Toa Vakama from Bionicle.

Sisters are always stealing each other's Barbies, but I was always stealing my little brother's Bionicles. (I had Barbies of my own, why would I want to steal my sister's?)

Nothing else from from Lego interested me, but for some reason Bionicle did. I suspect it had something to do with the story behind the toys--most toys only had the most basic of stories, with the idea being that you could make up the rest of as you played with them. But Bionicle had its own extensive world and lore which grabbed the attention of young eight-year-old me. Besides Transformers, Bionicle planted the seeds for my love of robots and sci-fi.

I chose Vakama as the representative of this period in my life because aside from the fact he was the only character with a V name I could think of, when my little brother and younger cousin watched Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui, I ditched my other sisters and cousins Barbie movie marathon in favor of the boy's. Something about Vakama as a character drew me in; by human stereotypes, he'd probably be a nerd. Doesn't think much of himself, and believes he's unworthy of the authority and responsibility others have placed upon him. I imagine he's probably an anxious type as well, more content to sit by himself in the corner and craft than go out with his loud, rowdy friends and raise Hell--oh, wait. I just described myself, mostly. Huh. [image]

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You know, I was going to try and stay on-model for how Vakama appeared in the movies, but then I was like "nah."

His character design really only works for 3D models. Lots of interlocking parts and detailed machinery. So this was an experiment with how much I could alter Vakama's design yet still be recognizable if you didn't look too closely between this piece and an actual picture of him from the movie, and I think I pulled it off. :D (Big Grin)

I'm really pleased that I was able tot draw Vakama at all; I remember trying to draw him and other Bionicle when I was younger, and even with my poorer art skills back then the designs of the Bionicle are incredibly difficult to translate into a 2D drawing.

My favorite part about this piece was shading, because that that point the art really felt like it was coming alive.

The goal now is to try and get the letter W done before the month is up, if I have any hope of finishing this challenge on time...wish me luck! [image]