The cult-like appeal of Courage the Cowardly Dog is one that inspired many to adorn their bodies with tattoos of the titular hound and his various fantastic enemies throughout the series.

The show inspires a sense of literal courage in the face of the worst imaginable fear, and many men found a connection with that character when they first saw the show in their youth.

The story of Courage is a simple one. He lives on a farm with his owners Eustace and Muriel, an elderly couple that he must protect at all costs from a never-ending onslaught of zombies, monsters, and other foul creatures. One of his more famous opponents was an extraterrestrial chicken with glowing red robotic eyes. Courage must defeat each of this challenges and face his fear in the process to make sure his owners are safe.

Courage represents the idea that anything can be done in the name of protecting those you love, and that idea resonates deeply with many men who yearn to protect their families from the dangers of the world. The show was a bit deep and sometimes horrifying for children, but it made its mark on them.

Tattoos of Courage the Cowardly Dog show that a man isn’t afraid to stand up for his loved ones in the face of his worst fear, or any fear, whatever the form.