Ironclad is up

[Tribal]

:thumbdown Dont like the look
http://www.champions-online.com/node/47

[Captain Obvious]

This version looks as good as the original, as far as I'm concerned.

[Tribal]

I always prefered Obsidian myself

[Teflon Billy]

Sorry, but I consider this one a giant step forward over the current 5th Ed "Washboard Forehead" Ironclad.

TB

[Curufea]

I like it - although it seems more fantasy than superhero.

[Comic]

Wow.

Classic, and impressive.

[Lord Liaden]

IMHO this one captures the essence of Ironclad, and aside from the armor reminds me strongly of his 5E illos, except that he looks even more powerful.

I do seem to notice a fondness for swords among the Cryptic design team, including Defender's energy blades. Perhaps that's such a common MMO trope that it simply begs to be included; but the explanation given in the CO background text for Ironclad makes sense.

[Nolgroth]

Not familiar with the "original" Ironclad, but this guy seems okay. Certainly the only one so far that I actually like the costume for.

[steamteck]

He looks like a pretty cool......villain! I preferred Obsidian also but water under the bridge. I don't like all the swords myself more fantasy than superhero to me.

[incrdbil]

The look is good for gladiator ironclad. Not so much for Superhero Ironcald. and drop the silly sword stuff.

The prevalance of blades so far just puts off this 'hez kewl cuz he got teh SWORDZ' vibe that is just a total turn off.

[Shaft]

Sorry, but I consider this one a giant step forward over the current 5th Ed "Washboard Forehead" Ironclad.


Agreed. *adds my approval to the pile*

[BobGreenwade]

I think I'll wait for Sapphire's appearance before I decide that the looks is insufficiently superheroic.

For this one, I'm kind of with Teflon Billy -- the knobby forehead on Dorvalans tends to be kind of distracting, though he probably still has them (one of the Devs has said that those are his favorite feature on them, so they're probably just being covered up by the helmet).

[Hermit]

I do seem to notice a fondness for swords among the Cryptic design team, including Defender's energy blades. Perhaps that's such a common MMO trope that it simply begs to be included; but the explanation given in the CO background text for Ironclad makes sense.

I admit it, that was my first thought... "What is it with all the freaking swords?" as I looked at the picture.

The story is similar enough that the background excuses the sword, but at this point, I'm REALLY thinking swords are over done. They need to consciously avoid that in the future IMO.

No slippers, that's good. :)

[voodoo54]

I think he looks pretty good, maybe even better than the original, just lose the goofy sword!

[Killer Shrike]

I like it in general, except that he looks evil. All he needs is a goatee to complete the evil twin mirror image ;)

If they were really going to run w/ the Gladiator shtick though instead of a sword I would have preferred to see a net vs a flamberge. Wavy-bladed swords just say "bad guy" to me, and the net is a more superhero gladiatorial implement than a big honking stabby slashy thing. Besides, a flamberge is unwieldy anyway -- just a for-show weapon.

[mayapuppies]

I'm thinking that my opinion of the concept art, as a whole, is just not to my liking at all.

Regardless of the "in name only" associations with the CU characters of old, the art is just cliche or severely lacking IMHO.

[Tech]

I'm thinking that my opinion of the concept art, as a whole, is just not to my liking at all.

Regardless of the "in name only" associations with the CU characters of old, the art is just cliche or severely lacking IMHO.

Let's see: they took the names and backgrounds and for the most part, change the pictures so they look so different from the original that unless we had been told who it was, we'd be guessing.

If we'd had the pictures without them telling us who it was...
Dr. Destroyer would be thought to be a Dr Fate rip-off...
Menton would be thought to be a Marvel Leader type or some other similar big-brained weirdo...
Ironclad might be thought a villain...

I'm not impressed or overjoyed.

[Lord Liaden]

While I respect the opinions of those who favor past examples of art for these characters over the current ones, let's keep in mind that the 5E artwork for these characters hasn't been free of criticism or controversy either. We shouldn't give the impression that we all think "old = good" for these characters.

For example, 5E Dr. Destroyer looks radically different from his earlier depictions (like on the cover of 4E Champions), and that change was far from universally welcomed either. Ironclad's brow ridges, kilt and "ruby slippers" drew a lot criticism when he first came out. Menton's "GQ leisure suit" look wasn't all the rage with people who preferred a more "super" style, like the robes he wore in his 4E depiction. Then there are the common critiques for Takofanes (scrawny skeleton in a kilt who looks more fantasy than supers) or Teleios (bland blonde guy in a lab coat). And who can forget the reams of snickers over "Nightduck"? :rolleyes:

I expect that we'll all eventually come to accept the new look of these characters, even if we would prefer something different in some cases.

