Menton is up

[yamamura]

They have Menton up on Champions Online!

[Bloodstone]

http://www.champions-online.com/villains/menton

"Menton took a new, younger, stronger body with powerful latent psychic abilities after breaking away from Doctor Destroyer’s organization."

So the most beautiful and physically perfect Spaniard the world has ever know has mind jumped into the body of a scrawny black kid with a mutated brain/skull?

Or is that supposed to be his real body and the buff, blond dude was just the shell?

Or maybe both are easily discarded shells and none will ever know the true face of Menton!

[mayapuppies]

I have to say, I am really not liking the concept art on this one. So far the "named" character art has underwhelmed me in general.

[Vondy]

Lame.

Hate it.

[yamamura]

Obviously they are taking the characters in new direction then what we have known in the past. While I don't like the character art design, the whole thing reminds me of the end of Scanners. Who is to say that is Menton's final resting place.

[Blue]

I'm getting a kind of Hollywood vibe off of the casting.

"Let's see... I realize the script calls for an african american woman, but maybe we could cast Arnold, or Tom Cruise instead."

[SSgt Baloo]

I find this Menton somewhat reminiscent of the Lobe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzO_SKAX3zA). :eek::D

[Andrew Cermak]

Ugh. That's a terrible look for Menton, and leaves me a little concerned about the future direction of the IP.

Which is a shame, because everything before now had been so positive.

[CrosshairCollie]

"My confidence in this venture is dwindling."
--The Brain

[proditor]

Yeah, the one thing I liked about CU Menton was that he DIDN'T look like very other stereotypical emaciated psyker.

*Le Sigh*

Very disappointing, but I'm going to try and stay positive. So far however, 1 for 3 on character design for me personally.

[LoresLost]

I Think some one really wanted to do the Leader (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Leader_%28comics%29)... or Psimon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psimon).

Pulsating Brains are so.. sixties.

[incrdbil]

I say this, not as a HERO fan, or someone dedicated to keeping Menton as he is, but just an evaluation of the look, the image the character gives.

It's horrible. It's like Evil Ukrel from Family Matters. Put some suspenders on him and hair..dead ringer.

I can't take this villain seriously. In any scene featuring him, I'll imagine him unleashing devatstating telekenetic blasts..then issuing that grating Urkel catchphrase "Did I Do That?"

Swing and a miss.

[lemming]

I Think some one really wanted to do the Leader (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Leader_%28comics%29)... or Psimon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psimon).

Pulsating Brains are so.. sixties.
At least put the brain in a plexiglass case.

[Nolgroth]

I say this, not as a HERo fan, or someone dedicated to keeping Menton as he is, but just an evaluation of the look, the image the character gives.

It's horrible. It's like Evil Ukrel from Family Matters. Put some suspenders on him and hair..dead ringer.

I can't take this villain seriously. In any sscene featuring him, I'll imagiuen him unleashign devatstating telekenetic blasts..then uissuing that Grating urkel catchphrase "Did I Do That?"

Swing and a miss.Thank you for making me laugh like an idiot. Repped.:rofl:

[yamamura]

Yeah, the one thing I liked about CU Menton was that he DIDN'T look like very other stereotypical emaciated psyker.

*Le Sigh*

Very disappointing, but I'm going to try and stay positive. So far however, 1 for 3 on character design for me personally.

I totally understand. Also incrdbil, I agree. While I can see a psi that can transfer his mind, not staying in a body that is growing old, I agree he could have been a little more selective.

[Silbeg]

and how exactly did they capture him?

Maybe this "newer younger" body is just a ruse, that Menton was able to implant some abilities on some poor black kid, and set him up to be captured?

Wheels within wheels!!!

[Hermit]

I liked the Defender art, the Doctor Destroyer was pretty good.
But I admit, Menton doesn't hit the mark for me, not art wise anyway.

[SSgt Baloo]

At least put the brain in a plexiglass case.

Meh! It's been done: Scroll down to Brainchild (http://www.thetick.ws/tvvillains.html).

[incrdbil]

I liked the Defender art, the Doctor Destroyer was pretty good.
But I admit, Menton doesn't hit the mark for me, not art wise anyway.

I could handle Defender going back to a helmet, and losing an acre or so of chin.

