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Looks nice... :)
But for some odd reason... I dont like the design on the side.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/3K69cFD.png[/img]
It makes her look Campy, like the old TV Series Batman. It makes me think its targeted to appeal to that generation.
I might be wrong though. :{
Not fond of the feather look on the arm either. The pony tail I love. The shoulder phoenix seems to have possibilities.
[b]Izzy[/b]:
agreed, but I am trying to stay as close to the concept present...which means I am "attempting" to save as much of the original look as possible while still giving her a lil more "wow" factor. "wow" can very from person to person though and there are a few that are quite fine with her "as is"...as I am not one of them...I am playing with her design a lil. why? cause I can! :)
I am probably gonna try something else with the pinstriping but not sure yet. ideas are welcome. :)
[b]Brand X[/b]:
the feather arm I did initially...and the chest piece was actually a lil bit more "feathery"....but I changed it to where it is now. I want to change the arm to match the chest a lil more. in addition, I would like to bulk up the arm/hand a smidge and make it more mechanical in appearance to help convey that it is a robotic arm.
chest piece is still in flux and needs more refinement, but I do like the way it is shaping up. I mentioned it earlier...I'll probably end up using it as I find it unlikely that my changes here will affect Anthem at all. heh. still...a fun lil diversion to pass time and say "what if". :)
In general:
that belt thingy was erased but I kinda like the idea...so I will probably play with something along those on an off. playing with idea of making her with out "obvious" boots. this may help reduce the weird look (to me at least) of nothing between her quasi chest piece till the tops of her boots. this is why she has effectively thighhighs on in the previous pic to help and try alleviate this "problem"...but I am still not happy with it...looks like she forgot to put on her belt. if I go that direction, I will probably make the offhand a metal style glove...it will help offset the chest piece and also help keep the viewers eye on her upper body...
feel free to chime in with thoughts. :)
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/62135/62135_original.jpg[/img]
updated the arm a lil. figure there would also be a few lil 'glowy' bits that would match the eye...which could possibly also have a lil glow action happening. effectively, armor plates over a quasi metal muscles, including the fingers...which I would have being a lil pointed to help facilitate the feeling of talons...but I suck at robotic stuff so what ya see is what ya get. heh
updated the pinstrip to go inwards...helps "simulate" the idea that she is wearing boots. also closes the loop, so to speak...with the lines going outward made me think something else was supposed to be there....by turning inward it presents a feeling of "closure"...well...to me at least. :p
not sure what I want to do with that off hand yet though...
[I]edit-add[/I]
another thing that happens is by turn the pinstrip inward it changes the color mix as a good majority of the costume will be now red. this actually is a good thing as it could, in theory, symbolize that Anthem was able to earn a Bronze Star while she was in the service. this lil homage, if ya will, is also played out in the single star she sports on her neck.
[I]The Bronze Star, officially known as the Bronze Star Medal, is a United States decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for acts of heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. When awarded for acts of heroism, the medal is authorized to be worn with the "V" Device or Combat "V" for valor.[/I]
this seems like something our intrepid hero could/would have gained in the loss of her arm (assuming she lost it while in the service). :)
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
Feels too techy. Also I don't like the color blocking of the uniform. I don't find it an improvement.
Not a bad use of form on her shape, but she looks less strong and more svelte
Edit: it has a lot of design elements that remind me of Defender of Champions Online. I tend to hate most things that remind me of that dark place in my life
Crowd Control Enthusiast
I can see what you mean...it is a lil bit on the "tech" side, but thinking that if she controls how it forms would she not have it transform to something she would recognize? this isn't to say that the idea still doesn't need work, just a simple question is all...especially since we really don't know all that much about how it (the symbiote thingy) actually functions nor what it looked like on the first fella.
not sure what you mean by the "color blocking" as the colors would be the same as the current version. only difference is where the stripes turn. is it the stripes? you preferred them going outward?
regarding her size...I need more practice as I am not a pro at drawing. I typically draw for myself. in this instance I use my meager skills to convey what I think would look "cool". in addition, she is in a pretty neutral stance...basically standing to show all the costume...most of the pieces I do are of this manner and it is done on purpose. I am sure that some of the more accomplished artists that haunt these threads could do a much better job at making her tough. offhand, I would say she needs a smidge more bulk and a lil more refinement for muscles. given this is an ongoing refinement (I think I may need to redo given how often I have erased things kinda surprised I haven't ripped through the paper..heh) it may not have all the "detail" work done...but at some point...I I would like to complete it, including coloring. :)
as I mentioned previously, I have no illusions that this lil exercise will make any real changes....just playing "what if". ....or...if you prefer...consider this an alternate earth version of Anthem. ;)
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/xLN6CUI.png[/img]
My feedback is that I like the torso-shoulder section, so retain that style/theme on the rest of the arm. Don't let it go too tech-y but more 'bionic' or organic, within the outer feather/scale armored shell?
Frankly, I generally approve of MWM's version, but the 'feathers' go the wrong way and it's too bulky.
Be Well!
Fireheart
[b]Izzy[/b]
the orange you have is effectively how the original lines went. I could switch it back easy enough, but she gets boots again.
