Secret Santa 2015 [Results Up!]

[fAB]

Merry Christmas, Legends Station!

Looks like Santa has secrets...
www.legends-station.com/?page=fan/secretsanta2015/gallery

[Mikéy]

I think the main post is up-to-speed now. Good job everyone!

[ravenf6]

@ Dragge: Heh, nothing beats curry rice on cold days like this. Or at lest it would, if the day was actually cold in the south. Somebody get him a breath mint. XD

@ Blyka: Volnutt's learning just how cutthroat the kitchen can be- but slinging has for the servbots is like fast food on the weekened- there's never enough to go around. ^^; Nicely done.

@ Dashe: Inventive. I could see this as an eventuality, except for brown and pink amiibo variants- maybe data or a servbot aside from Volnutt. Don't know why, I have this feeling that something like this could be possible in the near future.

@ MegaTuga: "Whoso pulleth out this Blade Arm of this stone and anvil is rightwise Trigger, born of Elysium." Now you got me wanting to watch the movie, again.

@ Blues: An inventive use of wire- this has to be the second time I"ve seen Santa held up , with the other being the Daltons. XD

@ Avegordo: Oh, that is sweet- Tiesel would make an interesting Santa Claus.... just don't take the toilet paper. XD

@ HF: Nice to see a bit of old school digging, the kids have it lucky, these days.

@ MLT: A wild reaverbot appears! and Volnutt's reluctance is priceless- I hate they start going to self-destruct mode.. >< .

@ Handlebar: Good thing one of those keys wasn't in that sub-city. Those were some weird reaverbots.

@ Lydi: Quality time in the snow, this is just precious. Thank you.

@ fAB: Oh lord, here comes the pricegouging. XD
- ooh, spotting equipment? A nice set up, though it makes we want to play some Pac-Man. XD

@ Dragge, HF, and Handlebar: Run away!!!! I don't blame Volnutt, the way Roll charges for upgrades. I'm delighted you three took up my neglected request and put good spins on them. Thank you.

Nice takes on the roasting chestnuts bits- maybe this was one of the three days Volnutt got lost in a ruin. XD I'm getting hungry seeing Grill set those falling chestnuts alight.

I can see Tron regret that date once Juno mistook wholesale slaughter for romance. XD

You're a mean one, Mister Master. Guess Sera doesn't like Christmas celebrations on Elysium.

I have a feeling Volnutt's going to get the business end of a wrench when he gets back home... THough I will say, that last one of Volnutt and Tron was sweet in itself- especially since he's off the Moon.


A lovely bumper crop of works, this year.

[Dragge]

I think it's funny that how the Master Store Christmas was an unfufilled request even though I totally fulfilled it, any way I don't have a lot of time for in depth reviews but I'm really enjoying how everything has turned out this year!!! This event always brings me joy! I especially want to thank MegaTuga for fulfilling my request! I had a feeling which one it was on the banners yesterday, thanks! HF I hope you really like your request and raven I'm glad you like it! It gave me a good excuse to use my figures for something other than looking pretty on the shelf lol! Maybe I'll give individual responses later, if not, everyone did well this year! Merry Christmas everyone!!!

[Mikéy]

I was taking the list of requests from one that was in the staff lounge. Santa Data was one on there, but I scanned through and found that one had been fufilled too.

I'm more worried about unfulfilled requests that we may have completely missed than requests that were added on mistake to be completely honest.

Thankfully, nobody's come forward regarding that, so all's right and good in the world.

[Dashe]

Awesome turnout, people! Special thanks to Mikey for bending time against all odds and handling things this year despite working more often than not!

I'm going to have to start bending time to my will too, so consider this time for an in-depth review, in order of appearance on the main site gallery!

Jes - (re: The Yosyonke Snowball battle)...Did that snowball splat against air and one of Roll's hair spikes? I bet with Tron lurking in the shadows like that, the aftermath of this one is going to involve Roll getting hit in the face with something waaaaay more hefty. I would not put it past Tron to try and pelt Roll with snow-covered rocks. (re: Grill roasting chestnuts at noon) ...The colors are pretty sweet, but wow, Grill looks remaaaarkably like Mega Man. And noon looks remarkably like the dead of night! Must be Forbidden Island's close proximity to the north pole during winter, right?

