# Hyper-Real Nintendo Turtles Darick Maasen Creates a Realistic Version of the Koopa Paratroopa By Matt Ho | Published 2011-07-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darick-maasen References: [theuniblog.evilspacerobot](http://theuniblog.evilspacerobot.com/?p=9993) & [darickmaasen](http://www.darickmaasen.com/portfolio/artwork/) So far, people have seen the likes of [hyper-real Pokemon and Simpsons characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/looks-delicious); but wait till you see what Darick Maasen has in store for gamers. Even if you haven't played Mario, you'll probably recognize the Koopa Paratroopa character, which is a turtle with a red shell that has wings attached to it. If you've never imagined what this reptilian creature would look like in real life, Darick Maasen's hyper-real version of the character will give you a pretty good idea. The artist has created a [taxidermy version of the Koopa Paratroopa](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-de-guzman-1) with the red and white shell complete with wings. I'd say that this is an accurate representation. The realistic version of the Koopa Paratroopa was created for an upcoming [video game-related art show](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/piranha-plant-camera). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Hyper-real Video Game Characters:** Creating taxidermy versions of video game characters opens up a new world of possibilities for artists and gamers alike. - **Redefining Digital Iconography:** By translating digital characters into real-life objects, creators are revolutionizing the way we view and interact with digital media. - **Blurring the Lines Between Reality and Fantasy:** Hyper-realistic depictions of fantastical characters challenge our perceptions of what is real and what is not, creating new avenues for artistic exploration. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Gaming:** Incorporating hyper-realistic versions of characters into video games could revolutionize the gaming industry by enhancing the immersive experience. - **Art:** Hyper-realistic depictions of digital characters offer a new avenue for artistic expression, integrating the virtual world into physical art installations. - **Entertainment:** By creating hyper-realistic depictions of beloved characters, artists and creators have an opportunity to engage with audiences in new and exciting ways, enhancing the entertainment industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Video Game-Inspired Hovercrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-hovercraft.md) - [Fire-Breathing Toy Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jakks-pacific-super-mario-bros-movie.md) - [Eroded Cartoon-Themed Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crystalized-squirtle.md) - [Cartoon Turtle Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teljesnegyzet.md) - [Video Game-Themed Sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-infused-hot-sauces.md) - [Video Game Character Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toadstool-cafe.md) - [Cartoon Turtle-Themed Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/turtle-pizza.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Homewares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-home-adventure-life.md) - [Size-Scaled Block Puzzle Retiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legotruman.md)