[b]Fireheart[/b]
agreed. although it would actually still be relatively similar except more "bands" with open spots showing the bionics underneath. given the idea is that is a form of protection as well as her offensive might, seems would want to have actual armored pieces...versus just open to the air bionic parts. I'll fiddle around with bands and see if I can get that to work a lil better.
[b]JayBezz[/b]
just noticed your edit stating she reminds you of Defender for CO. really? she looks nothing like him...kinda curious what exactly reminds you of him?
in general
tech versus organic. typically, IME, tech is typically shown through straight lines while organic favors more curves and sweeping lines. I have some straight lines, true...and I can round off some of these (head actually has the only really straight lines....especially when we have to remember this is a straight on pic). I suppose I am kinda up in the air on the symbiote thingy...given we know nothing about it specifically. my personal feeling is that is more along the line of being techno-organic (ala Warlock) and as such, straight lines would not be unheard of and also accounts for the metallic gold color it sports. that said, I am going to try and incorporate some of the previous notes made. I also think I may do a quick clean line and coloring (just bucket fill on pencil lines so it will be rough...but I like it cause it can actually help define areas that need work and a better overall view of the character in question) so we can see the balance of colors.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
My Mouse Sucks, btw... but i was thinking 2 or 3 Stripes could almost wrap around each leg and make it look like it could be wings. sorta? ;D
ex:[img]http://i.imgur.com/3BsKAX3.png[/img]
only issue I see arising from what you have there is the chest strips...they just end at a belt and the pants go their own way for striping? also, do we want a belt? I was trying to make it work sans belt given the current anthem does not have one. short of a complete redesign (although in ways it is given the complete redesign of the shoulder piece)...I would like to try and stick to the design they have put forth...so one can have no doubts that this is Anthem...and not wonder where this hero came from (if that makes sense).
given the way she is set up (the current) the body suit alone has vertical lines and the colors run RWBWR. this makes it much harder to add in something like your describing. especially given the lay out of her body suit. none the less...am fiddling around with trying different things now. :)
edit-add
so...boots that are above the knee but angled to match the stiping angle on the body suit? would help give the feeling of wings and solves the boot issue.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
The inlay stripe spearing the color block panels, the chevron shoulders, the techy design.. All remind me of Defender
Crowd Control Enthusiast
Even the best designed armor has problems with joints. So, elbows, wrists, and Hands are where I would expect an underlying system to be exposed and visible, whether it was organic or mechanical. I used the term 'bionic' to indicate that the system would mimic natural biological structures, as opposed to purely mechanical ones, regardless of its underlying nature.
It might be some form of metamorphic organism, like an octopus, only more so... perhaps an amoeba, or conglomerate being, like an insect swarm. It might be a 'sufficiently advanced technology', like nanites, or the 'other technology' equivalent. It might be powered by myth and legend.
A question that may have significance is, how much arm is Anthem missing? Is there any part of her existing arm-structure that the 'Mantle' can anchor to?
Something I notice in the canon art, her upper arm is not 'feathered'. That's actually useful - it allows for the shoulder and the hand to 'flow' in opposite directions, since they are not required to be a cohesive whole, all flowing in the same direction.
WP, if you approached the underlying design of the arm as two 'armor units', one for her hand-elbow and one for her torso-shoulder, it might be easier to draw.
In any case, none of this addresses the GREATEST FLAW in almost all hero-uniforms! No Pockets!!!
Now, I'm not arguing for the panoramic plethora of pendant pouches approach, but every hero needs a place to put their ID, cash-card, spare change, and a pocket-knife. Even the Tick!
[URL=http://s105.photobucket.com/user/fireheart5150/media/tick5pockets_zpswa3otlvy.jpg.html][IMG]http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/fireheart5150/tick5pockets_zpswa3otlvy.jpg~original[/IMG][/URL]
Be Well!
Fireheart
PS: Boots ought to be knee-high and armored to protect the knee-joint. No need for thigh-highs.
pockets...bah...I'm a superhero...my face is my form of currency! now give me my triple shot vanilla latte civilian!
[b]Fireheart[/b]
agreed in that we don't know where Anthem lost her arm at...I always assumed it was somewhere just below the shoulder. I also notice that...and if you look really close, and squint juuuust so, you can also make out an eagle/phoenix head on the chest piece (roughly same place mine is but smaller and not as pronounced.)
one of the issues I have with the canon piece is that the feather sweep upwards. the part of the idea in shoulder armor is to direct attacks "away" from the persons neck/head. given this upsweep, it could actually direct such attacks inward versus outward...as such I have been 'trying' to keep that rule in effect. the unfortunate side being it suddenly becomes to techy...although honestly I see the tech in the canon armor as much as the one I presented. *shrug*
recent line changes with a color test:
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/62275/62275_original.jpg[/img]
Notes:
* changed to the side lines (reminds me of bunting for some reason...heh) the current version has.
* added more rounded edges to reduce the "tech" feel...but given it's metal kinda tough to get away from in coloring.
* changed up the arm to be a lil closer to the current version with a lil less "The Claw" look.
* haven't added any of the lil detail lines that are in the current version...but I would like to once I get nearer to the end.
* went with thigh high boots to balance out the red and blue in the costume. the current version has so much blue that it kinda makes the belt line seem "naked."
