Artist Brings Popular Cartoon Characters To Life Using 3D Technology And We’re Amazed By His Talent
Some people have enormous talent in the arts, and some people are not artistic at all. We fit the second category, so we stick to cheering on said people because we don’t have talent in animation, drawing, or the arts in general. Hossein Diba is a guy who belongs to a group of people whore are super skilled and artistic. The Iranian artist is based in Istanbul, Turkey, and his work has earned praise all over the world.
He particularly enjoys bringing popular characters from cartoon shows and video games to life by making them as real as can be. Thanks to a complex and laborious process, he is able to come up with 3D creations that look so real that you can almost touch and feel them.
If you think we’re exaggerating, you don’t have to believe our words. Check out some of his best pieces and let his work speak for itself!
All images in this article are courtesy of Hossein Diba on Instagram.
Rick from Rick and Morty
Rick is one of the most popular fictional characters ever. Dan Hammon and Justin Roiland created the titular science mega-genius character. He might have an impressively high IQ, but he can’t seem to figure people out and doesn’t know how to socialize.
This 3D version looks realistic, and you can see all his lines and wrinkles, clues that he has worried about many things or is anxious about them. He has this blue-ish white hair in the cartoon version, and here you can see him sporting the same color.
Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Jessica Rabbit is an unforgettable character. She was every male’s fantasy after people saw her in the animated movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The buxom redhead commands attention, and all eyes shift to her as soon as she enters a room.
We can’t count the number of men who wished she was a real woman. This 3D rendering is the closest they could ever have to their wish coming true. Look at her long, flowing red hair and green eyes. Mesmerizing, don’t you think?
Genie from Aladdin
If you thought that Will Smith as Genie is as real as it’s going to get, you obviously haven’t heard of this Iranian artist. Voiced by Robin Williams in Disney’s animated movie, it was never revealed if the genie in the lamp had a name or not.
Trapped in the constricting space of the lamp for ten thousand years, he longed to find a master who would set him free, and he was lucky enough to have found one in Aladdin. Here he is in the 3D flesh! He looks pretty realistic, but some folks still prefer Will Smith’s version.
Bluto from Popeye
Bluto was created around 90 years ago, and lots of surprised are surprised to learn that he was supposed to only appear on Popeye once. However, the public liked the character so much that the creators just had to keep him around for the long run.
Without a doubt, he is one of the most recognizable characters in cartoon history. This 3D version hits all the right spots. It even showcases Bluto’s lone gold tooth! Just one look at Bluto, and you’d know he’s not a likable guy, even if you haven’t watched a single episode of the show.
Carl from Up!
This is one of the most beloved characters in modern cartoons. Carl Fredericksen was a grumpy old man for a reason. He had lost his beloved wife, Ellie, without even being able to do the thing they wanted the most, which was to take a trip to Paradise Falls.
He refused to sell his house to developers even though newer buildings were sprouting around the neighborhood like mushrooms. This 3D version is as close as you can get to the cartoon character. On his face, you can see his worries and regrets, as well as the fact that he misses his beloved wife.
Bart from The Simpsons
Bartholomew Jojo Simpson, or Bart, as he is better known in the cartoon world, is the misunderstood, mischievous, and rebellious oldest child of Homer and Marge Simpson. Although he has achieved many things at such a young age, he is constantly in detention.
This 3D version of him isn’t exactly what we had in mind. But we suppose that the artist tried to remain true to the design style in The Simpsons, which is pretty unique. We got to give it to Hossein for putting a nice spin on Bart’s head.
Pickle Rick from Rick and Morty
We’ve seen the human version of Rick, and now it’s time to get acquainted with the pickle version. Yes, the character has its own pickle version. The weird pickle man first appeared in the third season of the show as an escape for the scientist.
How did Pickle Rick happen? Well, the scientist turned himself into a pickle just when his entire family was about to go to a group therapy session. This 3D looks pretty creepy, and it looks like it came straight out of a nightmare.
Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons
A guest character in The Simpsons, Robert Underdunk Terwilliger, better known as Sideshow Bob, is voiced by Kelsey Grammer. He is a self-proclaimed genius who graduated from Yale and has a murderous rage. He was a villainous but unforgettable character.
