# Humanized Disney Characters E. D. Thweatt Takes Away the Animal Traits of Your Favorite Cartoons By Jason Soy | Published 2011-07-18 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-d-thweatt References: [designyoutrust](http://designyoutrust.com/2011/07/18/humanized-disney-characters/) & [thweatted.deviantart](http://thweatted.deviantart.com/) The design staff over at [Disney](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-ones-episodes) probably opted to use animals to make their toon heroes more lovable, but E. D. Thweatt proves that, even as humans, everyone can still enjoy the likes of their favorite [Rescue Rangers, DuckTales and Darkwing Duck](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-animated-series) characters. E. D. Thweatt is a Virginia-based illustrator and his skills at drawing animated characters should make animation studios take notice. My favorite of these [humanized Disney toons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-earbuds-concept) has got to be Darkwing Duck, who now looks like a suave Zorro-esque masked crusader. Gosalyn also made a fine transition into human form. **Implications** - Consumers enjoy re-imaginings of pop culture staples because it reinvigorates their interest in a franchise while satiating their desire for new content. Companies can similarly re-invigorate consumer interest in an existing product by incorporating design elements that often aren't associated with the item. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Re-imagined Pop Culture:** Re-imaginings of beloved pop culture staples can reinvigorate consumer interest in a franchise and drive demand for new content. - **Humanized Cartoon Characters:** Transforming cartoon characters into human form can create a fresh and relatable aesthetic for fans, sparking new excitement and engagement. - **Design Innovation:** Incorporating unexpected design elements into existing products can captivate consumers and generate renewed interest in the brand. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Animation Studios:** Animation studios can explore the opportunity to create humanized versions of their cartoon characters, attracting a new audience and expanding their brand. - **Entertainment Merchandise:** Manufacturers of entertainment merchandise can capitalize on the trend of re-imagined pop culture by designing products that feature humanized versions of beloved characters. - **Apparel and Accessories:** Fashion brands and accessory companies can leverage the demand for humanized cartoon characters by creating clothing and accessories inspired by these re-imagined designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cartoon Eating Challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-ones-episodes.md) - [Cartoon Duck-Inspired Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-x-karl-lagerfeld.md) - [Character Clog Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-characters-collection.md) - [Dairytale Bridal Tributes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-wedding-dresses-1.md) - [Animation-Inspired Themed Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixar-place-hotel.md) - [Fluffy Plush Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urupocha-chan.md) - [Back-To-School Disney-Inspired Fashion Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forever-21-x-disney.md) - [Revived Retro Animations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-animated-series.md) - [Cozy Cartoon-Themed Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pleasing-3.md)