* I will probably bulk up the shoulder pieces a lil more...it's a lil to "streamline" for my tastes.
* I am not great at actual muscles and suck so the darker portions, in the elbow and hand, would be the softer part of the symbiote thingy.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
This design does have a bit of a Statesman feel. In his mask to her symbiote. Not sure about the thigh highs witht hat look.
Boot heels may be a good idea. Not sure the arm needs a solid look, could look more skeletal under the armor. Or could go with a chain mesh look. I do think this more simple version of her symbiote beats out the more busy, not in a good way, version we've seen lately.
my making her arm under the armor more "skeletal" it would definitely help convey that at the very least there is "something" going on there and enforce the visual concept that she is missing her arm.
boots, while I will definitely agree, heels seem to be a staple...I would think being prior service she would go with something a lil more 'practical'. in regards to being thigh highs....I could lower them back down, but then she's gonna look naked at the waist given the imbalance of coloring. ...that said, I am at the whim of the people. heh
as far as lookin like Statesman...blame the originators :p seriously though, I would say that given she has the whole RWB and G color thing going on the comparisons are going to be there. short of a complete redesign of her body suit thinkin may need to stick with it. I actually am not a fan of the "bunting" look of the red and white on her suit. In addition, it doesn't match the coloring on her neck. in my previous efforts, I actually attempted to address this but didn't seem to fly so well. so while I may disagree I am trying to put together something everyone could get behind...at least in theory. LOL
imo, iconic costume are simple in design. if one want their character to survive the ages and be remembered by the masses they need to be simple, clean and easy to remember. the more detail added adds to the jumble in the brain and tends to make the character disappear amongst all the other characters that tried to be cool by being overly complex in design. think af all the greats....they all have amazingly simple designs and can be easily described in a few words. as such, I have always strived to design characters with this thought in mind.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
I'm wondering if she needs a mask. She has a bio-organic construct for an arm. Is it removable? If it is then yeah she can go secret identity if not it's physically bonded to her she can't really hide who she is.
-------------------------------------------
Personal rules of good roleplay
1.) Nothing goes as planned.
2.) If it goes as planned it's not good RP
part of the problem...we know so little about Anthem and this symbiote thingy such that everything is just conjecture on our part.
if it is bonded...can it not reform to be more regular arm sized?...throw on a long sleeve shirt and a glove and that issue is solved. it obviously can shapeshift as it has done it before as such I assume it is an inherent ability to it.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
...and for the record, for those that don't know, the below is what Defender looks like from CO. ...and no, I don't see any resemblance between him and any of my previous attempts on a redraw of Anthem in any form or fashion. I would also argue that to do so is a severe stretch to say the least.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/62691/62691_original.png[/img]
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
I do like the CoT art of Anthem so far. Again with what others have said the arm symbiote does seem overdone thought. Maybe instead of star on a red disk, we just have stars and include the red somewhere else?
-------------------------------------------
Personal rules of good roleplay
1.) Nothing goes as planned.
2.) If it goes as planned it's not good RP
I don't mind the colors. I like that she's a patriotic hero. I just meant to say her symbiote looks to be very much like Statesman's mask.
Boot heels aren't like high heels. Not saying high heels. Just not flat spandex like Spider-Man.
[b]Rotten Luck[/b]
I completely understand. we all have different tastes. I can understand that some folks like the current look. I respect that. :)
regarding the suit would need a complete redraw...but it wouldn't be the first time Anthem received such a treatment. as far as the symbiote, agreed.
[b]Brand X[/b]
ah...gotcha. well...I do what I can. I actually kinda figured they would be more boot orientated versus spandex footies. I can try and make em more bootlike.
regarding the shoulder and the mask...interesting comparison. I don't see it myself given they are covering two different areas and design wise they are not all that similar...unless having a flat area is similar. either way....I will try differentiate the two a lil more. not sure how...but I will see what I can do. heh
I am tempted to just go a completely different route or try reinstating the original costume (sans sword) of anthem with the symbiote. or possibly a combo of the two. not that it really matters is the end. *shrug*
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
By alike I mean, the both so far seem out of place with the rest of the outfit. Which I always thought Statesman's mask look a bit out of place.
By alike I mean, the both so far seem out of place with the rest of the outfit. Which I always thought Statesman's mask look a bit out of place.
I did always wonder how States kept that thing glued-on...
Be Well!
Fireheart
aaah...I see. yeah, it's a balance issue. there is nothing else on the suit that is gold to balance it out. easiest way here would be that she would find/make a gold glove for the opposite hand, perhaps a golden belt. could even add gold like boots if the need was there for more.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
How many people like the Circular stripes on the Sides?
ex:[img]http://i.imgur.com/JFDr9xm.png[/img]
I actually think that is what the current canon anthem is going for. problem is that from a design perspective is how it ties in to the neck which is running straight down. I am kind of a stickler for suits making "sense" while at the same time looking good, as such, it is part of my problem with the canon design. perhaps we should look at doing this in layers? design the body suit then slap on the symbiotethingy. after that you start looking to tweak things to balance out the entire picture.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/62891/62891_original.jpg[/img]
a redone chest piece. more scalloped look to get closer to the canon version. the center feather section would be raised slightly...thinkin may extend em a lil more though now that I am looking at it, dunno. head extends all the way to the side and turned completely on its side...might bring it back a smidge. lil extra bits sticking out to help break up some of the longer lines on the bottom and top edges. undecided on the fouth "feather" on the shoulder....may ditch it. no extra detail squiggle lines represented.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
Canon? Hmm...
