I did the Exterior design for the Dinostop set in the Mitchells vs the Machines. It was a challenging assignment as the set had already gone through multiple artists before it landed on my desk. My Final version is influenced heavily by an earlier version done by my boss, Production Designer (and genius) Lindsey Olivares, as well as by the hilarious story boards from Head of Story Guillermo Martinez. The Director, Mike Rianda as constantly pushing me to exaggerate the Dino designs to make sure they retained the comedic impact of the Boards. Its amazing how much back and forth there was to make sure this set was stupid as fuck. Had a blast doing this full painting as well as all of the bits and pieces.
Nine years, after the brutal murder of Mayor Don Mitchell Jr at the hands of the riddler, his widow and son are supported by Bruce Wayne for the foreseeable future. But Unbenounced to Mrs Julliet Mitchell her son Luka Mitchell is taken under the wing of Bruce Wayne far more directly, funding his education and training the now nineteen-year-old Luka for yet undisclosed purposes. After all these years Luka has formed a cold detachment from the uncaring world around him. That is until he finds himself growing close to a new classmate who goes by Rose Asher, the two share all their secrets with one another as they fall hard and fast into a whirlwind romance that may have more layers than it first appeared.
Chapter One - The Gotham Rain
Luka Mitchel sat up in his room, he watched the rain as it fell against his window, illuminated only by the orange street light outside. It always rained in Gotham these days, so much so that it seemed comical. More than once Luka wondered how the whole river hadn't come up to claim them yet. He sat on his bed, legs crossed, elbow rested on his knee, and his chin sat on his knuckles. His washed-out jeans felt stiff to sit in and often caused him to shift, and his blue long-sleeve t-shirt fell loose around him to hide his many bandages. He kept it all hidden away, he felt he had to. The house didn't feel like home, it never had and he had no intention to share his secrets within it.
Every so often thunder would crack or rumble, a flash of bright white lightning across the sky, but he rather liked it, the sound brought Luka comfort compared to the endless silence without it.
He perked up a little as his bedroom door opened with a sharp whine, light flooded in from the hallway, shadowed only by the figure of his mother Julliet Mitchel. Her heels clacked on the wooden floor, her tight stockings adding a small swish to her walk as her legs rubbed together with each step, Her tight silver dress left little to the imagination, her hair done and make-up pristine.
But all of it made Luka feel sick to his stomach, unwilling to even give his mother a second glance.
"Luka darling? What are you up to?" she greeted with a cheerful and hopeful smile,
"I was just watching the rain..." he replied, as he refused to move his gaze from his window,
She smiled softly and closed the gap between them, trying to take a seat on his bed but he made no space for her to do so, so she abandoned the attempt. She brought a hand up and stroked across his face but as always he flinched away.
His flinch caused Julliet's smile to drop and she bit back a sigh, "Well, I'm going out tonight. With Steven."
Luka nodded slightly and tried to bite back his rage,
Steven was the newest in a long line of lovers his mother found comfort in. Even if Steven was closer to Luka's age then to Julliet's. But it always made him sick, to think his mother was out with these men. But he knew he couldn't say anything about it.
"I see... I assume you'll be gone all night?" He asked, but he already knew the answer,
"Yes, most likely." She nodded, "I've left some cash on the counter, why not get yourself a pizza and have some friends over?" she suggested hopeful to perhaps coax him from his room,
But Luka didn't have friends.
He almost wanted to snap at her but held his tongue and forced a small smile. "Okay... have fun."
"Alright, have a fun night, darling." She cooed, she pressed a kiss to his cheek before she headed out of his room and left the door open a crack.
He tensed as his mother kissed his cheek, but he knew he'd upset her if he fully moved away. He waited until he heard her leave, once he heard the door lock, the car left with her date. Luka sat and just listened to the rain for several more minutes as he tried to return his mind to the calmness he had before.
After a while, he forced himself out of the bed. Luka slipped on his black boots and walked down the stairwell. He pocketed the cash on the kitchen counter, grabbed his coat from the hook and tossed it on. He took his keys and locked the door behind him and made his way out into the rain.
Chapter Two - LIAR
He walked silently through the rain and took cover under trees and overhangs as much as possible though he ended up still soaked. He walked the damp sidewalk, for a while before he met the immense black gates of Gotham Cemetery. He snuck inside without much noise and headed to the usual place.
Luka was completely drenched by this point, but didn't care. He just stood in silence as another crack of thunder came through. He looked at the ground and almost tried to distract himself as the greystone stared back at him.
The stone read 'Don Mitchell Jr. Husband, Father and Honourable Mayor of Gotham City.'
