Next Issue: Never (April Fool’s!) by HeartisttheArtist on Newgrounds

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Next Issue: Never (April Fool’s!)

I remember this issue, it totally sucked—but it’s the first appearance of Ronin, so it’s technically memorable.

A cheeky spoof of cheesy 90s comics; something I’ve wanted to make for a long time, but never known how to approach. I want to clarify that this is out of love, or at least affection. There’s lots I find charming and often quite inspiring in comics from that era.

Features cameos from OCs belonging to @Palindronev2, @metalsonic655, and @BeastKing05.

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NorBeBlue

2024-04-10 16:50:18

The style you used does remind me of old comics.

HeartisttheArtist responds:

Thanks so much, means I accomplished my mission!

KnightLineArt

2024-04-05 00:50:28

They have cool designs, and feels very much so in the style in the 90's. Personally, I really like the Sub-Zero-ish guy with the flair of red added too.

HeartisttheArtist responds:

That’s Ninjiro, who belongs to @metalsonic655 — and the Sub-Zero comparison is very fitting! I tried emulating Joe Mad’s style for Ninji, and Joe’s drawings of Subby Zubby are straight-up badass. I’m really glad these connected with you!

Sutikku-Zu

2024-04-01 12:31:02

SINCE WHEN DID HE HAVE A GUN!?

HeartisttheArtist responds:

He only had it for like three issues before someone knocked it out of his hands, and he just never had it again. I don’t think he ever shot anyone with it, actually.

metalsonic655

2024-04-01 12:00:38

Ahh, yes, the crossover with the simultaneously little known but also infamous '90s Malibu run of Moon's Eye Saga. Thank goodness this happened before the storyline where Ninjiro hung up the mask and The Rival became the newer, edgier Ninjiro (I didn't even know that was a title that could be passed down) with more cyborg parts and a will to KILL. Unfortunately, it is after the issues where Twinjiro became an anti-hero and was promptly replaced with the much maligned Ninjicide.

Seriously, though, I remember being shown previews of this image and being over the moon. That hasn't changed, it's actually SO good. I'm honored to have Ninjiro AND Jennifer included here alongside other dope OCs, including that RONIN. I unironically kinda love that design. The chest symbol, reintegrating the blues, and just look at those pouches. The stark '90s comic shading was also done expertly on him, glorious work. The '90s gets a bad rap for comics, sometimes justifiably, but there was undeniably a lot of good stuff to come out of it too. This is now one of those things. Love it!

HeartisttheArtist responds:

Yeah, the whole New Ninjiro arc was a huge misfire—it felt like such a marketing stunt. You can just tell that it was designed with action figure brand deals in mind. Same with “Ninjicide”, there’s a reason he hasn’t been mentioned since. I mean, nobody likes it when a beloved character is ripped away from them and suddenly replaced by a TOTALLY RADICAL and WAY BETTER new character!

Designing the characters through a 90s comic book lens was a really fun exercise, and challenging in interesting ways! Like, Ninjiro himself is almost unchanged from his actual design, he’s just drawn very differently. But Jen and Ronin got an overhaul, and I worked to include as many ridiculous costume details as I could. Especially with RONIN™️—especially with superfluous pouches, straps, and accessories. But I found myself really liking the reimagining of his costume from armor into more of a jumpsuit, I’m really glad you like it too!