Some pieces were eerie or intense, like the dark surrealism by tattoo legend Paul Booth. Others were vibrant and playful, featuring pop culture icons like Darth Vader or the DeLorean from “Back to the Future.” Each tattoo was crafted by some of the best professionals in the country.
Hell City, one of Arizona’s largest tattoo events, also featured competitions, with judges awarding trophies for the best work in a variety of categories.
Here’s a look at some of the coolest tattoos we encountered at Hell City 2024 in Phoenix.
![A retro Catwoman tattoo on a leg.](https://media1.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905913/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-03.jpg?cb=1724796298)
This retro Catwoman tattoo harkens back to the character's origins in the 1940s.
Benjamin Leatherman
![A woman displaying a large tattoo on her back.](https://media2.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905912/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-02.jpg?cb=1724790228)
A participant in Hell City's tattoo contest shows off an amazing-looking backpiece.
Benjamin Leatherman
![An anime-themed tattoo on an arm.](https://media1.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905915/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-05.jpg?cb=1724790228)
Anime-inspired tattoos were abundant at Hell City 2024 in Phoenix, including this impressive-looking piece.
Benjamin Leatherman
![A woman shows off her arm tattoo.](https://media1.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905919/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-07.jpg?cb=1724790229)
In case you don't speak Latin, the phrase "fati amor" on this tattoo translates to "love of fate."
Benjamin Leatherman
![A leg tattoo with the DeLorean from the "Back to the Future."](https://media1.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905920/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-08.jpg?cb=1724790229)
Great Scott! This tattoo of the DeLorean from the "Back to the Future" trilogy by Manuel Flowers of Next Level Studio in Tempe is a fantastic tribute to the vehicle.
Benjamin Leatherman
![An Iron Man tattoo on a leg.](https://media2.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905924/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-10.jpg?cb=1724790229)
Paying tribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most iconic character and the late Stan Lee.
Benjamin Leatherman
![An arm tattoo inspired by "Metroid."](https://media2.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905927/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-11.jpeg?cb=1724790229)
Fans of Nintendo video games will easily recognize this tattoo inspired by "Metroid."
Benjamin Leatherman
![](https://media2.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19909913/jpg_0373.jpg?cb=1724790234)
A darkly surrealist tattoo created by the legend Paul Booth at Hell City in Phoenix.
Benjamin Leatherman
![A "Breaking Bad" tattoo on a person's chest.](https://media2.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905957/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-19.jpg?cb=1724790231)
This "Breaking Bad" chest piece featuring Walter White and Jesse Pinkman really cooks.
Benjamin Leatherman
![A backpiece tattoo with an alien.](https://media1.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905958/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-20.jpg?cb=1724790231)
Xenomorphs are hot right now, thanks to the newly released flick "Alien: Romulus."
Benjamin Leatherman
![A tattoo of a cartoon rat.](https://media2.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905961/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-35.jpg?cb=1724790231)
An amazing-looking Rat Fink tattoo inspired by the cult cartoon character of the same name.
Benjamin Leatherman
![A creepy looking tattoo on a person's leg.](https://media2.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905969/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-27.jpg?cb=1724790233)
Bio and organic tattoo were extremely popular at this year's Hell City Tattoo Festival in Phoenix.
Benjamin Leatherman
![A colorful tattoo on a person's calf.](https://media2.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/blog/19905970/best-tattoos-hell-city-phoenix-28.jpg?cb=1724790233)
A gorgeous tattoo by tattoo artist Jess Brown on the calf of Massachusetts residents Bri Howard.
Benjamin Leatherman