253 replies to this topic

[Silicate]

An7imatt3r, many thanks.

The drawing is not based off of any previous material already present.... Though I definitely have my thoughts as to the nature of the coup and military progression, etcetera. It is quite generic in that sense of not having a direct context.

I'm honored that you've observed my version of Robotnik to possess such a degree of expression, but I am at a loss to see that there is any direct conceptual barrier in applying them to such a dark character as Robotnik. Could you explain your views further? I would very much like to hear them.

Now then, Randomizer, a curious observation there.

I'm inclined to say that it is only 'one of those things.' In the colorized sketch of Robotnik presumably in some sort of gunfight his extended fingers are more as to contact the wall, the other two curled in a half-fist of tensity. In the sketch of Robotnik seated in his command-chair, his hand-pose is again deliberate: his index and forefinger are commented on DA to be in the act of impatiently twitching or tapping, whilst the others are curled against his palm. In the last image I wanted to maintain a strong, linear gesture, almost militaristic, but I wished to keep a more natural curve to his hand, along with a sense of division. (Interestingly, what I was contemplating most in that gesture was the form of 'alien-hand' often seen in Giger's work, wherein the pairs of fingers are fused along the knuckle, having the hand remain both alien, yet familiar at the same time.)

I suppose I find the handform graceful, after a fashion. I've always imagined Robotnik, in that dichotomic sense, to have very fluid (if not somehow exquisite) dexterity of his hands... All the while being quite capable of making brutish fists and pounding the hell out of nearby objects (or individuals) in a fit of rage.

Oddly, I do have my own habits with being quite gestural when I express myself, one of the most common of which is that same action of the hands; in any case, it is generally the first two fingers which possess the most conscious control anyhow. It is kind of a moot point, all things considered, but I certanily like the instance which you mentioned, Randomizer. Thank you.

Now then, you mentioned only that the sketch was a fine piece of work. That seems to be a rather short comment coming from you. If I might make some humor: You traitorous little mutant! I demand to know the reasoning behind that statement! ... There's something you're hiding from me, and your simpering will not hide it for long!

[randomizer]

Ok I give up, I'll spill the beans

An7imatt3r pretty much summed up my opinion well in a broard sense, which is why I didn't think of much else to say at the time. However, after looking at the image again paying less attention to finer details I'll make a few further comments. I like how you contrasted Julian and the Mobian, which I assume is some form of feline, by the clothes they are wearing (granted I know little about Mobian clothing so perhaps that is actually quite common). The Mobian looks like either a humble citizen - perhaps assuming a social status similar to a monk - or someone who doesn't want to be recognised for one reason or another. Julian is clearly not in hiding with very recognisable clothing representing his high position.

Given that I have not seen Blast to the Past (I admit I have actually only seen one episode of Season 2 thanks to that horrid Dulcy ) I can't say much about what context this could possibly be in. Julian is not displaying any obvious smirks or other facial expressions that would lead me to the conclusion that he has an alterior motive behind this conversation, so it could simply be that: a conversation; undoubtedly a serious one.

[An7imatt3r]

Maybe it is just my stereotypical version of a dark character but I have always thought they were more one minded in their emotions. I never really think about them having emotions outside of anger, revenge ect. So to see a character that in my mind is somewhat dark in the sense that you wouldn't expect more normal expressions from them, its very intriguing simply because I never imagine him that way. Your sketches always seem to bring him down to earth a little while keeping his overall demeanor. Kind of hard to explain I guess. The short of it, your sketches always surprise me, but in the sense that there is more to the drawing that I would have thought possible.

[Silicate]

Greetings once more, Randomizer.

Yes, it is rather difficult making a useful contrast between the two, especially given their differences in facing and dress, expression, and activity. The opposition of their surrounding details is as deliberate as the biding nature of the sketch - If I can help it, I tend to like to leave some ambiguities in the material... They invite thought and interpretation. Concrete descriptions only tend to add encumbering weight to the material; I prefer to know what others see. To me, at this state of light sketching and conceptualizing, it's more of a companionate gesture to share such little drawings - I enjoy what anyone has to say. In the future, if all goes as planned, the material would require more solidified explaination (from it's own internal perspective and standing), and that would doubtless choke out a fair degree of expression otherwise able to be legitimized due to generality.