Do you think the Canon version will show a birds head?
I guess. But we really don't know too much about the armor. Can it alter its appearance?
Can it flatten out when in Secret Identity mode? So its flush with the body?
Is the Bio Mech Armor sentient... and does it FEEL for itself?
Does Anthem always stay in control, or does it ever Take Over her faculties?
Is wearing it a Double Edge Sword? Figuratively.
Is it more like Doc Ocs AI arms? or more like Black Spiderman's Symbiote?
Will the Comp Team describe to the readers Who She is, or will they try to have the readers relate to What shes been through? Sorta skipping the step of weather the players Will Accept her as their figurehead, and instead having readers Sympathising instead.
And perhaps making it so that the player realizes that She Cant Succeed Alone against those big villain(s), and the players will be Driven/Compelled to Step Up.
To add a bit of flavor, make it so that She doesn't always ask for help and tries to do things herself 1st. A very proud personality, which might endear her more to the readers, when she finally Does ask for Help from others. Maybe because she Thinks as Leader, everyone expects her to Handle it alone, ir shes not really fit to lead.
Heh, I know this hasn't been done, not that i know of at least, but what if her regular teammates get upset and bail on her (initially) at the Beginning of the Story Arc, so she turns to the players for Aid. .... But on the last mission, when things are looking very dire.. they turn up at the very last moment to even out the odds. Suspense! ;)
Just me pondering. Ignore! ;)
I see Anthem as more of a 'big-sister' figure to the heroes, until such time as they start to surpass her in power, at which point she becomes more of an ally. I think her secondary aspects would be like the Leadership auras that buff those she fights with. I think that her AI ought to be tactics and strategy oriented, breaking those tough missions into smaller tasks that are more easily accomplished.
I think she could occasionally lend a hand to young heroes, completely at random, or could be asked for a favor. Then, later, she might be asking the heroes for backup.
As for her costume, I like the way the the canon image has her tights a little bit loose. They look like real clothing and not something you have to put on with a spray-gun and take off with solvent. I find the gauntlet section of the 'mantle' looks interestingly powerful, but I do not like the 'backwards' appearance of the torso.
Dark blue, red, white, and gold are excellent colors, reminiscent of her Marine dress uniform, and I have no problems with the way it makes her a 'patriotic' hero. Pretty much every soldier is, by definition, patriotic. The canon image make the 'mantle' look Bronze, though, when it should be all shades of bright gold and not dull and muddy.
I like the more sculpted, 3-dimensional look of WPs latest sketches, but the 'feathers' or 'scales' or plates should flow outwards from the center/torso and not inwards. I also like the high collar that was (re)introduced in these alternate sketches. I think it does need some sort of belt.
Be Well!
Fireheart
Izzy, if you want to understand more about Anthem there is a lot of info hidden in the Holiday Lore update.
*apologies for thread derail*
Crowd Control Enthusiast
I see. ;)
So, its somewhere between the red lines?
[img]http://i.imgur.com/r9oSE3F.png[/img]
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/63207/63207_original.jpg[/img]
added a belt, although that could change in design but it works for the moment. shortened the boots. added the marine "blood stripe" (the red strip down the side of the leg) given her history, also darkend the blue to be closer to "navy blue" which is practically black. removed one of the bunting effects and just made a single one going opposite way to help balance...and it also ties in better with the coloring on the collar. added more tread to the boots.
the coloring is just a quickie fill job...linework included to see what is happening a lil easier.
over all I like the look even if the chest piece is a bit busier than I would like.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
Blue is nice.
I was meaning to suggest a sort of design for the belt that sorta looks like the eagle that supports Wonder Womans bra. Well, not so flowy. I'm kinda wondering now if thats a good idea.
Ehhh, why do i keep seeing a pine cone every time my eyes look at the shoulders? :P
[img]http://thumb7.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/110884/110884,1225831581,1/stock-vector-single-pine-tree-cone-isolated-vector-illustration-19996663.jpg[/img]
because, in many ways the "feather" are a lot like the 'pines' (?) in a cone. given they have to wrap over the shoulder they are way thicker than feathers normally would. it's is also given the fact they are wrapping upward.
regarding the belt, I'll mess around with it tomorrow. stick on something somewhat like WW's superbra...
....unless we have had it all along...it's not a stylized phoenix on her shoulder but a stylized pine cone! egads! we've been wrong all along...MWM...those sneaky devils...
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
;)
Hmm.. will the un-informed 1st time viewers of the outfit mistake the Belt as part of the Armor?
Since it shares the same coloring?
The Titan City Phoenix monument shares the same design elements of the shoulders/symbiote. Signifying it's added importance
Crowd Control Enthusiast
I dont really mind when the Titan City phenix monument does that, artists symbolic expression and all.
