Join the Clash KO team as they do a live mural and discussion of one of the characters from the current most popular Shonen anime. To start our character analysis panel, we ask the panel-goers who their favorite character within the series is. We choose this in 2 ways, either simply the person who raised their hand first, or we see the most popular cosplay within the panel group (example: there are several different cosplay presents but 3 of the same character we do that one). We find the latter method the most engaging and rewarding, and the first if we simply need to get the panel rolling. It's a question of reading the room's energy and reacting to it. At this point I (the artist) with approach the paper I have set up. Last time it was about 8ft by 6ft but that could vary. Typically, I like to keep the mural at least bigger than me. To draw the character, I use a variety of prop weapons (axe, sword, knife) that I have fixed graphite to and draw with gusto and energy all while talking with my co-host about the character in question. The gesture style I use for this part can be pushed further for the entire panel if necessary, but It always remains an option to draw another character if the panel goers are feeling it. What I mean to say is the drawing process is one I am in control of, I can take as much time or as little time to achieve the same effect. While drawing our goal is to explore how fun it is to actual physically build these characters. We talk about character design, attitude while drawing, and how certain character, depending on how they are depicted, bring about specific artistic focuses. While I speak from my artistic perspective one of the goals is to discover something about drawing the character with the panel. At times I’ll step back and remark on those discoveries. we of course do not limit the entire panel to a solo discussion of that character, we like to investigate how they interact with others within the series as to gain a wider discussion. At the end of the panel we ask what we believe to be difficult knowledge of the character as trivia, the winner receives the mural. we ask first however who would like the completed drawing, as we have no intention of forcing on a giant poster on a panel goer with no interest in it. If there are several cosplayers of the character they are of course the first to be selected for the trivia give away after checking with them if they want the mural. if there aren't cosplayers or interested parties we simply remark the mural will be at our booth. Again, this stage is about reading the panel and seeing how excited they are about any of the prospects, as we are flexible to change on the fly.