[Lord Liaden]

I notice that many of the comments on the Cryptic forums about Menton's look have been positive, but it appears that most of those are by people who have never seen the earlier Champions version; while most of the negative have been by those who are familiar with the PnP Menton. It's probable that our reactions are colored by our previous experience with the character. (And it's possible that we're just a pack of curmudgeons.) ;)

[archermoo]

I actually like all three of the NPCs they have up so far. But then again I've never actually used the Champions Universe in any gameing. And rarely even used any of the CU characters in my own worlds. So I'm not particularly attached to any incarnation of them. :)

[Hermit]

I actually like all three of the NPCs they have up so far. But then again I've never actually used the Champions Universe in any gameing. And rarely even used any of the CU characters in my own worlds. So I'm not particularly attached to any incarnation of them. :)

Burn the heretic

[archermoo]

Burn the heretic

Heck, to make it worse I never really bought anything but the core rules before 5th edition. :)

[lemming]

Meh! It's been done: Scroll down to Brainchild (http://www.thetick.ws/tvvillains.html).

Well, yea. It's been done a lot. I think the brain in a plexiglass tube is my favorite villain really. (Also done a few times, as in San Angelo Enemies)

[voodoo54]

If they wanted to change the character concept up a little bit, fine, but the whole slimy, pulsating brain thing...ugh:thumbdown.

[James Gillen]

Menton took a new, younger, stronger body with powerful latent psychic abilities after breaking away from Doctor Destroyer's organization. He used this "perfect disguise" to evade detection for some time, but after a confrontation with The Champions, he was captured, convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to hot sleep in Stronghold.

But while Menton's body may be imprisoned, can anything contain a mind as powerful as his?

I can only assume for now that the "younger stronger body" is the one in Stronghold and the one in the preview art is another psychic he's possessed.

Barring that explanation, I go with the consensus: Lame. Hate it.

JG

[James Gillen]

I find this Menton somewhat reminiscent of the Lobe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzO_SKAX3zA). :eek::D

LOBEY!

[Killer Shrike]

I definitely do not like the look changes made to Menton. Silly looking and hackneyed to boot. Menton is an A-List baddy in the CU and has a certain decadent allure; this representation conveys an entirely different (and lame) look & feel.

Anyway, what is the point of paying good money to buy someone else's IP and then deviating from it so drastically that its unrecognizable?


Just my opinion...but its a STRONG ONE.

:|

[Hermit]

I definitely do not like the look changes made to Menton. Silly looking and hackneyed to boot. Menton is an A-List baddy in the CU and has a certain decadent allure; this representation conveys an entirely different (and lame) look & feel.

Anyway, what is the point of paying good money to buy someone else's IP and then deviating from it so drastically that its unrecognizable?


Just my opinion...but its a STRONG ONE.

:|

While not as strongly felt, I agree to a certain point. I can understand wanting to put their own tweak on things, but I would have loved to see some of the looks as we know them in the game itself. Menton, to me, should be majestic, beautifully terrifying like some fallen angel (sans wings) who shatters minds as he barely seems to acknowledge lessers who get in his way.

Throbby head boy is okay, even good on its own, but it's a step down to what they could have done... IMO.

[sbarron]

I can only assume for now that the "younger stronger body" is the one in Stronghold and the one in the preview art is another psychic he's possessed.The time-line seems to start just after WWII, which could put Menton's original body well into its 50s or 60s by the time the 2009 game release rolls around. Taking a younger body would make sense if the original Spanish body were that old. It wouldn't be hard to justify "younger, stronger body" at those ages, either, even if the younger body is an extra from Revenge of the Nerds.

Granted, aging well has always been a staple of comics. But that doesn't mean it always has to be that way. Let's just say, I'm willing to work with creators...to help their ideas come to life for me. ;)

[Marcus Impudite]

You have got to be sh*tting me. :thumbdown

[Tasha]

Totally hate the look of all of the named characters so far!

Wasted brain boy just looks stupid. Yeah, IG i'll respect him for his powers, but I will always wonder at his lack of taste in taking a new young body.

Doctor Destroyer is ok, till you get to his bucket of a helmet. it looks like the front of a steam locomotive and not the helm of the most dangerous villain of the Champions world.

Defender: that boy doesn't LOOK like he's in powered armor. He looks like superman clone. He should be an Iron Man clone. I don't mind the open faced look, but damn make it look like he's in armor, not spandex!

I find myself hoping the storytelling is better than the artwork!

