H. Monticello Concept Art

I decided to try drawing a different Legend from Utopia, one that is not as involved in the main story.

This is Horatio Monticello, a Vampire of Europe. As you can see he has quite a bit of class, and it's no wonder; he's become the heir to his family's fortunes. He does help others with his funds (as any good Legend should), but he will treat himself to luxuries every once in a while. But either way, he's well-mannered and chivalrous.

Of course, Monticello's not only popular for his wealth. He's also a highly skilled fighter and an effective Legend. In his area he will appear to teach any offenders a lesson they will not forget. While there have been many attempts at taking his life, he holds a greater concern over the safety of the local Utopians.

Being a Vampire has its ups and downs, especially in Utopia. While we know Vampires to have a list of defining traits, in Utopia only certain traits are shared with particular "bloodlines." For Monticello, he can be seen in mirrors and does not weaken to the sight of crosses. He does, however, weaken in strength in the presence of garlic. He's also weakened if he stares at sunlight, but with his special sunglasses his loss of strength is barely noticeable. The glasses are so dark, it's hard to tell if he can even see through them! Rumor has it that his sensitive ears assist him while making his way around.

It is, of course, the late night that gives Monticello his greater strength, and causes him to transform. His cape becomes his wings, his eyes become a creepy red hue, and his hair begins to stand on end. It makes things a little difficult in terms of controlling his vampiric tendencies, but so far the offerings of the Utopians (i.e. containers of donated blood) have helped him curb these for a good while. Vampires are creepy enough; we don't want the Utopians to fear their guardian!

For a long while I wanted to make a Vampire as he would appear in Utopia, and Monticello is the result. There are a number of Legends that I'd feel would work well in Utopia. Others, however, I find irksome. I'd be more inclined to introduce the Tanuki to Utopia were it not for a particular detail...

And the icon! It's quite obvious that the "Vampire" icon was to be the shape of a bat. The bottom ridges of the wings are meant to somewhat mimic the trademark vampire "fangs" as well.

© 2008 M-Ltd.