
We’ve seen Pikachu’s skeleton and Disney princesses as flirty pin-up girls but now it’s time to see all our favourite childhood characters take a walk on the wild side with this nightmarish trip down memory lane.
The picture collection by acclaimed artist Dan LuVisi is part of his new project called “Popped Culture”. The series of warped illustrations is set to be published as a book, following a successful Kickstarter campaign that’s already far exceeded its $15,000 goal with 15 days still remaining. His 883 backers are supporting the “strange and disturbing” take on beloved childhood icons in return for soft-copy and hard-copy editions, T-shirts and even private commissions tailored to individual specifications.
Let’s take a look at some of the characters who’ve been spat out by the harsh machine of fame and celebrity in the world of Popped Culture. Beware: some viewers may find the following images disturbing!
▼ Mickey and Minnie appear as “The Mouse King” and “The Mouse Queen”, both hungry for power and, by the looks of it, human flesh.
▼ “My Brother’s Keeper”. Bert and Ernie have stuck together through thick and thin, with nothing but a rubber duckie tattoo to remind them of the good times in their old apartment.
▼ Elmo as “The Puppet Hunter” shows where uncontrollable high-pitched bouts of laughter can lead you.
▼ And the future hasn’t fared much better for Monsters Inc. star Mike Wazowski either.
▼ Goofy, as “The Yellow King” looks like a sad clown in an asylum.
▼ Kermit, what have you done? Have you been half-asleep and have you heard voices? “The Driver” is a huge departure for the sweet Rainbow Connection-singing green amphibian.
▼ “What I do Best” leads us to wonder where Winnie the Pooh might be.
▼ Look away from the horror! Called “Chew”, this vacant-eyed, toothless incarnation of Pikachu is one Pokémon we definitely don’t want to catch.
▼ And another one of Bert and Ernie just because they’re awesome. Their riches-to-rags story is a movie we’d pay to see!
To find out more about the project, be sure to stop by the artist’s campaign page on Kickstarter. Just make sure you don’t have any little ones around to sneak a peek over your shoulder because these are nightmares just waiting to happen!
Source and Images: Kickstarter/Dan LuVisi’s POPPED CULTURE by Section 9 Entertainment (h/t: Kotaku Japan)












Sesame Street Fighter, the most badass children’s TV show ever (if only there were a show for it)
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa