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Artist's commentary
Lana (Pokemon x Kingdom Hearts) Animal Form
Lana (Pokemon x Kingdom Hearts)
Lana has always been my favorite Pokemon trainer. I think her character design is superb. As an islander herself, she can be naturally put into Destiny Island, the home world of Sora from Kingdom Hearts. Lana is a funny, resourceful girl, and she can really fight. I think she can definitely become a competent keyblade wielder and run the show.
Design Concept
I created this crossover concept on a whim. To adapt to different worlds in Kingdom Hearts, I prepared 4 iconic forms for Lana, including Normal form, Animal form, Mermaid form and Retro form. Lana’s keyblade is based on fisherman/sailor iconography, combining the elements from fishhook, fishing pole, wave splash, helm, and anchor.
In my fan fiction idea, I’d put Lana on a neighboring island next to Destiny Island. Kairi would recognize her as “that girl from another island who has beaten Sora and Riku in every contest prior to KH1”. She would become a keyblade wielder and protected the islands when Sora and his friends are away. She would then join Kairi’s quest looking for Sora after KH3.
I paid extra attention to anatomy and body proportion when I was drawing these pictures. I also tried to grasp the “feel” of the character while transforming the design. It was a fruitful learning experience.
Normal Form
A typical Kingdom Hearts style costume. For generic worlds.
Animal Form
An animal version of Lana based on Vaporeon. For Pride Lands, the world of Lioin King.
Mermaid Form
A mermaid version of Lana. For Atlantica, the world of the Little Mermaid.
Retro Form
A black and white version of Lana based on Popeye the Sailor Man. For Timeless River, the world of Steamboat Willie.
Scene Concept
Lana standing on the beach of Destiny Island, holding her keyblade. This picture was created one year prior to the other ones, and it was the original seed of the idea behind this crossover concept.