My Superhero WIP – Captain Toots!

Melissa_Bailey

Yeah ... the transition still isn't clear to me. Without your explanation, I wouldn't have known that the boy is transforming into a baby. It looks like 2 separate characters with a cloud between them.

A few thoughts:

For the transformation, you could try overlaying the characters and add some action shrinking lines, to make it clear that this is the same character -- they have become Captain Toots.
What if it's a grown man transforming into a super baby? That might be even funnier.
Does there have to be a transformation? Could it be muddying up the storytelling and making the character more confusing? I think there's a way to do it well ... you've just given yourself more of a challenge and will the payoff be worth it?
Watch the expressions, especially the eyebrows. The way they are now, it looks like the boy is unsure or doesn't want to change into Captain Toots. What is he feeling when he says "Toot toot"? Brave? Fearless? Determined? Heroic?
Are you married to the name Captain Toots? You may want to workshop a few other names. For example, Super Toots might make his superpower seem even more powerful. Megatoots might make his toots sound more explosive.

Just a few thoughts. Really looking forward to seeing what you do with this character! I'm rooting for him!

KevinTreaccar

@Melissa_Bailey Yeah, I think I'm really muddying the waters with the transformation, so I'm pulling the alias out for now. I do this every month – try to fit the entire book idea into one page.

alt text

Maybe I'll bring it back, if the rest of the sheet looks good, but I have to focus.

alt text

And no, I haven't really pushed it with the name yet. Captain Toots is just what I call my 4yo and 1yo at times, and I ran with it. I should definitely think about that as I'm working on the art. Thanks.

And thank you! Great thoughts.

KevinTreaccar

Adjustments, removing the transformation for now.

ArtMelC

@KevinTreaccar I think it looks clearer without the transformation now but I need the fart cloud back!!! Current poses aren't very clear on what Captain Toot is about and I'm really digging the idea of a fart-powered flying baby superhero.

Meekipink

@ArtMelC Agreed! That should be the action pose, haha.

KevinTreaccar

@ArtMelC @Meekipink Good news, the fart noise is already incorporated into the action pose! Just need to ink the sketch.

I might even be adding a bonus pose with a bonus fart noise…

KevinTreaccar

The fart cloud/sound effect returns...

kirsten-mcg

@KevinTreaccar I agree that this is much clearer without the transformation! And your subtle is great! I did a draw over for an idea I had to make it a little more clear that this is a fart rather than just a burst of air from his speed. I'm so excited to see this one finished!

KevinTreaccar

@kirsten-mcg Awesome! Thanks! That exact thought about it possibly not being the right cloud shape ran through my mind this morning. Thanks for pointing that out. I like your tweak.

KevinTreaccar

Still need to adjust the fart punch cloud (and add color and shadow), but I've finished the required poses.

I plan on adding one more pose on the right side, though. Captain Toots flying off (with another fart noise trailing behind). Adding a 6th pose doesn't disqualify us, correct?

Thanks

KevinTreaccar

How does this look before I add shading and color?

KevinTreaccar

Color added...

KevinTreaccar

And some shading now, too. See anything I need to fix?

Thanks

KevinTreaccar

Wanted to say thank you again to everyone who helped bring Captain Toots to life. Thank you!