Classic Video Game Characters Re-imagined as Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints

I’ve seen a lot of cool fan art mash-ups since starting SKC, but none quite as creative or well-executed as what Jed Henry and Dave Bull (Ukiyo-e Heroes) have thought of: a complete series of 12 hand-made Japanese woodblock prints featuring classic video game characters like Mario, Metroid, Donkey Kong, Kirby and Link (Legend of Zelda). Not only is each character instantly recognizable, despite the artistic license the artists gave themselves, but they actually managed to make Kirby look like a complete badass… KIRBY!!

The prints are currently being offered via the duo’s Kickstarter page and, with only 3 days left, I’m sure they’ll be going fast. Check it out!

Ukiyo-e Kirby (left) and Pokemon (right)

Ukiyo-e Legend of Zelda (left) and Star Fox (right)

Ukiyo-e Megaman (left) and Metroid (right)

Ukiyo-e Mario Cart (left) and Castlevania (right)

Ukiyo-e Legend of Zelda (left) and Donkey Kong (right)

via Geekbytes

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Rondal

Rondal is the Editor-in-Chief of Strange Kids Club and a creative instigator who tackles each day with Red Bull-induced enthusiasm and a mind for adventure. Rondal has written for other sites including Rue Morgue, Fuel Your Illustration and Bloodsprayer. His obsession with horror movies, 80s animation and action figures is considered unhealthy by medical professionals.

3 comments on “Classic Video Game Characters Re-imagined as Japanese Ukiyo-e Prints”

1. Joanna on August 27, 2012 at 6:07 pm said:

   The one thing that tickles me about the “Pokemon” one is that in the Jp. version of the anime, Jessie and James are named after Musashi and Kojiro, two samurai who have an interesting story.

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasaki_Kojir%C5%8D
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyamoto_Musashi

   I can see why they and their rivals Butch and Cassidy were named after outlaws in the US dub…

   Reply ↓
2. Craig Collins on August 28, 2012 at 1:28 am said:

   Absolutely love these! What a fantastic idea, they’re beautiful.

   Reply ↓
3. Tessa on August 28, 2012 at 4:15 pm said:

   I second Craig. Love these!

   Reply ↓