Aluminum cans are the most recycled beverage container in the world with a whopping 105,784 cans being recycled every minute, nationwide. Japanese artist Makaon is taking recycling to the next level with his series of astounding sculptures fashioned after fictional characters like Batman, Yoshi and Mario.

I can’t imagine the level of intricate folding needed to take place to achieve such exemplary recreations, but alas, folds were made and pieces of art emerged. Oh the finger blood (or glove tearing) that must have occured for these figures to become reality. Makaon’s entire collection is viewable via his website — here are some of our favorites:

H/T: VisualNews

Elie AyrouthTwitterFacebook

Elie is a product of Orange County, CA. In early 2012, his dentist diagnosed him with 8 different cavities, three of which on the same tooth, as a result of his 23-year Sour Patch Kid addiction.