Well, that's actually not a bad costume.
Similarities to totems are quite obvious. Especially with this chest layer and back piece.
Skin tone is right.
Leather belt, gloves and boots are working well at breaking this color scheme.
Jet black looks like used with leather texture, so it's not a featureless back mass.
Red parts could use color toned down a bit, but even without it they aren't totally costume breaking.
Good enough as a kind of native-inspired Batmanesque costume.
Some thought was actually put into this costume. It's not a random sum of parts.
This topic already started badly, but now it quickly goes downhill.
I have to agree, we should be using this thread to encourage improvement and acknowledge costumes done well or giving constructive criticism where things could be improved (wether the original costume maker sees it or not - everyone can use the advice).
I will admit I do have a giggle at blackredders when i see an especially heinous one in-game, but I also usually try to have a word with them, ask them if they wouldnt mind some comments that may improve their look. Sometimes I get no reply (AFKs?) but often people are happy to chat about costumes and looks in random locations.
*stands up* Hello, I am Liath and I am a blackredder. *sits down again*
With regard to the Native American themed look, I think it is a passable Thunderbird homage (wether that was intended or not). If this was mine to work with I would expand on the leather feel - make the black into the darkest "brown" on the charcoal row of the Orange column. I would also be tempted to change the tights to leather rather than metal but they probably look better out of the PH lights. The red I would also take down a couple of rows. I have no issue with costume part selection at all and would be pleased to have a similar look on my chars.. in fact.. to the tailoring mobile!
I found one!!! (like it was that hard) Saw this today....it made me feel bad for the Native Americans
The problem I have is first: the leather on metal blackredder mistake, it's out if place and does not work, the gloves/boots/belt if you are in a metal suit...why would you still be wearing your old gloves.i think getting a rid of metal altogether is the best idea. And changing the blackredder area to match the gloves. And the feather, they look like just red and black, hard to tell....he must of killed a blackredder bald eagle
The problem I have is first: the leather on metal blackredder mistake, it's out if place and does not work, the gloves/boots/belt if you are in a metal suit...why would you still be wearing your old gloves.i think getting a rid of metal altogether is the best idea. And changing the blackredder area to match the gloves. And the feather, they look like just red and black, hard to tell....he must of killed a blackredder bald eagle
The thought of that actually made me giggle.
Scene: kitchen. Indian man in bathrobe and boxers, one hand he is holding a cup of coffee while leaning on counter reading newspaper and occasionally he reach for the metal bucket in sink to check progress of the dying bird feathers....this is why everyone needs an Alfred. Ever seen bleach stains on Batman's costumes? Never...being a superhero is not a one man job.
That looks awesome, liath. Kinda what I was picturing, as well.
I'll post a few, myself. First up is Raven, who pretty much had no choice about this whole blackredder thing.
I did fix the shimmer on the shoulder pads, they don't reflect like that anymore. Odd detail that I didn't notice when I first set up the costume.
Next is Crimson Falcon, who's a bit of an homage to Crimson Bolt, AoC's main. She might be Blackred, but she wins retro or sexy on a regular basis, so I guess it can't be too bad.
In game, I am @EvilTaco. Happily killing purple gang members since May 2008.
Blackredders on MY character list? It's more likely than you think. :biggrin:
I would be of the opinion that this is a blackredder done decently. Sure, it's got some bright red on pitch black, but the red isn't glaringly all over the place, it's more of a highlight.
Actually the number one sin is widespread gigantism, if you more than a few characters that just happen to be 7 foot tall, maybe you need to leave other players choices alone.
Actually the number one sin is widespread gigantism, if you more than a few characters that just happen to be 7 foot tall, maybe you need to leave other players choices alone.
In a game about having super powers, I don't think this is a problem.
It has come to my attention that a couple of my characters might be black[insetcolor]ers... though I do hope that I'm not making atrocities with them... IMO they look pretty decent... and I do try to make the color palettes eyepleasing rather than eyecatching eyesores...
I can atleast attest that I never used the Blackest of Blacks on any of their costumes, and only one of them has an eyepoppingly bright secondary color... but she also has more of a grey tone to her than black... and the two colors don't exactly meet much...
I submit my heroes to your judgement... I hope for a kind one, but expect an honest one.