Tasha

[James Gillen]

While not as strongly felt, I agree to a certain point. I can understand wanting to put their own tweak on things, but I would have loved to see some of the looks as we know them in the game itself. Menton, to me, should be majestic, beautifully terrifying like some fallen angel (sans wings) who shatters minds as he barely seems to acknowledge lessers who get in his way.

Yeah, as opposed to the lead singer of Fishbone. :D

JG

[Lord Liaden]

I noticed this post from Jack Emmert on the CO discussion forum thread about Menton:

In our "backstory", Menton projects this jet setting, playboy image. This is his real self.

I saw several posters speculating that over the course of encountering Menton in the MMO, he may start out wearing his handsome guise, but during the course of fighting him the strain makes him drop the illusion, revealing his true appearance. This sort of "revelation scene" reminds me of Steve Long's remarks about how the Champions Universe may change under Cryptic's stewardship, namely that the needs of an MMO are sometimes different from those of a PnP RPG.

[incrdbil]

This sort of "revelation scene" reminds me of Steve Long's remarks about how the Champions Universe may change under Cryptic's stewardship, namely that the needs of an MMO are sometimes different from those of a PnP RPG.


So, the MMO 'needs' bad art. Well, with Menton, (and the more I look at Defender, the more I include him) they got it!

[BobGreenwade]

While I'm less than excited about the new look for several characters, and would very much rather see something closer to the more familiar appearances, I'd rather adopt a "wait-and-see" approach on the whole than just level a bunch of heated criticism at Cryptic for doing what they think works best. I may disagree -- and probably we all do -- but let's at least be civil about it, eh? :)

[Hermit]

I noticed this post from Jack Emmert on the CO discussion forum thread about Menton:



I saw several posters speculating that over the course of encountering Menton in the MMO, he may start out wearing his handsome guise, but during the course of fighting him the strain makes him drop the illusion, revealing his true appearance. This sort of "revelation scene" reminds me of Steve Long's remarks about how the Champions Universe may change under Cryptic's stewardship, namely that the needs of an MMO are sometimes different from those of a PnP RPG.

Well, that's an interesting take, and yeah, I can somewhat sympathize with Cryptic. It is their property now, they want to put their own touches on it
on it as creators, both for game reasons, and because that's part of the fun for them.

Doesn't mean I still don't have my preferences and won't carp (It's why the Internet was built, right? :)) but in the end, I'll probably end up mixing parts of the 4th, 5th, and Cryptic/6th Edition CUs for my pen and paper games anyway so it won't matter.

[James Gillen]

While I'm less than excited about the new look for several characters, and would very much rather see something closer to the more familiar appearances, I'd rather adopt a "wait-and-see" approach on the whole than just level a bunch of heated criticism at Cryptic for doing what they think works best. I may disagree -- and probably we all do -- but let's at least be civil about it, eh? :)

I think the "art" as a whole is good (on the graphics level) but I still have a right to criticize. Actually I think the Defender and Destroyer models weren't bad.

JG

[Hermit]

I like Defender, except I keep thinking that exposed chin is a bit of a risk for a powered armored type, other than that, like the color pattern.

[incrdbil]

I like Defender, except I keep thinking that exposed chin is a bit of a risk for a powered armored type, other than that, like the color pattern.

I can live with the color pattern. its the Mask and ChinShield that hurt the effect for me.

[James Gillen]

It would be good if he was played by Bruce Campbell.

JG

[Hermit]

It would be good if he was played by Bruce Campbell.

JG

Yes, Bruce Campbell makes everything better :)

[Vondy]

While I'm less than excited about the new look for several characters, and would very much rather see something closer to the more familiar appearances, I'd rather adopt a "wait-and-see" approach on the whole than just level a bunch of heated criticism at Cryptic for doing what they think works best. I may disagree -- and probably we all do -- but let's at least be civil about it, eh? :)

Menton's concept art is lame. I hate it. I say that frankly and civilly. Its my honest opinion.

[Killer Shrike]

I like Defender, except I keep thinking that exposed chin is a bit of a risk for a powered armored type, other than that, like the color pattern.

{shrugs} Doesn't matter; Champions uses generalized damage.
















(thats a joke kids)

[Hermit]

{shrugs} Doesn't matter; Champions uses generalized damage.




Well, yes, but the FX and suspension of...