Handlebar - (re: The Island of Misfit Reaverbots) That was pretty funny. Bonus points for the umlaut on the A. (re: Take the Refractor and Run!) Nice and minimalistic. I think it would've been better if the fonts didn't have drop shadows though--the back one especially is a little on the hard-to-read side. The front text also crops off at the end, so watch your composition there for next time. Of course, without the drop shadow, the front text becomes hard to read, but I've always liked outlines better than drop shadows anyway. They make things look cleaner, which, with the look you're going for, would probably be a huge asset. Always leave a margin when it comes to text if the text is going to be a feature!

Tuga - (re: Legends have it...) I think I want to see an MML game in the style of A Link to the Past now. Like a top-down Legends action RPG, which I'm sure Legends would've been like if it had been made in the SNES era. I'm also pretty sure a lot of us would have missed MML if it had been released in the SNES era. I know I sure would have! (re: How the Master Stole Christmas) The Reaverbot reindeer's a nice touch. I'd have pumped up the lights on the buildings a little, since they're a bit hard to make out on my screen and the windows are popping. I'm definitely digging the lighting direction in general though.

fAB - (re: Can it be upgraded?) Did you use the exact MML2 color palette there? The colors look straight out of a screenshot. I'm surprised Roll's dollar sign eyes aren't zenny sign eyes though. And that zenny sign eyes never made it into the final game, since I've always thought that the moneygrubbing was the most interesting thing about her! (re: Take the Refractor and Run!) I kind of want to see this end up as an actual game. It'd be like what, an asteroids clone? I'm pretty sure construct 2 has a tutorial game template for exactly that, if he stays stationary. Or a maze thing would be pretty cool too. Maze asteroids. You move the background about, but Mega Man stays in the center. I can actually picture it really well.

Raven - (re: Nobody even uses this) I think this is the most expressive face you've drawn so far yet. You nailed the "I went all the way underground for THIS?!" sense of frustration and annoyance. One thing colored pencils are really awesome for is layering different shades, so if you color flat like that and toss in some highlights and shadows in other colors, it'll add a touch of richness and depth to it too.

Blyka - (re: It's impossible!) I was there when Jes thought up this prompt. She pretty much just exclaimed that she had so many commissions in queue that it was impossible to complete them or think of a prompt, and I was all, "yeah, sure, use that. It's impossible." She was skeptical, and then this happened, and it is perhaps the most honest to Master truth I've ever seen in a Secret Santa. #42 just can't handle the lunch hour rush. Also, bonus points for attempting perspective. (re: Grill roasting chestnuts at noon) Like with fAB's game mockup, I'd play this. It's unfortunate that time seems to be so elusive these days, huh?

Ave - (re: It was you all along!) WHAAAAAAAAT?! Santa isn't real?! Way to ruin Christmas forever, Ave. Says the one who made Legends 5 a write-in by Capcom instead of just flaking on Secret Santa so a bunch of people could put their own spin on it in 2020. (re: How the Master Stole Christmas) Heh, Forbidden Island, eh? I'm sure he'll get his comeuppance by accidentally catching a Carbon disease and dying. For someone who's never really drawn people often, I like how the fabric of the Master's robe's moving. Drapery gives a lot of people trouble.

Blues - (re: There's too many of them!) Pipe cleaners! Congrats on being the first to try that on for size. You'd take home the "most interesting medium" award if we gave one out. Headcanon - the reindeer are all the Reindeer Reaverbots like in Megatuga's pic. (re: Tron/Juno romantic sled date) The detail's actually really good for something sculpted out of pipe cleaners. I'd like to see you keep sculpting stuff with those. Or maybe invest in one of those 3D pens!

HF - (re: Barrell, Bluecher, and Amelia digging) Man, RMDL Bluecher's got guns! It reminds me of a Mesopotamian or Egyptian-inspired sub-city. I'd like to think there are other sub-cities around besides the ones on Kattelox, which obviously had their own styles going for them. (re: Christmasy TronxVolnutt) Oh this is funny. Your gift to Jes is like the reverse of Jes's gift to Raven! I propose we all make a MMLS coloring book one summer or something while things are in a lull. Since things are usually in a lull, that leaves our calendar wide open! Obligatory: The aftermath involves Roll pummeling Tron with a snowball with a rock in it.

