J.J.

Model

The idea of J.J. is the cool legendary mentor type character the likes of Jiraya (Naruto), Master Roshi (Dragonball), and Hiko Seijuro (Rurouni Kenshi). He came out of a necessity to give Alicia a slayer heritage that is young at only three generations. As Resonance Rhythm is inspired by Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure’s Ripple J.J.’s character has a lot of influences from Joseph Joestar. He also has characteristics of a friend of mine of is like a living perverted old man anime stereotype.

Design

Just like Alicia I wanted a design that reflected the coolness of slayers. So his motif is inspired by Vampire Hunter D, Van Helsing, and Alucard (Hellsing manga/anime). His causal appearance is based on the aforementioned friend.

His name is not only an homage to Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, but comes from James Brown; fitting the musician motif of the Timberland family names.

Aretha

Model

As this page is her first appearance her model comes from the joke of J.J. being afraid to confront his wife. She is confrontational, and sassy, and I really want to write her some day!

Design

Her design come from her namesake, soul music legend Aretha Franklin combined with the image of a ghost.

 

Tupac

Model

He also extends from the joke established in the main pages of Transyltown that he is a doting father. His he is imposing looking, but frequently smiles and laughs.

Design

His large build, and scars are meant to contrast with his friendly nature. Influences come from actor Terry Crews, Morino Ibiki (Naruto), and Kevin Rian (Garou: Mark of the Wolves).

His namesake is rapper 2Pac  (Tupac Shakur).

 

India

Model

This page is the first time I gave some real thought to India’s character. The idea is that she is the no-nonsense mother that keeps this rowdy family in check.

Design

Michonne of The Walking Dead is the main influence on her design. Then I gave her a stylish and comfortable outfit that reflects her cool assassin past.

She is named after neo-soul musician, India Arie.

 

Lenny

Model

He is the super powered idiot kind of character inspired by Goku (Dragonball) and Luffy (One Piece). As a beat cop that doesn’t believe in monsters in a city full of them I really want to write some of his adventures!

Design

His design began with a basis from Leon S. Kennedy’s costume in Resident Evil 2. I designed his hair to look similar to a police man’s hat. Then I thought that he looked an awful lot like funk rock musician Lenny Kravitz, so BOOM, he got a name.

 

Victor

Model

Built to be a complete brat. Like his older sister, Alicia, he wants to be a monster hunter, but he’s far too much of a brat to sit through his granddad’s lessons, (and too afraid actually learn utilize Resonance Rhythm). His all talk little action attitude is inspired by the likes of  Scrappy-Doo (Scooby-Doo), Antoine D’Coolette (Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon and comics), and Konohamaru (Naruto) with a cocky and entitled attitude from young Krillin (Dragonball). He’s another one I’d like to write some side adventures for.

Design

I had few references for Victor’s design. I envisioned the short dreadlocks, stiff bottom lip, and a design that incorporated shorts as soon as I thought of the character. I think it was Zach Q of Meraki that suggested I try out overalls, and I loved how it turned out. I added pouches to it to give the impression that he has a lot of tools in them. It has a distinct ’90’s superhero feel.

In the end his look made me think of the peerless bass player , Victor Wooten, so he was named after him.