Monday, February 09, 2009

Thor Design and Interview

Want to a funny story that will bring a tear to your eye?

Of course you do. You're still reading this. So I get a call from an Art Director friend of mine on Saturday as I was preparing to get my place ready for the Fedor/Arlovski fight. He asked me if I could submit a last minute design for the Thor movie that Marvel is doing.

Over course I was thrilled. They needed it Monday morning. Fine, whatever! They could of needed it in a few hours and I would of complied. It's Thor! Hell, I did design work for [link] Superhero, the Movie - I was waiting for a REAL superhero movie to come along!

Anyway, I factored in a few things. Like creating a suit that could successfully pad an actor and give him some heroic bulk, etc. I also knew that the colors had to be a bit more subdued than the Kirby comic book. And sadly, I had to come up with something that wouldn't look ridiculous on. A tall order.

So, I did what I could and enjoyed every minute of it. I managed about 65% of what I envisioned. Generally that's a decent success when it comes to applying your vision to paper.

I even incorporated the marks on Thor's plates into his logo...

Here's the sad part. I turned it in and that's when the AD mentioned it was a design for the ANIMATED movie. I just assumed it was for the Live Action film I've heard buzz about... Clearly I need to learn to ask more questions...! Assumption is the mother of all... what's the word I'm looking for? ;)

Hell, at least I got to design a Thor costume, right

ALSO, Randall Sly put up a new interview with me on his terrific Character Design Blog. Check it out!

34 comments:

Brian Churilla said...

I only hope the live action Thor will look this cool. Nicely done. Fedor looked pretty bad in that fight. He was getting picked apart. Maybe all those press junckets prior to the fight took him out of his game, as he didn't look like the same fighter. He destroyed Arlovski soundly enough, but still... Oh, wait this is an art blog. Sorry for the digression. Ahem.

marco's blog said...

aw man!! either way that design is pretty sweet!
looking forward to your sabretooth issue too!

Carlos V. said...

DUDE that sucks!!! Oh well the design still looks awesome though!!!!

Anonymous said...

Amazing design. I just got the Sabertoth issue today and it's gorgeous!

3!LL

Andre Moore said...

Cool design. Thats messed up it wasn't for the to live action movie.

Anonymous said...

nice design!

That would make for a
great live-action costume

the important point
you were excited; and knocked out
a great design

RocknOats said...

That's a damn shame, I could really see that kind of costume used in live action for kickass results. They could have all sorts of scrapey, crunchy metal sounds for close ups when he's really angry or tensing. Adds to the menace!

Harper said...

Badassness!

Perrotta said...

You're great!!!

BROCASSO said...

That is a Awesome take on Thor!!

taitle said...

sweet design. I can't wait for that movie.

I checked out your graphic novels on heroes. You are an inspiration.

mick statham said...

That's still one awsome Thor.

COMIKXGUY said...

THAT SUCKX!

well, ya never know if and when they do a live action thor this amazing drawing will be there for them to pick

Miras said...

We do learn all our lives! ;)
At least you have great drawing, and awesome design. This won't hurt.
Great job, Dan!

Unknown said...

Great vision of Thor! I hope He ends up looking half this cool.

Anonymous said...

Those damn art director friends...

Chuck BB said...

dude, great thor! I'm gonna put it in my pants.

Unknown said...

Wow, great Design!

Lorraine A D Alvarez said...

Thats a shame, at least you got a cool design. Nicely done.

Mike Hawthorne said...

Still, it came out great Dan!

Mike

Dominic Bugatto said...

Always solid!

j. said...

Dan-man, that is a kick-ass Thor drawing no matter what the project. In fact I sorta wish Thor looked this cool in the actual comic book! I'm not a fan of his current thermal-underwear "armour".

Only part I don't dig is the hammer, but I completely get what you were going for. It is more visually interesting than a block of stone.

j.

Lauren said...

Coolest looking Thor yet...if it makes you feel any better.

M said...

Beautiful work. I love the looseness and attitude. Very inspiring.

DAVID MESSINA said...

AWESOME design!
I really like it!
Today I've pick up your Sabertooth 's one shot at my comic shop...

Don Murphy said...

Great work. I read the interview, as well; appreciate all the insights.

milanrubio said...

Better and better Dan!
This THOR design is absolutly amazing!
Great work!

George Kaprielian said...

Hey Dan, wow great Thor! Haven't been by your blog in a bit. Really love your piece. Grats on the interview

william wray said...

I was fun posing for the Thor Drawing Dan. thanks for having me over and what a great fight.

STUDIODYNAMO said...

Thor's Hammer is almost as iconic as the circle on Iron Man's chest and Superman's "S" and cape... I think I'd miss it...

and one sided hammers weird me out

Brilliant design in the end really !

JRtist said...

Ya know bro? No matter what... I always see Triple H as a good idea of Thor. I have no idea why, I just do. This is a cool design man!

Roberto Zaghi said...

just read the interview, and found it really inspiring. Fabolous art, as always.

Denis Goulet said...

Sensational Thor design. Amazing!

THEdave said...

Assumption is the mother of all invention?