(thats a joke kids)

Oh..
uh.. I knew that..yeah... that's the ticket... :o

:)

[Log-Man]

I kinda dig the Menton picture. That being said, it's not the Menton we all know and love, but the picture itself is neat. Well, except for the flood pants. :idjit:

[Spence]

For myself I am taking all the artwork with a grain of salt. I realize that as far as comic book art I am an old fogy and most of the "new stuff" is c$%# in my opinion. With that in mind I see the new art for the MMO as staying within the style that is popular with that market these days. It may not be my idea of great, but all of the PC/Console gamers I have talked to that have seen them say they are great. So if the MMO takes off and succeeds big it is all to the good.

[/babble]

[BobGreenwade]

Yes, Bruce Campbell makes everything better :)Except Xena. And even then he didn't exactly make it worse.

[Spence]

Except Xena. And even then he didn't exactly make it worse.

It is possible to make Xena worse? :nonp:

[Nolgroth]

It is possible to make Xena worse? :nonp:Have Kevin Sorbo guest star?

[Spence]

Have Kevin Sorbo guest star?

Your point.......

[Log-Man]

It is possible to make Xena worse? :nonp:
Hey now! You're talking about the woman I love! :mad:

[Curufea]

I don't know why there is a compulsion to increase and make visible the brain for mental powers - brainiac, those monsters in D&D, the Martians in Mars Attacks.

Comic artists don't feel the need to make physical manifestations of other powers - you don't see flamethrower arms for fire powers, or speaker hands for sonic powers - invisible supers aren't covered in mirrors. Why do mental powers require an obvious visual clue?

[Spence]

I don't know why there is a compulsion to increase and make visible the brain for mental powers - brainiac, those monsters in D&D, the Martians in Mars Attacks.

Comic artists don't feel the need to make physical manifestations of other powers - you don't see flamethrower arms for fire powers, or speaker hands for sonic powers - invisible supers aren't covered in mirrors. Why do mental powers require an obvious visual clue?

Well....


the Martians in Mars Attacks were cool......:D



other than that.....it is kinda like how movie makers always seem to "improve" stories, comics and books they are adapting into big shiny t*rds that flop. They are smarter than us common folk :ugly:

[Curufea]

I prefer the term "differently creative".

[Southern Cross]

I prefer the term "brain-dead morons".

[James Gillen]

Maybe we can have Menton wrestle a giant spider.

JG

[Tech]

Looked. Decided. It's terrible.

How many times are we going to have a powerful psychic with a big brain showing?

(snickers) Urkel lives... hilarious!

[Matt the Bruins]

I'm going to laugh if his sister Mentalla ends up being drawn as a stereotypical swimsuit model/comics babe except with a bulgy veined hairless head.

The helmet design on Dr. Destroyer is VERY reminiscent of the corrupted future version of Dr. Fate's helmet in Books of Magic. Like, possibly seek-permission-from-DC-Comics-and-Paul-Johnson-level reminiscent.

[LoresLost]

I'm going to laugh if his sister Mentalla ends up being drawn as a stereotypical swimsuit model/comics babe except with a bulgy veined hairless head.

The helmet design on Dr. Destroyer is VERY reminiscent of the corrupted future version of Dr. Fate's helmet in Books of Magic. Like, possibly seek-permission-from-DC-Comics-and-Paul-Johnson-level reminiscent.

Dr. Destroyer is almost Identical to Doctor StrangeFate (http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/strngfte.htm) of the Amalgam 'Comics'. The 'Meta Mutant' Dr. Charles Xavier Master of the Mind and Magic.

[Nechevo]

Ironclad is up now and they are now 0 for 4 in terms of making their concept art look like a) it fits the Champions Universe, b) it matches the writeup that accompanies the artwork and c) fits in the super hero genre (well ok Defender fits sort of although he looks more Paladin with spandex bits than power armor).

None of the art they have shown i've liked. Dr. Destroyer looks good but not for Dr. Destroyer unless he's been revamped from a power armor character into a mage. Which is doubtful since Cryptic seems to be using the PnP writeup nearly word for word whether their art matches it or not.

Even Stronghold didn't look right. What they showed of Stronghold doesn't look like the super advanced high tech prison that they say Stronghold is. It looks like a 19th century castle.


Pity I was looking forward to the game, now not so much.

[incrdbil]

The secodn image of ironclad I liked--it seemed to suggest a period before he escaped the games. I'd like to see a more heroic pose and image--the first seemed more of him in the gladiator pits, more savage than heroic, but then perhaps fitting. It's possibly salvageable...as long as he doesn't keep the sword in the game.

