# Terrifying Childhood Icon Illustrations Sylvain Sarrailh Makes Dark Cartoon Character Art By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-02-22 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-cartoon-character References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/363054/Gritty-Badass-Illustrations-Of-Popular-Childhood-Characters/) & [tohad.deviantart](http://tohad.deviantart.com/art/Barbie-and-Ken-BADASS-417357804) The 'BADASS' series by illustrator Sylvain Sarrailh depicts [dark cartoon character icons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deddy-bears) in horrifying lights that are sure to scar your childhood memories of them. The series turns loveable characters like Noddy, [Barbie](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-mattel-x-moma) and [Buzz Lightyear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casetify-x-toy-story) into frightening ones, with much more blood, weapons and violent imagery than these characters are ever seen with. In the series, Alice in Wonderland is seen under the influence of drugs, the Teletubbies are shown in hazmat suits and beside a beastly Winnie the Pooh is what looks like the leg of Christopher Robin. Although the BADASS series has quite a dark tone, Sarrailh's illustrations are brightly colored and seem quite cheery despite all the knives, decapitations and horrors that are featured alongside these childhood characters. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Dark Cartoon Character Art:** Opportunity for artists to explore unconventional and provocative themes in their illustrations. - **Reimagining Childhood Icons:** Potential for brands to create edgier and alternative merchandise targeting adult nostalgia. - **Contrasting Imagery:** Emerging trend of combining seemingly innocent visuals with dark and unsettling elements. ### Where This Applies - **Illustration:** Innovative techniques and styles can disrupt the traditional perception of illustration in various media. - **Merchandise:** Opportunity for toy companies and licensed merchandise manufacturers to tap into the adult nostalgia market with edgier and collector-focused products. - **Art Galleries:** Curating exhibitions featuring unconventional and thought-provoking artwork can attract audiences seeking new and challenging experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nostalgic Blind Toy Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teletubbies-say-hello.md) - [Anime Horror-Style Reimaginations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito-artwork.md) - [Pop Art Legend-Honoring Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keiichi-tanaami-1.md) - [Collectible Character Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arr-x-kaws-sesame-street.md) - [Witty Toy-Brand Horror Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/horror-poster.md) - [Artist-Designed Toy Lineups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-toy-series.md) - [Playful Collectible Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zsiga-care-bears.md) - [Miniature Horror Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-mart-chucky.md) - [Illustrative Tech Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/richard-scarry.md)