Pluey's Box Of Shadowguy Research - Part 2 - Shadow Puppet Shadowguys
Sharing more of my knowledge hoard! This time on Shadowguys. I have this separated into two posts with research on action figure Shadowguys & shadow puppet Shadowguys
I think it was canonically confirmed that the Shadowguys' Light World form is supposed to be the figures in the windows of Kris' house since they disappear after Chapter 3 if they were all recruited. But a lot of people headcanon the Shadowguys to be shadow puppets that Kris & Asriel made as kids, and I love that interpretation of them as well
Part 1 - Action Figure Shadowguys is here: [Link]
General Shadowguy Information
Shadowguy Page on Deltarune Wiki
Exactly what it says on the tin. If you're looking for canon information and trivia about the Shadowguys from the game, start here
Mikes' Page on Deltarune Wiki
Same as above. Has information on all three of the Fake Mike Trio, so if you're looking for info on any of them specifically, go here
Kuroko Page on Wikipedia
Adding this here because this is the role that the Shadowguys fulfill in the dark world. Kuroko are stagehands in traditional Japanese theatre, who dressed all in black. The black outfits were meant to imply that they weren't there as part of the action on stage. They had the same purpose as a traditional running crew, and moved props and scenery around the stage, much like the Shadowguys do. If you want to read more about them, start here
Hand Shadow Puppets Page on Wikipedia
Wikipedia's page on making shadow pupets with your hands. Also called shadowgraphy or ombromanie. Shows a few examples of how to make shadow critters with your hands
Shadow Puppets Page on Wikipedia
Wikipedia's page on shadow puppets. These are actual physical puppets used to cast shadows against a screen, and not just made by someone's hands. Has good information on the history of shadow puppetry from all around the world
Balancing Sasuke Toy Meme Reference
According to the Deltarune Wiki, apparently that tower of stacked Shadowguys that you can recruit is a reference to the Balancing Sasuke Toy, which had such an impeccable center of gravity for an action figure toy that just about anything could be stacked on top of it, including multiple copies of itself. I had no idea what they were talking about, so I went and found the reference so you don't have to. Apparently it's become something of a meme
Creating Shadow Puppets
WikiHow To Make Shadow Puppets
WikiHow article detailing three different ways to make shadow puppets. The first two show methods of making hand shadow puppets, and the third one shows paper cut-outs
Shadow Puppets For Kids
Article by MadeForMums. Shows several different hand shadow puppets that are easy for kids to make. Includes step-by-step instructions for each of them. Includes shadow puppets for cats, rabbits, goats, and deer, among other animals. Includes photos of shadow puppets and hand shapes
How To Make Shadow Puppets
Article by ArtOfManliness. Shows how to make sixteen different shadow puppets. Uses a diagram chart to show hand shapes and shadows. Not very descriptive text wise, but good for visual learners
Puppet Theatre: DIY Shadow Show
Article by Craftionary. This one shows how to make a DIY Theater for wooden stick & paper shadow puppets. Gives ideas and suggestions for characters, storylines, etc. Has step-by-step instructions, but not much in the way of pictures or images
How To Make A DIY Shadow Puppet Theater For Kids
Article by EarlyLearningWithLori. Same as above. Has step-by-step instructions on had to set up a shadow puppet theater for stick-and-paper shadow puppets for kids. Has a few photos, but not very detailed ones. More geared towards a classroom setting
DIY Shadow Puppet Storytelling
Article by Shaplaboo. Starts off with a brief history of shadow puppets in different cultures. Then goes into step-by-step instructions on how to make shadow puppets - both the hand kind and the stick-and-paper kind. Has tips on what kind of lighting to use to make the most distinct shadows. Tells how to use translucent materials like colored tissue paper or cellophane to make colored shadows. Has lots of pictures in addition to text
History Of Shadow Puppets
Chinese Shadow Puppetry
Article by TravelChinaGuide. Gives a brief history of shadow puppets in China. Mostly focuses on the stick-and-paper kind. Has some detailed pictures to compliment the text. A pretty quick read
The Ancient Art Of Shadow Puppetry
Article by TheArchaeologist. Gives a brief history of stick-and-paper shadow puppetry in several Asian countries. Mostly text. Another quick read
Types Of Shadow Play
Article by Britannica. Explains details on several different kinds of shadow play. Shows hand puppets, stick-and-paper puppets, and full body shadow theater. Gives brief descriptions for each
Hand Shadows "Ombromanie"
Article by World Encyclopedia of Puppetry Arts. Gives a history of hand shadow puppets, or Ombromanie in French. Text only article, but a quick read
The Story Of Shadow Puppets For Kids
Article by MrDonn.org. Gives the brief story of how shadow puppets began in China. Meant for kids, so it's easy to understand and a quick read. Surprisingly no pictures though
Science Of Shadows
Umbra, Penumbra, and Antumbra on Wikipedia
Wikipedia article on the main parts of a shadow. Mostly uses the sun, moon, and Earth to describe and illustrate points, but these can apply to any shadow. Also explains a bit about eclipses. Uses photos and easy to understand diagrams to illustrate points. Not very long for a Wikipedia article
How Are Shadows Formed?
