soft n sweet

I made this in case anyone needs a variety of refs to interpret these 4′s skin tones from - I know it’s pretty hard to see while watching the show given the puppets’ shiny skin in a lot of dramatic lighting scenes, but when crossreferencing with several screenshots, merchandise and illustrations, it’s easy to tell that they’re darker skinned!

Kylan particularly is explicitly described as such in the books, Rian is consistently depicted as darker in merchandise, and while Naia and Gurjin’s skin tone flickers to include some paler greens and yellows, given their hairstyles and facial features, they are absolutely coded as POC!

TDC is a really important piece of media, all because of its daring artistry and vibrant creativity, its crucial recognition of the beauty and spirituality to be found in life and nature, its themes of overcoming systemized racial propaganda, inclusivity of feminine and gender nonconforming characters into the main cast, its devotion to kindness, community and understanding even in the darkest of conflicts…

…and, because, unlike a lot of high fantasy stories, it takes inspiration from various indigenous and nonwhite cultures, customs and philosophies, and represents through these both through its numerous clans, and in its main cast of characters. it is hurtful to be represented in media, but have it be overlooked and erased in the process.

someone get the glasses from him for Thra's sake!

**this was drawn by me and colored by

found this sketch in my files from a while back. decided to color it! going to try and shade it tomorrow n__n 

Jim Henson: