What is Lumina Flora?
Lumina Flora is a comic(?) currently in development.
There's quite a few lore behind its dev so, ready or not here I yap!
Since childhood, I've been trying to write Vivian a full story.
At first it was OC x Canon, a good chunk of my history that only a select few of you know.
2-3+ Years ago, I started to move forward on more of a positive note. Realized it was holding me back from unleashing my true potential, because of the sheer grip nostalgia has on me.
Oh you bet it was very much difficult to pull off. Making a new character felt like I was saying goodbye to so many memories made with the Canon character.
First I tried to do a completely new character, but naturally it felt off.
Instead I took some traits of the Canon character I liked as inspiration, having a sense of familiarity is the key that made things easier.
That's how Rozan Florethorn was developed!
Here are early versions of him back in 2024, time sure flies!
The first image is, I will be surprised if you know the Canon character I was inspired from.
Felt too similar to that character, so I changed his hairstyle over the years. Eventually I got more comfortable with his presence, and got more confident in writing him.
This is what he currently looks like after [ βοΈβπ₯ ], whoops, got too excited and said a spoiler!
I know I know, a lot of yapping! But in my defense, building background is important! β¨
Story
β οΈ Note: Still largely a WIP, things are VERY much subject to change!
When there is no struggle, there's no meaningful journey.
A bittersweet journey of self discovery in Luminou, writing their own paths instead of continuing withered legacy.
Despite all the pain, Vivian & Rozan's bond grows as each other learns to not take everything alone.
Vivian Nokoribi (20) is the third, and final heir of Lux's successors. Her journey started from closing Eirian Nokoribi's chapter. Became a bitter cold individual, one look was enough to make her enemies think twice.
Remaining loyal to Nokoribi duties is the only way of honoring Eirian, or so she thought. Was there a purpose to Eirian's passing she doesn't know about?
Rozan Florethorn (20) is the youngest child of Ronan & Viola Florethorn.
The Florethorn clan was branded as "Lustful Monsters" / Criminals in Florerra, moving to Luminou was the safest choice.
How can a family of innocent ambition be labeled that way? There's something wrong with those accusations. Perhaps, the thorns buried deep within clan genes may be the key to answers.
& Most importantly, romance development that feels natural / non forced.
Putting a lot of emphasis into their bond as friends, and how much they learned from each other. Then that bond develops into intimacy, comforting each other.
Art Direction
Currently I'm leaning towards turning the story into a comic.
If I were to make this happen, I really want to make sure the Art & Main Characters are memorable, & possibly even an inspiration to others.
First, I love symbolism! I love it when a series gives meaningful "easter eggs" that fans discover from re-watching.
I'm looking at you, Madoka Magica, Steven Universe, and Gravity Falls!
I believe it's part of how they remain memorable for years.
As for art, Madoka Magica, & Witch Hat Atelier stand out to me for my own direction.
The way Witches are in Madoka & using symbolism to tell underlying themes / subjects, and Kamome's inking work in WHA.
As likely noticed with Celestine & Luminou, I really like Celestial themes hehe.
Yesterday I thought, what if I combine these things together?
These three thumbnails are planned scenes of the comic. First one is separate, the beginning of Vivian's journey.
The other two are, well, you'll find out!
If these thumbnails made you go "woah", then I have done my job properly so far! (Β΄κ³`) β¨
& Feel free to attempt analyzing the symbolism! I'll give a hint, sometimes it's not as deep as you may think.
When will it come out!? Where can I read it!?
When will it come out? Good question!
....
I have no idea!( α ) There's still a lot of things I need to figure out, I don't know when things will finally click for me.
Where will the comic be hosted?
Currently I'm looking at NamiComi & ComicFury as my options for online hosting.
It will be in a traditional format, I don't like drawing in Webtoon format for multiple reasons.
One of the reasons for this format, is to easily turn my comic into an offline version eventually.
We're currently living in an age where that's a literal luxury (unless you know where to look).
So I believe it's very important to give my readers that option. It'll likely be in my VGen Shop, as a PDF.
I've done enough yapping for now, see you later! ~ π«