I simply picture the feline's clothing as rather more of a different sort of formal garb, such as a foreign diplomat in traditional dress, but it is interesting to hear the monk-like thought. I guess it is rather suiting. I have many ideas I have been thinking over for Mobian choice of robes and stylization, as well as cultural and social mores.

I am far more divided on the Second Season than on the first. Somewhat like yourself, adjusting to Dulcy was a conscious effort, until I started screening-out some aspects of her character subconsciously. She has her merits, but the fact that there were bloody dragons in SatAM both caught me off guard and rather displeased me for their conceptual escapism. I have an odd dislike for dragons, given their common place in many mediums in society... I do have my own ideas for the dragons in my project, however.

I have long thought Robotnik to possess an extreme degree of skill in manipulation, if not an individual possessing a keenly Machiavellian mind, and in that sense, control of one's emotions and expressions would be key, especially among the Mobians, who would appear to revere personal composition above all else. Occupying the scientific/militaristic position he does, it would be a tenuous affair indeed, maintaining a clear reputation of trustworthiness and loyalty. However, in terms of my project, coming to terms with Julian's two-facedness, and expressing that in the medium, will have it's own set of difficulties. I have a few ideas relating to that, though - but now isn't the time for that.

Thanks again, Randomizer.

Ah, now An7imatt3r...

As a bit of a joke, it was quoted well by Darth Helmut of Spaceballs: "...now you see that evil will always triumph because good is dumb." By this, I mean that good can afford to be dumb - they have luck, good charisma, and generally a fair amount of fan support on their side. In opposition, villains cannot afford to be so lackluster, I find. Although Robotnik's general qualities are those of malevolent brooding, rage, threat, and petty anger, I find I haven't ever really drawn him as such simply because we know those qualities so well.

I am deeply grateful for your compliments, but it is a tenuous line which I'm walking in terms of my depiction and exploration of some of his characteristics. As I've mentioned, his evil characteristics are one matter, but so are those which (presumably) allowed him to maintain his position and rank in Mobotropolis beforehand. Although those may grant him a very wide berth of characterization/ personality flexibility, it does not directly imply that those same qualities will translate well to viewers, nor that the supporting crux of Mobian society and individuals will be so inattentive as to his motives and history. It's a complex affair to have to deal with, but one I'll have to fight my way through (usually with copious notes and possible plot elements) in contending with the project. A hobby though it is, it's a fascinating one, and has served to introduce me to a host of material I'd otherwise have had few stakes in encountering.

I do often worry that I will end up metaphorically tripping over my own toes in the course of such a project (if not due to simple volume of concepts alone, be they written ideas or illustrative elements), and I squirm at the thought of unintentionally/minorly lampooning Juliain Robotnik. Still, we will see what comes of the sketches and ideas.

Thank you again, An7imatt3r. Comment is always appriciated.

[randomizer]

If I can help it, I tend to like to leave some ambiguities in the material... They invite thought and interpretation.

Well if your drawings can cause any kind of useful response from my nearly non-existent imagination, you're doing well

[Silicate]

Greetings, everyone.

Thou shalt not sleep until thine work is done... And at this late hour, this sketch will simply have to suffice.

This features my first sketch of Sir Charles/Uncle Chuck. Note that he's absent of his gloves and shoes (donning a set of sandal-like items instead; I wanted to work with his foot structure). Somehow, the air of openess seemed better, a sort of safe and leisurely environment, as opposed to the armor and steel of Julian's own laboratories. A set of reading spectacles lends Charles a more scholary appearence. His moustache and eyebrows are notably less fluffy at this time - later to gain their unkempt appearence after a series of events. Still, Charles appears rather concerned over what he is viewing...

On a side note, while Julian has those metallic, angular pauldrons, Charles has rounded, fabric shoulderpieces. Julian's cane also looks rather hefty - he could cause some serious havoc with that thing. =p Lastly, har, Julian's size in comparison to most Mobian constructs.