[DEFCON Clown]

BOO!
I mean why would they change him? I like Dr.Destroyer's new look okay, but I hate the new Defender and now the new Menton.

[James Gillen]

Dr. Destroyer is almost Identical to Doctor StrangeFate (http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/strngfte.htm) of the Amalgam 'Comics'. The 'Meta Mutant' Dr. Charles Xavier Master of the Mind and Magic.

Not to be confused with Dr. Strangepork.

JG

[James Gillen]

The secodn image of ironclad I liked--it seemed to suggest a period before he escaped the games. I'd like to see a more heroic pose and image--the first seemed more of him in the gladiator pits, more savage than heroic, but then perhaps fitting. It's possibly salvageable...as long as he doesn't keep the sword in the game.

It's actually a pretty damn good gladiator outfit, but I don't care for the art.

JG

[NestorDRod]

I saw the thread that Ironclad was up (I had missed this one), went to take a look, gave my opinion (basically, he looks like a WoW reject :thumbdown ).

Then someone mentioned Menton, and I finally had the time to look the artwork up.

WTF!?! :nonp:

Sorry, no amount of retroconning can save that lame-a$$ piece of artwork. I've seen better concept art coming out of a Hanna-Barbera cartoon. :mad:

Looking at the progression of art they've been putting out, I'm seeing a direction, and it's straight down the toilet bowl.

The truly sad part is that's the artwork that Hero Games will likely be using from now on. :(

[James Gillen]

I saw the thread that Ironclad was up (I had missed this one), went to take a look, gave my opinion (basically, he looks like a WoW reject :thumbdown ).

Then someone mentioned Menton, and I finally had the time to look the artwork up.

WTF!?! :nonp:

Sorry, no amount of retroconning can save that lame-a$$ piece of artwork. I've seen better concept art coming out of a Hanna-Barbera cartoon. :mad:

Looking at the progression of art they've been putting out, I'm seeing a direction, and it's straight down the toilet bowl.

The truly sad part is that's the artwork that Hero Games will likely be using from now on. :(

The TRULY sad part is that they're still a vast improvement over some of the art Hero was using. ;)

JG

[NestorDRod]

The TRULY sad part is that they're still a vast improvement over some of the art Hero was using. ;)

JG


Technically, yes. Conceptually, not so much.

I'm sorry, personally, no matter how many times I look at the picture, Exposed-Brain Urkel <> Powerful Psi. :no:

[Spence]

Technically, yes. Conceptually, not so much

Pretty much says it all.

Mind you I am still going to adopt a "wait and see" attitude. But each new release has me loosing confidence.

Kind of like picking up a Superman or Spiderman comic and seeing Kids Next Door style art. The art may be good, but it just isn't saying SUPERHERO to me.....or Villain for that matter...

[Bazza]

My opinion: Defender looks good, and Dr D and Ironclad, not so fond of. Menton: so lame, I'd laugh in his face first than be scared of him.

[BobGreenwade]

Menton: so lame, I'd laugh in his face first than be scared of him.That's what he wants you to think! ;)

[Nolgroth]

I would like to adopt the whole "wait and see" attitude, but so far, what I've seen doesn't make me want to play the game. The only one I like so far is Defender and even then, it is more of a Flash Gordon vibe than a power armored superhero vibe. My initial excitement at the Champions Online project is waning fast.

The real issue though is how I can make my own characters look.

[Basil]

Straight from old issues of Adventurers Club to your computer screen, it's Mentalist Boy, from Stick Figure Theater!

Somebody better tell Chris Avellone they stole his idea. :winkgrin:


Seriously, this is a marketing decision, and they're marketing to kids. (A) "Kids like gross and freaky stuff, let's make him look ugly-weird" (B) Pull out USPD and turn to page 84, then page 158, then imagine the reaction of overprotective parents to a character who looks that sexy, and has "romantic adventures" like that --- "You can't show that to my precious little darling!"

It's all marketing driven; the whole site is.

Oh, and as for the others? Dr. D's helmet looks silly---metal molded to look like a bellydancer's veil, Ironclad looks like he's being humped by a couple of turtles, and Defender is wearing rigidified spandex. Oh, and those blue things on the side of his helmet look like stylized basset-hound ears.

Ye gods, what a collection. :thumbdown

[James Gillen]

Seriously, this is a marketing decision, and they're marketing to kids. (A) "Kids like gross and freaky stuff, let's make him look ugly-weird" (B) Pull out USPD and turn to page 84, then page 158, then imagine the reaction of overprotective parents to a character who looks that sexy, and has "romantic adventures" like that --- "You can't show that to my precious little darling!"