[NestorDRod]

I expect that we'll all eventually come to accept the new look of these characters, even if we would prefer something different in some cases.

Not like we'd have much of a choice about it anyway. ;)

[mayapuppies]

While I respect the opinions of those who favor past examples of art for these characters over the current ones, let's keep in mind that the 5E artwork for these characters hasn't been free of criticism or controversy either. We shouldn't give the impression that we all think "old = good" for these characters.

For example, 5E Dr. Destroyer looks radically different from his earlier depictions (like on the cover of 4E Champions), and that change was far from universally welcomed either. Ironclad's brow ridges, kilt and "ruby slippers" drew a lot criticism when he first came out. Menton's "GQ leisure suit" look wasn't all the rage with people who preferred a more "super" style, like the robes he wore in his 4E depiction. Then there are the common critiques for Takofanes (scrawny skeleton in a kilt who looks more fantasy than supers) or Teleios (bland blonde guy in a lab coat). And who can forget the reams of snickers over "Nightduck"? :rolleyes:

I expect that we'll all eventually come to accept the new look of these characters, even if we would prefer something different in some cases.
Yeah, except that I don't like the art itself, irregardless of who the characters are supposed to be. As a Fantasy Hero player nearly exclusively I have little to no dedication to teh old art.

hehe

This art is just the big suck in my opinion.

[Killer Shrike]

Its also possible that some of us aren't rejecting the art and "creative license" being taken because its new and different but rather because we just don't like it.

Rejecting the opinions of such people out of hand as mere change-aversion is as invalid as rejecting all change

[mayapuppies]

Down with change!!!








heh, I keeed

[incrdbil]

Its also possible that some of us aren't rejecting the art and "creative license" being taken because its new and different but rather because we just don't like it.

Rejecting the opinions of such people out of hand as mere change-aversion is as invalid as rejecting all change


Yeah, disliking this art has nothing to do with hating change. I don't mind change when its good change.

But so far its Dr D is tolerable, Defender, pok, could be better, Menton = blech, and Ironclads art is ok, but it should be Gladiator Ironclad, not Superhero ironclad. If Ironclad actually carries around a sword in the game..well, thats just going to be pure video game suckiness polluting the IP.

[archermoo]

Well, this one doesn't ruin the streak for me. I've liked them all so far. :)

[CrosshairCollie]

Ugh. Prefer the original by leaps and bounds.

[NestorDRod]

I'm definitely in the :thumbdown crowd.

That artwork does not say superhero to me. It says WoW reject. :(

[Hermit]

While I respect the opinions of those who favor past examples of art for these characters over the current ones, let's keep in mind that the 5E artwork for these characters hasn't been free of criticism or controversy either. We shouldn't give the impression that we all think "old = good" for these characters.

For example, 5E Dr. Destroyer looks radically different from his earlier depictions (like on the cover of 4E Champions), and that change was far from universally welcomed either. Ironclad's brow ridges, kilt and "ruby slippers" drew a lot criticism when he first came out. Menton's "GQ leisure suit" look wasn't all the rage with people who preferred a more "super" style, like the robes he wore in his 4E depiction. Then there are the common critiques for Takofanes (scrawny skeleton in a kilt who looks more fantasy than supers) or Teleios (bland blonde guy in a lab coat). And who can forget the reams of snickers over "Nightduck"? :rolleyes:

As one of the few who defended Nighthawk's look, I smugly consider myself above that anyway. Ironclad also got drawn in sandals (Better than the slippers by far).

Still not crazy about some of the choices Cryptic is going with, though I actually like the new Defender look , even if I think a full face helmet would be a more practical call.


I expect that we'll all eventually come to accept the new look of these characters, even if we would prefer something different in some cases.

Probably. I AM Pleased at most of the backstories I'm reading so far.

Concept Art wise, well, I am curious what they'll do with Witchcraft. Sapphire too, but I figure she'll be easier to accept period as she's the sort who seems to vary her costume a lot anyway.

[HalloweenKnight]

C'mon, dudes..."concept art" is like a "concept car" at a show - its just for show...none of the spiffy gadgets inside actually work (yet) and the thing probably doesn't even have an engine...it just sits there and looks good (or not).

All of this concept art is subject to change at a moment's notice. Most likely none of this stuff will end up looking much like the in-game version when all is said and done.

But thats why they're asking for opinions, right? Because our opinions matter to them, right? So if we say "the sword sucks" now, they'll actually drop it from the concept? And do a "concept art version 2" without the sword? That'd be nice...

