WIP Focus: Blade by Super_Joker

Volzzilla has had the opportunity of interviewing Super_Joker concerning his Blade character for mugen. I appreciate both of them for having the opportunity to find out more about this exciting work-in-progress. The character described in this article is going to be a lot of fun. I also would like to thank Super_Joker for taking time to answer questions for which I'm sure we all would like to know the answer. Volzzilla's comments and questions are in bold. And Super_Joker's responses are unbolded.

1) So how did you decide upon bringing Blade to MUGEN?

When I first discovered MUGEN, I knew I wanted to make my own characters. After finding various MUGEN forums and learning more, I couldn't believe Blade had not been worked on yet and since he is my favorite Marvel figure, I knew this was a project for me.

2) Glad you made that decision. Please share your thoughts about his general comic back history and about the character in general.

The vampire Deacon Frost bit Blade’s mother when she was very pregnant with him, which somehow turned Blade into a hybrid, with all the vampire strengths and none of their weaknesses, except for the thirst. He can withstand garlic, holy water, silver and sunlight, hence the Daywalker nickname. He is a loner; his life experiences have made him walk alone trying to accomplish his goal to wipe out every vampire on earth, no matter what it takes.


3) So tell the readers what bases you are using for the character and for the various moves themselves.

Blade is a real frankensprite, using the most common Capcom characters as well as hand drawn sprites. There are too many bases to remember, there's also a bit of SNK magic in him as well.

4) How is the progress going on Blade?

It took me a year to finalize Blade's look and feel and I'm always touching up his detail, I want to get this right. MUGEN is probably one of my top hobbies, but in saying that it’s not the only thing I do. He progresses normally... about 5-10% a week, and since I don't plan on releasing a BETA my goal is to release him early 2010 hopefully. The one thing that is setting me back is learning coding and his voice. I would like to use his Marvel Ultimate Alliance sounds, but don't have an idea on how to rip those currently. So if anyone can help me out in that regard, it would be appreciated.

5) What has stood out the most during the creation process in a positive manner? What has been giving you the most trouble?


Sometimes I get 'spriter's block' and get stuck. But to re-motivate myself I read and watch the Blade movies (editor’s note: Super_Joker and everyone should also check out the TV show that was produced by SpikeTV in 2006 and is out on DVD for any additional source material), browse through sprites and the ideas start coming back, as its fun to create a new move or animation. The thing that has been giving me most trouble are his bootlaces and the things I just spoke about in the previous question.


6) Please tell the readers about all the special and hyper moves you have planned. I’m also interested in how you plan on implementing Blade’s various different weapons.

At the moment, expect all of his favorite weapons, swords and guns, everything. But I want to give him a martial arts/street fighter feel as well. Considering this is MUGEN and Blade's nature, he will also have a FATALITY or two.


7) Sounds very cool. Do you have any special plans in regards to intros/exits with any other characters?

He will definitely have an intro against Dimitri. For anyone else, I want to leave that as a surprise.

8) Is there anything else about the character that we have not covered that you would like to share?

I will hopefully be releasing a brief teaser at the end of this month showing him off. I also want to say thanks to all the fans that have been following my work, as well as to my team SGM who has been very supportive. I promise you won't be disappointed, feel free to contact me if you would like to suggest any moves or anything else to help bring him to MUGEN life.

We thank you for all of this dedication to Blade. And you can keep track of his WIP by going to:

http://www.infinitymugenteam.com/Forum_345/index.php?topic=17109.0

To read more about the character in general, take the following links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_(comics)

http://marvel.com/universe/Blade

http://www.comicvine.com/blade/29-7570/