Well, that may be too far to the other extreme but there's gotta be a happy medium.

J

[Logan D]

The more I see of the art, the more I am convinced that Cryptic just took some original concept art (both for characters and locations) that they were going to use for the Marvel MMO and just did the "minimal" amount of tweaking and filing of the serial numbers so as not to be sued.

In fact, I'd be willing to bet hard cash an exchange something like the following took place -

"So guys. We need to bring Menton in. Got any art that screams "I'M A MENTALIST!" ?

"Uhm... hang on, let me check the files. I think I saw something... oh yeah, here we go, Pulsating Brain Boy!"

"Perfect!"

"Say, don't we want to look at the background for the original character?"

"Who cares? We own the IP now, change the background to fit the art."


I am less and less impressed as we go along.

:thumbdown

If Foxbat doesn't look like what he's supposed to look like, I will completely wash my hands of the whole thing and delete the links and forget it ever happened.

[NestorDRod]

If Foxbat doesn't look like what he's supposed to look like, I will completely wash my hands of the whole thing and delete the links and forget it ever happened.

Hate to break it to ya, bud, but considering that Marvel has already shown its litigious self to Cryptic before, I'm willing to bet hard cash they'll change Foxbat's look, as to avoid any Wolverine comparisons. :(

[Marcus Impudite]

Unless the game will have features that make up for these travesties (very unlikely), I think this reaffirms my decision to just stick with the 5th Edition pencil-and-paper version.

[James Gillen]

Hate to break it to ya, bud, but considering that Marvel has already shown its litigious self to Cryptic before, I'm willing to bet hard cash they'll change Foxbat's look, as to avoid any Wolverine comparisons. :(


"I needed a symbol. And then this big fox broke through my window..."

[incrdbil]

Well folks, don't worry. If you dont like their art-print out a current design you lie, cut out, paste over a product you buy.

I've had many mixed reactions to 5e art as well; their are characters out there whose art I hate..but I loive the character, and in my description 9or hero-machined equivalent) they look better.

[Curufea]

How can Foxbat be ever compared to Wolverine? The only thing they have in common is ears on their costumes - they don't have the same colours, personalities, powers or names.

Now I'm tempted to pay an artist to draw Wolverine with a ping-pong gun.

[Tclynch]

So far... the art is disappointing...:straight:

[NestorDRod]

How can Foxbat be ever compared to Wolverine? The only thing they have in common is ears on their costumes - they don't have the same colours, personalities, powers or names.

Now I'm tempted to pay an artist to draw Wolverine with a ping-pong gun.

The same argument could be applied to the comparison between Captain America and Statesman (the only thing in common was the white star on their chest), but that didn't stop Marvel... :doi:

Oy, I probably just opened a can of worms. Apologies in advance. :(

[Marcus Impudite]

The same argument could be applied to the comparison between Captain America and Statesman (the only thing in common was the white star on their chest), but that didn't stop Marvel... :doi:

Oy, I probably just opened a can of worms. Apologies in advance. :(

No apologies necessary, that can was going to be opened eventually whether it was you holding the can opener or not.

[Spence]

The same argument could be applied to the comparison between Captain America and Statesman (the only thing in common was the white star on their chest), but that didn't stop Marvel... :doi:

Oy, I probably just opened a can of worms. Apologies in advance. :(

No apologies necessary, that can was going to be opened eventually whether it was you holding the can opener or not.

Yes, but now we have someone to blame :sneaky:

[Lord Liaden]

"Say, don't we want to look at the background for the original character?"

"Who cares? We own the IP now, change the background to fit the art."

To be fair, the background synopses for the characters that Cryptic has posted to date have hewed closely to their Fifth Edition histories, even more so than many of Steve Long's updates to the Fourth Edition supers. Menton, for example, has the same history except for the "changing bodies" schtick, which may be a plot point based on getting him out of Stronghold (and his incarceration is also part of current 5E continuity). Most of the new developments are the sort that a new writer might make when taking over a character -- respectful of precedent, but trying to build on it.

If there is a disconnect, I agree with Spence that it's the artwork not really looking "super." It has more of a fantasy vibe with darkness and grotesqueness, and swords. Defender is a notable exception, IMO he looks very four-color superhero. I do think his suit looks like some sort of high-tech armor, with its glowing circuit-like lines and smoothing over his body's musculature.

