I draw on comic books for inspiration when I create a CV character. It helps kick start my creativity and it helps me create characters who feel like they belong in a comic book world. That is something that is important to me; I struggle to remain interested in a character that does not feel like they fit in.
Here is a list of the biggest inspirations for Ivana.
He was my original inspiration. The tattoos, his move reading power and the way he called himself 'the greatest warrior alive' clicked with me. I wanted a character with that 'tattooed badass' vibe and one who could read someone's moves. It also inspired me to make a character with the confidence, and arrogance, to use the 'greatest warrior alive' line. If it wasn't for Mister X there wouldn't be an Ivana Strigidae.
The power to cut through anything besides adamantium using any weapon you pick up? That's awesome. That's one of the best powers I can think of. Powerhouses beware! And the Samurai theme was also a large influence on me when designing Ivana. It was tough, but interesting, to combine his 'Tachyon Sword' power with Mister X's 'move reading' power. The solution, however, was elegant and I remain proud of it.
If you can cut through anything what better skillset is there than the precision to throw anything and hit any target? Its the perfect combination. Ivana typically uses a bow, but her accuracy is inspired by the one and only Bullseye.
This is a recent addition. After Ivana captured Venezeula and created the Shogunate I went and read several Black Panther runs to learn about vibranium as well as to capture the feeling of the character. He is a true badass, vibranium armor, enhanced stats, warrior pride and skills that place him among the elite fighters in all the world of comics.
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