But the stone also had bright green graffiti over it reading, 'LIAR'. It had appeared some weeks ago, but Luka hadn't the mind to clean it off. After all he'd learnt about his father these years since his death, it felt accurate.
Luka began as usual to talk to his father. He told his father about all that happened since his last visit. About his mother, about school, about bullies, about all the things he felt he needed to know. But, He still kept quiet about one aspect of his life. Even the dead weren't privy to such a secret.
He finished up and said his usual goodbyes before he turned on his heels and headed for the gates. But a sound caught his attention and he froze up.
The snap of a twig.
He remained still, silent and listened through the rain to hear the footsteps as they grew louder and louder.
Without even a second thought Luka slipped his hand into his coat pocket, and his fingers found a home around the blade he had stolen. His heart raced at the thought of truly using it. He flipped around prepared to attack, but he jumped.
It was a girl.
Chapter Three - Rose Or Rosie Too
She stood in the rain, she wore a black coat that hemmed around her knees, with a trail of small red buttons, her hands in her pockets, with a little red Breton hat that hid her hair.
Luka practically jumped out of his skin and quickly released his grip on the blade. "You… You almost gave me a heart attack," He gasped,
"Right place for one." She joked,
Luka couldn't help but chuckle slightly at her morbid joke as he slowly came closer to her. "Hi,"
"Hi," she greeted back,
"So… are you visiting a grave or…?" he asked a little unsure how to make conversation,
"Not visiting. It's just a shortcut home."
"Shortcut? Through a cemetery? at night?" He asked as he raised an eyebrow.
"I don't find the place that spooky." She shrugged, "far more terrifying things down a back alley in Gotham than in a graveyard."
"Fair enough…" He chuckled. He knew some of the alleys in Gotham you were guaranteed to run into some very unsavory characters and the worst you'd find in a graveyard is a raccoon. "So, I assume this is not your first time taking this shortcut?"
She shook her head, "No, I've taken it almost every day."
He smiled a bit at that. "Then how come I've never seen you before tonight?"
"We only just moved here."
"Oh, I see…" he chuckled slightly and gestured around them both, "I'm assuming this isn't the only possible way to get to where you're going, but… Maps?"
"Maps." She agreed, "and I like it here."
Luka narrowed his eyes, "What's there to like about a cemetery? It's full of dead people."
"It's peaceful. Quiet."
"Yeah… I suppose that's true,"
She nodded softly, "What about you?"
"I come here for a bit of peace and quiet as well… but I come for a specific reason too," He said as he gestured to the gravestone,
"Sorry-"
"Don't worry, it's fine," He said, "Actually… What's your name? I don't think I ever asked."
"Rose. Or well Rosie too."
He smiled as he heard her name. "I like that. I'm Luka."
"Very cute." She laughed, "The name… Not you- well… you too."
Luka couldn't help but laugh and blush a bit, "No need to correct yourself… unless of course, you don't mind me pointing out you're pretty cute too."
She laughed, "Thank you,"
He smiled and chuckled, his own laughter somewhat hid his small blush, "You're welcome,"
"Where do you go? For classes?"
"Oh, I go to Gotham Prep…" He answered,
"I'll be starting there on Monday," she smiled, "Maybe you could show me around."
"I… I think I could do that, yeah." He said with a nod.
"You don't mind the new girl hanging around and having lunch with you?"
"No, I wouldn't mind that at all." He said immediately, almost a bit too quickly. he did hope he didn't sound too desperate at the idea of someone wanting to actually hang around him,
"Great." She smiled, "uhh here." She dug around her pocket, pulled out a marker, and then offered him her hand,
Luka raised an eyebrow but slowly slid his hand into her own, he felt her soft skin brush against his own callus fingers.
She smiled and squeezed his hand before she moved closer and wrote her number across his hand with a little heart. She capped her Sharpie and smiled up at him before she gave his cheek a small peck. "Text me later, promise?" She smiled as she began to walk away,
He was left a bit in shock as she suddenly kissed his cheek. He was too stunned to really think straight, "Wait- yes, I promise!" He called out as she walked away and made sure she could hear him.
Rose soon disappeared into the rain and darkness of the night,
Luka's heart still raced a bit from the kiss left on his cheek. It was the first time he had ever had a girl kiss him, even on the cheek. He stood there for a moment as he watched where she had vanished into the night before he eventually looked at his hand, he smiled at where she had left her number. The little heart she put next to it only made his smile grow. He quickly put his hand in his pocket to keep it dry and began his walk home.
Chapter Four - You Like That Mat Today?
Luka stood resolutely in the heart of the gym, the familiar atmosphere thick with the scent of metal. He focused his mind, set aside any distractions, and allowed himself to enter a meditative state. The mat beneath him felt cool against his bare feet, as his body moved instinctively in a steady, rhythmic pattern.
