Michael Paulus’s latest series, Anatomy of Cartoon Characters, is a fascinating dive into the unexpected, merging childhood nostalgia with a pinch of dark humor. Paulus takes some of the most iconic and familiar cartoon figures and strips them down to their bones, literally. The drawings reveal skeletal structures that are at once recognizable and wildly absurd, highlighting the way we perceive these characters while challenging the viewer’s sense of reality.
At first glance, the pieces are playful. You recognize beloved characters and smile at the familiar shapes, colors, and proportions. Then you look closer, and there’s a subtle unease. The bones don’t always make sense. Some limbs bend unnaturally, skulls are exaggerated, and ribcages expand in ways that feel oddly plausible for cartoons but completely impossible in real life. This tension between humor and discomfort is the heart of Paulus’s work. It’s equal parts curiosity and a gentle creep factor.
The execution is meticulous. Paulus uses precise line work and careful shading to give each skeleton a sense of volume and three-dimensionality. Even though the subject matter is fantastical, the technical skill grounds the work, creating a convincing illusion of anatomical structure. Every drawing shows thoughtfulness in composition, from the tilt of a head to the spacing between bones, making these illustrations feel both scientific and imaginative.
Beyond the clever concept, these pieces spark a conversation about perception, memory, and the evolution of how we interact with media from childhood. They challenge us to look beyond the surface and consider what makes these characters so enduring. Paulus manages to combine wit, technical skill, and a touch of the uncanny to create a series that is both entertaining and intellectually engaging.
Whether you love cartoons or just enjoy clever, slightly eerie art, Anatomy of Cartoon Characters is a collection that captivates and surprises with every viewing.
Credits
Artist: Michael Paulus
Series: Anatomy of Cartoon Characters
s.
