# Humanized Cartoon Depictions These Realistic Retro Illustrations of the Mario Brothers Are Amazing By Ian Andrew Panganiban | Published 2013-06-10 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-illustrations References: [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/Super-Mario-Brothers/9043049) & [itsbillmain.blogspot](http://itsbillmain.blogspot.ca/) These hyper realistic retro illustrations by artist Bill Main re-imagine the Mario brothers in a surreal fashion. When most people think about [Super Mario](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-happy-meal-toys), the images of a pixilated mustachioed man wearing a red jumper is the first thing that comes to their mind. Los Angeles-based artist Main interpreted his own version of the [Nintendo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-meets-gelato-pique) brother. The two characters were designed to look like Brooklyn-based Italian plumbers—because Brooklyn Italian plumbers always sport a necklace and posses a lot of body hair. The illustration showcases visibly irritated brothers, because according to Main, he wanted the characters to be realistic in a lot of aspects. Who wouldn't be angry from jumping on top of killer mushroom every single day? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/internet) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Hyper Realistic Illustrations:** Creating hyper realistic illustrations is a growing trend in the art world that offers new opportunities for artists to showcase their skills and creativity - **Nostalgic Reimaginings:** Reimagining classic characters in a modern and hyper realistic way is a popular trend that offers businesses new opportunities to capitalize on nostalgia and evoke emotional reactions from consumers - **Humor and Surrealism:** Using humor and surrealism in illustration is a growing trend that offers businesses new opportunities to create unique and memorable branding and marketing campaigns ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art and Design:** The art and design industry can take advantage of the trend of hyper realistic and nostalgic reimaginings to create new and exciting pieces that appeal to a wider audience - **Entertainment and Gaming:** The entertainment and gaming industry can use hyper realistic and nostalgic reimaginings to create new and innovative marketing campaigns that target a specific audience and evoke emotional reactions - **Fashion and Apparel:** The fashion and apparel industry can use hyper realistic and nostalgic reimaginings to create new and unique clothing and accessories that appeal to a wider audience and capitalize on the nostalgia trend ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cozy Video Game Loungewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-meets-gelato-pique.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Homewares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-home-adventure-life.md) - [Cartoon-Inspired Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/build-a-bear.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Hovercrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-hovercraft.md) - [Fire-Breathing Toy Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jakks-pacific-super-mario-bros-movie.md) - [Game-Inspired Soap Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gameinspired-soap-collection.md) - [Video Game-Themed Sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-infused-hot-sauces.md) - [Video Game Travel Merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-super-mario-travel-items.md) - [Video Game Refreshment Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suntory-x-super-mario.md)