But there could be players that might be a little more critical if every variation of her depiction ALWAYS has the Pine Cone pointing up.
I like the gold belt. Ties her arm into her uniform better, makes it seem less out of place the way Statesman's mask was.
The belt could have an asymmetrical sash-like design that follows, or perhaps even better contrasts, the angle of her chest piece.
You could also play the diagonal/asymmetrical lines of her gold parts--chest/arm and belt--against a simple but strong symmetrical line pattern in her uniform. I'd keep that simple, though. Could easily get too busy.
FIGHT EVIL! (or go cause trouble so the Heroes have something to do.)
While I dislike your colloquially dismissive "pine cone" references, it's been noted that the armor changes. When armored up it looks and performs different. It moves.
If you simply mean that 2D still art doesn't do its magnificence justice, on that I can agree.
In what way is Anthem not the personification of that monument? Where would they get the design for such a monument if not FROM the armor. The townsfolk just designed the monument using the same design elements by random coincidence? I think not.
Crowd Control Enthusiast
Me Too! ;)
:)
Ohhh.. if im not too far off the mark, doesnt the Phoenix globe take liberties by making it seems as if a large Hand is holding up the globe? The wing segments being the hands fingers.
Art pieces ARE suppose to be left to the viewer to interpret (in their own way). Well, i always do. ;)
depends on if you really want to press that she is an amputee in the artwork. my personal opinion is no...as it has the potential to take away from the overall picture you are striving for and the individual will focus on the missing arm.
ideally, imo, you want well designed heroes/villains on some really kickass box art. this is to lure the "casual" gamer into making the purchase. then after they have purchased they can learn more about her, including how she is actually missing an arm and the shoulder harness is actually a symbiote that she inherited(?) from her mentor. what you could do is drop "hints" in the artwork itself that "something" is up with the arm if people pay close attention...in this case it would be at the elbow joint where is could show a lil more of what is going on under the armor itself. I am not that great of an artist so it's hard for me to do that representation in the manner I am talkin about that also fits the symbiote's theme/look.
regarding the belt, my personal feeling is that it should be the same color as the armor, otherwise it would look kinda weird having it being a different shade of gold...and that is what I was "attempting" to balance out a lil. :)
I am also of the mindset that you want it to be 'similar' in theme to the armor...but a lil different as it is something she had made specifically for the costume.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
I was thinking about that as well. plus, some women looking at the belt, and it clashes with the rest of the outfit, even the arm, it might lead them to think who ever designed her didn't put much thought into it.
Even if the belt wasn't part of the symbiote, Anthem would Try to get the belt to match her arm, even if it was slightly off.
You get +10. ;)
even superheroes want to avoid the fashion police? :p
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
I can even hint why everyone loved the CoH community more than many of the other games.
We have a greater percentage of women. Thats it! ;) Mystery has been solved! ;D
hooray for women!
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
Female characters played by actual Females?? What is the world coming to?!
I loved it, really.
Be Well!
Fireheart
adding to the mix...Atlas (girl/lad/lady), who I have to assume (intentional or not) is a nod back to good ole Atlas in CoH. Given the canon piece she is clearly taller than the rest...so I assume she is the 'tank'/resident strongwoman. anyways...finding her suit also a lil on the 'meh' side I figured I would start tinkering with her. why? why not!
initial pass....
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/63330/63330_original.jpg[/img]
1. moved skin from legs to arms
2. changed the A to be bigger and actually extends down her sides
3. fingers gloves and they have a band at the fingers cutoffs and upper portion that would match the A coloring.
4. neck is covered...whether connects to mask or just a very high neckline, doesn't really matter.
5. coloring would remain the same otherwise: Green/Purple/Orange'ish. (green goblin fan? :p)
regarding colors, I would probably darken the purple up a good bit and the green a lil more too. the orange...I am thinking of going the other way...more bright for the contrast while still attempting to maintain the continuity between costume orange and hair (which I assume they were goin for)
things I don't like right off...that belt. she already has a big arse A plastered across her chest...perhaps a globe in relief for a belt buckle? also not a fan of the pirate boots...thinkin more along the lines of a partial strap or two on the outside of the boots. refine the mask a lil more, perhaps make it stand alone versus going up to her hairline.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
google Womens work boots ;)
try either of these:
[img]http://i.imgur.com/ngLPbYV.png[/img][img]http://i.imgur.com/giagXnV.png[/img]
I was actually thinkin more along the lines of these:
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/63524/63524_original.jpg[/img]
difference from pic being...they would go higher and the straps would be higher in placement as well.
...or have the buckles "hidden" underneath strapping....which is even closer to what I was initially thinkin.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
refined Atlas a lil bit. also started in on Rottweiler he looks a wee bit heavy on the "dom" side of life... got him a lil closer to actual Rottweiler lines, also brought back the skull cap that was shown in the concept pieces.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/63806/63806_original.jpg[/img]
I'll post Atlas and a cleaner version of Rottweiler tomorrow.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
I think any creator who puts high-heels on their character ought to be forced to wear a pair for a couple of days, just to give them perspective.
Be Well!
Fireheart
+1
His look could be a mix of Batman and Wildcat!
I have! My conclusion was, I think people need to get over the idea that fictional superheroes have to meet reality standards.
