I think we all feared the "sexy vampire" look for the set, and I'm quite happy that we didn't get it. Sure they have a "tribal" look to them with their war paints and strange horny like junk coming out of their shoulders and legs, but they are far from sexy; they look like groomed vampires that are the upper tier food chain guys.
I just want to know if you guys feel as though they didn't go with that sexy theme, or if I'm just in denial.
Just because I'm not into another fad with the same content (in the case of Kamigawa, nippophilia and anime), doesn't mean I'm not gonna diss something cool just because.
I liked the flavor of Kamigawa without liking anime, and I like these new vampires without liking Twiliggit.
I didn't vote in the poll as I am of the opinion that Zendikar vampires ARE sexy, but most assuredly not in a way that makes me think of Twilight (which I loathe). I think it's more the exotic physique of the vampires. I do try to not fetishize ethnicity, but Zendikar's vampires share a number of individual distinguishing charactaristics I find appealing with a wide variety of ethnicities, most of whom only have one or two such characteristics. Athletic-yet-buxom builds, high cheekbones, long necks, etc.
I'd say that's a far cry from "ZOMG, this vampire guy is so cute in a sneaks-into-your-bedroom-at-night-to-watch-you-sleep kinda way".
I didn't vote in the poll as I am of the opinion that Zendikar vampires ARE sexy, but most assuredly not in a way that makes me think of Twilight (which I loathe). I think it's more the exotic physique of the vampires. I do try to not fetishize ethnicity, but Zendikar's vampires share a number of individual distinguishing charactaristics I find appealing with a wide variety of ethnicities, most of whom only have one or two such characteristics. Athletic-yet-buxom builds, high cheekbones, long necks, etc.
I'd say that's a far cry from "ZOMG, this vampire guy is so cute in a sneaks-into-your-bedroom-at-night-to-watch-you-sleep kinda way".
I agree with what you are saying..
And bleh to the op. It's about as bad as Twilight itself.
However, I will vote for BBQ when given the chance.
Many of the new vampires do have an exotic and sexy feel to them. A few harken back to the feel of Gary Oldman's rendition in Dracula; not that they look like him, but some have that feel. Most are a strong hybrid of old vampire aesthetics with fantasy elements and bewbs.
Btw "Twilight" vampires are actually Ann Rice vampires.
The only thing that makes Twilight's vampires count as vampires at all is that they drink the blood of the living... They don't really have any other connections to vampirism that are unique to vampire mythos, and most of the other things that matter are omitted entirely (being repelled by crucifixes and garlic, inability to cross running water, the need for having soil from one's homeland underneath them at all times, BURNING IN SUNLIGHT, the obsessive need to count grains of things like wheat or barley when spilled out, being rendered immobile or dead upon staking...). Anne Rice's vampires are more along the lines of the vampires in Underworld or Vampire: Requiem/Vampire: the Masquerade or even some of the more modern interpretations of Dracula in which the titular bloodsucker is of the more handsome/dapper/debonair variety of vampire.
People, Twilight is going to die if we just stop mentioning it's name every time we discuss the new viable source for Black Tribal. If we're going to mention any other form of recent media with vampires it should be True Blood.
Also going to interject on the whole Anne Rice vampire discussion since I've read the first four books. Her vampires seem to have inspired most of these other vampires ranging from Underworld trilogy, to True Blood (the books author has several references throughout the series), but definitely NOT Twilight, Meyer herself has stated she never read them and since shes a Mormon isn't allowed to see R-Rated films.
Back on subject: the art on the vampires do tend to have a touch of sex appeal, hell even Mirri the Cursed I'm sure would appeal to someone who's into furries.
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Whenever something goes wrong in the storyline just remember: Bolas did it.
Karn isn't a Planeswalker anymore. Get over it.
And bleh to the op. It's about as bad as Twilight itself.
This about sums up my thoughts on the matter.
The artwork in Zendikar is stellar, in my opinion, including the vampires. Vampire Nighthawk is an outstanding piece of art, and has about as much in common with Twilight as a grilled cheese sandwich (which is to say that the card, the book and the sandwich are all physical objects).
For all the hand wringing over following popular trends, I do agree that it's likely no coincidence that we're seeing the Vampire tribe gaining favour (and flavour) during a time where undead are seeing a boom in popular interest. Between the Twilight books/movies, True Blood books/show, World War Z/movie in progress, (along with older hits like Anne Rice and more recent fare like Anita Blake (more facepalms needed, but I digress)) etc, seeing a company cater to the interests of customers (or potential customers) both within their fanbase and possibly outside of it is completely understandable.
Twilight has given all vampires a bad name anymore. People realize the "sexy vampire" archetype was around long before Twilight was even a dream of the author's.
That said, while I like the gothic style vamps, I really like the tribal predator theme we have with the Zendikar ones. It is different and seems well thought out. I'm a bit of a fan of this incarnation of vampires. So, while I like certain portrayals of vampires, I'm open to liking others as well. Except for Twilight. I read those things. And they were terrible. (My sister wanted me to read them. Even she has gotten bored of it though)
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I think R&D did a great job giving the vampires in Zendikar their own distinct identity. They don't really match up with any other cultural depiction of the undead that I know of; the vaguely-Native-American-esque thing they have going on is really cool and not at all like Twilight, Anne Rice, or True Blood. And I definitely agree that Nighthawk is the epitome of this style - I'd love to get that art as a wallpaper, actually.
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Every set is allowed to have its very own interpretation of its various races. Goblins are the biggest example, but elves for instance get horns in Lorwyn.
How the vampires look in Zendikar is noticeably different from how they look even in M10, and they will certainly be different in the next set.
I won't have any problem with their depictions unless…
1) The vampires all go to high school together, and fight for the attentions of the cutest boy in school, who totally doesn't see them for who they are.
