Above & Below: Early Culyer and pickup by Loki & “Swayze Crazy” Early by Mike Bullock (Squidbillies); Dr. Rockso (Metalocalypse) by Loki of Sacred Heart Tattoo. Below: Master Shake (Aqua Teen Hunger Force) by Jason Smalley of Forever Yours Tattoo Gallery.
he thinks the Adult Swim mark, much like the stain of ink, has grown beyond skin deep into a lifestyle challenging today’s standards of what can be done in the name business success. The rise of AS as a mainstream media contender seems to have coincided with the rise of tattoo culture and both of their growing marketabilities. As television execs scratch their heads looking for fresh new programming, the taboos of tattoos and brave original programming, what AdWeek calls a previously “long dismissed . . . cultish backwater for marijuana enthusiasts and shiftless geeks,” seem to hold the answer. Giving insight to its early years, DeMarco explains that AS founder, Mike Lazzo, “never had a conscious attempt” in achieving success. Seeking creative freedom, Lazzo strove to not spend a lot of money for the sake of more creative expression. Driven by an “initially skewed sense of humor” Lazzo and team created a veritable “island of misfit toys . . . able to indulge where they could not elsewhere”. The result, free from corporate polish and media packaging, quickly struck a nerve with a clear audience hungry for something more real and accessible, finding palette in the “snarky” but honest voice immerging as Adult Swim. This identifiable voice has built an emotional connection with its viewers; a connection so strong, fans are compelled to tattoo their favorite characters and shows onto their bodies in tribute. With such a deep response from fans, one would wonder what the folks of Adult Swim think of tattoos. While the Williams Street office itself has no policy for or against them, an undercurrent of tolerance exists. DeMarco explains that while they are not particularly “pro tattoo” the office emphasis is based on performance versus appearance. DeMarco paints the picture of an internal culture of true characters, some even wearing occasional Friday the 13th Jason masks around, promoting creativity and viewing tattoos, at least in context of creative expression, as a “non-issue,” another form of creative outlet rather than distraction. He says they prefer “not to focus on things that don’t really matter” adding “Luckily, I’m a creative though. If I worked in accounting, it might be a different story.” Whatever the story, the tales of Adult Swim have captured the hearts, minds and even hides of many and its subculture following has come to the mainstream. In its wake, one would be wise to piss or get out of the pool. Visit www.adultswim.com for the latest show news and all things merch! H INK ATLANTA MAGAZINE 15