Artist and freelance graphic designer Pez created this remarkable series, called Distroy, in which the many cute cartoon characters whom we have grown to know and love are transformed into unexpectedly gruesome illustrations.
With just a graphite pencil on paper, Pez creates incredibly detailed layers of peeling decay, turning the characters into decrepit depictions of their more complete selves. The France-based artist eliminates the many appealing features and strong, vivid colors of characters such as Donald Duck, Homer Simpson, and even Mickey Mouse. The ghastly faces still maintain their cute, cartoon expressions, while the characters' skin peels away to reveal a chaotic mess beneath the surface.
By deviating from ordinary, light-hearted illustrations, Pez creates a confusing juxtaposition between the familiar personalities–which often have us laughing–and the dilapidated, less familiar faces.