Next is my generic half angel half demon which everyone made when VB launched, Intercessor. He has various phases, as he changes from angelic to demonic. The idea is if he uses light/healing powers he looks more angelic, but if he uses his hell fire powers, the demonic side prevails:
Stern angelic look, look no black or red!
Not so angelic:
Who's been a bad boy?:
Even badder, with extra spikes as you can never have enough:
And finally, my original blackredder, from launch. Interestingly enough he was mainly white originally, but I entered a cc in which you had to show both your main costume and a fallen one, so naturally I switched the whit to black and came in second. Sadly i fell in love with the look, so now he has a few red/black costumes. I am beginning to think my blackredder syndrome is worse than my altitis.
Witchfinder, close to original colours, but some changes:
Here are two offenders side by side. Hopefully my toon, Bastion, on the right, is less offensive:
The Character on your Left is the PERFECT Example of why people Hate Black & Redders
Just look at this color tune
POWERFRAME REVAMPS, NEW POWERS and BUG FIXES > Recycled Content and Events and even costumes at this point Introvert guy who use CO to make his characters playable and get experimental with Viable FF Theme builds! Running out of Unique FF builds due to the lack of updates and synergiesPlaying since 1 February 2011 98+ Characters (7 ATs, 91 FFs) ALTitis for Life!
Here are two offenders side by side. Hopefully my toon, Bastion, on the right, is less offensive:
Still absolutely LOVE Bastion's costume.
My latest character is a Black-Pinker, using the blackest of blacks in his costume. I know the normal PSI-Guys use a less-threatening, evil black, but I made him in the midst of a blackredder discussion so I just had to go for it. :P
My latest character is a Black-Pinker, using the blackest of blacks in his costume. I know the normal PSI-Guys use a less-threatening, evil black, but I made him in the midst of a blackredder discussion so I just had to go for it. :P
He's PSI-Clone, a PSI/Teleios mashup.
Thanks Smacks, coming from an avid(rabid?) tight fan that means a lot. I like your toon a lot, but is it possible to colour the back the same as the pink in the costume? I know its hard but if not try a third colour for his back and glowing eyes? Really sweet toon though.
Thanks Smacks, coming from an avid(rabid?) tight fan that means a lot. I like your toon a lot, but is it possible to colour the back the same as the pink in the costume? I know its hard but if not try a third colour for his back and glowing eyes? Really sweet toon though.
Thanks. Yeah I was trying to match the colors but I gave up. The lighting in the costume creator was making it look different, i think. I dunno, I just got lazy :P
My latest character is a Black-Pinker, using the blackest of blacks in his costume. I know the normal PSI-Guys use a less-threatening, evil black, but I made him in the midst of a blackredder discussion so I just had to go for it. :P
He's PSI-Clone, a PSI/Teleios mashup.
This is another example of one that gets it right. The black is a little saturated but otherwise this looks good.
And here, a few good examples to proof that black and red doesn't have to look bad.
The first thing to notice: There is no glow. It's a tech ninja that actually looks stealthy.
Here we have a black power armor with red glowing details. Emphasis on "details"! The glow is subtle and actually used only for details instead of as a secondary color. The actual secondary color on this one is grey.
This one looks kinda weird, but certainly not everyone has a body like this. That's originality!
Overall, this costume has surprisingly good synergy. The colors are well balanced; red is the primary color, but it doesn't draw attention away from the black parts. Dark grey is used as a subtile tertiary color in between the web lines. And the tights have the same Scale detail and Leather material textures all around.
Also, notice how he colored the holo fields in a dark red, making them more like subtile accessoirs instead of eyecatches.
Notice how they use other colors, which makes the costume look less monotone (duotone, technically).
And they don't just use "cool" costume pieces either, but select them so they fit the character's theme.
Hey guys.
I'm @Overpower, a new player. Nice to meet you all!
This is my main alt, Prefect. I hope I did okay.
Hope to see you guys in game
I actually like that costume. The black and red work well there. The key is having at least a third color, like your whites and golds. Personally I'd go with a slightly darker shade of red when using metal but that's just me. Maybe darken only some of the reds rather than using just the single shade.
