# Cute Cartoon Craniums Mahmoud Refaat Illustrates the Skeletons of Yellow Cartoon Characters By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-07-29 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mahmoud-refaat References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/367688/Creepy-Illustrations-Show-The-Skeletons-Of-Popular-Cartoon-Characters/) & [behance.net](https://www.behance.net/gallery/17529897/Cute-yellow) In a slightly unnerving illustrated series by Mahmoud Refaat, well-known cartoon characters are drawn with a partial skeleton showing. Cute Yellow is aptly named, given the featured pop culture characters are all yellow. This includes [Homer Simpson](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-simpsons-classic-clog), Pikachu, [Spongebob Squarepants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spongebob-squarepants-x-crocs-classic-clog), Tweety Bird, Winnie the Pooh and a [Minion from Despicable Me](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minion-figure). The portion of their skeleton that is showing is a very scientific and surgical like rendering. The Egyptian illustrator recreates the cute cartoons in a way that contrasts their typically adorable nature by including a slice of their skulls. According to DesignTaxi, the Mahmoud Refaat artwork gives us " a glimpse of what lies beneath the façade of these characters" in a way that is "perhaps showing us that looks can be deceiving." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Illustrated Anatomy Art:** Art that merges anatomy and pop culture to create a unique aesthetic. - **Deceptive Appearances:** Highlighting the difference between outward appearances and internal structure. - **Science-inspired Illustration:** Art that incorporates scientific and anatomical details. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Applying anatomical and scientific elements to traditional art forms. - **Pop Culture Merchandise:** Developing merchandise that merges popular culture with scientific or anatomical concepts. - **Medical Education:** Using illustrated pop culture characters to make the study of anatomy more engaging. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Character Crossover Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skullpanda-x-sanrio.md) - [Anatomical Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giant-skull-with-hidden-organs.md) - [Collectible Character Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arr-x-kaws-sesame-street.md) - [Anime Horror-Style Reimaginations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito-artwork.md) - [Cartoon-Inspired Chunky Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-925.md) - [Squishy Skull-Shaped Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swizzels-squashies-squeletons.md) - [Cartoon Character Clogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spongebob-squarepants-x-crocs.md) - [Charming Creepy Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deddy-bears.md) - [Cartoon-Inspired Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freizeit.md)