Saturday, October 12, 2013

Crash Bandicoot - Origin of Uka Uka - Part 3

Here's the last body of work I created for the development of Uka Uka for Crash 3. These drawings are dated March 26 1998. The look for Uka Uka had been defined and now it was time to establish his relationship with Neo Cortex. If this series Cortex is being chastised for his incompetence and inability to deal with Crash. These are photocopies of the originals. They've probably been posted online prior to this although I don't know if all three have. In any case I hope you enjoy them.



8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those three are in the original Naughty Dog's Crash website, and they are in better quality, you can download it form here: http://crashland.elynx.fr/ressourcebonus/siteofficiel/c3-character.htm

By the way I love this ones, it looks like Naughty Dog was inspired by those making the first cutscene for Warped (here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCCUS_nq8FI )
The relationship between Cortex and Uka Uka reminds me a lot of Darth Vader and the Emperor from the Star Wars movies.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for sharing these, Charles! They bring back so many wonderful memories!

I remember being in school around that time (I must have been about 12?) And feeling so inspired by your work! Without you in those early days I would not be so passionate about what I do as I am now!

I was wondering, do you sell your art at all? I would be over the moon to have an original Crash/Spyro sketch on my wall! :)

Laura.

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing the link Grabriele.

Those sketches remind of how we always answer to a higher power. We could be the biggest, baddest cat around but we must account for our actions to someone. That's the feel a get when I see these sketches.

Unknown said...

I remember these three sketches Charles! What Gabriel linked are the originals Naughty Dog stashed in their archives to be unseen. Sure is a good thing you made copies of these for the fans to see!

Hey Charles, did you know when Radical Entertainment was developing Crash of the Titans, Uka Uka received a full makeover? The designers made him a lot more sinister and more villainous in design which really didn't bother me, unlike the other fans. In the end, he still has his bones and evil personality.
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130912084952/crashban/images/2/26/Cmomuka.png

For anyone wanting to see the output in 3D. Here's a comparison of Charles' sketch and the image of the 3D output from the animators (sorry for the darkness of the image):
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/70/WarpedUkaUka.JPG

And if you want to see the whole conversation with Uka and Cortex, here's the full intro to Crash Warped:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gGQ6XA1-64M


Anonymous said...

@Pat: Redesigns in my opinion are a form of lack of respect for the original creator. If I was the designer for the Crash character and I saw all my work changed for no apparent reason from Twinsanity to COTT I would be pretty disappointed. But I'm aware that Charles is more open to changes than me so I think he'll like it.

Unknown said...

@ Gab. In all honesty this is not the first time we see a studio or someone alter the original creators work ( lion king= kinba). It's sad that the suit and ties pray on the creative and talented. We should have a voice or opinion in what they do with our work. I meet an artist by the name of Ruben Abadaca. He told me that he was the original creator of Alvin of alvin and the chipmunks. The A on alvin's shirt was for his last name. The company he was working for flip the scrip on him and didn't give him creative credit for any of his work. Charles once mentioned that when you're dealing with these leaches you must go through the contract with a fine comb. Once you sign the paper which is geared in their favor anyways, you're done. All work while under contract is theirs unless you work it in where they must given you credit. Unless things have changed in these recent years, It's a vicious cycle.

Charles Z said...

Thanks for the links Pat.

Laura Jane thanks for your comments. I've been planning on auctioning some of the recent Crash drawings I've done along with some new Spyro sketches. This is to be in association with the Worthing Boys Club in the UK which Matt is involved with. Unfortunately I've been so preoccupied with what's in front of me on a daily basis that I haven't had a chance to follow up on it yet.

Sorry Matt and everyone else who's been waiting for this.

In any case I do indeed plan on getting drawings out and available to Crash and Spyro fans who would be interested in owning some art. Thanks very much for your patience and understanding so far.

Matt said...
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