2) The vampires all work in a doctor's office, trying to solve the latest medical mystery while vying for the attentions of the totally hot brain surgeon, who in turn doesn't see the vampires for who they are.
3) The vampires are all women, competing for the attentions of a wealthy and attractive bachelor. In the 3rd Set, he will offer his rose to 1 lucky vampire, who will get then get the chance to marry him.
One) Vampires can be totally sexy WITHOUT Twilight... to think otherwise is ****ing idiotic. Guul Draz Vampire, Blood Tribute, and Vampire Hexmage are all sexy/beautiful vamps that have nothing to do with Twilight...
Seesh... this whole "ZOMG WOTC COPIED CUZ OF TWILIGHT!!!!11!" ******** needs to end...
I believe most female vampires are portrayed as sexy to males, and vice versa. They're supposed to be attractive in a dark and mysterious way. There will be no Twilight in MTG.
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I just want to know if you guys feel as though they didn't go with that sexy theme, or if I'm just in denial.
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Twilight.
Just because I'm not into another fad with the same content (in the case of Kamigawa, nippophilia and anime), doesn't mean I'm not gonna diss something cool just because.
I liked the flavor of Kamigawa without liking anime, and I like these new vampires without liking Twiliggit.
I'd say that's a far cry from "ZOMG, this vampire guy is so cute in a sneaks-into-your-bedroom-at-night-to-watch-you-sleep kinda way".
I agree with what you are saying..
And bleh to the op. It's about as bad as Twilight itself.
However, I will vote for BBQ when given the chance.
Many of the new vampires do have an exotic and sexy feel to them. A few harken back to the feel of Gary Oldman's rendition in Dracula; not that they look like him, but some have that feel. Most are a strong hybrid of old vampire aesthetics with fantasy elements and bewbs.
The only thing that makes Twilight's vampires count as vampires at all is that they drink the blood of the living... They don't really have any other connections to vampirism that are unique to vampire mythos, and most of the other things that matter are omitted entirely (being repelled by crucifixes and garlic, inability to cross running water, the need for having soil from one's homeland underneath them at all times, BURNING IN SUNLIGHT, the obsessive need to count grains of things like wheat or barley when spilled out, being rendered immobile or dead upon staking...). Anne Rice's vampires are more along the lines of the vampires in Underworld or Vampire: Requiem/Vampire: the Masquerade or even some of the more modern interpretations of Dracula in which the titular bloodsucker is of the more handsome/dapper/debonair variety of vampire.
Also going to interject on the whole Anne Rice vampire discussion since I've read the first four books. Her vampires seem to have inspired most of these other vampires ranging from Underworld trilogy, to True Blood (the books author has several references throughout the series), but definitely NOT Twilight, Meyer herself has stated she never read them and since shes a Mormon isn't allowed to see R-Rated films.
Back on subject: the art on the vampires do tend to have a touch of sex appeal, hell even Mirri the Cursed I'm sure would appeal to someone who's into furries.
Karn isn't a Planeswalker anymore. Get over it.
I was wrong.
Btw People who haven't read Ann Rice actually haven't read Ann Rice.
Also, moved to O&P.
This about sums up my thoughts on the matter.
The artwork in Zendikar is stellar, in my opinion, including the vampires. Vampire Nighthawk is an outstanding piece of art, and has about as much in common with Twilight as a grilled cheese sandwich (which is to say that the card, the book and the sandwich are all physical objects).
For all the hand wringing over following popular trends, I do agree that it's likely no coincidence that we're seeing the Vampire tribe gaining favour (and flavour) during a time where undead are seeing a boom in popular interest. Between the Twilight books/movies, True Blood books/show, World War Z/movie in progress, (along with older hits like Anne Rice and more recent fare like Anita Blake (more facepalms needed, but I digress)) etc, seeing a company cater to the interests of customers (or potential customers) both within their fanbase and possibly outside of it is completely understandable.
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Twilight has given all vampires a bad name anymore. People realize the "sexy vampire" archetype was around long before Twilight was even a dream of the author's.
That said, while I like the gothic style vamps, I really like the tribal predator theme we have with the Zendikar ones. It is different and seems well thought out. I'm a bit of a fan of this incarnation of vampires. So, while I like certain portrayals of vampires, I'm open to liking others as well. Except for Twilight. I read those things. And they were terrible. (My sister wanted me to read them. Even she has gotten bored of it though)
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Jeska, the Thrice-Touched
Elspeth Returned
Crucius the Mad
Taysir the Infinite
Urza's Head (Unglued!)
That is like saying that Carebears and He-Man are in the same literary league as LOTR and Harry Potter just because they all have magic in them.
"That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die."
- H.P. Lovecraft
How the vampires look in Zendikar is noticeably different from how they look even in M10, and they will certainly be different in the next set.
I won't have any problem with their depictions unless…
1) The vampires all go to high school together, and fight for the attentions of the cutest boy in school, who totally doesn't see them for who they are.
2) The vampires all work in a doctor's office, trying to solve the latest medical mystery while vying for the attentions of the totally hot brain surgeon, who in turn doesn't see the vampires for who they are.
3) The vampires are all women, competing for the attentions of a wealthy and attractive bachelor. In the 3rd Set, he will offer his rose to 1 lucky vampire, who will get then get the chance to marry him.
Santiago de Cuba Review: Carpooling Together
Spellfight!
Eternity Vessel vs. Mindslaver
Tainted Strike vs. Exsanquinate
PTQ Top 8: 11/21/2009 Zendikar Sealed 4th
Seesh... this whole "ZOMG WOTC COPIED CUZ OF TWILIGHT!!!!11!" ******** needs to end...