The Book -- Progress Update

 

    In proper Japanese fashion this book reads from right to left thus the spine being on the other end. Thus, no, the book is not upside down. The cross section in the center of the book is present for me to use as a guide to make sure elements are centered. I opted for a simple design for the base of the book due to it's elements being more complex.

    The Spine I left quite simple and I want to experiment with utilizing the Sparklence element either on the spine or on the cover. I did take the edges nearest the pages and flared them out for some breaking of the flat form.

    I opted to model the Sparklence in Maya and save the engravings for ZBrush. The base of this model is complete and I just need to complete the winged top.

    I'm using a plane on x-ray to get the correct form of the wings. I wanted to get the extrusions done in Maya but I'll probably save it for ZBrush as well. Depends on whatever may be easier.

    Aside from that this element may be used for the spine of the book itself or I may opt to use it has a sort of handle or grip. 

    Regardless of implementation the main focus is getting it modeled. From that point on I can simply adjust it for however I plan to use it on the book. 

    This is a really good reference image but the reference is of a very good toy based on the show. The base is nearly completely show accurate its just the top that's obvious foil stickers and plastic. To my knowledge it was more reminiscent of frosted glass in the series. But any excuse to re-watch my childhood favorite is welcome.   

    Lastly is the elements I surely want to be featured on the cover. I felt that the color timer and trim were far too simple. The color timer, the central half sphere, is missing it's mount but I still recognized it was too plain.

    I wanted to include the upper fin portion of Ultraman Tiga's head and have it meld into the upper part of the book. I'm still contemplating placement, but I just want the general form and again I will make the indents in ZBrush.

    It also provides an excuse to use even more emissive elements in Marmoset. The head crystal doesn't illuminate aside from when Ultraman Tiga changes forms (colors). I want to implement a sort of color changing element in Marmoset but that is indeed a stretch goal.

    I'm going to avoid utilizing the eyes, but I feel as though I have enough elements to be indicative of Ultraman Tiga. That's not including the colors, which I want to texture. 

    The colors present are the colors he shifts into. There is the one depicted, another where the purple becomes red, and the last where red becomes purple. 

    I want to incorporate the black version of the suit featured in the film where the purple and red turn black and when he turns golden in the final episode. But I also want a stone version from when he was a statue.

    If the elements are simple enough and I can model everything on time then I will focus on getting these flavor elements implemented. But for now, no need to get ahead of myself.