We can’t look away from this 3D drawing of Sideshow Bob because it looks exactly like the cartoon version. He looks even more villainous, and we love the big red hair that’s complete with texture and frizz. The artist put so much thought and effort into this one!
Morty from Rick and Morty
Earlier on in the list, we saw Rick from this popular show, and now we have his constant companion and partner in crime, Morty. Frankly, this kid has the strangest relationship anyone can have with their grandpa, but somehow, they make it work.
Additionally, we doubt any teen can boast as many near-death experiences as Morty. But on the flip side, none of them has had as many adventures as he’s had either. We think his round face and brown hair were perfectly captured here.
Stinky Pete from Toy Story
Also known as the Prospector, Stinky Pete is a prospector in Toy Story 2, but his first appearance was in the television show for children, Woody’s Roundup. People might see him as avuncular, but he is one of the three real villains in the Toy Story franchise.
A lot of people might forgive him because he was locked in a box since the 50s, but that’s still not an excuse for the way he acted. His 3D version is a less friendly version of the character, and it looks like he has some nefarious plans in mind.
Olive Oyl from Popeye
No, we’re not talking about the oil people use in the kitchen but Olive, Popeye’s girlfriend. E.C. Segar created the cartoon character for his comic strip Thimble Theatre in 1919, which was later renamed Popeye after the sailor became the most popular character from his work.
There was a special edition comic book released in 1999 that saw Olive and Popeye get married after 70 long years of being together. Her previous boyfriend was someone named Ham Gravy, who was dropped from the comic series after Popeye stole the limelight.
Miles Morales from Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse
And now we have our favorite animated Spiderman, Miles Morales. Since the film was released, every time we see him or think of him, we can’t help but start humming Sunflower! We all fell in love with this awkward teen when he was introduced to us in 2018.
Though he became Spiderman when the world really needed one, he was reluctant at first. You would, too, if you witnessed the death of the person who played your role firsthand. Fortunately, he later came around, and now we can’t wait to see him in the sequels set to be released in 2023 and 2024.
Mario from Super Mario
Mario, the titular from the Super Mario game series, is one of the most popular characters on Earth. He has appeared in more than 200 video games since the day he was created, and he isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
The short Italian plumber lives in the Mushroom Kingdom and has had a few adventures that involve rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser, the main villain in the computer game series. People are torn regarding this 3D version. Some think he looks perfect, but others think he looks a bit too old and tired.
Homer from The Simpsons
Homer Simpson is the lead star of the long-running TV show The Simpsons. The character was introduced to the world in the late 80s, alongside his hilarious and unconventional fam. Homer was designed and created by a cartoonist named Matt Groening.
As usual, the work is good, but it would have been better if his eyes were a little bigger, just like in the cartoon show. And yes, we admit that we also expected him to be a bit more yellow. However, in real life, that would mean that Homer has jaundice.
Mr. Potato Head from Toy Story
We have to say that the work on this one is phenomenal because this is just how we imagined Mr. Potato Head to look if he was more than a cartoon character. Aside from the pink ears, everything was just as how it should be.
One of the central characters in the iconic franchise, he is one of Woody’s best friends and is the adoptive father of The Little Green Men. Rather cynical, he is always cast as a bad guy, but deep down, he is a nice guy.
Joe Gardner from Soul
Joe is a music teacher and a piano player, and he’s also the main character of the animated movie Soul. In the story, he is on his way to play piano with the great Dorothea Williams when he falls into a utility hole, goes into a coma, and has his soul separated from his body.
Well, he was in such a predicament, to say the least. This is exactly how we envisioned the teacher to look, serious and with nothing but business in his mind. He has an uncanny similarity to the cartoon version, proving just how good an artist Hossein is.
Jasmine from Alladin
Princess Jasmine from the Disney film Alladin is one of the most beautiful Disney princesses ever. Unfortunately, thanks to her stunning looks and choice of costume, she is also one of the most sexualized, which is terrible given that she’s only 15 in the film.
Aside from being the first Asian Disney princess, Jasmine is also portrayed as a very smart and assertive character. Her choice to marry for love instead of wealth also shows that she’s quite precocious. In terms of sidekicks, we think she got the best one since she owns a pet tiger!
Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story
Another leading star in Toy Story is Buzz Lightyear, who was mainly voiced by comedian Tim Allen. He is Jessie’s boyfriend, Sheriff Woody’s best friend, and Dandy’s favorite toy. He was created at a time when astronauts were popular with children.
Everyone who’s ever seen any Toy Story movie would know Buzz Lightyear’s iconic catchphrase, “To infinity and beyond.” Wearing his sturdy astronaut suit, he looks like he’s seen a lot of action. This 3D version makes him look like the experienced astronaut that he’s supposed to be.
Elastigirl from The Incredibles
The feisty and strong-willed Elastigirl’s real name is Helen Parr. The matriarch of the Parr family has always wanted to break into a man’s world since she was a little girl. Although she didn’t believe in marriage, she fell in love and married Mr. Incredible himself.
Although she loved being a superhero, there was nothing Helen loved more than being a parent to her three adorable children and a wife to her loving husband. We love how motherly and friendly she looks in this 3D art.
Gwen Stacy from Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse
Next up, we have the effortlessly cool Gwen Stacy. This girl happens to be the only Spider-Woman we know from her world based on the events of Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse. She is also a kickass drummer. See why we think she’s cool?
Those who love Spiderman and have watched previous installments of the movies or comics know that Gwen was not always part of the Spider-people. However, we are so glad that we now get to see her as one, and we can’t wait to witness what she has in store for us!
Milhouse from The Simpsons
A recurring character in The Simpsons, Milhouse Mussolini Van Houten is of Greek, Dutch, Italian, and Danish descent and shares his parents’ physical features. According to Hossein, recreating this character was not an easy task because he has some pretty unique features.
He is Bart’s best friend, and although he is less popular, it’s difficult to miss him in the crowd with his eyeglasses and distinct blue hair and eyebrows. Hossein hit everything on the spot with his recreation of Milhouse. Great job!
Russell from Up
Here comes the friendliest, fun-loving, and all-around amazing explorer, Russell. This kid befriended the often cranky Carl Fredricksen, and through persistence, he found a way to his heart. Frankly, Carl had no choice but to let him in, in the end.
In the 3D representation, he looks every bit like the curious and brave kid we know. He also has all his badges which, as we all know, are his pride and joy. His orange scarf, which he always seems to tie wrong, also suits him well in the photo.
Charlie Brown from Snoopy
One of the most popular cartoon characters ever created, Charlie Brown, is the main character in the Peanuts comic strip. Described as a lovable loser, he is the owner of the adorable dog Snoopy. He might be a bit wishy-washy, but he is loyal and determined.
It probably took Hossein a while to get this art done. As you can see, he put a lot of effort into trying to stay as loyal to the original as possible while still putting his own spin on the character. Charlie looks a bit old for his age here, but we love this!
Marge Simpson from The Simpsons
The matriarch from The Simpsons, Marge, or Marjorie Jacqueline Simpson, is one of the main characters of the TV show. The blue-haired lady is known for maintaining order in the household and making sure that everyone is doing what they are supposed to do.
We can’t help but think that this 3D version of Marge has sort of a coquettish look on her face. Her eyes are large, and her eyelashes are thick and lengthy. The smile on her face looks as if she knows something but isn’t ready to share the information with anyone yet.
Alladin from Alladin
Alladin is one of only a handful of Disney’s main characters who are not royalty. Most of these films tend to center around a character, often a princess and their love interest but in Alladin, he’s the main character while his love interest, Princess Jasmine, plays a supporting role.
In this 3D render, we think he looks every bit the scrappy, street-smart common thief we all fell in love with when we first watched the film. With his luscious locks and easy-going demeanor, it’s easy to see why Jasmine was ready to venture into a whole new world with him.
Peter Parker from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
At times a photographer, student, and scientist, Peter Parker was an unlikely full-time superhero. His alter ego, Spider-Man, is a regular feature of Marvel Comics and spends most of his time juggling school and fighting crime. We all know the story of how he got his impressive powers.
This image of Spider-Man is older than what we are used to seeing in the last few movies that feature Tom Holland. Perhaps this is Spider-Man after a few years from high school, and after solving one problem after another, girlfriend included.
