Nomura provides insights into his design approaches. He also reveals the origins of Tifa and Aerith.
Another part of the YJ interview asked Nomura about his creative process. The YJ interviewer was asking Nomura why he created such handsome protagonists. The interviewer stated it’s rare for manga to have good-looking heroes. And Naruto and Luffy are not dreamboats.
Nomura describes his approaches to designing his characters. The reason why Nomura creates cool, handsome protagonists originates from the experience that he had with a high school friend. Nomura’s friend was playing a video game in which the hero was not attractive or cool. The friend said, “Why do I have to be ugly even when I am playing a game?”
Nomura laughed about this. But his friend’s statement had a profound effect on Nomura. It made him realize people want to be cool and attractive in video games. Learning about this desire influenced the way Nomura designs his villains.
After commenting on how Rebirth expresses the way Nomura designs his protagonists. Nomura expressed that he can’t be too adventurous with protagonists if he got too adventurous with his heroes then they would be too edgy and relatable to players.
When asked about how he conceives the villains he creates. Nomura likes strong and quirky characters. And he applies that venturous element to the villains.
When asked about his favorite villain, Nomura comically comments on Sephiroth being handsome. But he pivots to say Luxord and Xigbar. He likes these two because their personality traits and appearance bring them to life.
The interviewer asked Nomura why FFVII characters are so popular. Nomura recounts that this was the first time he was deeply involved in creating characters. So, he created the cast of FFVII with strong, quirky designs and personas.
Nomura remarks on how distinctive and quirky the cast of FFVII is. Red XIII is a canine. Cait Sith is a feline robot with a giant Moogle doll. Nomura admits that he made this character designs of youthful rashness.
In the last section of Nomura’s creative process, he provides insight into the creation of Tifa and Aerith. Nomura believes he has never said this before, but Aerith was created first. Initially, Aerith’s persona was closer to Tifa. However, Nomura didn’t use that usual formula. So, he decided to go with two heroines.
At that point, he decided to split Aerith’s personality. This led to Tifa’s creation, and she gained the Aerith’s personality. Since Aerith was going to have this destiny-filled burden with a major impact on the story. So Nomura developed her inner personality to reflect this aspect.
When the interviewer asked how Nomura went about designing them. Nomura pictured Aerith as a colorful heroine. Aerith’s personality balances Cloud's shadowy side.
Nomura added red to Aerith’s outfit, and he went with a brighter hair color to add a touch of vibrance. Nomura wanted to add flowing textures and present Aerith with detailed hair. However, he couldn’t since polygon-based games weren’t the level for such detailed rendering. So, he decided to tie up her hair.
Nomura couldn’t have Tifa tied in the same way. So, he just made it long. But that made animating Tifa’s hair difficult. Nomura concludes that he tied Aerith’s hair at the top, which made it easier to animate. This is actually something I went over in my previous article.
My Thoughts
This part of the interview was funny yet insightful. Nomura making good-looking heroes is an aesthetic that artists and designers use. Most of us want to be a cool, beautiful hero or heroine in a video game. A beautiful protagonist adds to the power fantasy that allows us to escape.
Beautiful heroes and villains inspire us to want to be like us. Or render them in fan art. Without Nomura creating these characters, the world of fan art and cosplay would not be the same. Can you imagine a world without people cosplaying Tifa, Aerith, Cloud, and FF characters? Or people not being able to create awesome fan art?
Nomura favorite villains Luxord and Xigbar are pretty cool. It would explain why they are part of the main narrative of KH. And they both had some surprising revelations for KH in the next saga. I love two Organization members. And they are my favorites besides Xemnas and Larxene.
The important part for me was how Nomura created Aerith first. And it’s surprising that Aerith originally had Tifa’s personality. Nomura decided to have two heroines instead of having a cliche one. He gave Tifa the persona originally intended for Aerith while Aerith was given the personality of a heroine with a burdensome destiny.
It’s pretty cool hearing this from Nomura. And this is something I touched upon in a previous article. Creating Aerith and Tifa has paid off for Nomura. Both girls are the most beloved heroines in gaming. I adored Tifa and Aerith like everyone else.
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