Typical stationery used in production: mechanical pencil,Canson sketchpad paper. Time unknown, largely due to fussing forever with small details.

[Speedy_25]

wow, that is awsome!

[An7imatt3r]

Your sketches will never cease to amaze me. I love how you keep your drawings so realistic. Sir Charles actually looks like a hedgehog and not a cartoon. You have me re-imagining all the characters! Very nice work as always.
Cheers,

[randomizer]

Sir Charles actually looks like a hedgehog and not a cartoon.

Amen to that. Being so concerned about whatever he is reading, Charles doesn't seem at all phased by the incredible mass towering over him (and peeking at the notes it seems ). The only thing this sketch is missing is Armadeus, but then I'm biased towards foxes as you can probably tell by my avatar and signature.

And yes, that cane is borderline absurdly large (although well proportioned considering Julian's size). What on earth does the man need a tree trunk for?

[Silicate]

Hey mwr-speedy! Thank you very much for the enthusiasm. The note is always appreciated; goodness knowing with how I've been working through adapting prominent SatAM characters to my little project here, I've been nervous as to the reception.

An7imatt3r, thank you for the deep regard. Although I prefer to err on the side of humility with respect to my sketches, the fact that people happen to enjoy the odd touch of realism is a welcome sign. I'd originally thought the matters might be too deviant from the Archie or SatAM canon stylization, but even I am surprised at how well some of the adaptions have worked. Time and viewers will tell whehter the trend continues, but my ideas have enough impetus about them that I've managed to keep my enthusiasm afloat. Thanks again!

And Randomizer, you rascal. Always the life of the thread. I've always thought it amusing that although Julian is a prominent figure, and virtual savant-extraoirdinaire, he's been around long enough that nobody really seems bothered by his towering presence. In the sketch you can see somewhat the presence of kneepads on Julian's attire; the way I view it, Julian would kneel to adress most Mobians, if as much out of practicality (being twice someone's height, if not more, is a bit of a conversational disadvantage) as out of formal respect for the aristocracy and operatives of the Palace. Getting up would involve plenty of weight on that cane....Yes, the cane is rather large - it was meant to be porportionate to Julian, not so much to everything else. The sketch is also rather small, and I didn't want to go about creating a mess in attempting to slim it's size. I never underestimate Murphy's Law. Thanks again, Randomizer; I enjoy the prodding humor and feedback... Hopefully I will get to other characters soon enough, but only as quickly as my concept of them has some workable foundation.

[Silicate]

Greetings, Captain H. I appreciate your comment here! (... Especially given your esteemed educational background! )

I haven't been spending so much time working on much in the way of sketching; largely any efforts thereof are organizational notes and basic sketches of concepts and material. If there could be said to be any slightly better-developed skeches, I remain unimpressed with them. So far I haven't had anything I deem worth scanning.

However, I decided to include a listing of the current reading material I've been interested in for this project of mine... It's rather copious, but I thought that it would make an intersting introduction to a broad range of material, moreover, material which I am quite unfamiliar with. As my primary foci of concern is 1) Julian Robotnik, and the plausible considerations of a genius of his calibre, and 2) the effects of such an individual on a hypothetical culture/society such as that of the Mobians, I've attempted to make my book choices fit accordingly.


Underlined material is what I have covered so far, and the * material is what I am currently working on (and rapidly at that, in this case.) I'll likely update the listing as time passes.