So far, whoever is doing this concept art doesn't look like they've ever seen the original versions of the character art. Looks like someone just told the artist "OK, draw up this..." and they go to it. Which is why we got a resulting "WTF" version of Menton, Dr. Destroyer looks pretty un-Destroyer-like (and odd), Defender looks like Statesman (woops!) and Ironclad looks like a "generic super-strong guy with metal skin".

But hold the phone a second. Do the CO people actually have the rights to the original Champions artwork, in addition to the source material? Because if they don't, it explains everything above. And if they do? Someone's asleep at the wheel.

As for Ironclad himself...generic super-strong guy with metal skin. *shrug* And the sword is unnecessary on a character who originally had a Code Against Killing...unless they changed that too.

[Enforcer84]

Well, his powerset doesn't seem to include a sword....
I like him. He looks about like the existing one in gladiator garb.

So far I'm liking the heroes much better than the villains. But I'll wait to see guys like Grond :)

[mayapuppies]

C'mon, dudes..."concept art" is like a "concept car" at a show - its just for show...none of the spiffy gadgets inside actually work (yet) and the thing probably doesn't even have an engine...it just sits there and looks good (or not).

All of this concept art is subject to change at a moment's notice. Most likely none of this stuff will end up looking much like the in-game version when all is said and done.
How long until the release of the game? If it is less than a year, then this concept art should have been approved already and we're only just now getting a peak at it.

But thats why they're asking for opinions, right? Because our opinions matter to them, right? So if we say "the sword sucks" now, they'll actually drop it from the concept? And do a "concept art version 2" without the sword? That'd be nice...
Having been on both sides of the video game industry, I can tell you right now, this is never the case. Can you imagine leaving your corporate decisions up to a bunch of raving lunatics that can't agree on anything? :ugly:

[Hermit]

Can you imagine leaving your corporate decisions up to a bunch of raving lunatics that can't agree on anything? :ugly:

I thought those were called department heads?

[mayapuppies]

Oh see, now you're feeding my rants about corporate America. LOL

[BobGreenwade]

Can you imagine leaving your corporate decisions up to a bunch of raving lunatics that can't agree on anything? :ugly:You mean... there's another way? ;)

[Hermit]

You mean... there's another way? ;)

If so, this could revolutionize our political electoral process... :D

[archermoo]

How long until the release of the game? If it is less than a year, then this concept art should have been approved already and we're only just now getting a peak at it.



At best still more than a year out.

[Andrew Cermak]

The Menton art has had me worried, but this looks just fine to me. It's actually relatively faithful to the original, with a few accessories added.

[HalloweenKnight]

Having been on both sides of the video game industry, I can tell you right now, this is never the case. Can you imagine leaving your corporate decisions up to a bunch of raving lunatics that can't agree on anything? :ugly:

Oh, so they really don't give a rip what we think.

Grreeeeat. I feel so much better now...:nonp:

[Blue]

Sorry, but I consider this one a giant step forward over the current 5th Ed "Washboard Forehead" Ironclad.

TB
Ironclad with no lumpy-head? That's like Seeker without bullet holes!

[TheQuestionMan]

Seeker without Bullet Holes?... ROFLOL!

I am with the :thumbdown crowd too. They really need to look closer at their own character write ups and descriptions too.

Doctor Destroyer looks more like a skinny SAS Kreuzritter.

Defender is not wearing Battle Armour, but a Battle Suit and weilds a force sword.

Iron Clad looks more like a Golem from a Fantasy game than a Superhero.


IMOHO


QM

[Vondy]

I think its fine. It captures ironclad pretty well. I didn't like the way iron-clad looked to start with. In some ways this is better. I don't like the sword, though. Not everything has to be an iron age blood-fest.

[Ocelot]

They also gave Defender a sword. Anyone noticing a trend here?

[TheQuestionMan]

They also gave Defender a sword. Anyone noticing a trend here?
You missed the earlier posts eh? ;)

LOL


QM

[Captain Obvious]

The sword fits fairly well with the gladiator aspect, but it'll be hard to do much in the way of superheroing with a CVK while using one.

[azato]

If you got it, flaunt it!


Sorry, but I consider this one a giant step forward over the current 5th Ed "Washboard Forehead" Ironclad.

TB

[CrosshairCollie]

I finally remembered where I've seen that helmet before.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa279/LolaBonne/limecat.jpg

He stole it from Limecat.

[mayapuppies]

http://www.filmpeek.net/images/leatherheads12.jpg