Mr. Burns from The Simpsons
Just one look at Mr. Burns, and you can see right through his villainous nature. Only a villain would look as sneaky as that. Charles Montgomery Plantagenet Schicklgruber Burns, that’s a mouthful of a name, by the way, is the franchise’s main antagonist.
The character embodies tyrannical, cheap, greedy, egotistical, and all other negative traits you can think of. The businessman is the richest and most powerful resident of Springfield and was voiced by the late Christopher Collins. Yup, this 3D version just about sums up Mr. Burns.
Grandpa Simpson from The Simpsons
Grandpa Simpson, or Abraham Jebediah “Abe” Simpson II, is a recurring character in The Simpsons. He is a World War II veteran and a retired farmer. But most of all, he is a no-nonsense man who always tries to help his son’s family in any way he can.
People might not always get him, but he was a beloved character who added a touch of charm and uniqueness to the show to make it a successful and long-running one. Here he is in all his 3D glory. If only cartoons had a mind of their own, Grandpa would approve of this version.
Mr. Incredible from The Incredibles
Just look at those kind eyes. Doesn’t he look so real? Mr. Incredible, like most superheroes, is one of those guys who you know will always have your back. He is the kind of person who, even when he’s prevented from saving people with his powers, still tries to help however he can.
His story also taught us the importance of loving what you do. We couldn’t help but feel for him when he was stuck working for a corrupt insurance company because we saw the toll it took on him. Thankfully, things worked out in the end.
Popeye from Popeye
The spinach-loving muscle man in the 3D version does not look any more handsome than his cartoon counterpart. The main character of the Popeye franchise, Popeye, was created in 1928 by Elzie Crisler Segar. He has distinct skinny upper arms and huge forearms.
He likes smoking his pipe but likes tooting it like a tugboat more. According to the original comics, he has superhuman strength and can lift huge objects without any problems – but he needs to eat spinach first. Of course, he is also Miss Olive Oyl’s love interest.
Ralph from The Simpsons
We love this recreation of Ralph from The Simpsons because it looks just like the cartoon character, even the hair! Ralph Wiggum is voiced by Nancy Cartwright, and he is a classmate of Lisa Simpson and the son of Police Chief Wiggum.
He is best known as the town’s weird kid with his erratic and sometimes bizarre behavior. He might be an outcast, but he seems to be on good terms with the other children in the school. Thanks to his father’s position in town, he is rarely bullied.
Goku from Dragon Ball Z
Goku from the popular manga series Dragon Ball Z is one of the most popular anime characters in the world. He is also very kindhearted and compassionate despite his immense love of combat. We’d even go so far as to say he has a heart of gold.
As you can clearly see in the photo, the guy is ripped! But as we mentioned, he loves to fight, so he is often training, which explains his beautifully sculpted body. If we had just a fraction of the discipline he has, we’d be able to comfortably do five push-ups. But here we are.
Luigi from Super Mario
A plumber who resides in the Mushroom Kingdom, Luigi is Mario’s taller and younger twin brother. The character was created by Japanese designer Shigeru Miyamoto, and Luigi has appeared in countless games in the Mario franchise. While not as famous as his brother, he’s just as loved.
His first appearance was in 1983 in the game Mario Bros, and he would retain his role in various future games. Here he is seen in his usual dark blue overalls, green shirt, and green hat with the L insignia. We can’t help but think that his 3D version looks sterner and older.
Bruce Wayne from Beware The Batman
Even though he doesn’t really have any superpowers, Batman has managed to stay relevant in the dynamic realm of superheroes. There are so many movies, series, and comics based on the character that producers and filmmakers never run out of material.
One such project is Beware The Batman, which is an animated series that first appeared on Cartoon Network back in 2013. Pictured here is the Batman from that series, who we think the artist captured amazingly, as he always does.
Peter Griffin from Family Guy
Who doesn’t love Peter Griffin from Family Guy? Husband to Lois Griffin and father to Stevie, Meg, and Chris, his face can be seen not only on screen but on a variety of merchandise, from toys to video games and t-shirts!