Article by SmoreScience. Detailed article on shadows and the science of how they are formed. Shows the difference between transparent, translucent, opaque, reflective objects. Goes over the main parts of a shadow - umbra, penumbra, and antumbra. Explains shadow diffusion and how to make colored shadows. Uses lots of illustrations and diagrams to help illustrate points
Umbra, Penumbra, and Antumbra: Why Are There 3 Shadows?
Article by TimeAndDate.com Explains the difference between the three main parts of a shadow. Demonstrates an experiment to show all three types to a viewer. Uses lots of easy to understand pictures and diagrams
The Science Of Light And Shadows
Article by The National Air And Space Museum. Gives a basic scientific explanation for what light and shadow are. Explains the difference between transparent, translucent, and opaque objects. Explains how to describe sunrise and sunset scientifically. Text only, but a quick read
The Art Of Drawing Shadows
The Anatomy Of Light And Shadows
Article by BrushVolt. Explains the anatomy of shadows and reflections from an artistry perspective. Explains center light, reflected light, highlights, and halftones. Goes on to explain the terminator line, form shadow, core shadow, occlusion shadow, and cast shadow. Uses a diagram with a pencil illustration of a sphere to illustrate points. Good for drawing practice as well as research
The Parts Of A Shadow
Article by HummelIllustration. Goes over the parts of a shadow and reflective light in a drawing. Has good explanations of each part. However, oddly enough for an article on art there are no pictures or diagrams
Anatomy Of A Shadow
Article by Eastern Iowa Arts Academy. Goes over the main parts of shadows and light sources in art. Shows core shadows, cast shadows, reflected lights, highlights, and midtones. Uses a drawing of a Pokéball to illustrate this
The Anatomy Of Shadows
Article by ArtVerve. Describes the anatomy of shadows in art. Starts with form vs cast shadows. Then explains umbra, penumbra, and antumbra. and finally describes edges, echo, passive, and articulated shadows. Uses both drawings and diagrams to illustrate points
Understanding Light & Shadow Terminology
Article by Learn To Paint. Explains the terminology of the main parts of shadows and light in art. Explains halftones, terminator lines, bounce light, highlights, occlusions shadows, and cast shadows. Uses several diagrams and illustrations to demonstrate points
That’s all for this one everyone! I’ll post the video links in a separate post
Walk cycles for the kitty-eared Shadowguys! They probably normally have their ears hidden under their hats, but I might make some later with them poking through a hat
Shadowguy with hat sprites here: [Link]
Shadowguy without hat sprites here: [Link]
Rabbit Shadowguy sprites here: [Link]
These are free to use for fancharacters/fancomics/fangames/etc.! Just please remember to link back here so that other people can find them
Actual size & sprite packs under the cut
Actual Size
Sprite Packs
Actual Size Sprite Packs
I'll probably end up making a unique set of these for Pluey later
Pluey's Box of Shadowguy Research - Part 1 - Action Figure Shadowguys
Sharing more of my knowledge hoard! This time on Shadowguys. I have this separated into two posts with research on action figure Shadowguys & shadow puppet Shadowguys
I think it was canonically confirmed that the Shadowguys' Light World form is supposed to be the figures in the windows of Kris' house since they disappear after Chapter 3 if they were all recruited. But a lot of people headcanon the Shadowguys to be shadow puppets that Kris & Asriel made as kids, and I love that interpretation of them as well
Part 2 - Shadow Puppet Shadowguys is here: [Link]
General Shadowguy Information
Shadowguy Page on Deltarune Wiki
Exactly what it says on the tin. If you're looking for canon information and trivia about the Shadowguys from the game, start here
Mikes' Page on Deltarune Wiki
Same as above. Has information on all three of the Fake Mike Trio, so if you're looking for info on any of them specifically, go here
Kuroko Page on Wikipedia
