Character Concepts I illustrated for an upcoming Graphic Novel, "Tsushima" It's about the Russian Second Pacific Squadron during the Russo-Japanese War. All the cast are inspired by real historical figures.
VICE ADMIRAL ZINOVY PETROVICH ROZHESTVENSKY
Main character of the story, commander of the Imperial Russian 2nd Pacific Squadron. We often abbreviate his name to just “R” since, it is quite long. He is domineering and quick-tempered. A perfectionist to begin with, R is constantly at odds with the
incompetence and corruption of the aristocratic Imperial military, which never lives up to his level of performance.Similarly, R's subordinate officers and crew are a constant source of aggravation to him. The officers are mostly aristocratic fops who want no part of actual military regulations. They prefer to spend their time playing cards and drinking French champagne and vodka. The crew are mostly what R refers to as “ uneducated farm boys” who were drafted into the Imperial navy against their will, and have never received the training to turn them into competent sailors.
CAPTAIN KONSTANTIN CLAPIER de COLONGUE
He is Rozhestvensky's Chief of Staff and friend since their days at the naval academy. Konstantin has spent years dealing with R's fiery temper, which fortunately is not usually directed towards him.
CAPTAIN IGNAZIUS
Commander of the battleship Suvarov, which is Rozhestvensky's flagship. Ignazius has a devil-may-care personality, and makes light of the dire situations that the characters often find themselves in.
CAPTAIN NIKOLAI KLADO
Rozhestvensky's nemesis. Klado was assigned as naval intelligence officer on the Suvarov, where he was often critical of Rozhestvensky's strategy.
REAR ADMIRAL DMITRY FELKERZAM
Commander of the second line of battleships of Rozhestvensky's squadron. During the voyage, Felkerzam becomes ill with cancer. As the voyage progresses, he wastes away. He also becomes delusional due to the quantities of opium, champagne and vodka he imbibes to lessen the pain of his illness.
Yuri and Ivan are two rank-and-file enlisted sailors, the “uneducated farm boys” that Rozhestvensky derides.
Their function in the story is to always bear the brunt of their superior's wrath.
Their function in the story is to always bear the brunt of their superior's wrath.
Boris is another rank-and-file enlisted sailor. He's also a Bolshevik revolutionary who will stir up trouble during the voyage.
ADMIRAL TOGO
The leader of the Japanese side of the conflict. He is one Japan's greatest naval heroes.
ADMIRAL FISHER
A high ranking British Admiral. He is short and generally cheery.
LORD BERESFORD
Another high ranking British Officer. Beresford is egotistical, and resents being subordinate to Fisher.
CAPTAIN PAKENHAM
A British observer of the war. He is a jolly character and his interactions with Admiral Togo are sort of amusing.
BRITISH DIPLOMATS TOMMY & REGGIE
A few side characters meant to showcase how jerky the British could be in their feeling of superiority.
