Arrow's Life

Note to self, never do this again. Seriously, this thing took me at least a month to finish although I'm very happy with how it came out. This is for 's contest. [link] As you may have noticed, I changed Arrow's design slightly so here's a chance to see what she looks like now. I added black ear tips, hands, and feet. I also gave her a white belly and changed the way I do her tail. The color break between red and white on her tail now looks something like fire, which is ironic because Arrow's terrified of fire. I also changed Bolt's ear design, making them smaller. Since these pictures could probably use some explaining I'll go through them one by one.

#1, Baby: Arrow was born into a very loving, but very poor, home. She was the firstborn of the young couple so she had no brothers or sisters. They lived in a small village at the foot of the mountains. The village was part of a country that was ruled by a heartless tyrant who would cause trouble for Arrow in the future.
All in all, I like how this picture turned out. Drawing someone holding someone else isn't something I'm particularly good at but this one's not bad.
Theme song [link]

#2, 4 years old: Arrow's village suffered a particularly bad year when a new disease practically wiped out their crop. Because of this they were unable to make the heavy tax payment imposed by the cruel tyrant. The tyrant, deciding to make an example of the village, burned it to the ground. This act forever instills Arrow with a fear of fire. Arrow, by some miracle, was the only one to escape alive. She wandered in the wilderness for days until she simply collapsed from exhaustion somewhere in the mountains. That would have been the end of her story if it wasn't for the Mouse who just happened to be passing through that day. His name was Makoto and he saved her life. Makoto took Arrow to his home in the mountains where he and his wife Inari lived. Turns out Makoto and Inari were martial arts masters and their house was also a school for the extremely dedicated.
I'm not too happy with how this one turned out. Arrow looks really weird but I wasn't sure how to fix it. I am happy with how the rocks turned out and this is the only chance you get to see that Arrow's feet are also black.
Theme song [link]

#3, 6 years old: Arrow grows up happy with her adoptive family. Part of the reason for this is bolt. Bolt is the son of a former student who was dropped off at the school by his father. Bolt and Arrow grow up together, sharing chores, games, and martial arts training. Bolt is the only one really around that is close to Arrow's age so he becomes a combination brother/best friend.
This is like my picture of really bright colors. I had a lot of fun making this bright and cheerful and I love how the characters came out, especially Bolt, he looks so cute! This is the only pic where you get a good look at Arrow's tail design and you get to see Bolt's new ear design.
Theme song [link]

#4, 13 years old: Arrow has been training in martial arts almost ever since she got to the school. She worked very hard and when she was old enough, she began working with weapons. She used several, always doing reasonably well, until she got to the bow and arrow, in this she excelled. Makoto and Inari, noticing her talent, decided to focus on it. Arrow trained daily. Slowly but surly, she was on her way to becoming one of the best marksmen in the world.
I do like how this one turned out. Arrow turned out ok and every time I draw Inari I like how she looks. I don't know if you noticed, but I've been trying to mix up Arrow's costume a bit. I figured she wouldn't have worn the same thing all her life. This time I gave her gray camo to match with the rocks of the mountains instead of green which matches with the bushes and treed of the forest. I've decided my rule for what colors Arrow wears is she wears things that will help her blend in to the environment.
Theme song [link]

#5, 17 years old: Arrow and bolt have worked hard all their lives to become expert fighters but there wasn't much use for all that training in the mountains where few people go. Makoto and Inari decide to send Bolt and Arrow to help the resistance. Arrow finally has a chance to face the ones who destroyed her life and killed her family so long ago. The two friends meet up with resistance members Biplane and S.A. who introduce them to the new world they have entered. (Note, this is the period where most of my comic takes place) It's during this time where Arrow starts feeling things toward Bolt that is more then just friendship.
Ug, don't look at Bolt, or S.A. for that matter. Biplane also looks weird and so, to be perfectly honest, does Arrow. One thing I do like is The redesign of Arrow's quiver, it looks much better now.
Theme song [link]

