Synopsis
My childhood, as well as my drawing, were strongly influenced by comics, cartoons and animations. As a child I always listened to music while reading my comic books and, according to my mother, also imitated the suggested sound effects of the individual panels. I favoured stories that tickled my imagination, sparked my curiosity. There were many of these stories, but the ones that stood out most were Metal Gear Solid and Assassin's Creed.
In September 2004 IDW Publications stared to release a series of Metal Gear Solid comic books, written by Ashley Wood and illustrated by Kris Oprisko. Two years later this graphic novel was converted into a video game and released for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) under the title ''Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel'' (''Metal Gear Solid: bande dessiné'' in Japan).
This release was a re-imagination of my childhood ''ritual'' of reading comic books, as it was now realized in form of this promising, new medium. But, unfortunately, despite the digitalisation of comic books by Marvel or DC and new devices like the iPhone or the iPad creating new possibilities for distribution, to this day Metal Gear Solid for the PSP remains one of it's kind.
But why? In this day and age? I'd like to quote Stefan Hauck of the ''Börsenblatt'' magazine:''It's about time: Regarding the general acceptance towards image dominated storytelling, Germany has finally arrived where France and Italy have been for ages. There, comic books and graphic novels are no longer preceived as ridiculous kids' stuff, but as serious reading for adults.''All the more reasons to make ''Concept Art for a Digital Graphic Novel'' the primary topic of my bachelor thesis.
Evolution and Anatomy
As for Assassin's Creed, it provided another universe I have always been deeply fascinated by. The eagle, being a pivotal object in this universe (i.e. the names of the protagonists are references to this elegant creature and certain movements and assassinations resemble a plummeting bird of prey), was a major source of inspiration. I also combined various styles and colours (comic aquarell) for my ''re-design'' in order to stay true to the original artwork of Assassin's Creed as well as to my very own style.
Other Characters
Posters
AC:DGN Teaser
