“Fanart Invasion” Student Showcase: Creative Re-imaginings of Iconic Characters!

Have you ever wondered what your favourite character would look like in an alternate universe? For example, what if Arcane’s Jinx were a cyberpunk hacker, or if Street Fighter’s Chun-Li were a katana-wielding samurai?

This is exactly what the students at MAGES ART have been tasked to do as part of an in-house competition called “Fanart Invasion”. Drawing on the skills and principles they developed through their Diploma in Entertainment Design course, they crafted impressive, high-quality concepts highlighting their design capabilities. A select few even had the opportunity for their art to be featured at the MAGES booth at Anime Festival Asia and Comic Con. Let’s take a look at some of the submissions!

Alchemist from Dota 2 – Min Khant Myo

Min has selected his favourite Dota 2 hero, the ogre-riding Alchemist, and re-imagined him through the lens of Japanese culture. With a masterful use of blocky, geometric shapes, Min creates a depiction of the ogre that feels both sturdy and fierce. Atop the ogre sits Alchemist himself, Razzil Darkbrew, guiding them into battle. Min also pays homage to the game’s source material by incorporating iconic elements, such as the Unstable Concoction ability, which he creatively reinterprets with a Japanese twist. 

The Cat in the Hat from Dr Suess – John Long

John’s submission offers a Japanese-inspired take on Dr. Seuss’ iconic Cat in the Hat. Staying true to the fluid, whimsical movements that define Dr. Seuss’ style, John reimagines the world through a unique cultural lens. The fluffy Truffula trees are transformed into delicate bonsais, the Cat’s signature hat is turned to straw, and his umbrella is adorned with kunai, weaving in multiple references to Japanese culture. This piece is rich with creative details that seamlessly blend both worlds.

Sailor Moon – Aniyyah

Aniyyah has merged her passion for Gundam with her love for Sailor Moon, creating a redesign of the iconic heroine as a fully realised mech. By preserving key elements of Sailor Moon’s signature look, such as her hairstyle and uniform, Aniyyah ensures the character remains instantly recognisable. The design incorporates sharp, geometric shapes that evoke a sense of strength, while the colour palette maintains the character’s charm and cuteness. The result is a perfect fusion of powerful and adorable, colliding the worlds of mecha and magical girl.

Yone from League of Legends – Kan Rongrueangkul

This submission by Kan blends the League of Legends character Yone with elements of Nordic culture. Yone, defined by his connection to both the living world and the underworld, is reimagined with the influence of Hel – the underworld of Norse mythology. Hel is traditionally associated with cold and ice, creating a striking contrast to the fiery, often turbulent depictions of the underworld in many cultures. Kan weaves this icy theme into Yone’s design, offering a fresh and captivating take on the character whilst still maintaining a level of recognisability.

A2 from NieR:Automata – On Xin Jing

On Xing Jing presents a cyberpunk reinterpretation of the NieR: Automata character A2. The redesign infuses a vibrant pop of colour, a staple of the cyberpunk genre, while the newly designed great sword complements her futuristic aesthetic. Details, such as a dog tag necklace inherited from a fallen team member, subtly reference A2’s backstory as the lone survivor of her squadron. This integration of narrative elements enhances the character’s depth, adding an emotional impact to her bold new look.

Hatsune Miku – Ng Jean

This submission by Jean reimagines the iconic Hatsune Miku as a train conductor, integrating various references to train design elements throughout the artwork. Details, like the train whistles adorning her headphones and the metal cowcatcher incorporated into her skirt, fuse Miku’s distinctive look with key features of a locomotive. Jean’s use of colour further enhances the piece, with Miku’s signature turquoise twin tails standing out against the earthy tones of her outfit.

A big thank you to all of our students who have participated! Join us at our Open House on the 11th of January, where we will announce the winner. See you there!