MLT - (re: The Buster's Accuracy is off...) This is totally Pokemon-inspired and totally mesmerizing. I really want to know how to compile gifs. I'm getting ideas. It's especially frustrating that you picked a Miitan. One hit would knock it out...but it keeps missing! Might've been cool to jiggle his arm around. The perspective itself on the arm looks odd, but given the amount of time we had to get it done and the amount of time pixeling takes, plus the bonus, it's all good. (re: Tron/Juno Romantic sled date) This? This is hilarious. Top marks for top dialogue.

Dragge - (re: Curry rice is best rice) I don't think I've ever seen you use photoshop (or any of its free competitors). Not a bad first attempt, assuming that's what this is. Word of thumb - stay away from Papyrus and download some other free fonts, though. All font junkies seem steamed at Papyrus for some reason. Props for not giving into the meme theme though. I know a lot of us would have been tempted but you took the high road when it came to the writing. Good on you! (re: Take the refractor and run) Yep, it's always good to see figures doing more than just sitting on a shelf. Especially since Legends fans don't get too much to work with in the figure department.

Phew, that's all of them! Some notes on my own--waaaaay back when Battle Network was being milked for all it was worth, and when all of us were either younger and relatively innocent or not even registered on MMLS, I'd PM'd fAB and mentioned Mega Man Battle Network 13, Pink Version and Brown Version. He probably doesn't remember that himself, but yes, it did happen, and it was a horrifying thought. I was just telling Mikey that it'd be neat if we ever got free time again to have an event where we all get to design MML5 by either Capcom or Comcept or something entirely different. Now to go scribble that "MML5 contest" and "MMLS Coloring book" stuff into my planner...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and all that jazz!

[Handlebar-Orion X.]

Each review will be done as I saw the art from left to right, top to bottom.

Tron Bonne Art the style of that one's pretty cute! I like the almost Disney feel to how the eyes are drawn. Good thing Megaman wasn't closer or else he would have chipped one of Roll's shoulder blades and gotten a right hook to the jaw in return.

MegaTuga Pretty decent work on the stones of that reaver-thing.

@fab Mm Mmmmm she be crazy.

ravenf6 In a weird way, ol' Trigger looks a bit like Weird Al.Right around the chin.

@blykka that one's cute! Thank heavens it's Megaman and not Data or else we'd have one helluva grease fire.

@avogodro This one I'd have o say is one of the better looking ones out of all of these. The backround sort of reminds me of Dexter's lab season 1.

Blues What material is that?

@hf Liking the almost Osamu Tezuka style on this one. If there wasn't a rule against crossovers, Prince Planet or Astroboy would fit right at home with the atmosphere.

Dashe Not too shabby work on that mock-up Wii U box cover style! Megaman could have used a bit more shadowing to look a bit closer to the classic PS1 prerendered box art style, but it looks very clean.

@mlt This would be perfect as a follow or host command screen on twitch.

Dragge Why not both? I bet some chicken curry mixed in with Prego meat sauce on some angel hair pasta would be awesome if not a bit strong.

Tron Bonne Art (Again) THE FEEEEEEEELS! One if my top favs of this year's set.

MegaTuga That eye on the reindeer is priceless.

@fab (again) The radar is probably my favorite out of all of these. I would ask what art program you use, but it's probably a version of Photoshop that I can't afford at the moment.

@blykka (Again) I actually would play this. Please make this a real game and SNES flash cart compatible just for when I eventually get one in the future.

@avogodro (Again) Sort of looks like an old picture on someone's nightstand.

Blues Again what material is that? I could swear I saw an infomercial for it when I was a teen.

@hf (again) Oddly enough when tron and Megaman are dressed more casually like that, they seem like characters from another anime. Roll's about to open up a can of don't touch my man though.

Dashe (again) I think this is my top favorite on second thought. It almost looks like Bill Plympton drew it if it wasn't for the distinctly Dashe head shape.

@mlt (Again) Juno likes to date in style doesn't he? but I bet he doesn't care if Tron suffocates and freezes in space by the time they exit the station and enter his "sled" unless he already has custom built space equipment for her.