The 48 Laws of Power, Robert Greene
The 33 Strategies of War, Robert Greene
The Art of Seduction, Robert Greene
Moral Minds: The nature of right and wrong, Marc D. Hauser;
A Brief History of Everything, modern philosopher Ken Wilber;
Territory, Authority, Rights: From Medieval to Global Assemblages, Saskia Sassen;
[*]Being and Nothingness, Modern Existentialism, Jean-Paul Sartre;
The Scientific Way of Warfare: Order and Chaos on the Battlefields of Modernity, Antoine Bousquet;
Purify and Destroy: The Political Issues of Massacre and Genocide, Jaques Semelin;
The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Adam Smith;
The Five Senses: A philosophy of mingled bodies[/concepts], On data, perception, information flooding and decay of attentiveness, Michel Serres;
The Parallax View, complexity of existential/perceptual framework in arts/sciences, Slavoj Zizek;
Science Fiction and Philosophy: From time travel to superintelligence, Susan Schneider;
On Killing: The psychological cost of learning to kill in war and society, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman;
The Nietzche Reader, collected excerpts from the works of philosopher Neitzche, edited by Keith Ansell Pearson and Duncan Large;
The Art of City Making, Charles Landry;
Chomsky on Anarchism, Noam Chomsky;
I am a Strange Loop, cognitive psychology, Douglas Hofstadter;
On Combat: the psychology and physiology of Deadly Combat in war and peace, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, with Loren W. Christensen;
The Future of Life, on world ecology and decline, Edward O. Wilson;
Intelligence Reframed: Multiple intelligences for the 21st Century; Howard Gardner;
Complicity and Conviction: Steps towards an architecture of convention, Willian Hubbard;
Explaining Hitler, Ron Rosenbaum;
What is Architecture? An Essay on Landscapes, Buildings, and Machines, Paul Shepheard;
A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson;
Wagner's Hitler: The prophet and his disciple, Joachim Kohler;
The uses of the Past: Profiles of former societies, Herbert J. Muller;
The Politics of Cultural Despair: a study in the Rise of the Germanic Ideology; Fritz Stern;
The Encyclopedia of Ignorance; Ronald Duncan and Miranda Weston-Smith;
The Book of War, compilation of Sun-Tzu's Art of Warfare, and John Clauzewitz's On War, Caleb Carr;
The Last Book you will Ever Read: and other lessons from the future, Frank Ogden;
The Essential Zizek: The Plague of Fantasies, modern media and rational blindness through overexposure, Slavoj Zizek;
The Social Contract, Jean-Jacques Rousseau;
The Sane Society, overconformity and modern industrial society, Erich Fromm;
Race and Epistemologies of Ignorance, Shannon Sullivan and Nancy Tuana;
Personal Identity and Ethics: A Brief Introduction, David Shoemaker;
Violence and the Sacred, Rene Girard;
War in Human Civilization, Azar Gat;
Culture and Imperialism, Edward W. Said;
Simplexity: Why simple things become complex (and why complex things become simple), Jeffery Kluger;
The Strategies of Psychotherapy, Jay Hayley.

Heh, yes, the last book... You've got that right. <!-- s:o --><!-- s:o --> (I should note that I do not equate Julian in the same light as Hitler, it's merely that the Second World War was a very fascinating time, and I know many who have a great interest in it - as for myself, I'm quite underinformed. I hope to alleviate that.)

Most often I worry about carrying the essence of the characters (yes, I have worked on a few more characters than Dr. Robotnik, they're merely not as broad in their settled characteristics of yet - Don't worry, Randomizer, foxes included. <!-- s:D --><!-- s:D --> ). The background and world of Mobius as I've conceptualized it is much more complex... But, it's merely a personal project, one meant to make use of the SatAM concept as a basis (including a few pieces from the supposed 3rd season concepts), and develop a standalone story using that basic framework.

So, hopefully more sketches or artwork will follow here soon. Concept and study is one matter, but the technicalities of illustration/artwork is a whole other. I've not even produced any work meant specifically for scanning and digital coloration yet - in fact, I haven't really worked on any finished pieces at all... I've certianly had the urge to, mind you. Ah, but time will tell all things.

I enjoy what I do, and I hope others do as well, in time. It's the least I can offer for the community; they're good people, and possess plenty of spirit and

[Silicate]

Thanks again, Kaptain H.

I find the context of the information and concept-bound history is very important to me. It's one matter to show interesting locations, cityscapes, objects, machines, or cultures... But without a further sense of how they are all interconnected and serve to illustrate the full breadth of an idea, I find the sketches and artwork are empty. I simply cannot work without that essence of sufficient breadth or depth. Considering Julian Robotnik and his Machiavellian thinking, as well as his engineering and scientific brilliance, his figure is most expansive and difficult to tackle (to wit, I'd simply ricochet off and hit the floor - I've barely scratched the surface of what I'd consider a fitting amount of study.