Adding this here because this is the role that the Shadowguys fulfill in the dark world. Kuroko are stagehands in traditional Japanese theatre, who dressed all in black. The black outfits were meant to imply that they weren't there as part of the action on stage. They had the same purpose as a traditional running crew, and moved props and scenery around the stage, much like the Shadowguys do. If you want to read more about them, start here
Action Figure Page on Wikipedia
Wikipedia's page on action figures in general. Has a lot of good general information on their history, design process, materials, scales sizes, etc.. Good place to start if you just want some basic, general information
Balancing Sasuke Toy Meme Reference
According to the Deltarune Wiki, apparently that tower of stacked Shadowguys that you can recruit is a reference to the Balancing Sasuke Toy, which had such an impeccable center of gravity for an action figure toy that just about anything could be stacked on top of it, including multiple copies of itself. I had no idea what they were talking about, so I went and found the reference so you don't have to. Apparently it's become something of a meme
Action Figure Joints & Anatomy
Collectibles 101: The Anatomy of an Action Figure
Article by DC.com. Quick article that gives a concise run down of the four main joint types of an action figure. Mostly done in bullet pointed form. Includes a detailed, yet easy-to-read chart to help illustrate points
The 4 Main Types of Joints on Action Figures
Article by Collectors Headquarters. Gives a quick run down of the four main types of joints, plus combination joints. Slightly more in depth than above, but no charts or graphics to go with it
Action Figure Glossary: Types, Materials & Joints
Article by Figure Base. Pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. Gives quick definitions or explanations for common action figure terms and abbreviations. May help to read this before exploring any of the more jargon heavy articles
Joint Types Custom Tutorial
Article by Figure Realm. Gives an in depth explanation about each of the joint types, then goes a step further by explaining variations on each type depending on what they're made out of (springs, magnetic, etc.). Uses photos with labels to help demonstrate each main type of joint
Step-By-Step Guide to Printing, Assembling, and Painting DIY Action Figures
Article by Toy Making Tip 101. Very detailed article about the whole process of creating your own action figures from scratch. Extremely thorough. However, it's text only - no pictures or charts - and it's a pretty long read. Probably not recommended if you don't do well learning from text only or if you don't have the time
Painting Action Figures
Painting Effectively Custom Tutorial
Article by Figure Realm. Shows various tips and tricks on how to paint custom action figure models. Reads like stop-motion comic panels and uses a Spiderman action figure to point out the different tools and materials needed. Most of the text is in his speech bubbles, so be sure to enlarge the images. Very entertaining read
How To Paint Action Figures
Article by Fab Figures. Uses step-by-step instructions on how to paint previously unpainted action figures. Has detailed explanations for each step and has a photo of the action figure at each stage of painting to help demonstrate points
How To Paint an Action Figure Like a Pro
Article by Toyyie. Another in depth article that uses step-by-step instructions on how to paint previously unpainted action figures. This one is meant for larger display models. Also uses photos to help demonstrate the stages of painting, but not always the same model
How Are Action Figures Painted? A Step-By-Step Guide
Article by EDNTOY. Unlike the other articles above, which detail painting your own action figures, this article explains how action figures are painted in a more mass-produced company setting. It mainly focuses on well-made, expensive collectibles and producing unique figures custom ordered by a client. Very thorough explanations. Jargon heavy, but also uses photos and charts to help illustrate points. Long, but a good read if you've got the time
Cleaning & Repairing Action Figures
How To Clean Dust Off of Models