Dragge (Again) I guess Megaman has had enough of Roll's greed and plans to go out on his own? But how will he get from island to island by air?

As for my own, I would have colored in the Island of Misfit Reaverbots, but I was pressed for time and Sumopaint (a browser based art program) was crashing everything on chrome. So I had to make a snapshot of it and edit it further in GiMP. The other was totally in Sumopaint, and thankfully that one didn't crash. I apologize for the weird cut off on the font, I was working quickly so it doesn't crash again. Chrome's been a pain in the taint for months now.

[Santa Melty]

Congrats to everyone who participated, definitely one of the bigger turnouts we've had for this. And I second Dashe, Christmas props to Mikéy for organizing things despite apparently working in a sweatshop.

To briefly comment on each gift:


Tron Bonne Art - Both of your pieces caught my eye in the previews. I recognized the snowball battle as yours immediately, but the chestnuts piece took me a bit longer. I love how expressive the characters are, and the charcoal look you were able to achieve for Handlebar's gift. Really nice work. And cool to see you around again by the way, I think it's been a couple of years.

HF - The digging piece is a cute little what-if scenario. Even if it is utterly unrealistic. Since when do diggers actually dig*? And I like that your TronxVolnutt piece is basically a reversed version of Lydi's RollxVolnutt piece.

*Don't answer that.

Dragge - Won't lie, my vain self immediately thought the curry rice piece was referencing Gesellschaft Defense. On the refractor piece, first: sweet figurines. Second: I am choosing to interpret the bottom frame as a crack version of HF's TronxVolnutt piece. RefractorxVolnutt, complete with Sera getting NTR'd over in the corner. Got my new OTP, thanks.

Handlebar-Orion X. - I like the refractor piece. I'm a RefractorxVolnutt guy myself as of several moment ago, so it's nice to see this underrepresented pairing receive some attention. On the misfit reaverbots, I didn't recognize the sub-city until it was pointed out, but interesting way of working the idea into the game universe.

Dashe - Oh boy, this is hilarious. A game being released on the Wii U? Now that cracks me up. _{That's the joke, right?} Lots of nice little details in this one. The TronxVolnutt piece is cute. I'll even forgive the inferior non-refractor pairing. Nice use of actual crayons (or at least, that's what it looks like). And is that drawn on some kind of placemat?

MegaTuga - On legends having it: clever idea, it took me a moment to recognize the blade arm. On the Master: I like the crayon/pastel look. Simple yet effective. The reaverbot reindeer was a nice touch as well, though not putting the glowing reaverbot eye on its nose was perhaps a missed opportunity.

fAB - Take The Refractor: I really like this one. Having the focus be on a curious little piece of everyday in-game technology was a cool idea. Can It Be Upgraded speaks to me on an emotional and/or financial level.

ravenf6 - I admit, the reference here is lost on me. I don't recognize the thing Trigger found. I'd echo Dashe on the expression, though.

Blyka - It's Impossible: I have so many questions. What are those purple sausages made of? Did they tailor that hat specifically for him? Who stuffed the dead body into the oven? Because that never works, trust me. Also, I was one of the people who got their hopes up about the chestnut piece being playable. Nice pixel work, you monster.

Avegodro - It's been far too long since we've had a piece that involved dressing Teisel in weird things (or dressing weird things like Teisel), so thank you for reviving that proud SS tradition. And Trigger with a horn tied to his head is weirdly cute. But don't think you're converting me to HornxVolnutt that easily. Also, congratulations on pulling Blyka's name twice?

Blues - Points for novelty here, can't claim I was expecting pipe cleaner art. Nice touch actually creating a little snowy backdrop to take the shots against. Slightly hard to tell what's happening, but it looks like Juno's arms are actually disjoint and attached to the environment? Another nice touch.


On to my own stuff. Thanks to those who commented. This may have only been my second or third time this year doing art in an actual art program (i.e. not iScribble), so it was nice to shake some of the rust off.

The Buster's Accuracy is Off: There were a couple of additions I wanted to try (maybe some dust getting thrown up where the shots hit the ground and a muzzle flash), but as always, this was a semi-last-minute affair, so that was a no go. I'm happy with this one overall though.

