Monolith

Years ago, a former LJ-friend chastised me about my super heroes, stating that I didn't include any bears of color. While I didn't care for his approach on this or other things (note the "former" adjective in the previous sentence), I can't deny that he was right. It wasn't an intentional slight on my part, but probably a subconscious fear of offending anyone.

I remember reading other LJ entries from other artists and cartoonists about their being cautious about drawing minorities for fear that people would think you were lampooning certain features, essentially coming across as a racist. It's silly to think that, but in a world that has become more politically correct, it is something to consider.

When putting together the current group of bear heroes, I wanted to inlcude a bear of color. I modeled him somewhat off of a handsome guy I've seen on a commercial and a power lifter guy who works in my office, a former marine who could tear my desk in two. I finished the design and colored the cartoon last night.


Monolith

Monolith has the ability to draw power from contact with the Earth, which allows him to grow in size while transforming to stone. His costume design is relatively simple, mainly to make it easy to draw, but I liked the way the lines fit the form.

So all the new characters are in place, now I get to start writing the next issue.