♪ BlackReds, BlackReds whatcha gonna do? what you gonna do when they come for you? ♫
But seriously now, what were they thinking?
They have the ability to make Unique colorful characters and instead they make this... is Black & Red Supposed to be EDGY? How old are the players who make those characters?
This trend makes me Question other people's Artistic Visions
POWERFRAME REVAMPS, NEW POWERS and BUG FIXES > Recycled Content and Events and even costumes at this point Introvert guy who use CO to make his characters playable and get experimental with Viable FF Theme builds! Running out of Unique FF builds due to the lack of updates and synergiesPlaying since 1 February 2011 98+ Characters (7 ATs, 91 FFs) ALTitis for Life!
♪ BackReds, BackReds whatcha gonna do? what you gonna do when they come for you? ♫
But seriously now, what were they thinking?
They have the ability to make Unique colorful characters and instead they make this... is Black & Red Supposed to be EDGY? How old are the players who make those characters?
This trend makes me Question other people's Artistic Visions
Well it takes a bit to understand the costume creator when you first get into the game, i remember my first experience. I just dont think they realise that they can colour the pieces individually instead of having 1 palette for everything.
So either its lack of knowledge with the character creator or..
well..
I must confess that i'm guilty of blackredding too:
This is my main Ghostlinger, the 3rd or 4th toon i made since joining the game and the first one i finally kept on playing; on his original unwatchable glory
And this is his current look, after a lot of eye sore, spending some zen and reading Bluhman's guide
I must confess that i'm guilty of blackredding too:
This is my main Ghostlinger, the 3rd or 4th toon i made since joining the game and the first one i finally kept on playing; on his original unwatchable glory
And this is his current look, after a lot of eye sore, spending some zen and reading Bluhman's guide
Looks like ol' Eddie to me - especially costume #1 in that second pic!
"Science teaches us to expect -- demand -- more than just eerie mysteries. What use is a puzzle that can't be solved? Patience is fine, but I'm not going to stop asking the universe to make sense!"
I just realized going through my 27+ toons now that most use subdued, darker colors for their clothing. This is somewhat because I usually make creatures, and their skin colors can vary widely and be quite colorful compared to the normal pale human skin, so the desaturated attire creates a simple contrast. (I almost never use the pitch black, though; my most common motif seems to be medium black or dark brown + gold/yellow + red, and some close variants thereof; never really thought hard about it either- just made whatever color scheme I liked at the time)
That said, I think we're getting two diff trends confused here. The black-redder's only major crime is being an over-used scheme. The bigger problems, somewhat highlighted by the OP but lost in the noise of the thread, are what I'd more call 'Vega Signs'- ie. the pitch/void detail-munching black paired w/ a garishly bright saturated color w/ high glow- doesn't have to be red. To me this is way way worse an offender, cause it is visually painful to look at. I mean, there is some overlap between the two, but if I had to pick between curtailing the black-redder population or the Vegas signs, I'd def go w/ the latter.
I just realized going through my 27+ toons now that most use subdued, darker colors for their clothing. This is somewhat because I usually make creatures, and their skin colors can vary widely and be quite colorful compared to the normal pale human skin, so the desaturated attire creates a simple contrast. (I almost never use the pitch black, though; my most common motif seems to be medium black or dark brown + gold/yellow + red, and some close variants thereof; never really thought hard about it either- just made whatever color scheme I liked at the time)
That said, I think we're getting two diff trends confused here. The black-redder's only major crime is being an over-used scheme. The bigger problems, somewhat highlighted by the OP but lost in the noise of the thread, are what I'd more call 'Vega Signs'- ie. the pitch/void detail-munching black paired w/ a garishly bright saturated color w/ high glow- doesn't have to be red. To me this is way way worse an offender, cause it is visually painful to look at. I mean, there is some overlap between the two, but if I had to pick between curtailing the black-redder population or the Vegas signs, I'd def go w/ the latter.
Well yes. Basically: having red and black doth not a blackredder make. It's the juxtoposition of the most extreme black and red (or other similarly garish colour) with no variation that makes a blackredder.
It's symptomatic of basically lazy design - a player that has no concept idea for the costume behind "black and red". When your thought process has not got past two colours, you need to take a little bit longer with your ideas.