By that standard, I think every one who wants to make a normal human superhero should be forced to put on a vest and get shot multiple times, with some of those shots going into the exposed arms legs (clean shots that don't hit anything vital) and punched in the face repeatedly.
Just to give them perspective on a normal human versus superhuman fight. :)
90% agree with you.
What I mean is, I need to be thrown a little bit of a bone when it comes to willing suspension of disbelief.
Of course, I could throw that to the winds and just say, "eh, its fantasy, whatever, sure, an average joe can take out a whole gaggle of armed robbers just cause he wants to if we say he can, and when Heroes or Villains run roughshod over basic physics WITHOUT A POWER THAT LETS THEM DO SO, what the hell, it's all in good fun."
But, it helps me to at least think that non-superpowered heroes are a freak confluence of the absolute bleeding edge of human potential, training, and technology so that they can at least somewhat keep up with those who are truly superhuman. Which makes them much more bad-assed in a way.
And, while I loves me some FMP's (throw in some fishnets and I'm in heaven. Lines up the back, please), I've always thought that they were a bit impractical for a day out stopping Kaiju from wrecking the city. At least without "magic pumps" or "carbon fiber heels" or at least non-physical powers to give me a rationale.
When Princess Diana nails a concrete-shattering landing after jumping off the top of a skyscraper, those better be Amazonian heels empowered by the gods.
Dunno. Just me. YMMV. My 2 inf. Etc.
FIGHT EVIL! (or go cause trouble so the Heroes have something to do.)
I just like to go along with the idea of "style over reality"
In all my defense of having stilettos, my main has almost always used flat soled boots (Large Boots in CoH and Harajuku Boots in CO) with a few exceptions with some hero outfits I tried out.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/64298/64298_original.jpg[/img]
[b][I]Rottweiler[/b][/I]
1. placed a gap runnin down middle of black leather chest piece to show the brown.
2. going the route of rounded studs versus spikes.
3.given rottweilers are just black and a dark golden brown...need to darken up the colors. deep dark brown on the shoulders/midtorse legs and then the rottie golden brown on the sides and chest. doing this should show off the "bowtie" that most rotties sport on their chests. I figure if your going to call yourself after an animal you should sport at least a couple traits....and I doubt he sports a nub tail on his backside. :p
[b][I]Atlas[/b][/I]
1. inserted the globe.
2. placed in the buckle straps.
3. changed up the mask a lil to show her forehead.
4. gloves are fingerless
obviously, these two are not to scale as she looks to be at least a head taller than rottie in the canon group shot. I am looking to post a quick coloring of the two either later tonight or tomorrow to show the coloring changes I had in mind.
[b]side notes regarding the rest of the "team"[/b]
Bastet (cat girl) : I like her as is actually. about the only thing I might add is some Egyptian themed bracers to go with the neck piece.
Johnny 5 (robot thing) : given what I can see. meh...but may help if I knew more about him. I actually prefer the more squared look for a "head"...like...well...johnny 5...or Wall-E.
Magic Surfer Dude and the Oriental Psunami : I like these two guys as are for the most part but I would look at changing the white out on one of them to another color...especially since they are both sportin the White/Black colors hard. Psunami, I am assuming is either a mentalist (hence the spelling) or an elementalist and lead candidate for the getting a color change up.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
His head looks to small, also wondering if he should have hair showing instead of a cowl that covers his hair. I think a good idea for Rottweiler is to look at Rachel Summer's spiked outfit and use that as an example.
Atlas I'm not sure if she should be without her leotard. Is the idea to not have any female NPCs in a class leotard look now? Though getting rid of the A on the belt was a good idea. Not sure about the globe over a normal buckle, but it's better than the A for sure.
Rottweiler
yeah...looks a lil small but an easy enough fix. regarding the hair...kinda like the look of the concept piece that Tiger threw up on the first page of this vary thread. very cool lookin, imo. as such, I kept it. not a fan of the dog collar look...worked "ok" for Rachel, given her history...but it almost seems cliché to throw a spiked dog colar on a hero themed after a rottie.
Atlas
I can push it back to the leotard if that is preferred by everyone. just figured I would go with something a lil more durable looking. *shrug* finally, the belt....yeah..that A haaad ta go. lol. as I assume her name is atlas figured I would play upon that theme a lil more...it could be changed to a regular belt buckle easy enough though if the globe is really disliked.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
I was thinking less the spiked collar and more the spikes along the arms, legs and possibly chest/back.
aaah...I see. hmm...I'll fiddle around with it and see if I come up with anything that I like. man...this is the point where I wish I had actual bio's on these people. would really help in my attempts to tinker with their costumes. background can have an affect on the style....makes me sad that they won't share. :(
going back to Atlas and the leotard...
I think the general trend, which I have followed for the most part in all my designs, it that gals would "sensibly", much like the fellas. to move away from gals being portrayed as fighting crime in swimsuits. I actually kinda agree and even when I do go the leotard route (eg: Lionseye) I have the tendency to put em in thigh high boots. is this good or bad...guess it's all a matter of personal taste.
