And now we have an intermediate step. This figure is basically a nude figure and so that is how it is first sculpted. At the end of the process, I added the costume detail and filled in or minimized areas where the costume extended across the figure. I hope no one is offended as this is simply a part of the process.
My approach to comics characters is not to go hyper realistic. I can appreciate a more realistic look to comic art and sequential storytelling, but when I have the freedom to do so, I'll go with a more comic book stylized approach. At any rate, those who are familiar with my style will see this piece develop with my preferred look. I will do detailed muscular anatomy where I think it is called for, but I won't overwork (or what I consider overworked) a face, for example. I think too much detail can distract from the appreciation of the figure and the emotion it is meant to evoke.
Another thing you'll see is that I often don't sculpt the arms until late in the process. Unlike in ZBrush or or digital sculpting programs, which allow one to temporarily remove areas blocking work on other areas, elements like arms will just get in the way of the torso work. The exposed armature also serves as a brace point to rest the hands or fingers as one works and to stabilize the figure to minimize movement.
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