There’s an art to designing characters for a comics story. There are established guidelines for images of archetypal heroes, heroines, villains, con men, etc. But when that character is a fictionalized version of a real-life person, there’s an added complication — trying to capture something of that individual’s personality, rather than a portrait likeness. That was the challenge for artist Christy McCulfor as she designed the characters in our story — a challenge that we feel she’s more than risen to!
Please note: Our story is still being developed and other characters will appear in the future. Check back here from time to time and you may see a new face or two!
Hagen the Thief
When we first meet Hagen, he’s a thief in a river town. The visuals for this version of Hagen were based on Keith’s love of history and Civil War reenacting, which began while he was still in high school. Note the similarities to the photo, which dates from one of his early reenacting events.
Hagen the Passenger
As the story progresses, an unconscious Hagen is taken aboard the mysterious ship, is healed from his injuries, and becomes a reluctant member of the crew. At this point, we used Keith’s ever-present cosplay vest, while retaining his Civil War kepi (hat) and haversack. His arms are bandaged, as he’s still recovering. We added leggings that became part of his SteamPunk cosplays; in the story, they are a gift from Al.
Hagen the Captain
At the end of the story, when Hagen becomes captain, he puts on the SteamPunk hat that Keith was so fond of in real life. He has also acquired the long coat from Keith’s later cosplays.
Max the Captain
Max is based on one of Keith’s friends, Rosie Bono. Rosie is currently involved in administrating multiple Fandom events in West Michigan, including Kogan Con. But when she first met Keith, she was still in high school in Spring Lake, commuting to Muskegon to attend the Anime and Asian Culture Club at Muskegon Community College — the club that Keith had founded. You might say Keith helped to mentor her. In our story, the roles are reversed — Max mentors Hagen!
Al the First Mate
Al is based on one of Keith’s closest friends, Tony Henderson, who was with Keith in the early days of 2AC. In our story, Al is suspicious and distrusting of Hagen — a complete reversal of the situation in real-life! In the aftermath of Keith’s passing, Tony coined a phrase still used among many of his Cosplay friends: “See you Space Cowboy, rest easy.” (In the photo, Tony’s in the purple shirt.)
The Old Soldier
The Old Soldier is inspired by Bob Thompson, whom Keith met through his father’s workplace. Keith and Bob shared a passion for the American Civil War and often attended the same reenactment events. So it was a natural for Bob to be the model for the soldier having nightmares from the war, whom Hagen comforts.
The Boy and His Sister
Keith’s cousins Erasmus (Raz) and Eowyn became models for the young boy and his sick sister, whom Hagen helps … and introduces to Pocky. In real life, Eowyn has a ferret named Keith.
The Catgirl
This character is based on Keith’s friend, Denise Zant. Denise was involved in 2AC (Anime and Asian Culture Club) and is still active in Kogan Con. She took an iconic photo of Keith at a JAFAX information booth that has since become legendary. She and Keith shared a special affinity for Dr. Who (hence the Tardis dress), and she is often adorned with feline ear pieces.
The Wizard
The Wizard was inspired by Keith’s friend, Mike Bono. Mike first met Keith through S.S. Kaizoku Con. He was one of the founding members of Kogan Con and is still one of its “shakers and movers” behind the scenes. Besides Anime and Fandom Culture, Mike is passionate about natural wellness and healing, and significantly, he is married to Rosie Bono (the inspiration for “Max”).