Here's an exclusive early look at some of the aliens I've been designing for the Final Star comic; the Zorami, a marine-based species based on various sea creatures including cuttlefish, sharks and mainly gourami. I have a fish tank with some gourami, probably my favourite pet fish, and the inspiration to create an entire race was decided while watching them "communicate" and socialise. By communication, I mean the long feeler tendrils that extend from their bodies. They actually freely move these and tend to wave and pat each other on the head!
Those feelers I mentioned play a part in the design, as seen in the model sheet design sketches above. Different colourations are all based on different varieties of gourami too (many of which I've raised and looked after), in the comic these colourations are area-specific to the part of the planet they were born in. So for example, the northern part of planet could have more blue variants compared to the southern hemisphere that has a completely different colour. Much like the diversity of Earth's fish (and even humans to a certain extent). These fishy aliens are sure to make a splash; but here's a bit of background commentary if you're interested:
The oceans of Hylias are as vast as the Zorami political structure. With a multitude of highly populated communities and an estimated world population easily exceeding 20 billion, it comes as no surprise that the leadership divides between over 8,000 Zul figureheads relaying consensus to a group of five Zultide. With short lifespans, the Zorami work diligently and extremely effectively as a community to ensure a smooth and efficient flow for the whole planet.
Their skill at teamwork and natural underwater biology makes the Zorami some the best and most sought after zero-gravity sports players. A tempting offer for those against the prospect of being dragged down and drowing in the abyss of Hylias' fast-paced politics.
With big schooling fish in mind, I based the central culture around that concept. Naturally, they will require some breathing equipment to survive out of water (which I'm currently in progress of sketching up designs for) - there's also another species sharing their planet, living within the deepest darkest abyss (but I'll reveal those at a later date....)
The next design has a more reptilian origin. Based on chameleons, crocodile, and sea turtles (with some velociraptor for those legs), this was originally loosely based on Space Precinct's tarns (mainly that third eye). With their appearance more like chameleons, I named them Treons. The design was worked around a treetop habitat, even the way they walk will look like a tightrope walker. Like actual chameleons (and in a similar contrast to the Zorami) the Treons come in many assorted colours, however this is changeable camouflage and can be altered at will (and makes it more interesting for myself if I get bored of constantly colouring the same colour)
The sketches above are ideas for clothing, outfits etc. They are not necessarily the finished product, just ideas. Again, I have some colour commentary on this species too:
The Reach guides all and extends its branches for those to walk across. Within the safety of Vaarden's overgrown jungle treetops, the Treons have lived a mostly secluded lifestyle away from the planet, guided by the wisdom and reach of the Sacred Elder Council. Eventually, the Treons extended their reach towards the stars and began walking the branches of space itself, encountering new life and discovering the that the Reach had extended branches for other races too.
With the Council's divine blessing, the Reach gifts the Treons the skills of camouflage and telepathy to safely observe and guide the Reach within other species; just as the Elders' point out on their ancient scrolls of prophesy.
A pacifist race, I made the Treons have almost zealot-like views with a religion based around trees (because it made sense and just amused me), there are however some shady undertones on the Sacred Council's true agenda...
That's all I have to reveal today (any more would make this article too long to read anyway) - but rest assured, I have plenty more alien designs and ideas in the making. Along with some early drafts of Final Star's first few pages. Feel free to tell me exactly how unoriginal (or not) my designs are, and if you'd like - I also have an Instagram page under the same username (so check that too or the Elder Council will send telepathic ninja turtles your way), until then - thanks for reading!
