In pretty much every fairy tale, the princesses are treated as these weak, helpless damsels who can only break their curses if they’re rescued and/or locking lips with a total stranger. Think Snow White and Prince Florian. With that in mind, let us introduce you to Russian artist Artemii Myasnikov, who came up with a pretty nifty idea. One evening while watching the animated Netflix series Disenchantment, which features a free-spirited medieval princess who would rather party than fulfill her royal duties, Artemii turned to his wife and basically said, “Screw what Disney has been doing to these princesses. I’m going to make them into badass warriors who control their own destiny.” Growing up as a die-hard fan of The Transformers (that makes two of us, Mr. Myasnikov!) and other awesome cartoons, it only seemed natural that he would use these as sources of inspiration as he turned the likes of Mulan and The Little Mermaid into the armed and dangerous heroines that they were always meant to be.
1. Belle and Her Sidekick Beast
In the new version of Beauty and the Beast, Beast is in Beastmode as always, but Belle is the one to fear. Note that if her sword fails her, no problem! She can just take down her enemies with one shot. Clever strategy indeed.
2. Cinderella: The Rise of the Machines
Just look at the way Cinderminator crushes her glass slipper with her bare cyborg hand! Think her wicked stepmother stands a chance now? Fun fact: even as she’s kicking ass, Cinderella’s hair always stays neatly in place.
3. Pocahontas III: Out For Revenge
I don’t know about you, but it kind of looks like Meeko has rabies. We’re cool with that! By the way, yes, this would actually be the third installment because back in 1998 Disney crapped out a direct-to-video sequel.
4. Rapunzel: Ready to Throw it Down
Last time she threw down her hair. This time, she’s ready for a good old fashion beat down.
5. Snow White and the Seven Warriors
A trilogy based on the adventures of Snow White these fearsome, battle-hardened dwarves would definitely rival The Lord of the Rings. Okay, maybe not. But we can all agree that it would be far more entertaining than The Hobbit.
6. Beauty is Done With All This Sleeping Nonsense
We never doubted that if armed with a lance, Princess Aurora could put up a good fight against Maleficent. But even we couldn’t have anticipated the sheer awesomeness of her castle tower shoulders.
7. Mulan and Mushu are Ready To Teach You a Lesson
Although at $100 an hour, their martial arts training doesn’t come cheap. They’re really good at what they do though, so at least think about it.
8. Princess Jasmine’s Whole New World
Her skills with a blade completely change the equation. Jafar must totally be quaking in his lamp.
9. Tiana the Firefly Whisperer
If you ever see a princess…and she’s armed to the teeth with swords and such… but she’s got a friendly smile… that’s when you breathe a deep sigh of relief.
10. Merida as Herself
Yeah, this depiction of the Scottish princess is pretty much exactly how she was portrayed in the actual movie.
11. Ariel Gets Crabby Sometimes
This one is my favorite hands down. Simply put, Ariel and Sebastian are an unstoppable force.
