Happy Black History Month!
POC in Play is launching 'Reimagined as Black' - a series of commissioned art pieces recasting popular videogame characters as Black. We're releasing one a week throughout October 2023.
#1 Lara Croft
“Reimagining Lara Croft as a cultural guardian, acting against the agents of colonialism. Re-designed as a modern representation of the movement to fight back against those who wish to steal away culture, only to enrich themselves.
In this illustration, Lara can be seen retrieving one of the many contested items stolen from the Kingdom of Benin, West Africa.”
About The Artist
Rhian Wellington is a multi-disciplined creative with professional experience in creative sports content, film post production and design for social. Based in London, Rhian specialises in graphic design, motion and illustration for digital platforms and print.
Currently working as a freelancer, Rhian has worked in collaboration with a number of creative agencies, sports clubs and non-profit organisations.
#2 Guybrush Threepwood
“Reimagining Guybrush Threepwood as a Caribbean Pirate. A strong and proud Jamaican Maroon, that will protect his people on land, or on sea.
He wears an Abeng (cow horn) around his neck at all times, to communicate with others over long distances on the island, in a coded language outsiders cannot understand.
‘He is adorned with “lucky seed” jewellery, and while travelling, he carries “bissy” (kola nuts) as an antidote, should anyone try to poison him, as taught to him by the elders.”
Anita Campbell is a self taught based in Birmingham UK, a traditional artist of 20 years, specialising in coloured pencil. Her aim is to tell stories with her work, particularly stories centering POC.
#3 Dante
“This version of Dante is Haitian and a descendant of a Congolese God. He fights to protect his land against dark mythical creatures and is also an arms-for-hire, liberating surrounding regions that are also being tormented.
Wielding the rebellion blade (an Ikakalaka forged to rid Haiti of it's French Colonisers during the Haitian Revolution) Dante also uses voodoo to summon spirits of the past to enhance his abilities.”
Jason Williams, a graduate of Teesside University, has worked in mobile games for 5 years with more than 4 shipped Live Op titles, 2 of those titles being for Marvel and Disney respectively.
Mainly focusing on stylised 2D and 3D Art, Jason's skills include low-hi poly workflow for characters and props, Unity experience and concept art for characters.
#4 Samus
In this Afrofuturistic vision, Samus is not just a space-faring bounty hunter; she is a symbol of the resilience, creativity, and power of an inclusive and diverse future. The " " suit, built by the ancients is adorned with intricate patterns inspired by tribal designs, and it shimmers with luminescent, ethereal hues. A marvel of Afrofuturistic engineering, seamlessly integrates cutting-edge weaponry and protective elements with an unmistakable cultural flair.
Concepting an AfroFuturistic Samus Aran character flip was challenging. I spent the whole time wondering if I’ve gone too far away from the original. The trick was to bring in the new influences, add a new attractive character that stood on its own but was still instantly recognisable to the fans of the game. Did I achieve that? I don't know, but I'll definitely return and take the concept further.
Monkeys vs Robots Ltd. Is the studio alias of Designer Derren Toussaint. A North-Londoner based in Spain, with a love for graphic novels, movies and games, who is absolutely influenced by the design and cultural aesthetics of Retro and Afro-Futurism design movements.
#5 Harley Quin
I love fashion and really wanted to shake up Harley’s classic style with one that compliments her complex and playful personality.
Taking inspiration from her narrative, trending aesthetics and infusing elements of Black beauty culture, I've created a fashion icon that I believe serves as a symbol of empowerment for Black women, demonstrating that they can not only coexist but flourish in various spaces, including the gaming world.
Jael is a creator of visual worlds, who champions the freedom of self-expression, exploring art as a form of therapy. From Illustration to creative direction, she’s on a mission to explore different creative outlets to free her mind.
Through the use of vibrant colours and powerful figures, she began shaping a world that focused on uplifting Black women, promoting mental wellness, exploring her personal development and sharing her vision of a more just and inclusive future. This soon transformed into Nubi Collective, where she has created a platform for representation and sharing Black joy with global audiences.
Celebrated as part of the ‘Ones to Watch’ by Campaign, Nubi Collective is on an exciting creative journey, which has already taken shape through joining the Converse All Star community and collaborations with brands including Adobe, BBC, Lush and Rebel girls.