These Disney Character Re-Designs Might Be The Cutest Chibi Disney Illustrations Ever
Whether you know her as Wendy Chew (Mother and Author of self-published book "Pregnancy Journey: A comic journal") or Mashi, you have to agree that her artwork is astoundingly adorable. Hailing from Singapore, the artist known as Mashi creates Chibi versions of all sorts of characters and real people, but the cutest of them all are definitely the Disney characters!
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Chibi is a slang Japanese word but it's not so easy to define as simply "cute." Rather, there is a specific definition of this popular slang term you've probably heard before (but probably not thought much about.)
According to Wikipedia:
"Chibi (ちび or チビ) is a Japanese slang word describing something short (an inanimate object, a human or other animal). The term is widely used to describe a specific style of caricature where characters are drawn in an exaggerated way: small and chubby, with stubby limbs and oversized heads. This style of artwork, also known as super deformed (shorthanded as SD), has since found its way into anime and manga fandom through its usage in manga works."
We are sure you'll adore these chibi re-creations of Disney characters from Mashi, don't forget to check out and support the artist herself either! DeviantArt | Instagram | Facebook
1. Female Captian Hook
2. Mulan
3. Female Jafar
4. Female Dr. Facilier
5. Maleficent
6. Nebula (MCU)
According to Wikipedia, the chibi art style is part of Japanese culture and is "seen everywhere from advertising and subway signs to anime and manga. The style was popularized by franchises like Dragon Ball and SD Gundam in the 1980s. ... Chibi characters are often featured in video games as well as sprites."
7. Hades
8. Pocahontas
9. Moana, Lilo and Stitch, and Ariel The Little Mermaid
10. Moana (with Pua and Hei Hei)
11. Female Hades
12. Kida
13. Esmerelda
14. Ursula
According to Clip Studio:
"Chibi characters are usually between two and four heads tall. They are often used on merchandise for popular anime series. With huge, distinct facial expressions, they are also useful when good at creating a fun or cute atmosphere."
15. Tigger Girl
16. The Evil Queen
17. Cinderella
18. Merida
19. Flynn Ryder
20. Cruella De Vil
21. Queen of Hearts
When a user on the anime forums of Stack Exchange asked about the origins of the chibi style, one user explained:
""Chibi" started after an anime from 1990 (before Sailor Moon) which is called Chibi Maruko-chan, and has a similar art style. So actually, the "chibi art style" is borrowed from Chibi Maruko-chan."
22. Snow White
23. Aurora
24. Vanellope
25. Tiana
26. Aladdin
27. Ariel
28. Jafar
29. Jasmine
30. Calliope (Hercules)
31. Cinderella
32. Fairy Godmother
33. Piglet Girl
34. Rapunzel
35. Belle
Apparently, in some contexts, the word chibi is also used in a derogatory way and not everyone appreciates its widespread use. However you perceive this slang term, you have to admit that it has inspired a lot of creative and adorable fan art!
Such is clearly the case with Wendy, whose Chibi style Disney characters are so easy to gush over! They're just the absolute cutest.