Designing Bayonetta 4 – Luka (And a Special MTV Announcement)
October 25th, 2009 by Mari Shimazaki
Filed: Bayonetta, Community, Games, PlatinumGames
Hello all. Character designer Mari Shimazaki reporting in.
We are now less than one week away from the Japanese release of Bayonetta. When the game comes out, I’m really excited about going to a huge store close-by and spreading out all the copies of the game! (A bit of a nuisance to the staff though…)
And now back to what has been sort-of the groove of my blog, explaining the design choices behind one of Bayonetta’s characters – this time the man chasing after Bayonetta – Luka.
When I first drew Luka, I designed him as a bit more “adult;” however, as he is on the receiving end of the sassy Bayonetta’s jabs, I thought that he should be a bit more of a brazen youngster, which is how he ended up as you see him above. Even though he is freelance, he is still a journalist, so he wears that staple of modern masculine armor, the suit. And then there is his favorite camera, which may or may not be a Leica. To chase after Bayonetta, he also has his spy tools-of-the-trade, all secreted neatly away in his gloves, boots, etc.
Since he is rather light on his feet, I wanted to make sure you picked up on Luka’s movements by giving him a nice, long scarf. Putting something moving on these active characters to pick up on their motions is sort of a by-the-book design cue in Bayonetta. Also, Kamiya-san likes scarves.
Unfortunately, it has been a long time since I designed Luka, so I’ve forgotten a lot of the small details and motivation that went into his look.
A glance at Luka can tell you a lot though: He is a bit of a metrosexual, paying attention to his cologne, etc. He is the type to get carried away, as he loves the girls, and would be prone to saying that there is more than enough of him to go around to one-and-all.
But despite all this, Bayonetta is the only women to whom he is openly hostile. Obviously, he must have his reasons…
How will their relationship develop during the game is something you will just have to play to find out.
To switch gears now, I have an announcement to make.
I think you are all aware of MiChi, the Japanese singer who recorded the song played in the background of Bayonetta’s Japanese TV commercial. Well, MiChi is going to appear with Bayonetta on a special program to be aired by MTV Japan!
MTV’s Bayonetta Special will air on MTV Japan on
Wednesday 10/28 4pm-5pm (Premiere airing)
Thursday 10/29 9pm-10pm
Saturday 10/31 5am-6am
Sunday 11/1 4am-5am
* This schedule is subject to change.
Bayonetta herself is going to be the VJ for the show. MiChi will be her guest, and you will get a look into the making of the Something Missing track, as well as their thoughts on what it means to be a strong woman.
I even drew up some special art that you will get a peek at during the show.
It is a tie-up illustration between MiChi, who was kind enough to make the song for us, and Bayonetta. I can’t post it here, so if you want to check it out, make sure to watch the show.
(NOTE: Higher resolution versions of the concept art in this post can be found on the PlatinumGames Inc. Flickr Page)
Tagged: 2D Concept Art, Bayonetta, Character Design, Luka, Mari Shimazaki, PlatinumGames, PS3, Xbox 360
9 Comments Add Your Own
Steven Ohlberg Posted on October 25, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Man I wish I could get japanese television here so I could watch that.
Maruis Posted on October 26, 2009 at 12:05 am
Who will be in the role of Bayonetta, and I hope we non-Japanese will have a chance to see the special online somewhere.
Gem Posted on October 26, 2009 at 12:53 am
It's nice to actually see the full bodied version as he only appear for a few seconds in the trailers. And he's the only one with glasses but DOESN'T wear them it seems.
I hope someone can record and show the MTV show!
Humberto Posted on October 26, 2009 at 1:26 am
It's great to live in the digital age where the internet alows people from across the world to watch show that they otherwise would never get to see.
Anyway, thanks for the artwork. I know there is a lot of merchandise to come but I'm actually looking forward to the art book the most so don't skip on the character art when it's published. Infact, if this gets to the whole staff, don't get stingy with any of the concept art, poeple, even what didn't make it to the game.
FAUNA Posted on October 26, 2009 at 3:09 am
Love your art, Mari.
aXL99 Posted on October 26, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Nice update! It's a shame some of us outside of Japan won't be able to see the special, I'd love to see that new illustration you did!
Baberific Posted on October 26, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Another batch of sweet artwork Mari!
and thanx for the heads about the Japanese MTV spot!
I'll be sure to find some way to tune into it!
Crow T. Robot Posted on October 26, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Thanks for the blog update Miss Shimazaki.
:}
I just wanna see that gorgeous Bayonetta model, I don't care about the subtitles.
Miendoor Posted on October 31, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Happened across your game and your site Bayonetta. The game looks tight, nice art, music and we will see about gameplay. Been looking for a fresh looking game for a while most console games have become stale. This game hasnt got the promotions it should. I suggest a give away of some of the console skins at the release date also the artbooks should be released the more people that know the better the demand. Also does this developer plan on going public