Oops I Did It

oops i did it

Part 2 of a selection of Backgrounds from the Steven Universe episode: Sworn To The Sword

Art Direction: Jasmin Lai

Design: Steven Sugar and Emily Walus

Paint: Amanda Winterstein, Ricky Cometa, and Elle Michalka

Sworn to the Sword Backgrounds Part 1

JDS: Before I leave, please allow me to offer a small observation: Korra (the character) broke convention. She was rough around the edges, she was stubborn, and she rubbed some people the wrong way. She was also at times reckless and overly confident, and made little to no apologies for her bombastic behavior. Right or wrong, for better or worse, Korra marched to the beat of her own drummer - and for these reasons, she at times had a hard time finding her place in the world. People didn’t really know what to make of her. Some feared her outspoken behavior and thought she should do more to fit in. As time passed, Korra evolved. She grew as a person and developed a deeper understanding of tolerance and compassion along the way. Eventually she began to rely on those around her for help and came to understand her own shortcomings, which helped her form into a more well-rounded Avatar. She became comfortable with who she was and how she was perceived by others. In the end, the things that turned so many off to her were the very things that would distinguish her from those who came before. I say this because I feel Korra (the production) has followed a very similar path. It has survived a uniquely perilous journey as far as cartoons go and never did quite fit in with the things that came before it. And I truly believe that in the end, much like Korra the character, the show will be celebrated for the chances it took and the things it did differently. Korra concepts and designs by Lauren Montgomery, Christie Tseng, Angela Song Mueller, and Bryan Konietzko. Color by Sylvia Filcak-Blackwolf and Bryan Konietzko. [x]

BK: The crown jewel atop the Little Ba Sing Se Fashion Mall is a miniature version of the Earth Kingdom’s Royal Palace. It looks pretty nice from the outside but houses a tacky family buffet restaurant on the inside. William was a great artist from day one on Korra, but by the time we got to Book Four he was on fire! His designs of this oddly shaped, incredibly complex location are clear as a bell and easy on the eye.

MD: Sometimes the ideas that seem ridiculous at first end up being just the things you need for the story. The little Ba Sing Se Fashion Mall was one of those ideas. At first I thought it was too over the top, but when combined with Prince Wu’s desire for importance and relevance, this microcosm of his kingdom perfectly supported his character arc. The Republic City Four Elements is the city’s poshest hotel and the first choice for discerning travelers and world leaders who appreciate the finest in luxury and service. Prince Wu loves it so much, he’s taken up permanent residence. Designs by William Nanqing Niu, Christine Bian, and Angela Sung. Paintings by Lauren Zurcher, Lane Garrison, and Emily Tetri. [x]

Avatar: The Last Airbender: Legacy Preview (x)

Dark Horse released a nice, nostalgic Avatar: The Last Airbender 12"x16" poster book with 20 removable images.