AniDreMon

Other social media links: Twitter -- https://x.com/anidremon DeviantArt -- https://www.deviantart.com/anidremon

[anidremon]

This is my attempt to encapsulate the epic reign of the illustrious King Sandy from KND. So the king's commanding presence is presented in all of its grandeur, as well as his admiration for a trusted weapon. The latter served him well during some epic quests.

It's also the start of my tumblr blog. In addition to posting my own art here, I will also be sharing some cool reference and panoramic shots I took of some animated films and movies.

It's going to be a pretty wide spectrum of works, but there will be a focus on Western animation and anime from the 80s-2000s and also on the ones I happen to be doing fan art of.

[anidremon]

Operation: U.T.O.P.I.A.

Going off my previous posts, here's another episode that's based around a picturesque, lush setting. This episode clearly went all out all with that theme.

Of course, it's all a simulation by the villain Chester, and once again Nigel Uno just can't get a moment of rest. Still, it's interesting that this situation of an adolescent paradise is vaguely reminiscent of Nigel's vision of the origins of children in Operation A.R.C.H.I.V.E. They both feature free roaming children in an idyllic setting, collectively indulging in various acts of leisure.

I kind of wish that his various conceptions of an ideal state of kid-om was further explored in the show, considering his neverending commitment to the cause of children is such a defining aspect of his character. It plays a role in a wide range of episode, from more serious episodes like Operation: W.H.I.T.E.H.O.U.S.E. to the lighthearted ones like Operation: B.U.T.T.

[anidremon]

Operation: H.O.L.I.D.A.Y.

I figured that this episode should naturally follow the previous post. Whereas in Operation B.U.T.T., Number One was forced to take a break on the beach, here we finally see him relaxing in an island paradise. Of course, it's still part of the KND Jamaican leader retreat. Moreover, this episode continues to make callbacks to Nigel's large rear and preference for Rainbow Monkey Underwear.

In fact overall, I like how so many disparate aspects of the show play a role in a relatively simple episode. We get more of Nigel and Lizzie's ongoing dysfunctional relationship, of side characters in the KND -- particularly Numhuh 10 and Numbuh 1 Love --and various plot elements from other episodes -- like the Hamsters and Nurse Claiborne's Apple Crumbles.

Also as a side note, we get a pan shot of the exterior of the Jamaican treehouse in Operation I.T.

[anidremon]

"Operation Butt"

In keeping with the beach focus of my recent posts, I want to showcase perhaps one of the more memorable episodes of the series "Operation Butt", and LOL perhaps infamous depending on your point of view.

One could argue that this episode is also keeping with the general spirit of the CN shows that were just featured. It certainly fully embraces the time-old trope of naked people being funny. That was pretty common for CN show during it's heydays -- particularly from the likes of Dexter's Lab and The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy

As amusing as I find these scenes, there is something to be said for how well directed they are. Numbuh One's character poses/expressions are fully on point, and each embarrassing mishap are well paced and flow naturally with each other. That one scene in particular, where he makes it back to his room in relief, might be one of my favorite in the series for how well composed it is.

Something else that sticks out is that-- despite the goofy nature of the episode-- it's Numbuh One's friendship with his squad that eventually comes into prominence and brings the episode to its conclusion. Perhaps I'm making too much out of this. But it's really impressive that the series was able to have a genuine, heartwarming moment from such a irrelevant premise. It also kind of distinguishes the show from the rest of the classic CN lineup, who often wouldn't go to such efforts to develop their characters in these kind of moments. The episode also speaks to the show's commitment to continuity since -- LOL -- Numbuh One's large posterior and preference for Rainbow Monkey underwear become a reoccurring jokes in the show.

[anidremon]

"Better Off Wet"

"Mandarker"

"Sun, Surf, and Science"

"Ocean Commotion"

"Ol' McDexter"

Next in the lineup of summer-related CN scenes are some from Dexter's laboratory. It's a fitting follow-up to Powerful girls, considering the similar styles and frequent use of the pan-shot.

Again, we're getting those pool and beach scenes, as well as a sunbathing one. But this time the pains of the season aren't represented by the agony of the sweltering heat. Instead, it's the horrors of summer camp, probably one of my favorite relatable gags of the series.

[anidremon]

"Twisted Sister"

"Uh Oh Dynamo"

"Ice sore"

"sun scream"

Unfortunately I've been away from Tumblr for a while. So, my plan to post CN summer-related scenes is a bit out of season now. Still, consider the ones I'm going to show as a last hurray for the season before we really get deep into Fall.

Here we have both the joys and agony of summer in full display. It's appropriate most of these are from the Craig McCracken era of the show, where it was at its height stylistically. These panoramic scenes would feel right at home in an artbook or an illustrative text.

[anidremon]

"Grim in Love"

"No Body Loves Grim"

"Herbicidal Maniac"

"One Crazy Summoner"

"Beware the UnderToad"

"Billy Ocean"

Today is the last day of the school year where I live, thus summer is fully in swing. So, now is the best time to go all out with the CN love by showcasing some of the beach/pool scenes from their classic shows.

I'm starting with Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy. As you'll see with a lot of the other CN, the panoramic shots of the beach are really something to behold. Plus, this setting is always ripe for some clever, comedic setups.

Other things to note are: Johnny Bravo makes a cameo in the panning shot from Herbicidal Maniac, the running gag of Billy mindlessly consuming a potential aquatic friend and LOL would it be considered progressive that a crowd in a 2000s show is openly celebrating a gay kiss.

