Have you ever imagined what your favorite anime characters would look like in real life? While there’s some talented cosplayers out there who can make that dream come true, sometimes they end up more like hilarious nightmares instead.
But thanks to the computer graphics artist Naoto Ikeda, now there’s another way for us to see anime characters brought to life in three dimensions: through his jaw-dropping digital artwork.
Just take a look at some of the models he’s created:
▼ First up is Evangelion‘s Asuka Langley Soryu. The details like the wrinkles in her suitare just unbelievable. It’s almost like she’s standing right in front of you, mocking you, bossing you around, being stuck up and–why did we want her to be real again?
▼ Those plugsuits can get cold sometimes. Good for her remembering to bring a hoodie… and an eyepatch.
▼ And don’t forget about Evangelion’s other, creepier female pilot: Rei Ayanami.
▼ Next up is Yoko Littner from Gurren Lagann. I actually thought was a real person when I first saw it.
▼ “Hi! That’s an amazing cosplay. What’s your name? …oh. You’re just a picture. I’ll see myself out.”
▼ Then we have Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle, looking like he might just move right out of your computer screen.
▼ And Princess Shirahoshi from One Piece. I can’t believe the artist actually succeeded in making a giant mermaid look realistic.
▼ Here’s Dio Brando from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. The detail in those fingers is making me wish my own hands looked cooler.
▼ And Jotaru Kujo, also from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, whose coat and hat should be a part of everyone’s wardrobe.
▼ Then we have Sasuke from Naruto. I would say his deadpan expression doesn’t look as lifelike as some of the others, but come on, it’s Sasuke… this is his “I’m so excited it’s my birthday” face.
▼ Chairman Netero from Hunter x Hunter is giving everyone a heart attack with how realistic he looks (ba dum ch).
▼ And finally, sexy Rilakkuma. Not quite sure what the inspiration was for this one, but I’m glad it’s a thing that exists.
If you like what you see, then check out Naoto Ikeda’s online portfolio, where there’s even more 3-D designs. You can also take a look at his blog here. It’s written in Japanese, but there’s mostly just pictures showing the step by step process he takes to create each model.
Or, if you’ve found a different kind of inspiration in his artwork, you can start buffing up now to cosplay as Sexy Rilakkuma at your next convention. Good luck!