#unlikeclockwork

Stepping forward for the Q&As, we also have Besin with their art for UnlikeClockwork’s story “Potentials.” They were very excited for the project, and made this clear from the start.

What first excited you about this project?  Superhero Kairi. Literally everything about Superhero Kairi. When Clock and I were first talking about this project and doing initial sketches, I posted a mock-up of the original outfit that we didn’t end up using, and had a little quote from me that said, “Five Stars - Give this woman a knife!” and I honestly wish that would have fit with the final draft.

Did you learn any new techniques for this work? I’ll say. This is the first watercolor piece I’ve ever done. I’d lost faith in acrylic, and had honestly been up on the fence about whether or not I wanted to continue art at all. Then this event came along. I had seen a few watercolor art progress videos online, and was surprised they could get such clear color — something I had always struggled with in those underfunded middle school art classes where they give you plastic brushes, a $1 palette, printer paper, and call it good. Armed with the supplies of a 60 year old woman’s craft room and recently bought (decent) brushes, I descended with proper tools… and this happened. In the most literal sense, every technique I used in this piece — aside from the pencil sketch and inking — is brand new to me.

Are there any symbols that you have tied in from the story? Why did you choose them? They’re not directly from the story, but I did consult the writer about them. The graffiti and advertisements you see in the background in the full piece actually allude to either world building elements or plot points. My favorite is the graffiti high up that says, “SALVATION IS HERE” except it’s cut off so we see “HER” instead of “HERE.”

With the Kingdom Hearts Rogue Nebula kicking off on the 20th, we thought we’d take some time to highlight a few of the writers and artists who stepped forward within the event. One of which is the writer UnlikeClockwork, who has written the story “Potentials.” UnlikeClockwork’s art was done by Besin.

Without further ado, we have a short Q&A from the writer!

Would you consider this a cover piece, an interstitial piece, or a back cover piece? Where would this piece be placed in the text for peak effectiveness?  This could either be a cover or an interstitial piece. As a cover, I think it would highlight Kairi getting to be a badass, which is certainly an important aspect of the work (I hope! haha), but I also love it within the fic. 

There's a point in the fic leading up to the climax, where Kairi is done taking shit from everyone, and is going to go Take Care of This Bullshit, and I think this piece encapsulates that vibe SO effectively. Drawing attention to her development up to that point is incredibly important, and that moment she pivots from "how can this be fixed?" to "I'm going to be the one to fix it."

Does this piece add any new dimensions to the text? I think it helps ground the text. Seeing the city, with billboards and graffiti made it feel very real, even to me as the writer, and Besin and I chatted some about the costume design and how to blend aesthetic with function. Besin also came up with the line "Light Expires", the message scrawled in graffiti on the wall, which I then added to the fic. It actually works so well for the way attitudes shift in the story (though I don't want to spoil exactly what I mean!)

What is your favorite part about this piece? Her STANCE, oh my god. The way she's walking would make me want to get tf out of her way, and that's really what everyone should be doing at this point. Besin also added the amazing touch of the "Salvation is Here" advertisement being visible as "Salvation is Her" which is... so good. SO GOOD.

Does this piece highlight any of your favorite parts of the story you've written? I love the attitude shift that Kairi goes through, and that moment she decides that it doesn't matter if she's comfortable or confident in what she needs to do, she is going to do it. And her posture and stance in this work really brings that to life.