NXM: X-TRAS 02
Monday, February 26, 2007 at 01:06PM 
Well, I'm proud of myself for sticking to this 2 weeks in a row. Usually I can loose track of time pretty easy.
And thanks to everyone for commenting. I think we've set a record for most comments on one post. Let's see if we can break it this time. So, this is the second instalment of New X-men X-tras and I'm showing 2 new character sketches. Plus, I thru some very quick spot colors on all the characters so far. I really just needed a color guide, and color always make a sketch feel a little more real.
Each week, I'll add the new characters to this sheet. Well, let's get started.
HELLION: I really like this character. I dig his attitude and think that it will make for some great character moments in the drawings. Like last week, Age is my main concern. While I wanted him to feel a little more built, I still wanted to stay away from making him too big. He's 16, and I know there are some pretty muscular 16 years olds, but metabolism still plays a role in some that age. We're like machines at that age. You're body just burns everything and I wanted to apply that to Hellion. I kept him fairly skinny, or slim, but really carved him up. So, he's more wirey than bulky. And because his powers are not strength based, I don't see any reason to make him too huge.
Chris Yost explained that his attitude would be close to Sawyer from lost. Kind of a dick, but something going on underneath it all. So, I made some minor tweaks keeping those thought in mind. First, his hair. Again, I don't want it to sound like I'm dissing Paco at all, because I think he is an amazing artist, and I know that alot of these characters were drawn by other people first. But I felt that his hair has been too "pretty". Very nicely groomed, and always really cool. So, I wanted to give it some length and really keep it devoid of all styles. Make it seem that Julian could give a shit about what his hair looks like and there is something about slightly long hair that gives off the idea of someone being a bad ass. Also, the pants. Would Sawyer from Lost be caught dead in tights or would he pull a gun on you for suggesting the notion. I think Hellion would rather die than were tights. And thinking about it, would any of us, you or I ever agree to where tights for any reason what so ever? I think the answer is no. So, with out ditching the design everyone is used too, I just slightly adjusted the pants making them more like..well, pants. Leather in design to make for a tougher, protective surface. Very simlar to what we've seen the the X-men movies. The gloves have also changed a bit. I want things to be practicle to a degree. So, the things that we fight with the most are our hands. I wanted to bring the gloves up higher to create a form of protection for the forearms. I figure if someone is wearing gloves, it should be for a purpose. I don't like items of clothing for no reason. You will never see me have a character with pockets all over a belt unless that character needs to keep things in pockets on his belt. Same goes for things like gloves.
PIXIE: There's not alot to say about this one. I feel like a broken record, but I think she is alot of fun as well. I truley like most of these characters. It seems that when it comes to the JV squad, I like putting them in their civies, as it seems like we seem the most in those clothes...at least for now. I wanted to make here wings look more like a butter fly than just ovals on her back. I pulled out the master of Pixies and Fairies, Brian Froud and went to town. I tried to make her hair a little more unique as well, giving you the sense that she is a pixie. something uncovential to a normal girls hair. Keeping it cute, but also making it a little fun in the process. When I think of faries, or pixies, I think of nature. Trees, flowers, gras..etc. Since they live in a school, surrounded by giant robots and rooms full of tech things, I added the nature into her clothes. By adding some stiched on patches of flowers and vines her her jeans, i think I can keep the feeling of nature in her character with out having her sitting on tree stumps and the like. And while have her color be bright, I went with a semi hippy design to her clothing. belled out jeans, denim, etc. I think that also lends itself to idea of nature.
I did get an email from a fan asking me for a favor and I'm glad he did. He said that Michael Ryan designed her with the black, marble style eyes and asked me if I could bring that back. Honestly, I did not know that was the way she was designed, and am happy to bring that back. I love the idea, and if I was creating this character from scratch, I would have done that myself. So, here you go, I hope you like the eyes.
Now that we have the characters explained, I throw you some general ideas that I've incorperated into these designs. Some people have pointed out that the feet are very flat. This is intentional. I know I'm not a "realistic" artist, but some people forget to really look at reality and see how odd it really is. Feet for example, are very odd looking things. They are truley..flat. I mentioned before that I want my designs to have a sense of practicality in them. With characters that spend a lot of time running, jumping, fighting, and over all staying in motion, foot wear becomes very important. I myself would want to have foot were that is protective, but very agile at the same time. So, if I take the concept of a boot, and put it into a track shoe, than I think the character has the best of both worlds. If you've ever looked a real track shoe, you would think that it's fake. There are very, very flat, and look almost silly in design. But they serve their purpose by allowing the runner to move thier feel fully with any restraint, resulting a much quicker runner.
Ok, so yeay, I 'm a huge nerd. Maybe I think too much about these fictional characters, but to me that's the fun about this job. How can I believe in each drawing and character. I called Chris Yost and grilled him for awhile on each character and they're background and he probably thought, "hey, they're fake...just draw the damn things!" haha. I just thought you guys might be interested in hearing how nerdy I can truely get.
Until next time...enjoy.
s.
Reader Comments (72)
Young.. Serieusly your Hellion design is awsome!!.. He looks lovely with long hair.. And Pixie.. She is awsome..The wings.. The eyes.. She just looks lovely.
How ever i also saw your art in marvel preview for the quest for magik cover. And i didnt realy like Mercury on that one. Is she going to stay like that?
Well i do like the designs on your blog , Keep going :)
OMG Hellion's hair! I don't know if I love it or hate it but it's something thats for sure. You've got the build down thats for sure, and comparing him to Sawyer is an interesting take. Sadly I disagree with your rationale for the hair - Julian has always been a character thats obsessed with his image (though I could see him being over that after all they've been through) he was the pretty boy. Still image is important and long hair can give a certain image he'd want to obtain. Don't know if it's too late for this, but it'd actually be pretty cool if you started with his hair still kinda short when you start your run and then lenghting it as you go. Loving this sketch though, but not quite what I expected.
Pixie: Looking good, she's different than we've seen before but in a good way. I really like your choice in wardrobe - very her. Also great to see the marble eyes back.
And good for you for grilling Yost. And if he won't answer you're questions - ASK US! We've read the whole run we know these kids as well as anyone!
Wow! I Love youre Pixie, I really Like the way made her look so Frail, It really suits her Character/powers. Her Breasts were really too Large when Medina drew her, Made you wonder how She managed to fly on such light wings with those things holding her down. Also like her clothes, and the books are a nice toutch. I also like your more graceful Take on her wings.
I Like the New Julian as well, the long hair suits his personality, For some reason he reminds ne of Captain Harlock.
My But That's a lot of Torso! O_o;
I really Like the colored Surge. Also I'm terrified that The Colores Laura want's to Kill Me, EEK!
Not much to say on this post that wasn't covered on the last. Damned good art and keep it up these characters look amazing. I love your take on Hellion and the design changes you've made.
Cool as always! Dude, i have to know how you doing your inking! Is that wacom???
Again awesome dude, this book is gonna be so killer, I can't wait to pic it up.
I cannot wait to jump back on this titled once you are aboard...
I am set to jump back n with issue 37...Because i think you mentioned you are doing a little something in there and fully taking over in 38 right?
Ok just a follow up after thinking about it I definitely love Hellion's new hair. It's just so badass looking. Totally works for him, especially after all the death and battles.
keep it rockin', broseph.
Saweeeet!!!
After being told i wasn't 'open minded' i was a little peeved, clearly didn't explain myself well enough:( I never said the work wasn't good, fact is it was amazing, it just wasn't my thang!! That's all, apologies for any grief caused i just figured honesty was the best policy... Gutted if you think i'm an ass!!
This new stuff is on point, does it for me!!!
signed: the honest, and shot down in flames, Dreamer!!
thanks everyone for the comments. they're great.
hey dreamer. I'm sorry, but i'm a little confused. Did someone come down on you for something? I pretty sure I haven't come down on anyone, and never would because of someone's opinions. If any of my comments made it seem that way, please forgive me. I am open to everyone's thoughts on the work. Sorry for the confunsion.
Firstly, big thanks for following up on my request for Pixies eyes! She looks extremely cute! Cool wings, cute hair. The pointed ears make sense too. The one thing missing is her little pink cheek dashes. I'm not sure if you left them out on purpose but it feels like something is missing without them. Whilst Medina and Brooks were never consistant with them (sometimes they were little freckles, other times a big round splodge) again, Ryan had it perfect with the dashes and it made her that little bit more unique looking. (You can see them on cover to #37 aswell)
My initial reaction to Hellions hair was "oh no!" But it does give him the desired look and I'm already warming up to it. Loving the costume touch up.
The colored sketches look super sweet except for Anole's eyes being red, other than that grade A work once again!
hey scottie man i dont care what people dont like about the little details your artwork never ceases to amaze me as it evolves and i dont care what you draw even if it were a smurfs comic i would buy it it inspires me to draw with with the few moments of freedom i have so keep up the great work.
really cool and fresh work here sir...keep up the good work...
a question, i sent yesterday a message to you through the skottieyoung.com contact us link, just wondering if you read that...
anyway, can't wait for your new xmen to arrive here in the philippines!
Do Oda
OMG! Hellion looks like....the way Hellion should be! Keep him like and I love the extended gloves...that works well since he uses his arms a lot because of his powers.
PIXIE's wings are so...insecty! I love them, man, unique stuff. Just like MADMAN said, please don't forget Pixie's pink dash-marks (ya know, like when Quarterback's or baseball players put that black marker stuff underneath their eyes) on her cheeks....and..well, we can just forget about her bicycle helmet lol ;)
Keep it up! Can't wait to see Elixir and Rockslide!!!
-Volk1
Wow this look great! Im a huge fan of the book and of the other students and your Pixie and Victor look amazing!!! Y love some details and expressions you ve made on them I really like the dark atmosphere that Hellion and X23 have! X23 goth stylee is amazing!!! Could you create a nice new outfit for the Cuckoos? I really dont like the one they have now. (I dont know if they will survive the current mini) You should give them something similar to what Jean Grey used to wear just to annoy Emma Frost.