That mass of reading is a part of this. For what I gain directly in knowledge from the books themselves, the myriad small nuances of the work shed light on new small ideas and subtle considerations I would have otherwise not considered. As a whole, though it might consume vast swathes of time, I find it a valuble undertaking - one that I hope will give my end-concepts and work a greater sense of appriciability, despite how deviant the overall path of the story is.

To me, the project itself is more in the spirit of exploration of the various matters than it is a faithful translation of any SatAM continuity. With the inclusion of new details, I'd sooner let my ideas trail away from the constraints of SatAM canon - the way I view it, that way it can both maintain it's individualty, and not directly impinge upon or against the integrity of it's origins... Or, so I see it, anyhow. <!-- s:) --><!-- s:) -->

Thanks again, Kaptain H. Good luck in your own efforts.

[Silicate]

Greetings, all.

Having abandoned my studying for a day, I'd instead opted to work on some sketching. It wasn't my idea to actually complete any of them, but so far this one appears to have developed reasonably.


http://lucratanexari...story-128710282

This would appear to be a rather unusual setting for Julian Robotnik, no? Here we see him engaged in deep study of Mobian history. Within this project of mine, his appearence on Mobius was quite long ago... One of his first places of activity was that of the Palace archives/library, where he sought to famliarize himself with all manner of Mobian languages, historical materials, and anything relating to their past, present, and possible directions of the future.

Note that some of the objects appear rather small. The large book before him is his, however; a book to later play a curious role within this project. The hat was originally there strictly for amusement, but also as a sort of practical measure: Robotnik is human, the only human, and as such in this early time, his appearence is at some points unsettling to Mobians. A hat with a flexible, wide, overshadowing brim serves to alleviate that, somewhat.

...Reknowned for his rapid studies and seemingly indefatigable capacity for everything he sets his hands and mind to, Julian is quick to make admirable impressions on the few Mobians he is permitted to see.

Or, so goes my rationale at this late hour. As an additional note, I've updated my book list; so far, much of the material has moved along a common line. My next goal should be that of industrial development, technology, and economical factors, as well as competitive business models and unwarranted industrial activities. (But, time will tell all things.)

We will see.

[MaRaMa-TSG]

I haven't posted here forever!
I'm so glad to see more art from you and Robotnik again~

Yes, first thing I noticed was the hat and it was indeed amusing but I like your logic behind it. Now I'm picturing him wearing it lowered down on the front with a large coat all inconspicuous. This would still be hard though. His side alone should be enough to gather unwanted attention and have most notice what/who's under the hat. But perhaps him not being able to see others expressions as much as others can't see him make it easier to handle.
Do you think it would bother him much or he probably gets used to after a while? Perhaps he would enjoy it?
Also, his clothes are something I never imagined him in, they remind of of the video game Fable. Love how they do look tailor made just for him. I'm picturing them brown, is that their color? I'm probably being biased by the game. His sleeves also look a bit tight for his arms, that gives him an even larger, more muscular look, which is very good. X3

That tiny book in his hands did make me laugh. Must be rather middle sized for an average mobian. You say the large one is his, you mean that he wrote it? Or perhaps something he brought from his time?

As always I love the general style of your art. How it could be a sketch yet an elaborate drawing at the same time because of the amount of details and shadows you apply. It's almost as if it's colored, only in gray scale. Also like how you always add color to his mustache and eyes. It's a nice touch.
Your art always inspires. Now let's see if my muse feels like giving in to the urges.

[Silicate]

Ah, greetings, Marama! Yes, it has been a while, and I'm glad to see you back and posting among the forum. Surely others of FUS are pleased at your return as well. Spirit and comment is always welcome.

