Count Calorie by Ron English

Ron English is known for his bold, satirical take on pop culture. As a pioneer of "POPaganda" art, he twists familiar icons into thought-provoking commentary on consumerism, advertising, and society. His latest creation, Count Calorie, continues this tradition.

Count Calorie is a direct parody of Count Chocula, the sugary cereal mascot introduced in the 1970s. Instead of a charming vampire promoting breakfast, English’s version exposes the excess of processed foods and their marketing tactics. The figure reimagines the Count as overweight, with a bloated face and belly, a stark contrast to the friendly cartoon original. His wide grin and mischievous eyes, however, maintain a playful edge, reminding us that satire doesn’t have to be subtle.

The standard Count Calorie release features rich brown tones, staying close to the colors of chocolate cereal. Meanwhile, the Monotone edition strips away the vibrancy, leaving behind shades of gray. This black-and-white version feels almost ghostly, reinforcing the idea of nostalgia distorted by modern reality.

Both figures showcase Ron English’s signature blend of humor and critique. They highlight the disconnect between childhood advertising and the long-term effects of processed foods. As with much of his work, Count Calorie turns an everyday image into a conversation starter—one that’s as unsettling as it is familiar.

Monotone edition available here

Regular edition available here