Old Skool Fandom

[ataratah]

For reflectedeve, who requested some fanart of Sailor Neptune, with bonus Sailor Uranus.





It's always fun when you can revisit an old fandom (and Sailor Moon is an old, old, OLD one) and it's even more fun when you have someone who can remember it with you. (By which I mean, have you SEEN this?)

And if you don't know who these characters are, let me assure you, they're basically pretty awesome. They're the first example I can remember encountering of an canonical lesbian couple. To see their relationship portrayed (in a children's cartoon!) as completely normal and beautiful had a pretty powerful effect on me at a young age. And it was interesting for me to think of how to draw them after so much time has passed.

Instead of going for art of the two in their usual outfits, I tried for a sort of retro-1930s feeling (which is also an attempt to explain the wallpaper) -- not sure if I succeeded in the look I was going for, but it was fun. Also, I think Jeeves-era!Sailor Moon could make a pretty fabulous story someday...

Comments

[were_duck]

I don't know this fandom but this is gorgeous. I particularly love the blonde's hair and shirt, holy cow.

[ataratah]

Thanks! I'm glad to hear it holds up outside of its fannish context. ♥

[reflectedeve]

Oh god, I don't even. *_____* I realize that color is kind of a pain in the ass, and I get why you would want to work in b&w for awhile (I mean obviously, preaching to the choir there), but. You have a WAY with it, hon, seriously. It's so smooth and effortless-looking; the subtle shading on their skin, the shine of Michiru's hair! It's everything I always wish I could pull off.

Also, I flailed at you a bit already, but they generally look gorgeous in your style. Haruka's posture is perfect, relaxed and a little cocky, and Michiru looks so poised! The costuming choices are fantastic, and that ... is a really intriguing idea for an AU. Although, I tend to think of the characters as Japanese ... would you set it in the UK? I'm trying to imagine now. ;)

[ataratah]

Thanks! I'm glad you like it!

I could set it in Japan if I was working with, say, the Taisho period...? I think they were wearing some Western fashions then, though my Japanese history is hazy on that point. Something sort of like when Tactics is set, if you've read that one (and I think you'd like it, if you haven't.)

[reflectedeve]

Oh man, I almost forgot to say: THANK YOU. :DDD There should be more of this. I still like the idea of some kind of Sailor Moon co-art project, though I still have no clue what form that would take.

Ooh, intriguing. I'm not very good on Japanese history, honestly, just tiny bits and pieces here and there. I haven't heard of Tactics; what is that, and where can I find it?

[ataratah]

Right? We will have to brainstorm this art project more... I have some ideas, but they're pretty vague.

Meanwhile, TACTICS! The set up is so perfect, I want it to be more than it is, but its a good, solid series. It's about a scholar/exorcist/detective who can see dead ppl (as you do). He ends up bonding to a Tengu named Haruka, and hijinks (and sexual tension) ensue. The art is quite lovely.

http://www.mangafox.com/manga/tactics/

[reflectedeve]

Hey, a starting point would be great. ;) Do tell.

Ooh, thank you! I am bouncing all over the place this weekend, but I'll have to check it out sometime very soon. Sounds intriguing!

[ataratah]

Trading themed prompts was as far as I'd gotten, but I'm interested in really exploring this idea of our evolved styles somehow. Maybe we could do a series of fandom fusions, even?

[reflectedeve]

Ooh, intriguing. I'd be down with themed art prompts for sure - and I'm curious if you have any particular fandoms in mind!

[omens]

So pretty! I love their hair & postures, especially!

[jjtaylor]

I do not know who these people are, but they have AMAZING hair. Also, your wallpaper rocks, pls draw that on the studio walls.

[ataratah]

They are space princesses reincarnated as badass superhero lesbians. Aren't you sad you don't watch Sailor Moon?

[ataratah]

Also, that is a NO to handpainting wallpaper, that is not ok.

[umadoshi]

That's lovely! *^^*

[ataratah]

Thanks! I love your icon!