On this newest http://www.ToonWeekly.com challenge, we were to do character designs for an 80s flick. I chose “The Karate Kid”. Originally, I was landing up with some pretty strong likenesses on these, since I am used to drawing caricatures. But, I decided to play with them a bit more. As if this were a real series, and the cartoon producers didn’t QUITE have the rights to make the characters look like the actors, but still wanted them close enough not to confuse viewers. We’ve seen this happen over and over again in licensed series, for real.
Now I keep singing that cheesey song over and over…
“You’re the Best! Around…”
Keelan Parham.com 
Awesome!! I hope mine turns out half as good…course it’s only half way stared…got to go finish!!!Stunning stuff!!!
Well, I recognize Pat Morita, for sure. He’s hard to generalize. Actually, I met him back in the 80’s, when I was a waiter at a restaurant in Hollywood for a year. He was quiet and polite, and sounded like a normal American. Funny.
This is fantastic, Keelan. I can really imagine it as a cartoon. 4 characters too!!! Cool. I love that song also. Right, I’m off to finish my picture now. ‘BONSAI!’.
I can’t believe I didn’t think of this! I have been going over movies in my head, and this one never donned on me. And you’d think it would, especially since someone always tells me my teen pictures remind them of Ralphie boy.Nicely done!!
Thanks, guys. Yeah, Loco, I was wracking my brain for movies for days. Then this one came to me. NOW, a ton of alternates have come to mind. SO many others I could’ve done…
Wonderful work Keelan!
These are excellent, Keelan. I like how you “suggested” the actor’s likenesses, similar to the way most ’80’s movies were adapted to animated form at that time.Despite not using the exact likenesses of the actors, you were still able to portray the iconography of the individual characters. By showing the clothing, scale and poses as you have, there is no question who these characters are meant to represent.By the way, there was a Karate Kid animated series in the late ’80’s, but I think your character designs are far more appealing.
Hey! Cool work! I´m a fan myself of the Karate Kid movies.Thanks for mentioning Toonweekly in your blog, I am having a lot of fun!Take care pal and… Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas, Eduardo! And everyone else, too!
okay, I’m late in replying to this one. (what else is new) but.. I had to comment. I really love your Mr. Miyagi. He’s so cute! The other ones are cool too. But he’s definitely my favorite! 😀