7 Shocking Secrets Behind Gorillaz Phase 1 Art Style That Fans Are Rediscovering In 2025
The Gorillaz Phase 1 art style, a raw and gritty aesthetic that defined the band's 1997–2003 debut era, is currently experiencing a massive resurgence in fan interest, largely due to major upcoming events celebrating the band's history. This original visual identity, crafted by co-creator Jamie Hewlett, is more than just a collection of cartoon drawings; it is a seminal work of modern pop art that perfectly mirrored the band's genre-blending sound, setting a standard for virtual bands that has never been surpassed. As of December 19, 2025, the excitement is building for a landmark exhibition that promises to put this iconic era back in the spotlight.
This deep dive will uncover the artistic influences, character design secrets, and the enduring legacy of the art from the Gorillaz self-titled album and G Sides era, revealing why this particular phase remains the gold standard for many fans and critics alike. From the dark, hand-drawn lines to the distinct color palette, Phase 1 is a masterclass in visual storytelling and character-driven world-building.
The Architect of Anarchy: Jamie Hewlett's Biography and Role
The entire visual universe of Gorillaz is the brainchild of English comic book artist and designer Jamie Christopher Hewlett, who co-created the band with musician Damon Albarn. While Albarn provided the musical genius, Hewlett provided the visual soul. His career is marked by a distinctive, anarchic style that found its perfect vessel in the world's first virtual band.
- Full Name: Jamie Christopher Hewlett
- Born: April 3, 1968, Horsham, West Sussex, England
- Occupation: Comic Book Artist, Designer, Animator, Director
- Key Works Before Gorillaz: Co-creator and artist for the highly influential comic book Tank Girl (1988), which established his signature punk-rock, anti-establishment aesthetic.
- Gorillaz Role: Co-creator, Character Designer, Art Director, and Illustrator for all phases of the band's history, from Phase 1 (1997–2003) to the present.
- Awards: Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards (2006), and a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video for "Feel Good Inc." (2006).
The Gritty Aesthetics: 7 Secrets of the Phase 1 Art Style
The visual identity of Phase 1, which spanned the release of the debut album Gorillaz and hit singles like "Clint Eastwood" and "Tomorrow Comes Today," possesses a uniquely raw energy that later phases would evolve away from. This style is often referred to as the "original" or "classic" look, capturing the band's fictional home, Kong Studios, in its initial, dilapidated glory.
1. The Hanna-Barbera and Cartoon Network DNA
One of the most surprising and foundational influences on the Phase 1 aesthetic is the classic animation style of Hanna-Barbera and early Cartoon Network shows. Hewlett consciously drew upon the bold lines and often flat, expressive characters of these cartoons, giving the Gorillaz a familiar yet twisted visual language. The style is a modern, darker take on this classic American animation, blending its simplicity with a grittier, distinctly British punk sensibility.
2. The Raw, Hand-Drawn Line Quality
Unlike the cleaner, more polished digital art of later phases, the Phase 1 artwork is characterized by its visibly raw, hand-drawn quality. Hewlett did almost all the art for the first two albums, and his distinct line work is unmistakable. The illustrations often feature visible pencil or ink lines, giving them a scratchy, immediate feel that perfectly suited the band’s lo-fi, experimental sound. This commitment to the organic line is what makes the original 2D and Murdoc Niccals designs so iconic and beloved by fans.
3. Character Design as Anarchy
The initial designs for the four virtual members—2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs—were at their most extreme in Phase 1. Murdoc, the self-proclaimed leader and bassist, was at his most demonic and grotesque, reflecting his dark backstory. 2D, the lead vocalist, had his signature black eyes (a result of multiple car crashes caused by Murdoc) drawn in a more exaggerated, almost vacant manner. Noodle was introduced as a mysterious, silent 10-year-old guitarist, and Russel Hobbs was a gentle giant possessed by the ghost of a deceased rapper, Del the Funky Homosapien, whose presence was visually represented by a glowing, ethereal effect.
4. The Importance of Kong Studios
The band's fictional headquarters, Kong Studios, was a crucial visual entity in Phase 1. Depicted as a massive, derelict, haunted recording studio atop a hill, the building itself was a character. The art showcased the dilapidated interiors, the bizarre equipment, and the general sense of chaos and decay, establishing the moody, isolated atmosphere that defined the band’s early narrative and music videos like "19-2000."
5. The Limited, Moody Color Palette
The color scheme in Phase 1 art often leaned toward a more muted, darker palette. While bright colors were used, they were often offset by heavy shadows and a generally grimy aesthetic. This moodiness was a deliberate choice to reflect the dark, satirical themes in the band's music and narrative, contrasting sharply with the often saccharine colors of the cartoons that influenced the line work.
6. The 'Tank Girl' Influence
Hewlett’s previous work on the cult-classic comic Tank Girl is an unmissable influence. The same punk-rock, anti-authoritarian spirit, and highly stylized, aggressive character posing are evident throughout the Phase 1 artwork. This visual lineage connected the band to a counter-culture tradition, immediately establishing Gorillaz as more than just a novelty act.
7. The Visual-Audio Synthesis
Ultimately, the secret to the Phase 1 art's genius is how perfectly it synthesized with the music. The scratchy, eclectic, and genre-hopping sound of the debut album—a blend of hip-hop, dub, reggae, and electro—was perfectly embodied by the artwork. The visual style was as chaotic and unexpected as the music, creating a cohesive, immersive multimedia experience that revolutionized what a band could be.
Phase 1 Art Returns: The House of Kong Exhibition (2025)
The enduring appeal of the Phase 1 artwork is being celebrated in a major, up-to-date event that proves its timeless relevance. The band has announced a new art exhibition to celebrate its 25th anniversary, titled "House of Kong."
This immersive exhibition is scheduled to take place from August 8th to September 3rd, 2025, at the Copper Box Arena in London. While the exhibition will cover the band's entire history, the title itself—a direct reference to the Phase 1 headquarters—suggests a strong focus on the original era. Fans are eagerly anticipating that the "House of Kong" will showcase vivid artwork and immersive installations, providing a high-resolution, physical experience of the raw, unique Phase 1 aesthetic.
The exhibition is a testament to the cultural impact of Jamie Hewlett’s initial vision. It provides a new generation of fans, and those who grew up with the band, an opportunity to step into the world of Phase 1 Kong Studios and appreciate the artistry that launched the most successful virtual band in history. The enduring love for the original designs of 2D, Noodle, Murdoc Niccals, and Russel Hobbs ensures that this era will remain the band's most iconic visual statement.
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