Tron/Juno Romantic Sled Date: This is an accurate depiction of my first date. It's so hard to find girls who are into reinitialization.

Dec 25, 2015 8:32:45 GMT -5 ravenf6 said:

MLT: A wild reaverbot appears!

Dec 25, 2015 16:23:19 GMT -5 Dashe said:

This is totally Pokemon-inspired

The resemblance to Pokemon was unintentional. Or at least unconscious. But I know we have some Pokemon fans here, so I'm hoping it adds rather than detracts.

Dec 25, 2015 16:23:19 GMT -5 Dashe said:

I really want to know how to compile gifs. I'm getting ideas.

I use GraphicsGale personally, which I find to be very good for the sorts of small pixel animations I do. It's purpose-built and simple to use. That said, I would guess that most software with tools for frame-by-frame animation would be capable of outputting gifs.

If you do decide to give it a shot, I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Dec 25, 2015 18:37:04 GMT -5 Handlebar-Orion X. said:

@mlt This would be perfect as a follow or host command screen on twitch.

I'd have no problem with something like that, just for the record. It'd be nice to see people get some use out of it.

Dec 25, 2015 18:37:04 GMT -5 Handlebar-Orion X. said:

@mlt (Again) Juno likes to date in style doesn't he? but I bet he doesn't care if Tron suffocates and freezes in space by the time they exit the station and enter his "sled" unless he already has custom built space equipment for her.

In fairness, Juno doesn't have much to work with. When all you have is Eden, every problem looks like a violation of Urban Military Security Ordinance A10.


Merry Christmas all, hope it's been a good one.

[Dashe]

Santa Melty - It was colored pencils, actually. Still Crayola, but Handlebar was actually closer in guessing the medium. Watch Bill Plympton use exclusively Crayolas.

[Handlebar-Orion X.]

So will this coming summer have an MMLS summer BBQ art thing? Because I haven't seen one since about two years ago.

[Blyka]

Awesome turnout this year, everyone! Biggest since 2011 in fact, and there are some great pieces in here.

Thanks to Mikéy for his hosting efforts. I was definitely surprised to discover my "How the Master Stole Christmas" landed in the unfulfilled when I clearly remembered Dragge's work on that. I feel like I unfairly got bonus art or something, so extra thanks to those who got assigned that one.

I've skipped commenting individually in previous years due to lack of time but always feel bad, so here goes a quick comment for everyone (in main post order):

HF - Interesting environment on the digging piece, and even more interesting to think that Bluecher was a body builder in his youth. XD

Dashe - Beautiful job with the color pencils on TronxVolnutt. Seriously. So pleasing to look at, and even far surpasses the pro color pencil examples that taunted me as a kid. Love it!
Also, coming from a fan game dev's background I always find mock box art amusing, so good job on that one.

Tron Bonne Art - Fun stuff on the snowball battle, and cute renditions of Roll and Trigger--especially their faces. And even if it was a stretch of the prompt the chestnuts has a cool atmosphere to be sure.

Handlebar-Orion X. - Always fun to see more original things like the comic format of the Misfit Reaverbots.
I guess Trigger ran so fast after taking the refractor he left his face behind, which is amusing to imagine in a cartoony fashion.

Dragge - I'd guess the text was the main focus of both these, but I must admit the punchlines are pretty much lost on me. Nice splice of the refactor with the figures though.

MegaTuga - I quite like the Legends have it...; clever concept and neat vibe with the orange brickwork (somehow evokes a bit of NES nostalgia or something).
Thanks for your take on the Master stealing Christmas. Neat to see that cityscape show up in fan art.

Santa Melty - Oh cool, another mlt gif! Loved your Reaverbots Enjoying Christmas from 2012 (in fact it inspired me to do a gif myself this year, but alas, I couldn't think of one for my prompts--maybe next year). This one is also quite amusing.
And I so recognized your style in Tron/Juno on the Christmas Eve previews. 'Twas written all over Juno's face, you might say. Wonderful piece, and had me laughing out loud at the full thing. Between this and your past Juno works I'm convinced you should be creating a humorous comic starring him.

ravenf6 - I'll continue the echo after mlt: also unsure what the object is, but generally nice piece with a good expression.