#6, 24 years old: Bolt and Arrow get married! Come on, you know it was meant to be. Who else knows Arrow well enough to understand why she does the things she does and know how to help, not hinder, her. And who else knows Bolt well enough to understand the fears behind his aloofness and can even coax a smile from him. Yep, you got it, they were made for each other. After getting married they move into a modest house in a clearing in the woods.
I do like this one. They both look so happy and the background was easy so that's a plus. Arrow does look a little weird in my opinion, I think it's her hair. The dress was kinda an experiment, I may redesign it later. It actually looks similarish to my mom's wedding dress.
Theme song [link]
(Ooo, I found another good one [link] )

#7, 27 years old: A sad time in Arrow's life. Their first child, a girl they were going to name Tasha, miscarries. Arrow and bolt are devastated. They plant an apple tree at Tasha's grave in remembrance of their daughter. This tree becomes the beginning of Arrow and Bolt's apple orchard. (This part of Arrow's story is slightly autobiographical. Before I was born my mom was pregnant with a baby my parents were going to name Tasha. However, the baby miscarried and my parents lost her. This is my way of honoring my sister in heaven.)
This is, hands down, my favorite of all of them. Arrow looks good, the atmosphere is good, the symbolism is good, I just love it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Theme song [link]

#8, 31 years old: The next time Arrow gets pregnant it's a happier ending. She gives birth to a healthy baby girl named Kaya. The excited, and terrified, new parents take her home to raise.
I call this the pic of random colors. I figured Arrow would be wearing some sort of hospital clothes so the normal color rules wouldn't apply. I went a little crazy but you need to do that every now and then.
Theme song [link]

#9, 37 years old: Arrow gives birth again, this time to twins! They are a boy and girl and their names are Luke and Lacey. In a stroke of luck Biplane gives birth to her twins, Abes and Betsy, around the same time. Their lives are about to get a lot more hectic, and more fun.
By this time, I was really, really sick of drawing babies. Do you realize just how difficult it is to put detail on something so small? The pic turned out ok though. Biplane looks a lot better then the last time I drew her.
Theme song [link]

#10, 45 years old: It starts with a huge flying apparatus that blocks out the sun. That's what get's Arrow and Bolt's attention. Then smaller ships come out of the big one and start rounding up people and enslaving them. That's what get Arrow and Bolt moving. They leave their children in the care of Makoto and Inari and set out to do what they always have done, and always will, protect those who can't protect themselves.
Seven characters. Seven characters and most of them are small. Aaarg, this was easily the hardest of them all. It took me so long to get right and it still looks slightly odd. This is the only time you get to really see Makoto though and at least he turned out right.
Theme song [link] (It doesn't fit perfectly, but it's the song that inspired this chapter in Arrow's life, especially the first line)

#11, 57 years old: Arrow's children grow and one wonderful day Kaya marries a black wolf. (That's all I can tell you about him because that's all I have figured out at this point.) Arrow and Bolt are both extremely proud and they wish the newlyweds all the joy in the world.
I was kinda rushing it at this point because the deadline was fast approaching. Even so, I think this one turned out ok. Not the best, but not the worst either.
Theme song [link]

#12, Grandma: Arrow's kids grow and have kids of their own. Arrow and Bolt's secluded spot becomes less and less secluded as more neighbors move in nearby. Arrow becomes everybody's grandma. All the children know they can count on her to listen to their troubles or marvel at what they learned. A select few even get archery tips from the woman who is still considered one of the best there is. Arrow likes to spent her time sitting on the front porch talking to Bolt and looking out over her orchard. Even though she's not as strong or fast as she once was, Arrow is still a force to be reckoned with and even now she would not hesitate to stand in defense of her people.
Yes, I know the trees are ridiculously cartoony. I figured with the cartoon nature of the characters I could get away with it. If anyone has tips on how to draw decent apple trees please let me know.
I don't have a good theme song for this one. I'll add a link if I find one. Suggestions are welcome.
Ooo, I think I found a good one, [link]


Whew! Sorry for the long artist's comments, I wanted to make this the go to place for questions about Arrow so I put a lot of information in here.

All characters belong to me except S.A. Biplane Abes and Betsy who belong to