I'll chuck up a pick tomorrow of her in leotards...and figure something out. just wasn't happy with the canon look...it's too...."B List" hero looking(?) when I think that all the flagship characters should look like A Listers.
basically, I want to see more official canon art (and bio's) on em all! maybe it would change my mind about some of em...
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
Yes, it's becoming that way. That's why I try to fight it :p While I don't watch WWE, when I see the commercials, none of them seem to dress sensibly (male or female). People and their "Realistic" pffft.
Realisticly, should Spider-Man and all superheroes regardless of abilities, if they're not bullet proof, wear a bullet proof vest? You can dodge bullets?! Great! Can you do it 100% of the time? No?! Get a vest! You can regenerate?! Great!!! You can still take enough damage from the bullet to be put out for a bit? Get a damn vest on! Bruises always heal faster!
Well, Naomi and the rest of the MATRIX crew, as well as Huntress, seem to pull of the Trenchcoat look... :}
[img=400x240]http://vacanerd.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mx_138KeanuReeves.jpg[/img][img=400x640]http://www.legionsofgotham.org/TV/BOPgalleryPoster.jpg[/img]
Only issue is... can the trenchcoat flutter like a Cape might in Battle?
Cape Physics starting somewhere Under the arms, and around the back to around the shoulder blades? :)
I like to think of the designs changes moving away from swimsuit hero wear as mearly a "nod" to practicality. being a red blooded male...I have no issues if female hero want to show expansive amounts of skin....but sometimes, less is more... the ole tantalizing of what lies beneath versus being shown it all up front.
that said, I should have a redone Atlas in a bit...
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/64591/64591_original.jpg[/img]
removed the globe belt buckle. changed up back to leotard...except with short sleeves. darkened up the green and purple.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
Nice! I like it.
Be Well!
Fireheart
wait....who has a trenchcoat? errr....
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
Ignore that.. Just Me trying to prove girlz look good even without showing any Skinz. ;)
[img]http://i.imgur.com/nWHJcbs.png[/img]
I am wondering if the green is dark enough though. :(
Are the sides of the A being used as the Stripe down the sides of the body? :o
Would that look better or worse? I dont know. :/
yuppers, the legs of the A extend down her sides. a back view would be a mirror of the front.
the green I had darkened up and while I could take it a bit darker, I suspect if she was shaded and such, that may solve the issue.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/64770/64770_original.jpg[/img]
two quick colored versions. first is depicting something along the lines they shot for in the original. the second is closer to actual rottie coloring. of the two, I prefer the second as it more evokes a Rottweiler in my minds eye...mainly given there is more black involved which is the predominant color on rotties.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
When i 1st Saw the Spikes on the Leash that comes down and around his chest to form the V.. i initially though it was All Metal... and i hated it. :(
But, seeing it more now... it actually looks like its mainly Leather with Metal Spikes. ;)
ex: [img]http://picture-cdn.wheretoget.it/iz7te8-l-610x610-jacket-black-coat-spikes-black+coat-black+jacket-spiked+leather+jacket-leather-grunge.jpg[/img]
The second looks best, he's Rottwieler! He needs to have the black!
Damn I need one of those jackets. The spikes would scare off the idiotic jocks even more so in college (or they would gain more respect for me, either which)
I would agree with Brand X. Rottweiler needs black. I find it interesting how he is one of the only heroes with a full bodysuit that I liked. That is unusual for me, especially in regards to full masks (Yes I don't particularly like Deadpool). Although I remember liking the Black Panther's (from Marvel) costume designs.....
Formerly known as Bleddyn
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WCqnt88Umk]Do you want to be a hero?[/url]
[url=http://cityoftitans.com/forum/nyktoss-character-cove] My characters [/url]
if I keep going I may have my own line up of the CoT flagship toons...speaking of...I am still unclear...are they actually a team or a bunch of individuals. if a team...what do they call themselves?
...regarding Anthem....still not sold the body suit she wears...I may need to tinker with that some more to find something that "works." please feel free to chime in....and honestly, that applies for anything I put up. :)
...on a unrelated side note...other parts of the forum are really starting to bum me out. :/ leastwise here I can have a lil fun and pretend, even if it's just an exercise in character conceptualization. :)
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
There is some intense stuff going on in some other threads right now--some productive, some not--but this thread has a good spirit and I really like watching what you're doing.
Keep it up, Peregrine.
FIGHT EVIL! (or go cause trouble so the Heroes have something to do.)
More like this? :)
[img]http://i.imgur.com/iMPIZki.png[/img]
Hmm, I don't know if these characters from the initial artwork represent Anthem's current team. Actually, I think development has gone beyond this art.
If I recall, Anthem's 'team' is called the Paragons? Ah! Here it is: http://cityoftitans.com/content/how-staff-made-paragons A bit 'wall-of-text' but describes the team and their development.
However, that's no reason not to develop and Continue to develop ideas for these Other super-heroes! Go WhitePeregrine, Go!
Be Well!
Fireheart
Dammit quit making me want to go out and buy more combat boots. As anyone in the RP threads might of noticed in my character concepts I have an obsession with them.
