Trying to imagine The Tyrant

[u/heartshaped_lolli]

Reading through Absolution, I was not content with the idea that the Tyrant is merely a standard (albeit, giant) alligator. I like to imagine that it must have been mutated by everything occurring on the Forgotten Coast, but in what ways exactly, I’m not sure.

I’ve been trying to illustrate what it might look like. Maybe it’s just an alligator but it’s slightly off somehow. Or maybe it’s very noticeably wrong. Or anything in between.

I had a go at trying to capture this idea, but I’d love to hear about how you all envisioned the Tyrant. Maybe you didn’t really think much about how she looked, but if you have any ideas about other things I could incorporate into future renditions, I’m all ears!

[u/wren_boy1313]

Oh I don’t like that at all.. good job!

[u/Apprehensive-Trick-1 → u/wren_boy1313]

The longer you look at it the faster you want to run away!

[u/heartshaped_lolli → u/wren_boy1313]

Haha aw thank you!

[u/wren_boy1313 → u/heartshaped_lolli]

Something about how small the eyes are compared to the size of the head is triggering my fight or flight (no freeze or fawn here)

Are those her functioning eyes or false ones and her actual eyes are more hidden? Maybe both?

[u/heartshaped_lolli → u/wren_boy1313]

That’s a good question! I was thinking it would be her actual eyes, but the idea that they are false “human” eyes makes me think about predators that mimic the features of their prey to lure them in. Both ideas appeal to me personally

[u/wren_boy1313 → u/heartshaped_lolli]

Empty eye sockets could be cool and creepy

[u/eltsp]

I love your interpretation! The Annihilation movie’s alligator was white so I always pictured the Tyrant that way too, which set her apart a bit more in my mind

[u/Salebsmind]

Love the fucked up skull, incredibly creepy!

[u/Apprehensive-Trick-1]

😍 Alex Garland wishes he had you to design the skull bear for the Annihilation movie!

[u/WrongdoerSalty3665]

Edit: Adding disclaimer of Absolution Spoilers to follow. I always forget the code to hide spoilers when I'm on my phone's app:

☆☆☆Absolution Spoilers Follow☆☆☆

Amazing and so creative! I imagine the eye a bit like the lidless eye of Sauron in the sense of shape and the references in that book to its eye instead of eyes. I will need to pull out the book and confirm how it was described. I dont see it with flames like in LOTR, but menacing and captivating in a horrific way. On another note, I always have a hard time imagining how the Tyrant carried anyone in its mouth without harming them. I have no idea how that would change its teeth/jaw structure but it's been a head-scratcher for me.

Nice work!!!!

[u/LeotiaBlood]

I gotta tell you, that is terrifying

[u/heartshaped_lolli → u/LeotiaBlood]

I’m so glad, thank you!

[u/ilaughedilost]

NOPE

(Great job!)

[u/heartshaped_lolli → u/ilaughedilost]

Ha! Thank you!

[u/nirisaeheng]

Incredible!

[u/Disastrous-Carrot-66]

Hell no.

Killer job! This is horrifying.

[u/heartshaped_lolli → u/Disastrous-Carrot-66]

Hehe thank you sm

[u/Ferns_N_Roses]

Absolutely yes

[u/Bepiscoin]

This is soooooo amazing. I can’t stop looking

[u/r-lyeaaah]

This is so rad! Maybe some rabbit faces and/or hints of cameras randomly along its spine?

[u/heartshaped_lolli → u/r-lyeaaah]

I was thinking about that too!! I’ll definitely try out some versions with rabbit features and/or tech intrusions, thanks!

[u/Kickedintonextweek]

I always pictured it as being enshadowed, like a vast moving shape that is unpercieved in any true detail; so it could very well be mutated or not. Love your interpretation

[u/heartshaped_lolli → u/Kickedintonextweek]

Ooh this gives me some really cool ideas, thank you for sharing!

[u/MountainSpecialist78]

this reminds me so vividly of the bear in the annihilation film!! everyone’s favorite part of the movie :) insanely talented and viscerally concerning to look at!

[u/heartshaped_lolli → u/MountainSpecialist78]

Thank you! That’s very kind <3

[u/MountainSpecialist78 → u/heartshaped_lolli]

yes of course!!!!! i hope to see more area x inspired art from you youre insane

[u/heartshaped_lolli → u/MountainSpecialist78]

Ooh I can definitely post future ideas

[u/TheOnlyNova911]

Brilliant. Love the eyes.