*_* Holy crap man...I have no idea what to say...I mean what a surprise when I saw this! T-Thank you so so Much! I mean damn, thank you! She looks freaking AMAZING in your style, and you captured her so perfectly.

First off, I LOVE that armor design. I've always struggled when it comes to drawing Armor which is why I always draw clothing, but I always wanted to come up with armor designs for each form...they are "knights" after all. I really love the design, and it goes nicely for a water form I feel. It does not feel like it would slow her down while she was in water, as her legs have free movement. The armor along her ankle is also nicely done, once again enough to get her protection...yet also not hindering her ability to swim. It also fits her Conjurer Knight kind of class.

Second, I love the spear. I wanted each form to focus on a different weapon, to give each character a different feel. While each form can use a bladed weapon ((If Ike's Blade Master ability is unlocked)), I still wanted them to have one they are a master of. So every Valkyrie has a "Master Weapon" they use for physical damage, and they also have a "Staff" for Magic focused damage...and "Bladed Weapon" if that ability from Ike's base form is unlocked.
I've never been good with spears...might be I've always been a sword guy. XD So I love how you captured her with a spear, it is very fitting for her form as well.


Third, I just love your anthro style, and she looks SO amazing in it. I've always LOVED your Star Fox art and how you capture Krystal. Even just those little doodles on the side are so fun to look at. Its like something out a game creators art book. You style would look so amazing in a video game or anime/manga in general. You got some amazing skill, able to capture so many poses and angles...not to mention just the style and the creative armor, weapons and so on you can create.

Once again I can't thank you enough. I mean wow, it means so much you still even enjoy Ike today after all his changes. I know I've lost many when jumping away from the Sonic style and coming up with his new concepts. So it means allot you like the idea so much. Thank you so much again! Its good I still got one of my friends back from my starting day I can talk with.

Holy text...I'll do my best with this. XD I'm really glad that you enjoy this as much as you do. It makes the effort all the more worthwhile. :)

First, armor is a tricky thing. But I'm psyched that it fits what you had in mind for her. I went through the same thought process while designing it, the main thought being, "would this work in water?" That's why the main body of her outfit is a swimsuit. Then it was about giving her armor that like you said, wouldn't hinder her. If you're having trouble with armor, it would be good to check out references. For her shoulders, I was a bit inspired by Lucina. And because you're a Fire Emblem fan, it would be a good place to look to get more ideas. You'll have to tell me at some point what a Conjurer would do.

Second, I like the idea of the Valkyrie's having multiple weapons. I saw that on some of your sketches, but I didn't want to give away what I was doing. And I think I've always been a bit of a sword guy myself. I used to imagine having the Master Sword when I was a kid. XD I'm glad the spear suits her in your eyes as well! I also thought it was a practical weapon for her too. I could see her using it both in combat and for fishing.

Third, thank you again for the kind words! :) Whenever I draw, I always try my best to capture the character as though they were a real person. Well, that and get the anatomy down correctly. Which is where all those sketches come in handy. As far as video games go, I am looking to get into the video game industry. I don't think I told you that. But I'm shooting for more of an environment artist position. So I'd be building the locations in the games as opposed to making characters. But I still really enjoy character work, it's the main reason why I draw.

You're welcome! I've always liked Ike and your other characters. But I think it was because of his Valkyrie transformations that he really stuck out in my mind. So I think it was a very good thing that you started branching out with your characters and stories. And I know what you mean. It's great to reconnect with old friends. :)

Hey, never feel you need to return as much text. =) I just really wanted to explain the reasons I love it so much.

That is a good idea. I can always turn to Fire Emblem for ideas...got allot of names that way. XD "Ike" "Lyn" "Marisa" ((Ike's mother's name, and the name Ike uses while posing as a girl.)) So could not hurt to take armor references.

Yeah, I can picture that as well it does suit her well. :nod:

Well your very good with anatomy, that always been a major struggle of mine. Why I tend to have allot of front views. SOMETIMES, I can capture a pose or something between two characters...but its such a struggle and takes awhile before I can capture it decent.
Hey I say go for it. =) I think you do an amazing job, you got mad skill.

Thanks, I was really trying to have Ike stand out. I wanted him to be very unique...as for the longest time I had people saying "Tails Clone!" So even when I was still Sonic Style Ike was growing and changing as a character.
I really loved the concept of him being able to take on forms of the other Valkyrie...its like seeing a part of the other Valkyrie through Ike. It help him stand ou more while getting to see more of the Valkyrie Knights.

Same, I'm sorry I was silent for so long, but I figured for the longest time my art just did not compare. I'm so use to good artist not bothering much with me, I guess I just assume it for everyone and I'm sorry about that.

Well, you can consider that one of my quirks. XD I'm an equivalent exchange kind of guy.

I think it will help out a bit. Armor is going to be tough until you sit down and try to tackle it!

My advice would be to try and find a figure drawing class, or just browse around for photos. And then draw from those photos, and even trace them. It can help get your anatomy down that way. Obviously, don't trace an image and call it your own, unless you change a lot or give them a new outfit or something. Mostly just use them for practice.

Heh, I appreciate the vote of confidence! I'll let you know how things go.

Tails clone with a wig. XD But the Valkyries make him very different. And this might be more for the PM, but does going from a male to a female ever really jar him?

Hey, don't worry about it. Remember, I disappeared several times, but we're reconnecting now. And I was in your position with my art once. It just takes time and a bit of work. And confidence comes with that. :)

Yeah, I'm going to try to practice allot of that stuff this year if I can along with do more of my other cast of characters...though still allot of Ike since he my main.

I'm not sure what you mean by "Jar Him." You can always send me a note if you feel that is where it becomes. I'm always up for chatting with a good friend.

Oh I know, I try not to just my art as hard as I did in the past. I would toss so many I was not happy with or not try to finish. Now I just try to finish and do what I can even if I know its flawed just for the practice.

That sounds good! And if you need advice on drawing, feel free to hit me up about anything you need help with. :)

"Jar him" would be like saying it shocks him and it takes him a few minutes to get his bearings. I think a decent real world example would be nearly getting into a crash, and then it sort of sticks in your mind even though it turned out okay.

Now that's a bad habit. Even if you don't really enjoy how a piece turned out, it's important to remember what made you think that way. And then I read the rest of your line and see that you stick with it. Which is good. Believe me, I have off days as well. I'm working on another Renamon, and she's a little rough right now. But the important thing is to keep at it.

Ah! My bad, yes I'm sure it would shock him...changing not only race but gender as well. Each body time is a bit different as well, so have to get use to that as well.

Yeah, I've gotten much better about that. :nod: It was something that held me back more in the past.

But it would make for some interesting gameplay. Hmm...maybe as you level up forms, even his expressions change and become more confident.

Good to hear that!

I've considered that, along with thinking maybe having more dialogue options depending on the level. Once again to create replay value...if I ended up doing something like Chrono Trigger with different endings, based of the characters actions and interactions.

Sounds like you need a New Game + mode then.

Yeah,that what I was thinking. :nod: