shade – Darkcloud Xero's Online Shop

This was probably the hardest one to draw. Not because of the difficulty but because of not knowing how Bulma would look like in real life. In my view she could go either way in terms of looks (Asian or Caucasian). So I decided to do some research to help me decide. Much to my surprise that added more to my confusion. As it turn out it seems that Buruma was meant to represent Xuanzang, the Chinese monk (and protagonist) from “Journey to the West”. One would think that it would all end like that and I would just draw her as a Chinese girl, but after examining the original drawings for what would later become Buruma, I found out that he (Akira Toriyama) had a Western girl in mind

link: http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20101014203835/dragonball/images/f/f1/Firstdraftdbgang.jpg

So, did that image still carry over to the Buruma that we all know? I was really contemplating and reaching the same conclusion that it could go either way. And since I pretty much imagine Trunks as seeming Caucasian for some reason as well as seeing her family which is made up of one blonde mom. At the very least she could be half and half. But to not complicate things, I will just make her a white girl. With that in mind I’d say that was probably the only character I feel they casted right in that horrible live action movie (too bad they did not give her the full light blue or in some eyes light purple hair). Of course since it was supposed to be based on the original Dragon Ball then they would need a younger actress (or at the very least, make her look , girlier). Not that the right casting would have changed the outcome of the film…

I also tried to pinpoint the source of the name. That of course would lead me no where. After all, as most fans know, Buruma means Bloomers. And again this would not give me a definitive answer since these are/were widely used in both Japan and Western countries. The origins of the garments would not help out much either. So I scrapped this as a deciding factor.

Any way, that is how I came to the conclusion of how to draw Buruma. I infact did use a model to draw this interpretation (from a picture I found in the internet of course, after searching for hours…). Here is the picture of said cosplayer:

As you can tell I borrowed greatly, and mostly just added the bunny suit, as well changed her hairstyle. I’d say she fits the part perfectly. She not only looks like her but also has that youthful look that reminds me of the early days of Dragon Ball.

I also had some other images in mind of course. Some that I personally preferred and would have used if I decided to go the other way. here are the links:
pic 1

pic 2

And so, there you have it. What do you guys think?

Hope you enjoy it,

– XERO

It is a new year and also a new era for this channel. After drawing requests for two years using this channel and my closed account: zero9archangel, I have come to the realization that it was finally time for me to be selfish and start drawing what actually interested me. In any case, I would like to thank anyone and everyone who either participated by asking for requests or just happened to stop by from time to time to watch my videos.

How to draw Challenge was designed for me, so that I could try out various different art styles (which mainly seemed to focus on anime and manga). One other challenge was so that I could try and increase my speed when drawing while still maintaining good form and technique which would become apparent at the end, when the drawing was actually finished. Doing good speed drawings was … tough. It seemed that my drawings always seemed to lack something, I just couldn’t really figure out what though. And then I started drawing for my self these past few months, and that is when I realized the difference of a rushed drawing and one that had an ok amount of time given to it. Getting frustrated and wanting to produce better pieces I decided to give in to my selfish desires. Not only will I not be taking requests, but drawings might not be posted on a scheduled basis as they were before. This will give me the freedom to draw to my hearts content.

But you as the viewer will also gain something. A much better display of my skills and what can be possible to create with just your hands and a pencil. I also plan to incorporate color every once in a while. So I hope you will look forward to that.

Aside from this, I am also starting a new project where I draw a character from an anime/manga or game and draw them the way they would look in real life. I plan to call this project: “If they were real”. My plans are to determine every single factor from name to nationality and any descriptions till I can finally flesh out a character. I’ve noticed that many artists just get characters and completely change them, mainly making them white despite being Japanese or from some other ethnicity. So I hope you guys look forward to that.

Lastly I suppose I should talk at least a little bit about this drawing. If I could liken my self to any animal it would definitely be the tiger. That amazing power, agility and speed they possess is something I have always tried to achieve. There reputation around the world is definitely noteworthy. And let’s not forget about their aesthetics either, they are amazingly beautiful animals. Having looked up to them, I have had an urge to draw one for quite some time. Looking at the the many types of tigers out there I would probably be a Sumatran Tiger, although they are not the biggest they are still rather fierce. And there is something about that cheek hair that looks cool.

It would be utterly amazing if I could achieve a title that reads: The Tiger Emperor Xero, when it comes to drawing. Although that’s clearly me just fantasizing.

Hope you enjoy it,

– XERO