Two die-hard Marvel fans have inked their bodies with 34 of their favourite characters, jointly achieving the record for the most Marvel comic book characters tattooed onto the body.
You’d be forgiven for assuming that these two Marvel-mad men planned this together, however, they don’t know each other at all!
Rick Scolamiero (Canada) originally set this record back in 2018, at which point he had 31 Marvel tattoos.
Recently, Ryan Logsdon (USA) applied for the record with 34 tattoos, however, before we awarded him the title, Rick - who knew nothing about Ryan's application - informed us that he’d gotten three more tatts, taking his total to 34!
After jointly awarding them both the record, we caught up with Rick and Ryan to find out more about their marvellous body art.
When did you get your first Marvel tattoo and what was it?
Rick: I started in 2011 – it was Spider-Man on my left forearm.
Ryan: Roughly 2009. Original idea was just for Daredevil and Bullseye as Daredevil is my favourite character.
Why did you decide to get more Marvel tattoos after that?
Rick: I’ve been a huge Marvel fan since I was a kid and dreamed of a Marvel sleeve for years. I started with an arm sleeve then went to a leg sleeve. I loved the artist’s work, and we became best friends.
Ryan: I decided to get Marvel hero and villain sleeves, then I saw the news regarding the record being set, and because I was so close, I decided to continue my hero and villain theme on my back to achieve the record.
How many hours were you tattooed for in total?
Rick: I would say the Marvel tattoos were approximately 300 hours.
Ryan: Approximately 200 hours.
How much money did your tattoos cost in total?
Rick: I tell people approximately the same as a nice SUV haha.
Ryan: Over $10,000.
Which tattoo(s) hurt the most?
Rick: I would say the little LEGO® characters on the sides of my feet - lots of nerves.
Ryan: Left wrist, inside of armpits, and butts of elbows.
Which tattoo is your favourite?
Rick: My favourite tattoo I think is my Spider-Man because it started it all and it is the one I see the most.
Ryan: My favourite tattoo changes as a lot of them are directly from stories or comic issues that have meant something to me, like my Invisible Woman from the Civil War book, or Steve Rogers from Ed Brubaker's run.
What do you like most about your tattoos?
Rick: That they are badass haha. I love the colour of them and the fact it was a childhood dream come to life.
Ryan: That my passion for the characters and stories, artists and writers are immortalized on my body.
Who is your favourite Marvel character?
Rick: That is such a tough question. I think it would be between Spider-Man and Silver Surfer.
Ryan: Daredevil is my favourite. I also have large collection of Daredevil comics, figures, statues, and memorabilia.
Do you prefer the comics or the movies?
Rick: I enjoy both. Comics are classic but I also never dreamed we would see Marvel movies like we have and even have a Marvel Cinematic Universe!
Ryan: I still prefer comics, but I love the movies as well. I consider them a separate universe and can enjoy both equally.
What are your favourite and least favourite Marvel movies?
Rick: Another tough question. I would have to say my favourite would be Infinity War. Least favourite might be Eternals.
Ryan: I'll watch Captain America: Winter Soldier any time. I also love Infinity War and Endgame. My least favourite might be Eternals and Iron Man 3.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Rick: Maybe flying!
Ryan: I'd say either Invisible Woman's invisibility/force power or Colossus's metal skin (also his painting ability too).
Are you planning on getting any more tattoos?
Rick: I would love more tattoos but unfortunately, I am pretty much covered. If I can find some spots, I am sure I will tattoo them haha. I also have lots of geometric tattoos as background so it could end up just being that.
Ryan: I think it's great that two passionate fans share the record. I still would like to add on to my back piece at some point. Next ideas are the Black Panther (to go with my Namor) and Elektra. Not sure how many more I'll do, we'll see!
What does this Guinness World Records title mean to you?
Rick: It is pretty awesome! I didn’t have much growing up, but I had Marvel cards and comics as well as a 1992 Guinness World Records book, so to have a record myself and to be in the 2020 book was pretty surreal. I am proud to hold the record and if it gets beaten again, I will be proud to be a former record holder.
Ryan: I think it's really cool. This whole thing was born out of love and passion for storytelling and characters, along with the writers/artists that created them. Most of the journey, I had no idea there was a record - I was just wanting hero and villain sleeves. It feels really cool to achieve a goal that I had and it would be great to meet Rick - I'm sure we'd have a bunch to talk about.
Congratulations Rick and Ryan, you are both Officially Amazing!
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