Comments
I have to agree, we should be using this thread to encourage improvement and acknowledge costumes done well or giving constructive criticism where things could be improved (wether the original costume maker sees it or not - everyone can use the advice).
I will admit I do have a giggle at blackredders when i see an especially heinous one in-game, but I also usually try to have a word with them, ask them if they wouldnt mind some comments that may improve their look. Sometimes I get no reply (AFKs?) but often people are happy to chat about costumes and looks in random locations.
*stands up* Hello, I am Liath and I am a blackredder. *sits down again*
With regard to the Native American themed look, I think it is a passable Thunderbird homage (wether that was intended or not). If this was mine to work with I would expand on the leather feel - make the black into the darkest "brown" on the charcoal row of the Orange column. I would also be tempted to change the tights to leather rather than metal but they probably look better out of the PH lights. The red I would also take down a couple of rows. I have no issue with costume part selection at all and would be pleased to have a similar look on my chars.. in fact.. to the tailoring mobile!
@Liath | My PRIMUS Page | Altaholics | New Vehicle Models | New Emblems | Flag Tights
Asterelle's Forum Enhancement Extension | Game Side Panel Add-In | Game Server Status Add-In
The problem I have is first: the leather on metal blackredder mistake, it's out if place and does not work, the gloves/boots/belt if you are in a metal suit...why would you still be wearing your old gloves.i think getting a rid of metal altogether is the best idea. And changing the blackredder area to match the gloves. And the feather, they look like just red and black, hard to tell....he must of killed a blackredder bald eagle
Or dyed the feathers?
The thought of that actually made me giggle.
Scene: kitchen. Indian man in bathrobe and boxers, one hand he is holding a cup of coffee while leaning on counter reading newspaper and occasionally he reach for the metal bucket in sink to check progress of the dying bird feathers....this is why everyone needs an Alfred. Ever seen bleach stains on Batman's costumes? Never...being a superhero is not a one man job.
@Liath | My PRIMUS Page | Altaholics | New Vehicle Models | New Emblems | Flag Tights
Asterelle's Forum Enhancement Extension | Game Side Panel Add-In | Game Server Status Add-In
I'll post a few, myself. First up is Raven, who pretty much had no choice about this whole blackredder thing.
I did fix the shimmer on the shoulder pads, they don't reflect like that anymore. Odd detail that I didn't notice when I first set up the costume.
Next is Crimson Falcon, who's a bit of an homage to Crimson Bolt, AoC's main. She might be Blackred, but she wins retro or sexy on a regular basis, so I guess it can't be too bad.
RIP Caine
Blackest black? Check.
Glowing red? Check.
Blackredders on MY character list? It's more likely than you think. :biggrin:
@flamingbunnyman in game. Formerly @Roderick in City of Heroes.
Good outfit, needs different shades IMO.
And a black/red/green.
I kinda like the second one. Perhaps he PvP's?
Hahaha
So you're assuming that most of the current PvP'ers have crappy visual tastes?
I see what you did there. >:(
Wait? Whaaaa..?
I would be of the opinion that this is a blackredder done decently. Sure, it's got some bright red on pitch black, but the red isn't glaringly all over the place, it's more of a highlight.
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alas...I was not the black reddiest blackredder there.
In a game about having super powers, I don't think this is a problem.
@dr490nbr347hi / Playing since January 25, '11
Display normal Internet behavior. Come and make fun (yes, make fun) of my PRIMUS page.
Deliciously nutritious!
I can atleast attest that I never used the Blackest of Blacks on any of their costumes, and only one of them has an eyepoppingly bright secondary color... but she also has more of a grey tone to her than black... and the two colors don't exactly meet much...
I submit my heroes to your judgement... I hope for a kind one, but expect an honest one.
Eh, none of them are really that bad I guess...the others I rather like.
First of all Ghettoblaster. He is an ex gang member, so the red is his 'colours'.
Original:
Next:
I am sorry, I need help:
Since he is of Jamaican ancestors and to relieve your eyes of excessive red and black:
Stern angelic look, look no black or red!
