Note: Sometimes it takes a second set of eyes to fully understand something. Take for instance this Ross Campbell-tweaked design on Alopex, a new character in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics. Originally introduced just a few months back, I didn’t pay much mind to her then but when I saw Ross’ take on her here I had to stand back and take notice. Ross is working with writer Brian Lynch on a solo issue about her due out later this year. – Chris A.
Note: We’ve been getting a spate of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles redesigns, but when they all happen to be this good I can’t complain. This time out, P:R regular Kris Anka turns in redesigns for two of the turtles — Donatello and Leonardo — with more planned. Anka, who is doing covers and design work for Marvel while also working on the Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series, is doing these to play out his idea to make the turtles super seriously. Although admittedly not a “super” fan, Anka really pulls from the vast array of fighting styles and not just ninja for his work. Leonardo seems to pull somewhat from the samurai tradition, while . – Chris A.
So this is my Donnie. Probably the largest jump I make from the original design of the character.
My train of thought on this design sort of went all over the place. My original idea was to go a more sumo route. To showcase another form of Asian fighting. I thought the idea of a large sumo wrestler type fighter who has to use a bow staff to extend his reach would be kinda cool. From there I added a bit more of the techy aspect of the character that is currently being used in the new TMNT show. I took it to the point where he is a walking workstation. I really wanted to make the character to seem like a guy who really spends almost all of his time tinkering and creating new tech. This brought me to giving him sort of a heavy leather work outfit. The kind people use at metal workshops and places involving a lot of sparks. Another idea I thought to add in there was the bomb aspect of ninjas. Dropping smoke bombs and the like. I just took Donnie to the extreme where he is strapped with a multitude of bombs. For any occasion.
By the end he became of a tank character. I think the sumo type fighting would be cool to keep, if he ever needed to get up close, but mainly he is a character that because he can’t move that fast, uses his tech and bombs to the fullest extent.
Clearly I tried to get Leo to be more of a Samurai character; very serious, very methodical, not very fast, but incredibly precise. I also toyed with the idea that he only speaks in japanese, which I might stick with.
Note: Don’t get in the way of Ross Campbell when he’s creating. After killing it in Glory and numerous fan-art postings, this friend of the site recently posted character designs for an ambitious fan-comic retelling of the second Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, Secrets of the Ooze. Campbell’s providing his own spin and not limiting it to redesigns, but adding new characters, new style and a deeper story. Look for more in the coming months! – Chris A.
Note: Just because you’re an animal doesn’t mean you aren’t a hero. Artist Michael Dialynas takes on the green-skinned quartet the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, starting with their headgear. Some lose eyes, some gain goggles, and some just follow through on what their personality suggests. You can see how Dialynas really “gets” these characters inside and out, making for the perfect launchpad for a great redeign. – Chris A.
Note: While they may not be your typical super-heroes, they are in the extended family of heroes that call comics home. And artist Marv has given them a serious overhaul that keeps to the roots of the character while allowing them to grow up. There’s alot to love here from the unique wardrobes of each turtle to the attention to detail for the ensemble cast (Look at that Usagi!). Bravo, Marv!. – Chris A.
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