Avegodro - Aw, sorry you got stuck with me twice in a row like that (especially when the premium prompt shouldn't have been a thing). Much thanks for fulfilling them both, and for making this year's prompt Christmasy.

Blues - Big props for medium originality, definitely. And very clear and well done images at that, even if faceless Tron/Juno did creep me out a bit at first. XD


And finally, thanks for the kind comments on my own works!

I hesitated on the concept for It's Impossible!! as I feared it wouldn't turn out. Still feel it could have been better in more capable hands, but I learned two important things from this piece: for one, free hand mouse drawing is rather difficult. No auto-straight lining and no Photoshop tricks or tools (beyond duplicating Servbot heads and the text tool), just lots of Ctrl+Zs. For two, perspective drawing is even more difficult. Still, I hope the play on the MML2 Servbot letter and MoTB's mini-game managed to raise a few smiles or giggles at least.

Dec 26, 2015 2:37:07 GMT -5 Santa Melty said:

It's Impossible: I have so many questions. What are those purple sausages made of? Did they tailor that hat specifically for him? Who stuffed the dead body into the oven? Because that never works, trust me.

Heh, your guess is as good as mine on these; it's all very open to interpretation. My initial concept for "It's Impossible!!" revolved entirely around #42's inability to cope with the Servbot lunch rush, but as it came together I found numerous places that theme fit into--the purple sausages, for instance (or are they green beans, or... something, else). And I'm guessing #42 stuffed the dead body into the oven (if it is in fact a dead body (in truth that looked a lot less like blood on the laptop monitor from whence it came...)).


I was surprisingly pleased myself with how Grill's chestnuts turned out considering my distaste/inability for pixel art. It's rough but I think it fulfilled my intention well enough. While I'm sorry to trample hopes of it being a playable title I'm very glad it was convincing enough to raise the hopes in the first place.
Naturally it crossed my mind to make the first Secret Santa game entry, but needless to say that would have absolutely exploded the time spent. Which definitely wasn't what I needed this month.


And in closing, great job everyone, and hope you all had a Merry Christmas. And have a Happy New Year.

[Dragge]

Yeah Blyka, the text was kinda the main focus but that's why I went with the comic setup this year. This curry bit isn't really supposed to have a punchline, was just saying, why not curry rather than regular old spaghetti. The refractor bit, more so the bottom frame, is a take on lyrics from Steve Miller Band's "Take the Money and Run".

[fAB]

A belated round of applause to everyone who put in the effort to make some great entries and another successful Secret Santa event!
Going for the two images sure takes its toll during the busy holiday season, but the turnout numbers certainly look good as a result!

A collective thanks for the comments on my work.
Can it be upgraded?
For my unusual medium/style this year, "digital finger painting" is what I'm choosing to call it. I used a drawing program I'd seen my nephew use on the iPad, and it turned out far more crude and difficult than I realized. I hoped the humorous concept would make up for the lack of (AKA inability to) polish. I feel bad I blew it on the dollar signs instead of zenny--slipped my mind entirely. I'll take it as a major compliment that the colors look good though, as mixing shades with the program's palette is about as tricky as the drawing part.

Take the refractor and run
Glad this one was a hit, as I was rather pleased with it myself by the end. Spotter equipment never gets enough love, right? Interestingly, I figured one unusual medium/style was enough and I'd just go at this one traditionally, but it ended up with the interesting quirk that I didn't actually "draw" any part of it. It was all done (with ancient Photoshop 7 and a little Flash 5) through shapes, erasure, selections and fills, etc. If anyone's inspired to make a game out of it, have at it! The Arcade could use something new...


Thanks for fulfilling my request in such a fitting way, Dashe! I do remember the Brown and Pink version joke, actually, and it brought a smile to see you did as well. Also love your Home For Christmas one, it radiates a warm feeling.

Other pieces I took particular note of were both of Blues for a totally unique medium, Tron Bonne Art with the snowball battle for great fun and expressions, and Avegodro for a richly colored, very Christmassy entry!

[Blues]

I guess this is sorta late. But I say, as long as the rotation's up on the front page, it's never too late. Right?


