Character Design: Concept Updates

In a Character Design lesson a couple of weeks ago, Justin and I discussed some major changes to overall style of the world that my characters inhabit. Here is a quick summary of the changes that have been made.

Setting

• Instead of it being set in a typical Western town, and in an effort to make the characters more fitting to the environment, it will now be set in a place similar to Louisiana, New Orleans, the Mississippi River etc. Humid riversides of the Louisiana bayou that are still very typical of the Western genre.
• This opens things up for some alternative interiors, which lead us onto props.

Props

• Previously, one of my stronger prop ideas was the Villain's mode of transportation, a Stagecoach, of sorts, suited for the Villain's every need. With the change of setting bringing lots of water to the table, this prop had to change. It has changed in favour of a Paddle Steamer, which is considerably more interesting to begin with.
• The Villain hides in plain sight, appearing as the pet of the Henchman, whilst ultimately being the one in control. This needed to be reflected in a prop somehow, which led to the idea of keeping the Villain in a cage. This will need to be carried by the Henchman at times, and reflect both the impression of wealth that the Villain aims to give and the devious nature of the character.

Characters

• Whilst the setting has been tailored to fit the Snake and Alligator characters, the Mongoose as the hero will be retained. The character will be treated as less of a Sheriff and more of a Roguish Outsider (think Han Solo), visiting the home of the Snake and Alligator, instead of the other way round, as it was previously.
• The Alligator is going to have this 'Louisiana Oil Baron' aura about him. He is popular, well known and very powerful. Incredibly laid back, but dangerous when provoked, reflecting the nature of the Alligator quite nicely.
• As previously mentioned, the Snake is the true mastermind of the operation, but this isn't immediately noticeable. The Snake hides in plain sight, appearing to be the Alligator's quirky little pet when they are in public, but behind closed doors, the roles reverse. The Alligator becomes unbelievably nervous and intimidated by the tiny Snake, whilst the Snake becomes fierce, maniacal and incredibly intimidating. He has a real Napoleon complex.

Audience

• The audience has stayed the same, targeted mainly towards children between the ages of eight to around fourteen.
• A similar audience to that of Transformers and ThunderCats

Revised Story Premise

• On the Mississippi River there is a grand Paddle Steamer that is populated by hundreds of wealthy passengers each and every day. What the passengers do not realise is that they are being manipulated by the Paddle Steamer's ruthless and greedy Captain. He plans to take all of their money and sell them into slavery, using an experimental serum of an unknown source. Although. the Captain's plan is under threat from a new passenger on board. This Outsider discovers that the Captain is not all that he seems, and he is going to get to the bottom of this mystery, and this unusual new beverage they're serving on board, using any means necessary.