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Illustrator TOKIYA SAKBA creates near futuristic work using solid patterns, and sound composer ATOLS constructs mysterious worlds through fairytale-like motifs. These two have now started a Vocaloid project called “Mirage Dragoon” through a form of rivalry.
At the center of this project, which was created around the concept “a battle between ‘a girl and a guardian dragon’ who are burdened with Earth’s destiny,” is the girl Mirage Dragoon who is adorned in dragon-themed flairs. This new icon of the Hatsune Miku sound is a character designed from ATOLS’ magnificent sounds and TOKIYA’s ideas. She is a very charming character and her cuteness shows through in the cool and sharp visuals. The lyrics that spin an abysmal story were created by grid-m7 who also created the popular Vocaloid song “Last Signal.”
We recently talked with TOM Special Creators TOKIYA and ATOLS about the details of this collaboration project.
––What was the catalyst for this project?
ATOLS: I first met TOKIYA at the music and illustration exhibit “Re: Exhibit” put on by creator WORUZ. We collaborated at the time, with me in charge of sound and TOKIYA in charge of the illustrations.
TOKIYA: Before we met, I was a fan of ATOLS’ sound and when we finally met in real life at the group exhibit I proposed “starting an original character project through Vocaloid music” and it began from there.
––What was your reasoning for wanting to start an original character project?
A: When TOKIYA first made the proposition I thought it would be a very interesting project. I’m very fascinated by the characters and stories he draws in his worlds, and after we met we hit if off. We included the sound side as well and production advanced with us both contributing ideas.
T: Many times, I’ve handled illustrations as accessories to manga, anime, and games, but the difficulty in bringing out the original work in these stand-alone pieces is undeniable. However,
the worlds contained within the illustrations themselves account for a large portion of the charm of “character” and “mascot” media. With “character ≒ illustration” as an axis, I thought it would be good if I could construct a world starting with Vocaloid music.
My friend huke also had a big influence on me. Huke’s “Black Rock Shooter” began as a single illustration and developed into much more, having exceptional presence in illustrations and as heroes given great courage. As an illustrator myself, I wanted to express the yearning for such heroes through my own style. It’s been seven years since the creation of “Black Rock Shooter” and I think artists and Vocaloid listeners are going through a generational shift, so I personally wanted to see images that predict the arrival of this new generation.
––Please tell us about what’s in store for Mirage Dragoon.
T: I am currently working through various projects with ATOLS and grid-m7.
A: We have plans for various developments. As for me, I’m working on a project at the moment to create a figure of Mirage Dragoon. From here on, we may also hold remixes and planning events. Look forward to it!!
Mirage Dragoon is a collaboration work thought up by a group of creators currently at the forefront of their craft. With more developments to come, it seems the project will draw lots of attention.
〈Creator Introductions〉
■ TOKIYA SAKBA
An illustrator who creates near-futuristic worlds with a style that crosses over solidly designed characters and graphics. Beginning with Lord of Vermilion (Square Enix) and Pokémon Card Game (The Pokémon Company), TOKIYA has created many works for CD jackets and magazine pinups, as well as designs used for commercial games. For Mirage Dragoon, TOKIYA is in charge of character designs, illustrations, and world planning.
◆ TOM Portfolio Pages
http://otakumode.com/TOKIYA
http://otakumode.com/sKILLupper.NET
◆ Personal Site
http://www.abukas.com/
◆ Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOKIYA
■ ATOLS
A composer, artist, and human beatbox who began being active earlier this year. Since 2011, ATOLS has been energetically continuing his wide-ranging activities, creating music as a Hatsune Miku Vocalo-P and supplying music the the PSP game 7th Dragon 2020. Mirage Dragoon, which is included in Part 2 of the ATOLS/Miku series, “ATOLS/Miku 0,” is a work that spins a magnificent and unprecedented ode.
◆ TOM Portfolio Page
http://otakumode.com/537a11180101f8f12c000087
◆ Submitted Video List (Nico Nico Douga: Ginza)
http://www.nicovideo.jp/mylist/20696547
◆ Twitter
https://twitter.com/ATOLSX
© 2014 ATOLS Macaron Studio, ATOLS, TOKIYA SAKBA. All Rights Reserved.
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
