User blog comment:Baristar/Original Character Concept - Taiga, the Code Tempest/@comment-3391671-20171123063124

Hello Baristar. Meant to put a review for the last week, but hands tied in other business.

I take it that with the lack of links and references, the art and everything are all original. I commend you for that. However, with this original concept, you have brought two issues: connection both to the League of Legend universe and the connection to the "other world" that you mention in Taiga's bio: the Spirits of Date a Live.

You've tied Taiga with, which in itself is alright. However, there is nothing deep about their relation, or even Taiga's character, as their conflicts feels nothing more than "light vs dark" or "good vs evil." Having them clash like so isn't entertaining, since Aatrox himself hasn't been the most engaging champion when it comes to lore.

As for Spirits, tying a custom champion to a concept of another series is alright, but leads to the necessity to know "what are Spirits." I know what they are, but to others, they don't. Then it comes to bite back at you, since I know how Spirits are like... and I will admit that Taiga isn't bringing anything to the table. The lack of proper lore makes Taiga feel like a fanfiction character that you may have made, only to insert it into League of Legends expecting people to appreciate the vagueness. Sadly, that isn't going to be the case for a more sophisticated audience, as you may seen with some of your past concepts.

The poem was a nice addition, though I will say that it might backfire in the face of the quality of the current lore. Adding official poems work best when the work/project you're working on has earned a proper name to it. However, attaching it to a work that is still WIP or not as built up can look like an appeal, much like covering up weaknesses with some faux-strengths. I would keep it, but have in mind that it doesn't offer much atm.

Lastly, onto the kit... and to keep it short, the kit isn't anything special. As you may be aware, everything in the kit has already been done in the game. On top of that, there isn't any clear identity of Taiga should be able to do in-game beyond being your typical. There isn't anything unique to any ability, meaning that she would be most drowned out by even simple custom champions who try to do something new. Take note of this, please.

And if you do not mind a more personal jab, drop having them bare midriffs. I am not fond of "typical light novel" series for a reason, and that is because they are at most mild with how complex they are. People will disagree with me, and you may be one of them, but take note that your previous attempt with Kurumi did trigger this. As mentioned, if you are going to crossover characters from such universes, you will need to do more than simple porting to receive valuable recognition.

Back to have bare midriffs, I make a statement to it because of how the scantily clad character design isn't appreciable. To some, it's alright, but from what I have observed over the years, these sorts of design that are more about sex appeal damage that character's identity. Even if the character has a proper personality, one will question "then why do they wear the impractical?" Thus, RITO has been pushing for having proper ladies overtime, as slow as it may be. Anime will always have that aspect, so do not make an argument that "becuz anime."

If I seem hostile with my words, in part I am, but I just wish to let you know my own critical analysis of your works and what could be bettered. I do not know of your background, but find that while you have made some steady developments, the majority of your recent works have felt like they've either plateaued or fallen off the side of the road. I am still in support of you, but sooner or later, I do recommend coming on discord for proper discussions. USers like Clay have said that it's not their thing, but I find that to be both an excuse and also a plateau of one's possible development due to denying communication.

Adieu.