Avegodro Is "Santa Tiesel" from somewhere? It seems sort of familiar, maybe from iscribble or something. Overall a very neat little scene.

fAB Gotta echo Dashe's words here, I really like the BG colors. And despite the limitations, I really feel that your style shines through here. Good stuff.

Blyka Brings to mind the lunch rush minigame! I spent hours trying to get a high score on that one. Honestly I'm more worried about whatever's on that fork than the "blood" dripping from the oven. It's like the school lunch mystery meat, but...purple-y. D :

Dashe Y'know, I never pictured MML (5 or otherwise) being released in versions, but then again it's not like Capcom hasn't made stranger decisions. I also kinda get the impression that your back cover description is a "take that" of sorts, but it could be just me. >_>

ravenf6 MML has always been a little bit of an homage to Indiana Jones, and I'm getting that vibe from this picture. Him holding the sack is a little like the opening of Raiders of the Lost Ark, right? I might be overthinking this though. : o

Handlebar-Orion X. That's pretty much how it'd go down, huh? I don't know what it is, but the concept of talking reaverbots is pretty freaky. The fact that they live in a sub-gate island (if I've got it right) is also pretty interesting. Thanks for the pic!

HF Von Bluecher being beefed is hilarious. It's so weird to think of diggers actually doing digging- although who knows, maybe Barrel and co. actually did it like this back in the day. The backdrop really sells the actionn here, and of course the pirate "X marks the spot" is such a great finishing touch. Very cool!

Tron Bonne Art Gotta say, I like how the characters are drawn, you really make the cutesy look work for the protagonists. And of course nothing is complete without a Tron cameo, it really makes the picture. XD All in all, it's really adorable!

Dragge I imagine this playing out like a dogfood commercial or something, complete with obnoxious announcer.  I'm sure Tiesel would buy a storeful of curry rice if he saw something like that.

Santa Melty The minute I saw this one, I knew it was from you. The face is pretty distinctive. I really like how pokemon-ish the setup is, and the floaty miitan animation is hilarious. The shot reflection animation is really nice too! Question though: is that the regular buster or a special weapon? It's a little hard to tell because of the size.

MegaTuga Very interesting take on the concept. Something about the picture makes it all look very stately and ominous.

As for my piece- I actually went through a few ideas for material before I settled for pipe cleaner. I also had some shot composition problems too, but I think it all went pretty well in the end. Hope you like it RyanLEO !

On to the premium requests:

Take the Refractor and Run: fab's piece looks like it'd make a fun little game. I'm a very big fan of the interface design here- very clean, organic, and retro, wow. Handlebar's one almost like an ad for something. And it's nice to see a little Sera cameo in yours, Dragge.

Grill Roasting Chestnuts at Noon: Blyka- I'm gonna echo what everyone's saying here and wish that that was a real game. It's very convincing! Jes's interpretation was a little different, but the resulting picture is nice- a calm, cozy little scene that works pretty well.

Tron/Juno Romantic Sled Date: The dialogue in Mlt's one really takes the cake. I was telling him this before, but as much as I like my take, I feel I was outdone here. Not that I mind, because it's just so good.

How the Master Stole Christmas: Avegodro, is that the space shuttle Megaman used to get to Elysium? I'll bet that makes for a really unique sleigh. Megatuga has it more traditional, and I like how the town is portrayed in that one.

Christmas-ey TronxVolnutt: I really like how HF's piece is like a mirror-reality of Jes'. Bet that'll complicate the MML timeline even further huh? : P And Dashe's is pretty great- not only does the medium work really well, the sense of serenity in the piece is conveyed so brilliantly. Just to check, that's a real card, right?

(Think that's everything, hope I didn't miss anyone >_< )

Dec 25, 2015 18:37:04 GMT -5 Handlebar-Orion X. said:

What material is that?

They're pipe cleaners. Pretty much whatever generic-brand ones I could get my hands on. I kept it all pretty simple by using basic craft store supplies, with the pipe cleaner as a focus.

[Mikéy]

Dang, I kept forgetting to unannounce this.

I'm not sure when fAB typically takes the banner rotation off the main page, but I figured mid-January was typically when it happened. Maybe we're both off our game.