The coolest tattoos we saw at Hell City Tattoo Festival 2024 in Phoenix

One of the many tattoo artists who slung ink at Hell City Tattoo Festival in Phoenix. Benjamin Leatherman

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At the Arizona Biltmore Resort, expert hands were busy slinging ink during the Hell City Tattoo Festival 2024 in Phoenix. Hundreds of tattoo artists from across the Valley and the U.S. gathered in the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom over the three-day event, which ran from Friday to Sunday, to create stunning body art.

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.

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This retro Catwoman tattoo harkens back to the character's origins in the 1940s.

Benjamin Leatherman

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This tattoo is strong with the Dark Side of the Force.

Benjamin Leatherman

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A participant in Hell City's tattoo contest shows off an amazing-looking backpiece.

Benjamin Leatherman

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Anime-inspired tattoos were abundant at Hell City 2024 in Phoenix, including this impressive-looking piece.

Benjamin Leatherman

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In case you don't speak Latin, the phrase "fati amor" on this tattoo translates to "love of fate."

Benjamin Leatherman

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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

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A work-in-progress tattoo inspired by "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."

Benjamin Leatherman

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The colors really pop on this fantasy-themed tattoo.

Benjamin Leatherman

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Paying tribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most iconic character and the late Stan Lee.

Benjamin Leatherman

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Do butterflies and skeletons go together? This Hell City attendees thinks so.

Benjamin Leatherman

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Fans of Nintendo video games will easily recognize this tattoo inspired by "Metroid."

Benjamin Leatherman

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This intricately gorgeous almost covers an entire leg.

Benjamin Leatherman

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This chest piece was created by the artists of Sacred Culture Tattoo in Yuma.

Benjamin Leatherman

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We're not saying it was aliens, but it was aliens.

Benjamin Leatherman

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A darkly surrealist tattoo created by the legend Paul Booth at Hell City in Phoenix.

Benjamin Leatherman

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Face tattoos have become very popular in recent years.

Benjamin Leatherman

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Mickey Mouse takes a dark turn in this leg tattoo.

Benjamin Leatherman

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A colorful tattoo inspired by the kitsune myth from Japanese folklore.

Benjamin Leatherman

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This "Breaking Bad" chest piece featuring Walter White and Jesse Pinkman really cooks.

Benjamin Leatherman

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Xenomorphs are hot right now, thanks to the newly released flick "Alien: Romulus."

Benjamin Leatherman

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This colorfully cartoonish leg tattoo definitely "Hook" you.

Benjamin Leatherman

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An amazing-looking Rat Fink tattoo inspired by the cult cartoon character of the same name.

Benjamin Leatherman

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This tattoo is both freaky and fun.

Benjamin Leatherman

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This awesome-looking arm tattoo was inspired by the Hindu god Ganesha.

Benjamin Leatherman

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The mother of all Daenerys Targaryen tattoos.

Benjamin Leatherman

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A shoulder tattoo inspired by the popular anime series "Naruto."

Benjamin Leatherman

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This tattoo of a ghostly woman catches your eye.

Benjamin Leatherman

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Bio and organic tattoo were extremely popular at this year's Hell City Tattoo Festival in Phoenix.

Benjamin Leatherman

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A gorgeous tattoo by tattoo artist Jess Brown on the calf of Massachusetts residents Bri Howard.

Benjamin Leatherman

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The Marvel Comics character Carnage has never looked fiercer than on this astounding backpiece tattoo.

Benjamin Leatherman

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A cosmic and otherworldly tattoo created by Old Town Ink artist Jag.

Benjamin Leatherman

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A gothy and vampire-inspired tattoo on the calf of a Hell City attendee.

Benjamin Leatherman

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This tattoo with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was created by Manuel Flowers of Next Level Studio in Tempe.

Benjamin Leatherman