There Can Be Only One

Finished assignment for Joel Tidey's Life Drawing II class at the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art.

We had to illustrate a fight scene with one combatant clearly dominating the other. The piece had to be somewhat historically accurate in terms of clothing and what-not, and I chose the Samurai/Ronin of feudal Japan.

Couldn't get any really decent reference material for the armored guy, so I pseudo-winged it. Fortunately, I had intended most of him to be in silhouette anyway.

Wasn't really sure how to approach the background, as it's really just snowy plains.

Influenced heavily by the tale of the 47 ronin, which is a great story, and true. Also inspired, in part, by the Highlander movies, which really aren't that great, and not true. And lastly, by this song [link] Listen to it! Now!

Although the assignment required just pencils, I laid down some quick colors with the blood in PS.

.05mm 2h mechanical, 2-ply bristol, PS CS3

The Tale of the 47: [link]
Great story! Go read it!

2H Mechanical on 2-ply smooth bristol board. Blood in PS:CS3.