Article by Collectors Headquarters. Quick article about how to dust and clean off certain models without being to abrasive with the material and decal stickers. Also gives a few tips about storage to prevent dust build up
How To Get Permanent Marker Off LEGOs
Article by Collectors Headquarters. As the title suggests, this one is meant for Lego pieces and figurines, but it can easily be applied to other kinds of kid's action figures as well. Lists different options for what works and what doesn't. Also list what methods are too abrasive to use without damaging the figures
5 Vintage Toys Restoring Techniques
Article by ReKennect. Shows different techniques for cleaning and restoring different types of vintage toys, including action figures, depending on the type of toy and how bad the damage is. Also offers tips on storage and displaying methods to prevent future damage
Caring for Your Treasures: The Do’s and Don’ts of Action Figure Maintenance
Article by The Small Business Times. Mostly in bullet pointed list form. Gives good advice on storing/displaying, organizing, and maintaining proper environmental factors to prevent damage. Also gives some advice on cleaning figures and maintaining their packaging, even if they are not kept in-box
How To Fix Loose Action Figure Joints
Article by Collectors Headquarters. Detailed article on how to tighten loose action figure joints depending on the type of joint, material, and how bad the damage is. Kind of a long read, but you can always just skip to the section for whatever method you want to try using
How Do I Repair Damaged Action Figures?
Article by Action Figure Central. Detailed, in-depth article about repairing various kinds of damage to action figures. Split up into different sections depending on the type of figure and the type and extent of the damage. Another long read. Text heavy, without any pictures or diagrams to break it up. However, it is very thorough and covers a lot of different kinds of damage to different figures
The History Of Action Figures
The History Of Action Figures
Article by The Doll History. Goes through the origins of action figures and then their rise in popularity from the 70s to the 90s, and then their role in the 21st century. Also covers things like the cultural impacts of action figures and the roles that customization and DIY action figures have played. Mostly text, but not jargon heavy. It's an interesting read
The Evolution Of Action Figures
Article by Actifig. Goes through the history of action figures, starting with their origins in the 1960s and then going through their evolution by decade from there. Has a few pictures, but is mostly text
From Toy to Treasure: The History and Hype Behind Iconic Action Figures
Article by HotBot. Goes through the history of action figures in general and then goes on to explain some of the cultural impacts behind them. Explains how different brands and fandoms influenced popular media and their designs and vice versa. Talks about the role of social media and the influence it's had on helping collectors find and show off limited editions and exclusives. Also includes an FAQ at the end of the article
The History of Action Figures: From G.I. Joe to Marvel
Article by Smith-Anderson Medium. Goes through the history of action figures by which kinds rose to popularity and when. Quicker read than some of the other ones, but still very informative
The History Of Action Figures
Article by History of Dolls. Very quick read giving a rundown of the history of action figures. Not as well organized or as in-depth as some of the other articles, but it covers all of the main points. Good for if you don't have much time to read or just want a quick run down
That's all for this one everyone! I'll post the video links in a separate post. Stayed tuned for the next part on shadow puppets
And here's the walk cycles for the Rabbit-eared Shadowguys! That's the last of the canon Shadowguys! Would anybody like to see me make some sprites for Shadowguys with other animal features? I intend on making one with a cat tail to represent Pluey later
Shadowguy with hat sprites here: [Link]
Shadowguy without hat sprites here: [Link]
Cat Shadowguy sprites here: [Link]
These are free to use for fancharacters/fancomics/fangames/etc.! Just please link back here so that other people can find them
