# Thug Life Superheros (UPDATE) Steve Seely Recreates Two Iconic Comic Book Heroes in Gangs By Peter Vallas | Published 2011-03-17 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steve-seely References: [culturepopped.blogspot](http://culturepopped.blogspot.com/2011/03/superhero-thug-life.html) & [thedelicatematter](http://www.thedelicatematter.com/) Steve Seely is an illustrator and painter who creates astonishing and vivid portraits. Most of the subjects in his pieces are either comic book characters or ferocious animals. The savage stencils by Steve Seely are one-of-a-kind and displays an immense attitude and passion. In his latest work, he takes upon a small series that portrays two familiar superheros; Batman, and [Superman](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superman-collection). The iconic comic book characters receive a gangster makeover in this small series. Batman represents the notorious Crips gang while Super Man shows off his undying respect for the Bloods. It's an interesting and hilarious twist that the superheros who prevent crime are now part of some of the most intimidating groups in America. You can see that Steve Seely really had fun drawing these up. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 70% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% 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) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Gangster Pop Culture:** There is an opportunity for disrupting pop culture with reimagining popular figures as gangsters, such as superheroes as gang members. - **Humorous Illustration Style:** Disruptive innovation can be achieved through humor as a means of storytelling in illustration, especially with popular culture content. - **Pop Art Style Illustration:** The pop art style of illustration can be used as a way of exploring characters and trends by creating new and unique interpretations. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** The art and design industry can explore pop culture through illustration in new and unique ways, including reimagining popular figures in unique and humorous ways. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can explore new and interesting storylines by creating unique twists on popular characters and groups, such as superheroes as gang members. - **Merchandise:** With popular culture and humor as the driving forces, merchandise can be created to tap into the market of humor-loving fans of pop culture, especially those interested in unique twists on familiar figures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Villain-Inspired Graphic Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saint-mxxxxxx.md) - [Film-Inspired Graphic Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-dark-knight-collection.md) - [Dark Superhero Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/batman-x-blvck-collection.md) - [Comic Book Hero Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comic-book-heros.md) - [Comic Book Character Cereals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dc-strong-berry-capn-crunch.md) - [Buildable 3D Superhero Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gotham-city-skyline-set.md) - [Superhero-Inspired Streetwear Capsule](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superman-collection.md) - [3D Superhero Block-Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazing-spiderman-set.md) - [Artistic Game-Inspired Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-de-guzman-1.md)