In the world of Sword Art Online, gaming has evolved to let you enter a virtual world, but that's not always such a good thing, especially when you or someone you love find themselves trapped within the game. And that's not getting into what happens if you lose the game. Fans of the series, however, don't have to risk any HP points to show their love for the world this franchise has created: they just need some good ink.
Today, we're sharing some of the coolest tattoos fans have been getting in celebration of the series. And remember, since a picture, even on a person, can tell a thousand words, there's bound to be some spoilers out there.
10 Sinon/Shino Tattoo
[Via simonkbell / Instagram]
Sinon, also known as Shino Asada, is an elite sniper and proves herself to be one of the best players in the game, even having Olympic level shooting skills. This teal-haired beauty, as she appears in the tattoo, could probably take you down with a snare. But just in case you forgot where her true skills lie, you'll notice she's holding a bullet in between her teeth, not to mention another weapon behind her back. She leaves such an impression it's almost hard to forget that Sinon is an avatar...the real Shino has black hair!
9 Death Gun Tattoo
[Via jessdoestattoos / Instagram]
"Death Gun," also known as Sterben, is a mysterious gunman and antagonist within the Sword Art Online universe, rumored to have the power to kill people in real life despite being in the virtual world. Covered in shadows, his iconic mask gives the impression of a skull with glowing red eyes, making him look like the Grim Reaper itself. Without giving too much away, the mask also hides just who the "Death Gun" really is. This tattoo shows the character's face and was clearly a labor of love. The artist even confirmed it took about two years to create!
8 Kirito and Asuna Tattoo
Kazuto Kirigaya, also known as "Kirito," and Asuna Yuuki are the leads of the Sword Art Online series, and so the pair is the focus of a great many tattoos, amid other forms of fanart, from fans of the franchise.
Kept in simple black ink, we see a study of contrasts: Kirito looks like he's just about ready to attack, with his eyes darted, mouth open, and his hand on his weapon. Meanwhile, Asuna blushes with a coy smile, almost as if she's hiding in the shadows. The monochrome color scheme also helps the two look connected, like they are two of a pair.
7 Kirito and Asuna Anime World Tattoo
[Via half_breed188 / Instagram]
Once again, Kirito and Asuna are together, and this time they are in color! In this tattoo, both are shown in profile, resting the back of their heads together, each looking away from each other, into some far off distance. Maybe they're together or maybe they're in their own little worlds. More importantly, Luffy from One Piece is cheering alongside them with his fist in the air. If you look closely, Goku from Dragonball is off in the corner. Clearly, this is a tattoo for anime lovers.
6 Asuna with Rapier Tattoo
[Via shantha_ringuet / Instagram]
In the world of Sword Art Online tattoos, Asuna and Kirito often appear together, but here we have Asuna making a statement all by herself. The character is known for her skills with a rapier, which she showcases while striking a pose. Her normally white outfit also knows has a silverly, rather metallic, tint, making her look like a knight in shining armor, on the verge of an attack or at least in some defense mode. After all, there's a reason she's called "The Flash."
5 Monochrome Asuna
[Via raineisonfire / Instagram]
Asuna appears in great detail in this tattoo, striking a peaceful and contemplative pose. Prominent details, from a braid in Asuna's hair to the lighting and shading of her costume, appear meticulously made.
It's tempting to say that the monochrome style of the tattoo makes such details more apparent. You have to respect the amount of work that went into the design.
4 Asuna, Kirito, and Yui Tattoo
[Via tysiak_tattoo / Instagram]
Here we have a trio of characters. Not only do we see Kirito and Asuna together, but Yui is also standing alongside them. Originally an AI created to help the players' mental health, the positive feelings created from Kirito and Asuna inspired her to find them. Without memories of who she really was, the two originally tried to find her parents, only for her to eventually become their de facto adoptive daughter when they learned her true origins. All in all, it's a great family picture.
3 Half-and-half Asuna and Kirito Tattoo
[Via madamenana.ink / Instagram]
Asuna and Kirito usually appear side by side in these tattoos, but this design takes the idea a bit more literally than the others: we actually see half of the characters' faces alongside each other, as if to symbolically show that they are one. The characters also appear in greater detail beneath the main image, each standing on the opposing side, both showing a lot of expression and keeping their weapons on hand.
2 Chibi Asuna and Kirito Tattoo
[Via angie.kay.ink / Instagram]
If an anime exists, then there is bound to be chibi artwork of the characters. It's just a rule set in stone. Plenty of fans have designed chibi drawings of Asuna and Kirito, but now we see it in tattoo form. While the two appear in color, this one really emphasizes the duality of the two, each appearing alongside each other in black and white.
1 "Until the End" Quote Tattoo
[Via pinklightsaber / Instagram]
A popular quote among the Sword Art Online fandom is "My life belongs to you I'll stay with you until the end," emphasizing that, despite living in a virtual world, their feelings alone make things more than real. Here, the quote appears alongside Kirito and Asuna, each striking an impressive pose, and in full, vibrant color.