Bootleg Bart refers to the massive wave of unauthorized Bart Simpson merchandise that exploded in the early 1990s. While Matt Groening's creation was a global phenomenon, street vendors and independent artists began producing 'Bootleg' versions of Bart, depicting him as a hip-hop icon, a Rastafarian, or with localized cultural traits—most notably 'Black Bart.' These designs often featured rebellious slogans and vibrant colors that strayed far from the official Fox brand style. Today, the Bootleg Bart aesthetic has seen a massive resurgence in the streetwear and vaporwave communities, serving as a symbol of DIY culture, anti-corporate sentiment, and 90s counter-nostalgia.