With each bound, he could hear the sharp whistle of air rushing past him, the rope sliced through the space between his agile feet and the mat. His hands formed perfect, fluid circles as they expertly coordinated with the movement of the rope, gradually he picked up speed until it whipped around him like a blur. Breaths escaped from his lungs in rapid, short puffs, as beads of sweat streamed down his forehead, and traced paths down his chest and arms.
Luka was dressed in his signature workout attire. A pair of form-fitting red leggings that clung to his legs and a sleek black muscle tee with the harness of weights strapped securely around his shoulders and waist. His arms were graced with bandages and plasters to conceal his bruises from prior sessions. His hands wrapped up with red tape to keep his grip.
The gym, nestled deep within Wayne Manor, bathed in dim light, felt like his personal sanctuary on Saturdays. He had already pushed himself through a varied regimen, he had already logged hours on the treadmill, the rhythmic pull of the rowing machine, the solid crunches on the sit-up bench, and the fierce energy of the battle ropes. Each element of his routine was meticulously crafted to hone his strength and endurance, to prepare him for whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Ten more, then climb." Alfred barked from his seat on the sit-up bench as he took a sip from his water. The older man had been monitoring and supporting Luka all day, and made sure to push him a little more every week, "Yes?"
"Yes Sir," Luka spoke up,
"Count ten then climb."
"I've already done -" Luka gasped,
"Yeah well, should have answered me the first time."
Luka felt a rush of adrenaline surge through him as he dropped the rope, the word escaped his lips with an urgency that sent him into motion. Without a moment's hesitation, he discarded the rope onto the mat beneath him, its fibres absorbed the sudden thud. He took a deep, sharp inhale, to fill his lungs with air before he sprinted across the mat, his feet pounded against the surface. With a determined leap, he surged upward and grasped the thick, braided climbing rope that hung overhead. His fingers dug into the coarse fibres as he ascended. He pulled himself higher, and let out a few grunts as he clawed his way toward the top.
"Good, good." Alfred nodded,
The gym door creaked open with an unsettled whine and echoed slightly. Bruce strode in, his posture both determined and slightly weary, clad in his familiar black suit pants that hugged his legs and a crisp white shirt. His usual polished appearance was marred only by the stick he leaned on, an unintended souvenir from a recent skirmish related to his nightly escapades as Batman.
"Afternoon, Master Wayne," Alfred nodded to him, as he got to his feet to fetch a seat which Bruce refused.
"Luka!" Bruce called out,
"Yeah?" Luka smiled as he reached the top of the rope, he hitched his body over the metal rails and hung his body upside down to see him,
"Don't be cocky." Bruce snapped, "Down. Now. And climb, don't just jump."
Luka rolled his eyes and climbed down the rope. Once his feet hit the floor once more, Luka grabbed a towel to pull the sweat from his skin.
"How's he done today?" Bruce asked,
"Alright," Alfred shrugged, "Clocked a little lower than last week,"
"You put his weights up yet?"
"No, I figured we'd get him back up before we add more."
"Alright," Bruce nodded grimly,
"I'm right here, you know?" Luka chuckled,
"I'm aware." Bruce snapped, "You can start coming in on Sundays too then till your numbers get back up,"
Luka rolled his eyes and groaned, but knew he couldn't argue,
Bruce simply glanced at the mat,
Alfred nodded and headed to the mat,
Luka sighed and tossed the towel over the weight rack, He rolled his shoulders and stretched out.
Alfred did the same and the two settled into position.
"Don't go easy on him." Bruce chuckled,
"Hey!" Luka protested,
But Alfred took that moment to attack, almost getting Luka down, But the younger boy brought his attention back to focus. The mat soon became an intricate dance of punches and blocks, swings and ducts, steps and slashes. Many of these manoeuvres ended as always, with Luka on his ass.
"You like that mat today?" Alfred laughed after he once again knocked Luka on his ass,
He groaned with his back flat on the mat, "Yeah... well, all things considered. It's pretty cosy."
"Sure it is."
"Get up Luka," Bruce told him,
"I can't... I'm dead." Luka joked,
"And if this had been a real fight you would be, get up." Bruce ordered, "Nothing can be accomplished on the floor."
Luka smirked and used his feet to wrap around Alfred and flipped them over, "Nothing?" he raised his eyebrow,
"Enough." Bruce snapped,
Luka let Alfred go and helped pull him to his feet,
"Shower, then meet me in the study" Bruce snapped before he made his way out of the gym,
Luka sighed, gave himself another wipe-down and a gulp or two of water. "Am I in trouble?" He asked Alfred,
Alfred simply shrugged but gave Luka a look. A Look Luka knew well, he was in trouble but Alfred of course won't tell him why.
