The original story of Momotaro is an ancient Japanese folk tale which tells of a boy who was born from a peach, who goes on a quest with several animal friends to conquer an island of oni. For my senior thesis project, I wanted to take the basic bones of this story and develop the concept into a fun and more fleshed-out modern retelling in the form of a graphic novel.
Character Designs
Momotaro; a modern teenage boy version of the original hero.
Kiji; inspired by the pheasant the original Momotaro met on his journey. Based off of the green pheasant, Japan's national bird.
Saru; inspired by the monkey from the original story. Based off of the Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkey.
Inu; inspired by the dog from the original story. Based off of the akita inu, a popular Japanese dog breed.
Cover & Comic
This short comic, featuring one of my favorite supernatural creatures or "yokai" is a teaser for the full web comic that this project has been the groundwork for.
Sketches & Concept
Initial sketches of the main characters, yokai, Momo's house, and the main villain.
Thumbnail sketches of the cover and teaser comic.
