These Disney Character Re-Designs Might Be The Cutest Chibi Disney Illustrations Ever

Who doesn't LOVE Chibi designs of pop culture characters... especially when they're Disney?

Elana

• Published in Disney
• November 15, 2021

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!

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.

Elana