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Artist Uses Body Paint to Transform Himself into Living Comic Book Characters

At first glance, the characters painted by Argenis Pinal (aka argenapeede) look like they're from the pages of a comic book. Upon closer inspection, however, it's clear that these aren't stylized pen and ink drawings–they're actually photos of him with expertly applied face paint! The California-based cosmetologist applies his own makeup and hair styles to imitate a number of famous superheroes and villains, including the Joker, Tony Stark, and Thor. He also puts his own spin on these iconic personalities by creating zombified versions of X Men's Wolverine and Rogue.

To achieve these amazing effects, Pinal uses dark, heavy lines to contour his face, creating different shapes and mimicking the type of outlines you'd find in the comics. He then complements his painting skills with accessories–fabulous wigs, colored contacts, and costume props. The result is a total transformation that pays impressive homage to the fictional characters that he loves.

Argenis Pinal: Instagram
via [The Real Stan Lee]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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