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Bionicle Papercutz


Bambi

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I got the first three issues of the Bionicle Papercutz graphic novels, and man. The old artwork in these is sooooo much better than 06-onward. I especially like the way they stylize Kopaka/ice.

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Carlos D'Anda's art really set the style for BIONICLE. Though it was only two years, the influence was clearly felt by Randy Elliott (who was the colorist when D'Anda was drawing) when he took over as artist from 2003 through 2005. Nevertheless, it was a step down, as the art seemed "stiffer" with the posing of the characters, as if there was a mandate to show them in positions that could only be replicated by the toys themselves whenever possible.

The 2006 through 2007 art really suffered from Sayger's style. That's not to dig on him as an artist, and his enthusiasm for BIONICLE seemed genuine. However, as atmospherically compelling as he made the scenery, the characters suffered mightily. Every Matoran, Toa, Piraka, and warrior looked stretched, squashed, and crude, drawn with a carefree hand that seemed more intent on capturing atmosphere, not physicality. Again, might work out in other types of comics, but it was not good for BIONICLE. So many crucial scenes were rendered into murky messes, it makes it hard to re-read those comics now, as pivotal as the story was.

Leigh Gallagher brought a most welcome return to form in 2008. Evocative of Randy Elliott's style, Gallagher did not feel as limited by the toys' posing abilities (granted, BIONICLE sets had gotten more articulated since Elliott last drew them), and the coloring was as bright and vibrant as it was back in the D'Anda days. Not sure why Gallagher left the team, but Pop Mhan hewed very close to Gallagher's style, adding a bit more personality to the characters, thanks in part to new pieces like the Glatorian head and hand socket (with fingers).

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1 hour ago, Bionicle Guru said:

The 2006 through 2007 art really suffered from Sayger's style. That's not to dig on him as an artist, and his enthusiasm for BIONICLE seemed genuine. However, as atmospherically compelling as he made the scenery, the characters suffered mightily. Every Matoran, Toa, Piraka, and warrior looked stretched, squashed, and crude, drawn with a carefree hand that seemed more intent on capturing atmosphere, not physicality. Again, might work out in other types of comics, but it was not good for BIONICLE.

I have a feeling this was done to try and match the darker tones of the story for those years, which didn't really work out. Like you said, not trying to rip on the guy or anything, but that style didn't really seem to fit.

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