Not so angelic:
Who's been a bad boy?:
Even badder, with extra spikes as you can never have enough:
Witchfinder, close to original colours, but some changes:
Uh oh, he fell:
A bit less black, but still:
I guess there is no hope for me:
-Sterga
The Character on your Left is the PERFECT Example of why people Hate Black & Redders
Just look at this color tune
Still absolutely LOVE Bastion's costume.
My latest character is a Black-Pinker, using the blackest of blacks in his costume. I know the normal PSI-Guys use a less-threatening, evil black, but I made him in the midst of a blackredder discussion so I just had to go for it. :P
He's PSI-Clone, a PSI/Teleios mashup.
But hey, do tell me: any good concept where Black and Red could be justified? Or the guilty party is pretty much attempting to be XTREMECOOLZORZ?
Thanks, I have recently been avoiding black/red costumes like the plague, although bastion was a lapse.
Thanks Smacks, coming from an avid(rabid?) tight fan that means a lot. I like your toon a lot, but is it possible to colour the back the same as the pink in the costume? I know its hard but if not try a third colour for his back and glowing eyes? Really sweet toon though.
Thanks. Yeah I was trying to match the colors but I gave up. The lighting in the costume creator was making it look different, i think. I dunno, I just got lazy :P
This is another example of one that gets it right. The black is a little saturated but otherwise this looks good.
Well, any number of countries have black and red in their flag so a lot of national heroes could have those two colors.
-Sterga
To be fair, I thought the face was pretty well done.
@dr490nbr347hi / Playing since January 25, '11
Display normal Internet behavior. Come and make fun (yes, make fun) of my PRIMUS page.
I'm @Overpower, a new player. Nice to meet you all!
This is my main alt, Prefect. I hope I did okay.
Hope to see you guys in game
I should point you to examples from the first page. Here:
If it's good enough for the Hart Foundation, it's good enough for you.
Wait? Whaaaa..?
I actually like that costume. The black and red work well there. The key is having at least a third color, like your whites and golds. Personally I'd go with a slightly darker shade of red when using metal but that's just me. Maybe darken only some of the reds rather than using just the single shade.
My Characters on PRIMUS
Toons and costumes thread
@Benevon
Leader of Super Serious Brooding Vigilantes
Click here to check out my costumes/milleniumguardian (MG) in-game/We need more tights, stances and moods
Black: his spiky legs bipedal,
His aura's blacker than his soul,
His cloth is blacker than his metal.
Black Redder, Black Redder, with many a burned-out eye!
Black Redder, Black Redder, you ugly little guy!
But seriously now, what were they thinking?
They have the ability to make Unique colorful characters and instead they make this... is Black & Red Supposed to be EDGY? How old are the players who make those characters?
This trend makes me Question other people's Artistic Visions
Well it takes a bit to understand the costume creator when you first get into the game, i remember my first experience. I just dont think they realise that they can colour the pieces individually instead of having 1 palette for everything.
So either its lack of knowledge with the character creator or..
well..
they're lazy or something. *cough*
Handle:@XG3NX
Champions Online.. where we sell lockboxes by the dozen.
This is my main Ghostlinger, the 3rd or 4th toon i made since joining the game and the first one i finally kept on playing; on his original unwatchable glory
And this is his current look, after a lot of eye sore, spending some zen and reading Bluhman's guide
Iron Maiden?
- David Brin, "Those Eyes"
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Exactly my thoughts. Great (and not-often done) homage.
That said, I think we're getting two diff trends confused here. The black-redder's only major crime is being an over-used scheme. The bigger problems, somewhat highlighted by the OP but lost in the noise of the thread, are what I'd more call 'Vega Signs'- ie. the pitch/void detail-munching black paired w/ a garishly bright saturated color w/ high glow- doesn't have to be red. To me this is way way worse an offender, cause it is visually painful to look at. I mean, there is some overlap between the two, but if I had to pick between curtailing the black-redder population or the Vegas signs, I'd def go w/ the latter.
- Be safe and have fun, champs - for science!
Well yes. Basically: having red and black doth not a blackredder make. It's the juxtoposition of the most extreme black and red (or other similarly garish colour) with no variation that makes a blackredder.
It's symptomatic of basically lazy design - a player that has no concept idea for the costume behind "black and red". When your thought process has not got past two colours, you need to take a little bit longer with your ideas.