A Mantoid is a skinny insect, resembling a praying mantis, about the size of a Goblin's head. As it approaches its prey, the Mantoid may tilt its head inquisitively from side to side and rub its front legs together. The head tilting is actually an esophageal stretch as the Mantoid prepares to eat something wider than its throat. What looks like leg rubbing is actually the systematic sharpening of a thousand tiny razors, preparing them to cut through flesh like butter.
Contest Link:
Comic Title : Mantoid: Circuit of the Swarm
Panel 1: Signal in the Wind
Caption:
"In the electro-dunes of Praetoria, a forgotten signal awakens an ancient weapon." Futuristic desert landscape with electric storms, small robotic mantis partially buried in sand, glowing red eye powering on, sci-fi comic style, high detail.
Panel 2: Awakening
Caption:
"The Mantoid rises. Rebooted. Reforged." Robotic mantis emerging from desert sands, energy circuits lighting up across its body, cyberpunk design, glowing green armor, dramatic lighting, comic book art.
Panel 3: Swarm Protocol Engaged
Caption:
"Thousands of neural pulses race across his antennae." Close-up of Mantoid’s head, glowing antennae transmitting signals, cyber HUD elements, dark background with digital data swirls, intense comic frame.
Panel 4: Enemy Detected
Caption:
"The Hivekiller Drones have returned." Mantoid staring at incoming robotic enemies in the sky, red mechanical drones flying over desert, intense action lighting, sci-fi battle preparation scene.
Panel 5: Launch Sequence
Caption:
"Time to strike before they swarm." Mantoid leaping into the air, blades extended, high-speed motion blur, bright sky behind, comic panel full of kinetic energy, dust clouds rising.
Panel 6: Aerial Assault
Caption:
"He dances through the storm like lightning." Mantoid mid-air fighting flying drones, slicing with glowing blades, aerial combat, sparks flying, comic style action, cinematic perspective.
Panel 7: Strike of Precision
Caption:
"Every strike calculated. Every kill clean." Mantoid impaling a drone mid-air, glowing circuits cracking, cyber sparks, slow-motion impact effect, blue and green neon highlights, dramatic comic art.
Panel 8: System Overload
Caption:
"But the Hivekiller has evolved." Large mutated Hivekiller drone appearing, dark red armor, bigger than others, glowing core, mechanical wings spread wide, Mantoid staring up at it.
Panel 9: Disruption Field
Caption:
"His sensors flicker. Systems failing." Mantoid kneeling, glitch effects on body, static around antennae, massive red drone looming above, dark sci-fi atmosphere, comic glitch art style.
Panel 10: Memory Core Accessed
Caption:
"Inside him, a forgotten weapon reactivates." Close-up of Mantoid’s chest core glowing brightly, hidden weapon activating, mechanical parts shifting, ancient programming symbols, epic inner light.
Panel 11: Final Gambit
Caption:
"A flash of green fire, then silence." Explosion of green energy enveloping Mantoid and Hivekiller drone, desert rocks shattering, glowing debris, epic comic panel with explosive lighting.
Panel 12: Aftermath
Caption:
"Only silence remains... and a whisper in the circuits." Scorched desert, Mantoid’s broken silhouette standing alone, faint light glowing in chest, quiet wind blowing sand, somber sci-fi comic scene.
The Splinterlands Art Contest is a wonderful opportunity to display artistic talent and engage with an inspiring community. With this comic, I hope to honor the rich storytelling of Splinterlands and express my love for illustration. I invite you to explore my interpretation of the Sea Dog of Eight and their adventure.
I'm thrilled to begin this creative journey alongside the Hive community. For me, art is more than just making it's about building connections. I'm excited to meet fellow creators, fans, and anyone who believes in the power of imagination and expression.
Thank you for welcoming me into this vibrant community. Let's inspire and uplift each other through the universal language of art.
Warm regards
Rifat