[Spence]

If there is a disconnect, I agree with Spence that it's the artwork not really looking "super." It has more of a fantasy vibe with darkness and grotesqueness, and swords. Defender is a notable exception, IMO he looks very four-color superhero. I do think his suit looks like some sort of high-tech armor, with its glowing circuit-like lines and smoothing over his body's musculature.


You put it better than I did. But like you I am still in the "wait and see" mode. They have only shown four (?, I can't get to the site from here) character designs so far. And while Stronghold looks more like a Hudson City/Dark Champions design than a Millennium City/Champions design, it is still early and there is a lot of time for them to find the groove as far as the artwork.

[incrdbil]

I can handle Strongholds look. Yes, it is a superprison..but its a 2 decade old superprison. I can easily see celsl where obvious power-dampnening equipment isn't needed looking pretty run down by now.

Before the redid the Leavenworth Disciplinary Barracks (translation: military prison) the old ones made the Stronghold art look downright cheerful, warm, modern and accomodatting.

[Killer Shrike]

Some of the Stronghold concept art looks like its tileset is lifted directly out of the City of Heroes Sewers.

[James Gillen]

Some of the Stronghold concept art looks like its tileset is lifted directly out of the City of Heroes Sewers.

I noticed that immediately.

JG

[Nolgroth]

I can handle Strongholds look. Yes, it is a superprison..but its a 2 decade old superprison. I can easily see celsl where obvious power-dampnening equipment isn't needed looking pretty run down by now.

Before the redid the Leavenworth Disciplinary Barracks (translation: military prison) the old ones made the Stronghold art look downright cheerful, warm, modern and accomodatting.I used to work there (USDB). Not a cheery place at all.

[incrdbil]

I used to work there (USDB). Not a cheery place at all.

Given how expensive Stronghold would be, I cant magine a lot of money being spent on keeping it cheerful and bright looking--in any budget cut, the lion share of funds would go to keeping the power-supressing tech going above all else.

I'm betting a hot sleep area would look very high techish..maybe with a lot o dust on the prisoner.

[Nolgroth]

Given how expensive Stronghold would be, I cant magine a lot of money being spent on keeping it cheerful and bright looking--in any budget cut, the lion share of funds would go to keeping the power-supressing tech going above all else.At the risk of going all political, I would rather hope it wouldn't be cheerful. I just have this vision of the USDB, wherein the old diesel generators were replaced with a nuclear generator in order to power the Hot Sleep chambers.

I'm not sure how the Hot Sleep chambers are supposed to work, but I get this image of isolation cells stocked with some sort of Aliens-esque sleep chamber plus the equipment to monitor the inmate's condition. My only question is what happens if a prisoner's vitals drop into some emergency range. Do the guards risk bringing him out of Hot Sleep or do they risk imminent death. That is a topic for another thread though. :)

[shafti76]

Does anyone have pictures of Menton, Defender, Ironclad and Dr. Destoyer available on the internet?

[Nechevo]

Does anyone have pictures of Menton, Defender, Ironclad and Dr. Destoyer available on the internet?

Sure

http://www.champions-online.com/heroes
http://www.champions-online.com/villains

[shafti76]

Sorry I should have been more clear, pictures of them from Champions, not the new terrible pictures.

Thanks

[TheQuestionMan]

Here are a few that were made available online.

Let me know if I err

QM

[Nechevo]

Here's a blurry picture of Defender and I know you didn't ask for him but but here's one for Foxbat as well.

[Nechevo]

I can't find a pic for Menton, nor one for Ironclad so here's the cover of a supplement which shows at least a bit of Ironclad and Defender.

[Lord Liaden]

TheQuestionMan's Attached image is of pre-Cryptic Dr. Destroyer, BTW.

Here's a wallpaper of all the pre-Cryptic Champions. From left to right: Ironclad, Sapphire, Nighthawk, Defender, and Witchcraft.

[Nechevo]

Never mind Lord Liaden beat me to it.

[Lord Liaden]

This is the cover of Digital Hero #37, which features several Champions Universe master villains. Menton is the guy in the leisure suit with long dark hair. Dr. Destroyer you already know. The skeletal figure is Takofanes, the lady with the odd skin color is Istvatha V'han, and the woman floating in the background is Gravitar.

[TheQuestionMan]

Never mind Lord Liaden beat me to it.

He usually does?

LOL

QM