Yes, as you've said in your comment, Julian has a vast set of characteristics which would be quite unsettling to virtually any Mobian, yet alone those who have not seen him directly. His size is actually a rather large disadvantage in general - naturally, his height alone places him at double that of nearly half of all Mobians, and about a third taller than an average Mobian. Only the small portion of larger Mobians stand roughly as tall as he does, with only a diminutive portion of the Mobian species able to equal or best him in standing height.... Naturally, this, in conjunction with his overall mass, makes him more of a curiosity or intimidating pesence than it does a person with whom one can interact. Include with this his near-hairlessness (he lacks fur, feathers, or scales), his bionic ears, his eyes (which, although they appear human much of the time, he does require and use his alternate visual modes - which can be very unsettling if one has no knowledge of such capabilities), and his human hands, and to a degree, his girth - Julian Robotnik makes for a strange presence. To a degree, exposure to him can alleviate that notion of literally alienable traits, but that ease is only found among a very small section of close individuals.

The coloration of his clothing is something I imagined as largely a lighter tan shade, something to nearly match his skin, as to produce more of an artifical atmosphere to him (hell, his presence alone is surreal enough), and ease the oddity of his skin shade; a few accents of color or darkness would be there to balance appearence of his copious moustache and it's rich hue. There is actually a metallic/jeweled pin near his collar (just as much there to tie back his shirt drawstrings as to provide something reflective and similar to his tympana). The set of tough, leather gloves cover his strong hands - with his obvious size and muscularity of some areas of his body, he has a predatory/threatening air about him, something naturally unsettling to a large degree of the Mobians. As I see it, much of his clothing is tailor-made for him; although I know sorely little of fashions and visual balances, I see the Mobians as being quite advanced in that respect. Their creation of that garment would be just as much a courtesy to him as it would be something for them to more easily familiarize themselves with his being there. He isn't natural to Mobius, per se.

The large book is something he made, himself. Upon questioning the Mobian archivist as to the make and quality of the books, as well as their history of recordkeeping and binding as an art, he was invited to see the royal bookbinders and master binders in action - a skill which he acquired at the master-level with ease (which to them was rather alarming/astonishing; he innovated where he saw fit, while working in private - he wouldn't wish to taint the standing Mobian art with any qualities he'd inadvertently introduce). The result is a sturdy tome, only called at this point the 'Voynich Manuscript,' for lack of a better term; as Robotnik has a limited inclusion of elements from human history, I could easily see him using that name for it in order to amuse himself. This tome has a later role in the concept. ... As for the Mobian books, many of them would be quite undersized for Julian. I can see we're both amused at that... Many of the books in the Royal Library/Archives would be 'grand tomes,' writ large, and made to last - ones simply an average size for Julian.

As for the coloration of just his eyes and his moustache, they are simple inclusions for the sake of life in the image: a bit of a difference, highlighting his prominent visual characteristics. I fear it's become a bit of a habit to color them thus, but it's at least an effective/welcome habit.

I'd say more here, but at the time, I must be going. I'm glad you appreciate the material, Marama. All I can hope to do is inspire or interest others. But... There is one matter I question:[/color] "I'm so glad to see more art from you and Robotnik again~" ...Myself and Robotnik? Do you not mean artwork from myself about/of Robotnik? Or are you complimenting me on a subtle level? You maleficent flatterer, you.

[MaRaMa-TSG]

But... There is one matter I question: "I'm so glad to see more art from you and Robotnik again~" ... Myself and Robotnik? Do you not mean artwork from myself about/of Robotnik? Or are you complimenting me on a subtle level? You maleficent flatterer, you.

I meant it to be taken in every way you did.

[Silicate]

I meant it to be taken in every way you did.

Hmm.... As if I don't already have an industrious/powerful bent, and at least a month's worth of leisure/free-time reading to see to... Now you're driving strange insuations into my subconscious?

You're in league with him, aren't you? *Puts on an elaborate centurion-style tinfoil hat* Both of you, yes... Him slowly devouring my mind with temptation of knowledge and innovation, and you, placing the parameters of subconscious direction. You're after me, both of you.... *Hides in a corner and rocks back and forth, staring balefully at the stacks of study books and their black, rectangle shadows* Yes.... Yes! The darkness... My god, it's full of stars!

.... My humor is odd.

[randomizer]

Think happy, happy things. Like cake. Everybody likes... cake.