Superhero of the Month is a really cool blog that asks readers to redesign a different superhero each month. This month the chosen character is actually a team- the Birds of Prey, who have had a changing roster over the years. I chose to redesign Black Canary and Huntress, who have been two of the team's most enduring members. I have no idea if they will be posting my designs, but I'm posting them here for you to see, along with a brief description of how I came up with each design.
I think the key to the Birds of Prey is that they are rugged women who will do what nobody else can, so it was this that I kept in mind when designing them.
The Black Canary has always struck me as a trashy dresser with those fishnets and leather jacket, so I took that as my starting point and made her the type of woman who'd be at home in a rough nightclub. I kept leather as her main texture, but moved the fishnet onto her back and forearms, covering her up her legs while echoing traditional martial arts arm strapping. I cut her hair short so that it won't get in the way in a fight.
The Huntress is a brawler, so I gave her tough leather padding and got rid of her exposed hair and her cape, which would be a target in battle. I covered her mouth with black cloth to emphasize her ninja-like stealth, and mounted her trademark crossbow on her arm so that it can't be wrestled from her. Her harness-like styling mirrors her traditional crucifix motif, while also suggesting a tough, S+M look.
I hope you like the designs, I had a lot of fun drawing them!