That, the color blue, and long haired straight guys seems to be something I can't stray to far away from. Curse my love for the unusual
Formerly known as Bleddyn
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WCqnt88Umk]Do you want to be a hero?[/url]
[url=http://cityoftitans.com/forum/nyktoss-character-cove] My characters [/url]
Long-haired straight guys that Sing? Try https://www.youtube.com/user/HomeFreeVocalBand
Be Well!
Fireheart
I won't lie. I am as worried about that write up of a superhero team as I am about the artwork I've seen in the past.
Time will tell.
I wouldn't worry. My guess is, the Marketing Department will want drawings that compete with stuff everyone has seen from WoW, Wildstar, etc... and go on a quest to find artists to make a few Advertisable drawing pieces.
It seems you have does something of the like yourself by hiring DevianArt guys/gals to do this for you. What makes you think someday MWM wont try that approach as well? ;)
Which Styles/Artists do you think MWM will go for? I dont know! :(
Also remember that the Paragons are just the most known supergroup (so far). They are not planned to be anything like the Phalanx. Sure, they will give out missions from time to time but they won't be "mentors" or the JLA or anything. You are the star of Titan City, not the Paragons. They just have a historic tie with the city. So don't feel as if they are the ideal hero of City of Titans.
There has been talk of "box cover" heroes and such. I believe our business lead had a great idea that actually didn't even have a "hero" on the cover. Not sure if it was mentioned here, so I'd better not repeat it. In the end, however, I believe we will have many "faces of the game". Not just one or even one group of characters.
[color=#ff0000]Sound Lead, Bullpen Writer[/color]
[img]http://missingworldsmedia.com/images/favicon.ico[/img]
so now, by all appearances, the game has no "face".... [I]sigh[/I]. well, that kills any desire to work on that....
the game needs a flagship team, imo. it gives the game an actual face that can become the brand. while you can go another route for the visual branding...nothing says "SUPERHERO" better than some sort of...you guessed it...superhero (or heroes if you go with a team for the brand). just because said hero, or team, is the brand does not mean they have to equate to the phalanx.
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
if I was them I would start looking in their own house first...there are a number of folks who are really durn good, Christopher Robin and Tiger, for example. approach them and see if they would be willing to work as a volunteer MWM staff member.
the difference between myself and MWM...I am getting what I want as a one shot piece of art by various artists. I am not attempting to maintain any specific theme nor am I on any kind of time frame. I purchase what I want...when I want. MWM on the other hand, will want to do just that. pick a theme/art style...and stick with it. in addition to needing art on a specific timetable. best way to make this consistency happen is hiring a single artist to do the majority of your work and is also willing to tie up X amount of time to do so.
that said..I am sure any number of Deviant Artists might jump at the chance to be the artist behind a game..
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
I kinda Agree.. But, im wondering if every piece of Marketing Art will have a LOGO maybe? of a small Phenix in one of the Corners? Branded.
I'm trying to think of examples, other companies , but my mind went Blank! :{
oh, I am sure the logo will be on everything but given the medium we are working in...you need something that actually captures the eye AND evokes some kind of emotion/vision. if MWM was focusing on selling towel (for example) go the route of the logo but as they are trying to effectively sell a superhero MMO I would think you want the main brand to be a said superhero.
given the medium and the fact that most of the customers you are trying to attract are probably in their twentysomethings and pc savy....you need something that not only cuts through the clutter...but also accurately displays what your selling. given this, you need a top notch hero in a nice dynamic pose versus some logo stuck on the screen somewhere. a really nice art piece of the hero will make people wonder what is going on with them and lure them into finding out more. ....a simple logo? not so much and I would bet most people don't even see such things anymore unless they are followers of a specific company/development team.
now this isn't to say they shouldn't work on branding other items as well, I just personally think that the main brand should be a hero as it solves a lot if issues...but I am doubting they will go this route as they "appear" to have their heart set on trying out something fancy for the main brand with regards to CoT. again, this is their freshman outing and I have to wonder how smart it is to get overly complicated with so many things from the word go? not that developing an MMO is easy....far from...but hopefully you know what I mean.
if they are set on this fancy branding...my suggestion would be to phase into it versus using it from the word go. start with a face...then after COT is up and running just slowing phase over to it. my gut tells me though that this is a bad idea...get a face/brand and use it till the wheels fall off.
speaking of...we're over a year in and we don't even have this one thing nailed down yet? that kinda scares me actually...
[img]http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/whiteperegrine/84183/69278/69278_original.gif[/img]
Some good points. Perhaps relying on a Logo wont really peak perspective players interests. :/
Even the main City of Heroes poster.. made you feel like they were flying in formation like those planes do. and jam packing a whole lotta them in there. ;)
So, should MWM try a similar approach too for its Box cover?
Perfection!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My author page at Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MPvkRX
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I think it needs a face to really help sell it.
Wildstar for example has faces and names in their advertising, NPCs, they weren't even big name NPCs, but I can tell you, seeing them in game gets you all "SQUEEEEEEE!"
It was enough of thing, that people got the devs to change one NPC to look more like her advertising than she originally was. The in game avatar didn't look like the commercials at all, this just didn't sit well with many of the fans.
I get it, don't want them to be THE OMG GROUP like the Big 7 of the JL. They still should be the face of the game!
I'd probably go with something akin to 5 on each side...hero or villain.
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