Cant wait to see your WolfCub and Match versions!
Great job Skottie!!!!
this is my flirck Im a graphic design Illustrator I hope you like what I do.
Ups the link http://www.flickr.com/photos/mundopo/
AH! I dont know if you would be able to give any oppinion about plots and that stuff but Victor needs a boyfriend. He really does! HELP HIM ahahhaah.
cheers mate
Im from Argentina
Hello, Skottie. When I first heard that you would be taking over the art chores on my favorite book, New X-Men, I was terrified. I stopped reading the New Warriors mini because I had a very negative, almost visceral reaction to your work. Then again I was very turned off by your work on the FCBD Runaways/X-Men book. I found your work to be too exaggerated and cartoony for my tastes. Yes, these are comic books, which by definition ought to be good escapist fun. But I have always felt that when the work gets too cartoonish it is difficult to empathize with the characters on a human level, to truly feel for them and to invest in what is happening to them.
But I do have to say, upon visiting your site, viewing your designs, and reading what you have to say about these characters, I am changing my tune. I think that your work has matured a good deal. Which is not to say that it is truly DIFFERENT from your previous work, but knowing a bit more about you as an artist has helped me to understand why exactly you portray each character in the way you choose to. You seem to have a great love and understanding for these fantastic characters. I do see your work as much more stylized and less real-looking, but I no longer see it as childish or cartoonish.
It is with a big slice of humble pie that I say I am truly looking forward to your work on my favorite book. Thank you for putting your work up and for discussing it with us. Congratulations on landing the gig. I'll be sure to check back in after the first issue hits to tell you how I really feel ;-)
Best,
ShaneXtopher
NYC
i like these. they do look younger, as should be. the long hair on hellion is ok it can work but those eyes are maybe a bit too much? i mean the kid's not a saint but it kinda makes him look evil instead of just a bad boy. maybe a bit less furrowed? but a great job over all. thanks for sharing these and for putting up with my ramblings :D
Oh. Man. Skottie, you're a God-send. I love Hellion! He's awesome! Same with Pixie! I love her new wings, and her new hair, and THANKS FOR BRINGING HER EYES BACK!!! But also, please dont forget about her cheeks! She originally had pink circles on her cheeks, and she was adorable! Please, bring those back as well.
As you said before, Surge, X-23, and Anole look fabulous colored. I'm so happy with you on our title now. Thanks so much, you're incredible.
Hellion: Love the costume redesign and the new hair, but the look has me worried. Well, he's pictured in uniform, so I'll just happily continue to assume that he isn't all frowny outside battle.
...and the longer I look at them, the more similar Hellion and X-23 look, which kind of doesn't exactly thrill me, but oh well.
Pixie: The Eyes!!! Thank you! As for the streaks, they aren't that important to me, but the'd be a nice additional touch. Anyway, love the whole rest.
Anole: I feel kind of conflicted now.
While I love the color choices (mainly because that's my personal main palette), he's more prone to wear less earthy tones if memory serves right. Actually, the one outfit I remember clearly looks a lot like Pixie's minus the flowers. XD
And I didn't notice it until someone else mentioned it, but red eyes: WHY?! I'll get used to it, but keeping something that doesn't look reptilian would have been nice. If you want something 'exotic', why not at least go for yellow, which while rare is an actual human eye color instead of that literally bloody look? Also, come to think about it I consider the red/green contrast to be somewhat overused.
And while I really love me some little Vic (Us (by US/EU standards) little guys get no representation in US comics, freakin' damn it! They all either die, go to limbo or grow up average! >:|), but that one of his best buds (i.e. Julian) shot up so much larger than him kind of bugs me visually. But that's just me. Hmm... actually I don't think he's ever been *that* small to begin with...
Anyway, looking forward to the other characters, the interiors down the line and eventually the actual book. :)
I could never get into this crop of jr. X-men. They seemed generic compared to New Mutants or Generation X.
Your art has really made their powers and personalities stand out. I'm gonna give New X-men another shot.
Great design, Sai Young. Love the flow and vibrancy of these characters. Might actually have to pick up a book with an X in the title now...Best of luck with the series!
I'll have to go change my pants but I thought of leaving a comment first. The designs are A-W-E-S-O-M-E, I love them.
Hellion looks so bad ass, his hair reminds me of CM Punk (WWE Wrestler... thing. And Pixie is so cute. :D
I stopped reading New X-Men for a while... I have no clue why. I'll have to go pick the latest issues up. =] Love your work, Skottie.
//Nermin
dude, this is good stuff. i'm way impressed. i remember when i was a softmore and you were just getting marvel work. seeing someone from school taking off was a real motivation for me and my friends back then.
anyway, these all get my official PROJECT ROOFTOP seal of approval, expecially wolvie-girl. this is seriously the first drawing of her that made me think she was an interesting character. :)