, crowd-pleasing message that will leave you wanting more. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Viral](https://www.trendhunter.com/viral) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Controversial Cartoon Makeovers:** There is an opportunity for artists and animators to use controversial makeovers to deliver powerful messages in a compelling and engaging way. - **Social Commentary in Animation:** The integration of social and political commentary in popular animated shows presents an opportunity for writers and producers to generate conversation and provoke thought. - **Artistic Activism in Mainstream Media:** Artists like Banksy showcasing their activism through collaborations with mainstream media platforms like The Simpsons opens up possibilities for impactful visual storytelling. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Animation and Entertainment:** Animation studios and entertainment companies can capitalize on controversial makeovers to create buzzworthy content and engage audiences in meaningful discussions. - **Social Campaigns and Activism:** Organizations focused on social issues can partner with artists and cartoonists to leverage the power of controversial cartoons as a medium to raise awareness and drive change. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Advertising agencies can explore the use of controversial cartoon makeovers to deliver impactful messages and capture the attention of target audiences in unique and memorable ways. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Animated Streetwear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-simpsons-x-family-mart.md) - [Tree-Integrated Mysterious Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tree-mural.md) - [Cartoon Franchise-Inspired Clogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-simpsons-classic-clog.md) - [Cartoonish Parental Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swatch-x-the-simpsons-watches.md) - [Museum Street Art Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/piranha-tank.md) - [Mystery Artist Graphic Novels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/his-name-is-banksy.md) - [Cartoon-Inspired Iconic Totes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canvas-tote-bag.md) - [Cartoony Donut Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swatch-x-the-simpsons.md) - [Encouraging Cartoon Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redraw-your-world.md)