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Reimagining Ravenspeaker (New 22)
locochoco
Posts: 348 Arc User
Billy Edenshaw has had a rough go over the years, amassing a cult following of costume critics that seems to extend beyond even Champions itself. His very tribal aesthetic is often seen as in poor taste, and I have to somewhat agree, personally. I decided to do a reimagining of him as part of my routine costume exercise activity.
I like this modernized version so much that I'm going to adapt it into my KigaVerse as his 2nd edition, updated costume. I tried not to betray his heritage, backstory, or costume theme and color scheme whilst bringing a fresh, modern vibe to his appearance.
The raven beak mask was something I did try to remodel and include, but it wasn't working, and isn't needed at all. I did, however, strive to give him Raven eyes, in-keeping with his powers.
I like this modernized version so much that I'm going to adapt it into my KigaVerse as his 2nd edition, updated costume. I tried not to betray his heritage, backstory, or costume theme and color scheme whilst bringing a fresh, modern vibe to his appearance.
The raven beak mask was something I did try to remodel and include, but it wasn't working, and isn't needed at all. I did, however, strive to give him Raven eyes, in-keeping with his powers.
Post edited by locochoco#7652 on
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But carved masks, particularly the Raven mask, are an important element in Haida spiritual iconography, and Ravenspeaker is essentially a powerful Haida shaman. I'm definitely not saying your costume has to have it, but "isn't needed at all" is kind of an outsider perspective.
Very fair, and I sincerely apologize to Haida culture. That was a moment of ignorance. I can definitely take a second look at his mask. The helmet portion Cryptic designers used (because it fits best) was my main obstacle. I don't find it matches. Particularly the round discs above the ears. I will try again, never-the-less given this new information. My designs never intend to compromise anything about the source material of the character.
This needs to be addressed.
No apologies necessary. You've been hella more respectful to the character than Cryptic developers.
And this new design is gorgeous. Superheroic, practical, and culturally relevant. I'm confident Ravenspeaker's creator, Scott Bennie, would have approved.
IMHO Cryptic should ask your permission to use this design for all Ravenspeaker's appearances.
Thanks so much. A lot of care went into this one for obvious reasons. So it means a lot to hear.
Current character roaster: The Iconica, Lady Mythica, Black Jackal, Omni-Woman, Fantomask
Currently waiting for: Moar comics! And maybe City of Titans, too. Hopefully!
Thanks so much!
First Nations peoples are something that, while may not seem underrepresented in mainstream superhero content, still is in some ways. To look at Marvel or DC, you could count the number of big name, prestigious First Nations heroes on one hand.
Ravenspeaker is a defiant exception to what seems like a rule.
You're very welcome!
And oh, absolutely! 110%! All of my characters are based on what I would love to see, be it POCs, First Nations, and LGBTQIA folks. Personally, I find creating First Nation characters to be a bit difficult than your standard "Gadget Hero #22281". That said, I always push myself to create something new and exciting. : )
Current character roaster: The Iconica, Lady Mythica, Black Jackal, Omni-Woman, Fantomask
Currently waiting for: Moar comics! And maybe City of Titans, too. Hopefully!
The creators of the official CU made a concerted effort to be not only ethnically inclusive, but to spread superhumans across the globe, not to just concentrate on the United States; and to make them genuinely representative of their native countries and cultures. In that regard they've gone farther than either Marvel or DC.
EDIT: (I'm sure at one point they have, but I mean, I wish it was a continued effort to expend the the COEU without pulling a Runescape and losing control of scale and organization. You know, paced, focused growth that takes as long as it takes to work well.)
I went a touch further on this Ravenspeaker design since last checking in. I removed the tight cowl from his neck, removing the obstructions over his tights pattern near the logo as the linework is rather complimentary of the logo. Then to tie it together in similar way again, I applied the Cover head layer, which connects the helm to the neck using the same shade of red, and trim off nicely at his chin with the curved mouth accessories of his Haida mask. Deploying the cover meant removing the darkness from around his eye. Although I felt they lent a raven feather fuzz sort of aesthetic, it warmed up his natural character appeal as a hero from beneath the mask.
I've held onto this -Design- and still showcase it frequently. Billy will be hanging around M. City most of Red Winter, as well.