A hulking Russian ex-swordfighter with tattooed forearms - sounds like the lead in a new Guy Ritchie flick, no? Alas, you will have to watch old DVD's if you're hankering for violence and British slang. Because this rugged new character is none other than Santa Claus, the benevolent lead in Dreamworks' recently released "Rise of the Guardians."

Seldom have tattoos been seen on leading characters in animated children's movies, but the creators of "Guardians" have inked up their good guy. The brawny yet lovable Santa has the words "naughty" and "nice" flanking both forearms.

In the movie, Santa joins the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman to protect children's hopes and dreams from the Boogeyman. All characters are updates on their traditional personas, but Santa plays the lead. See, kids: tattoos are for leaders.

So who is the man responsible for putting tattoos in such a kid-friendly light? Author William Joyce, whose book series "The Guardians of Childhood" inspired the film.

As Joyce told the Los Angeles Times, he used to feel that Santa had become a watered-down victim of commercialization who had lost his "potency."

"When I was growing up, Santa Claus seemed a figure of majesty. He's not just a puffball. I wanted to give Santa back some of that conviction," said Joyce.

In other words, Santa should always be honored as the badass he is. We couldn't agree more, Mr. Joyce.