Man breaks world record for having most Marvel comic tattoos

By James Gamble

A British comic superfan has smashed the Guinness World Record for having the most Marvel character tattoos — and he wants even more.

Tom Radford, 40, has splashed out $22,500 having 63 tattoos inked on his legs, arms and torso and plans to have even more etched into his armpits and even his butt.

The production manager has spent more than 350 hours under the needle to achieve his feat — doubling the previous record of around 34 Marvel tattoos inked on a single person.

He said: “I’m a lifelong, obsessive Marvel fan — and I might also be a little addicted to tattoos as well.

“Comics are where it all started. My uncle got me and my brother into collecting comics when we were young.

“Then I watched the various Marvel cartoon series, and it took off from there on an ever-evolving cycle of Marvel to now, when I’ve got 63 Marvel tattoos."

“I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to tattoos, and the level of detail you need to do the Marvel ones only came around a decade ago.”

Radford has had all the tattoos done by artist Andy Walker, from Creative Vandals, and the pair have become firm friends over the years.

Radford said: “He knows things about me that very few others do.

“We have become good friends over the years. We’re into the same things; we’re both comic fans and Marvel fans.

“The eight-hour-long sessions fly by, and that’s down to him."

Radford has now set his sights set on having 80 Marvel characters covering his body — although his hands, neck and face remain off-limits because his mom hates them.

He added: “It’s cost me about $22,500 over 10 years. That’s how I justify it: it’s just a couple grand a year.

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“If I had the chance, I’d do it all again.”

In 2016, Radford had his favorite Marvel character — Thanos — inked on his thigh complete with actor Josh Brolin's autograph days before he married his wife, Danielle, 42.

He said: "When I met Danielle I only had a few tattoos but I got my first Marvel one, Thanos, the week before the wedding.

"She doesn't have any tattoos and isn't really a fan of Marvel but she's learned to love them and she just lets me get on with it. It's normal for her now."

When he had reached the 28-tattoo mark he discovered the world record was 34, so he decided to try and break it.

He said: “I was so disheartened by it I almost stopped. But then I upped it to two characters per session.

“I just thought: I am going to blitz it now.”

He plans to get three further tattoos of characters, including Deadpool and Moon Knight, in his armpits.

Radford said: “I try to put the characters that require the least detail there, because armpits are no joke when tattooing.

“It’s horrible. It’s just because there’s space there.

“Some of the places where I’ve endured the most pain are the ribs, armpits and butt; it all hurts.

“But every minute and every penny I have spent is worth it. Maybe I’m a pain addict as well.

“I can’t stand getting them done, but as soon as it’s finished, I can’t wait to get back in.

“My mom said I am not allowed my hands, head and neck done.

“After around five more sessions, I will have around 80 Marvel characters tattooed on my body.”