A tattoo artists is on a mission to ink all 151 of the original Pokemon characters on his customers for charity.
Ben Cocking, 28, is planning to recreate the pocket monsters on human skin – and has already been swamped by bookings.
To mark the release of Pokemon Go, the artist will be donating the money raised to a local cause.
Ben, from Plymouth, Devon, said: “I like Pokemon and it’s suddenly become really popular because of the game. Everyone is really into it.
“I’ve been asked to do a couple Pokemon characters on people before but since deciding to do all 151 of the original series, I’ve had more than 50 messages from customers asking to be booked in.
“I’m part of the Facebook group for Plymouth players and I saw this week that it’s now officially the biggest of its type anywhere in the world.
“It’s mad, but that’s what prompted me to think of doing this.
“And I wanted to do it for charity so I’m not the only one who benefits.
“I haven’t decided upon one yet but I’m inclined to go with a children‘s charity, because that’s when we all started playing Pokemon.”
The Pokemon enthusiast qualified as a tattoo artist four years ago and works from his studio Hidden Ink in St Budeaux.
Ben’s got a way to go before he can become the ‘very best’ and complete the 151, but he has already inked a ‘Magikarp’ for a fish fan.
Ben said: “A customer came in and said he loves fishing for carp.
“He had carps on his arm already and had water-themed tattoos on his leg, too.”
Ben appreciates some Pokemon will be harder to ink than others – but is up for the challenge.
He added: “Some are a bit more complex, like Gastly, which someone has already asked for.
“They want a Koffing, too, to go with a haunted house-themed piece they already have.”