His favorite pastime is watching TV, and he is a huge fan of Barry Manilow and the band KISS. He might have other toxic traits that his family has to deal with, but we’re not here to talk about that. We loved this version of him, complete with that cleft on his little chin.
Jessie from Toy Story 2
As one of the many toys in the Toy Story franchise, Jessie is undoubtedly the most adventurous. She is always down for a good time and loves to make those around her as happy as she is. Though she had a sad past when she first joined Woody’s gang, she overcomes most of her issues.
We think the artist did a fantastic job capturing her essence here. Even someone who does not know anything about the toys in the movie would immediately tell that Jessie is an outgoing character who is always full of life.
Ned Flanders from The Simpsons
Nedward “Ned” Flanders Jr. was one of the first characters outside of the Simpsons family to have earned a spot on the show. The extremely religious next-door neighbor is sometimes seen as a pushover, thanks to his timid nature. Homer loves making fun of him.
We have to say that this is a better-looking version of Ned than the cartoon. Just look at those blue eyes. We absolutely love this! The artist has done such great work, and we’re sure that Ned himself would be very pleased to see this.
Vi from Arcane
Lovers of the video game League of Legends were over the moon with excitement after Netflix announced that an animated series based on the game’s characters and universe was being released. And that’s how we all got introduced to Arcane.
The show centers around the rowdy and all-around badass Vi and her sister. Her unique natural pink hair, accessories, and tough eyes were flawlessly brought out here. Just one look at her, and you’re assured that you are dealing with a formidable opponent.
Krusty the Klown from The Simpsons
This clown gives us the creeps because he truly gives a lot of Pennywise and John Wayne Gacy vibes. Krusty the Clown, or Herschel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofsky, is a recurring character in the TV series and is voiced by Dan Castellaneta.
There are a lot of speculations that Homer and Krusty the Klown are actually the same person, but that’s a little secret that the creators are not willing to reveal just yet. Here he is, in all his creepy glory! And yup, even in 3D, he still gives us Killer Clown vibes.
Apu from The Simpsons
This is another character with a mouthful of a name! Apu Nahasapeemapetilon is an Indian immigrant and the proprietor of the Kwik E-Mart, a convenience store located in Springfield. Remember his favorite catchphrase? Thank you, come again. Hossein clearly took his time designing this 3D version.
Polite towards customers and always on the alert to say thank you, he is a workaholic and spends most of his time in the workplace. After marrying Manjula, his workaholic nature just seemed to get worst. Well, this is how we envisioned Apu if he was a real person.
Woody from Toy Story
First of all, we just need to get this off our chest: this is one hot version of Woody. Sheriff Woody Pride didn’t look as remotely suave or good-looking as the 3D version of him, but don’t get us wrong! We’re not disappointed. We’re happy.
In the movie, Woody is Andy’s favorite toy and also the leader of all his toys. However, his alpha male persona was threatened when the new toy Buzz Lightyear joined the group and quickly became Andy’s favorite. But all’s well that ends well, and he and Buzz end up becoming best friends.
Lisa Simpson from The Simpsons
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the moral center of the entire Simpsons clan. Given Lisa’s incredible accomplishments and precociousness, we often forget that she is only eight years old. Oh, what we would give to have our lives figured out like she seemingly does.
Despite all this, she also has a dark side that will make you think twice before crossing her and still somehow manages to be a typical kid sometimes, like when she’s fighting with Bert. This 3D rendering aptly displays how pretty we’ve always thought she was.
Kingpin from Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse
Kingpin has to be one of the biggest villains we know. The man is not only obese, but he also happens to have a lot of muscle to match it, which makes him a force to reckon with in combat.
This 3D model of him is exactly how we would reimagine the villain based on the film and the comics. The artist brought to life Kingpin’s heavy-set features perfectly and even managed to nail the vicious scowl he always seems to have on his face!
Dutch 2025 from Predator: Hunting Grounds
And now, from the world of animation and cartoon characters, we now venture into video games. If you were a fan of the film Predator or any of the other movies in the franchise, you would probably love Predator: Hunting Grounds if you don’t already.
It rightfully features Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was the inspiration behind this particular render. Frankly, he looks even better here than he did in the film, wouldn’t you agree? So, if you love video games and haven’t tried this out, give it a chance next time.