"Ffiiiinnnneee..." Luka groaned before he made his way to the shower.
Chapter Five - The Knife
After a long and hot shower, Luka made his way slowly through Wayne Manor, his black duffle tossed over his shoulder. He held his breath as he reached the door to Bruce's study, and brought his hand up to the wood to knock.
"Come in Luka." Bruce snapped from within before Luka's hand even met the door,
Luka bit his tongue and went inside,
The walls within, tall and imposing with thick wood lined with shelves full of books and trinkets. A large arched window that looked out to the city beyond, a few red leather chairs and of course Bruce's large desk. Where Bruce sat in his chair, his elbows on the desk, and his chin rested on his hands.
Luka walked onto the rug and met Bruce's eyes, silently.
"How is school?" Bruce asked,
Luka didn't reply,
"Your studies?"
Luka didn't reply,
"Your mother?"
Luka did not answer again,
Bruce sighed and met Luka's eyes, "Have I somehow offended you, Luka?" He asked his tone sharp,
"No," Luka answered, "I simply find it pointless to answer,"
"Why?"
"You're the greatest detective in the world," Luka sighed, "You know where I go, what I do, who I see, the same for my school and my mother... I can't hide anything from you."
"Doesn't mean I do not wish to hear it from your own lips,"
"School is fine. Work is fine. Mom is fine." Luka answered dismissively,
"Good." Bruce nodded, "Your mother she-"
"Yes." Luka snapped, "The new boy is... Steven something,"
"Young?" Bruce chuckled,
"Twenty-five,"
"Have you given any more thought to your plans after you graduate?" Bruce quickly changed the subject,
"No," Luka lied,
"I have made my offer more than once,"
"I know, you have done enough for me,"
"And still I will do more... if you only would accept my help,"
"You have helped me, more than I have deserved and more than I can ever repay Mr Wayne." Luka explained, "I... I would not ask for anything more."
"Very well." Bruce nodded, "But the offer stands,"
"Thank you,"
"We will continue your training, but allow time to focus on your studies. Training can wait. I'd rather get you through the classes first." Bruce explained, "We'll go from there."
"Yes sir." Luka nodded, he turned to leave the study but before he took his third step,
"Luka," Bruce spoke up,
"Yes?" Luka didn't turn,
"Did you think you'd get away with it?"
Luka's blood ran cold and a shiver ran up his spine, "I- I don't know what you're talking about sir." But his voice gave him away,
"Luka, I'm the greatest detective in the world." Bruce threw Luka's own words back to him, "You can't hide anything from me."
"I suppose not." Luka sighed,
"Look at me, Luka."
Luka slowly turned but found himself too guilty to meet Bruce in the eye,
"Why?" Bruce simply asked,
Luka shrugged like a caught child,
"Why Luka?" Bruce's voice raised,
"It looked cool." Luka lied as his eyes trailed the corners of the rug,
"Don't lie to me,"
Luka bit his tongue a moment, he knew he was caught, he knew there was no way out of this. So there was no reason to hold back. "I feel safe with it," he muttered,
"What?"
"I feel safer with it." Luka said, "I felt strong, safe, secure when I carried it with me. More in control."
"True strength-"
"True strength, doesn't need a weapon I know." Luka snapped back, "But after nine years of telling me about the attackers, murderers and sick lunatics that walk Gotham's streets at night. Are you surprised I feel the need to walk around armed?"
Bruce's face relaxed slightly, as he pondered Luka's words. "If you don't feel safe in the house-"
"The house is fine. The school is fine... It just makes me feel better," Luka answered, "I've never used it. Doubt I ever will. But I have it, just in case."
"I see." Bruce nodded, "Alright,"
Luka nodded and turned to leave once more, he pushed open the heavy wooden door but was once again stopped.
"Luka. The Knife," Bruce ordered,
Luka let out a long sigh before he turned. He pulled his jacket from his duffle bag and ripped the knife and its holster from his inside pocket.
Bruce merely tapped his desk with his index and middle finger,
So Luka begrudgingly brought it over and set the knife down beside his fingers, but as he was about to pull his hand back Bruce grabbed his wrist.
"If you want something, you ask for it." Bruce told him, "You don't steal it."
Luka nodded,
"Yes?"
"Yes, Mr Wayne."
Bruce nodded and glanced to the door as he released Luka's hand,
Luka turned and stormed out without a word, his face screwed up with rage. He marched down the stairs and left the manor. He refused the usual ride home and tossed his jacket on and hood up, to start on the walk home in the rain.
