# Creepy Gamer Art Mike Puncekar Gives Super Mario Characters a Nightmarish Makeover By Meghan Young | Published 2011-07-06 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mike-puncekar References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2011/07/05/creepy-mario-art/) & [mpuncekar.blogspot](http://mpuncekar.blogspot.com/) Artist and illustrator Mike Puncekar has decided to give certain Super Mario characters some nightmarish makeovers. Considering that he has focused mainly on the bad guys in this [pop culture video game](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-kart-set), I think he has done this fantasy world some justice. Why should the bad guys be as cute and cuddly as the heroes? Mike Puncekar definitely doesn't agree with that and I concur. By creating creepier versions of [Super Mario's enemies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/piranha-plant-camera) such as that of Spiny, Goomba, Whomp King and Pokey, Mike Puncekar really lets their true colors shine through. Fit for any [horror film](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/horrific-crocs), there is a realistic nature to each of Mike Puncekar's illustrations, even though we know that these creatures do not actually exist. I especially like his techniques, which almost have a watercolorlike finish. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Horror Gaming Art:** Artists are exploring the horror genre in video games by creating nightmarish makeovers of popular characters. - **Realistic Fantasy Illustrations:** Illustrators are utilizing realistic techniques to give popular fantasy characters a more believable and lifelike appearance. - **Dark Renditions of Pop Culture:** Artists are creating eerie and unsettling versions of iconic pop culture characters, challenging traditional perceptions and expectations. ### Where This Applies - **Gaming:** Developers can explore the horror genre and create new games featuring nightmarish versions of popular video game characters. - **Art & Design:** Artists can create dark and unsettling renditions of popular pop culture characters, creating a new niche market for horror art. - **Content Creation:** Content creators can explore the horror genre by incorporating dark renditions of popular characters into their work, appealing to a wider audience and challenging traditional norms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Video Game-Inspired Hovercrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-hovercraft.md) - [Anime Horror-Style Reimaginations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito-artwork.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-x-super-mario.md) - [Cozy Video Game Loungewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-meets-gelato-pique.md) - [Video Game-Themed Sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-infused-hot-sauces.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Homewares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-home-adventure-life.md) - [Video Game-Themed Pixel Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixel-art-collection.md) - [Cartoon-Inspired Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/build-a-bear.md) - [Fire-Breathing Toy Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jakks-pacific-super-mario-bros-movie.md)