# Concerned Retro Cartoon Ads James Voon Depicts Distressed Characters for Fictional Food Promo By Jason Soy | Published 2012-02-15 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/james-voon References: [blog.thaeger](http://blog.thaeger.com/2012/02/15/whats-in-your-food/) & [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/OMG-Whats-in-your-food-Campaign/3127075) Bugs Bunny, Popeye and Winnie the Pooh have never looked as bad as they do than in these James Voon illustrations, but at least it’s for a good cause. Rendered for a student project, Voon wanted to produce posters to promote awareness of [genetically modified foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosh-food). He’d hope that, by employing [friendly cartoon characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heinz-and-mr-men) to help spread his message, people would demand food companies be more transparent about the types of produce they sold. James Voon also accompanied each [sad depiction](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quaker-deliciously-ugly-campaign) with anecdotes to further invoke pathos among viewers. Bugs is characterized as being depressed, Winnie sits worriedly contemplating whether or not he should have another handful of honey and, worst of all, Popeye is bedridden with IVs as he rejects his canteens of spinach. The images are quite shocking to say the least. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Print](https://www.trendhunter.com/print) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Genetically Modified Food Awareness:** Opportunity for food companies to be more transparent about the types of produce they sell. - **Emotional Advertising:** Opportunity for brands to invoke pathos among viewers to create a deeper connection with their message. - **Cartoon Characters in Marketing:** Opportunity for companies to use friendly cartoon characters to spread important messages. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** Opportunity for food companies to improve transparency in their products. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Opportunity for brands to create emotional connections with their target audience. - **Entertainment and Media:** Opportunity for companies to leverage popular cartoon characters in their marketing campaigns. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Provocative AR Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-so-happy-animals.md) - [Gen-Alpha Targeted Packaging Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sesame-workshop.md) - [Distorted Burger Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ailloween.md) - [Pasta Sauce Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mr-ridiculously-good.md) - [Child-Focused Plant-Based Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/franklin-farms-mickey-mouse-friends.md) - [Cartoon-Themed Cereals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelpo.md) - [Honest Mealtime Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guaranteed-to-be-eaten-by-kids.md) - [Comic Strip Milk Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seki-milk.md) - [Cartoon-Celebrating Snack Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popchips-and-the-garfield-movie.md)