[anidremon]

This is clearly very different from the usual flair of content I've been posting, but I do want to present a holistic view of the type of art that interests me and I to draw.

So, here are some studies of paintings I did several years ago. The first two are based on paintings by one of my favorite artists William Adoplphe Borgeou. They are respectively called Le Crabe and Child Braiding a Crown. The third is from another favorite of mine, Peter Paul Rubens. I believe the name of the original painting is The Infant Christ with John the Baptist and Two Angels. Unfortunately, these drawings aren't in the best state. But the first one is probably the best preserved.

The fourth one is a collage. The original painting is by RenaAnnibale Carracci and is called The Cornation of the Virgin. I loved the composition of the painting, and the collage is made from magazine paper. Although it might not be of the best quality, I'm glad that I was able to get it done despite the countless hours it took.

[anidremon]

Like the King Sandy drawing I started the blog with, this is another depiction of a KND character with a commanding presence, though with a twist.

As always, the dapper Wilson Woodrow was ready to give a sterling, uplifting speech on behalf of the school government of Gallagher Elementary. But this time he got a bit too careless in preparing his wardrobe and failed to uphold that confident demeanor.

Like I mentioned in the preceding post with this character, this was an earnest attempt to improve on that first attempt. One can also say it provides actual context for why he's depicted nervous.

[anidremon]

Here are some more traditionally drawn depictions of a KND character from way back at the end of 2022, specifically Wilson Woodrow.

I mentioned that my King Sandy drawing from the same time was my first attempt to digitally color an original work, and the drawing below is my second attempt. Even though back then it was an improvement, I wasn't entirely satisfied with the drawing overall. Hence, also like the king sandy one, I consider my recent depiction of the character to be of higher quality.

https://www.tumblr.com/anidremon/754260775693090816/like-the-king-sandy-drawing-i-started-the-blog

[anidremon]

Operation: E.L.E.C.T.I.O.N.S.

This post brings us to what can be considered the conclusion of the class president arc, though aspects of the arc are utilized in Operation M.E.S.S.A.G.E. with EggBoy playing a role as president. It certainly ends on a high note since this episode again plays to the show's strengths (i.e. stellar directing, clever film parodies and satisfying payoffs and nods to various elements in the series overall).

It also happens to introduce one of my favorite KND side characters, Wilson Woodrow. In the next 2 posts, I'll show some old and recent fanart I did of the character.

Again, there was a scene that was difficult to stitch, the one where numhuh one has a commanding pose on his bike. But I managed to avoid any distortions.

[anidremon]

Operation S.N.O.W.I.N.G. (external shots)

Operation S.N.O.W.I.N.G. (internal shots)

Continuing with the class president arc that I started showcasing in the previous post, we have the episode that acts as the epic climax to Jimmy's villain arc. This one really speaks to the strengths of the show. There's a memorable film parody, a nice blending of various plot elements from other arcs in the series (i.e. the boyfriend helmet and Numbuh One's ongoing relationship with Izzy) and so many amazing shots for me to gush over.

Hence even though most of these shots are stitched ones, there are some regular shots that happened to stand out to me. Of course, it's just a small sample.

The last snitched shot was another tricky one to compose. Unfortunately, the part with Numbuh 5 fighting the Hall Monitor is a bit distorted since the latter shifts his body during the panning shot, but it's the best I was able to get to it.

[anidremon]

Operation R.O.B.B.E.R.S.

Operation: P.R.E.S.I.D.E.N.T.

One of my favorite reoccurring settings of KND was of all places the school Sector V attended, Gallagher Elementary. That locale was utilized for so many memorable storylines. My favorite is the class president arc that resolved around Jimmy's rise to power and its aftermath.

Although it arguably started with Operation: P.R.E.S.I.D.E.N.T.. In some ways, it's origins lie in Operation R.O.B.B.E.R.S. since it's the first episode that showcased said school and also happened to have the unnamed introduction of Jimmy.

Plus, the school year is always over where I live. So LOL might as well give that setting one last hurray for the start of summer.

[anidremon]

Here's more stitched screenshots I made with their corresponding storyboard panels.

Most of the storyboard drawings were originally posted on Tom Warburton's blog. https://warburtonlabs.blogspot.com . The ones from Operation Safety were found on a storyboard artist's website.

[anidremon]

I mentioned how much I appreciate the scene composition of KND. So, I thought a great way to further demonstrate that would be if I showed the actual storyboard panels from some of the scenes I stitched together

The pencil work on these boards is outstanding. It's amazing how much detail they put into such small panels. Even though I don't draw traditionally too often nowadays and mostly do digital, artworks like this does gives me a huge incentive to keep up with it.

The storyboard drawings were originally posted on Tom Warburton's blog. https://warburtonlabs.blogspot.com

[anidremon]

Operation B.E.A.C.H.

Operation K.A.S.T.L.E. (last image from Operation: B.O.U.N.C.E.)

Here are some of my favorite shots of the King Sandy centered KND episodes

In addition to strong posing, what I find particularly impressive is how the show's artists were able to compact so much into these shots, while keeping them well composed and easy to read.

[anidremon]

Here's a traditionally drawn depiction of King Sandy on 18 x 24 inch paper. In many ways, this should have been my first post since it's my first overall attempt at drawing the character-- way back at the end of 2022.

It was also my first attempt at digitally coloring an original drawing, in which I basically used the original sketch for linework. I would like to think my digital drawing skills improved a bit since then, as evident by my recent depictions of the character. https://www.tumblr.com/anidremon/753345895697891328/this-is-my-attempt-to-encapsulate-the-epic-reign