Character information / Application
Character Information
General
Canon Source: Tiger & Bunny
Canon Format: Anime
Character's Name: Ivan Karelin / Origami Cyclone
Character's Age: 19
What form will your character's NV take? In the anime, heroes are provided with PDAs in the shape of a wristband. Canonly, they’re used to call people, and can summon up images on a hologram, so it’s not too much of a leap to assume that a keyboard can also be called up to type on. For reference, here is an image of Ivan’s PDA (while using his powers; the tattoos/gloves aren’t normal for him), and here’s one of Kotetsu making a video call.
Abilities
Character's Canon Abilities: Ivan is a NEXT, which is what those with superpowers are called in his world. NEXT are carriers of a mutation in the genes that cause super human powers to develop, some powerful, some not so. Ivan’s particular powers are to shapeshift to perfectly copy someone’s appearance, and he can also imitate their voice (or speak with his own, depending on what he wants). There doesn’t seem to be a limit on how long he can use it for, but he makes it clear that he can’t copy people’s powers as well.
He has also gone through hero training school. Barnaby mentions in the series that he’s been taught everything he needs to be a hero, and as Ivan went through the same school it’s reasonable to assume that the school doesn’t just teach students to control their powers. Ivan has been taught to fight, but also in diplomacy, bomb disposal and driving and piloting, amongst other skills. He’s unusually fast, but not superhumanly so, and he works out on a regular basis, so he’s in good physical condition.
Weapons: Ivan keeps a collection of ninja stars, so he’ll have those with them when he comes to Siren’s Port. He also has a pair of swords, but those are attached to his superhero suit, so he won’t have those.
History/Personality/Plans/etc.
Character History: Ivan was born in Russia, but his parents moved to Sternbild city when he was very young, so he can’t really remember it. He was a normal boy growing up, if a little quiet and distant. His powers developed just before he hit puberty when he was eleven, and his parents were quick to send him to the hero academy. He did well enough there, consistently placing second in all of his classes, but he was still quiet and always hiding behind his best and only friend, Edward.
As top of all of their classes, it was widely assumed by all that Edward would graduate to become a hero, but Edward also supported Ivan, encouraging him and assuring him. They made a pact to become heroes together. However one day while Edward and Ivan were out in the city they became witness to an armed robbery. Despite academy rules banning the use of NEXT powers outside of the school grounds, Edward decided to help the police, but because of that rule and Ivan’s insecurity with his powers Ivan was too scared to. When a second robber attacked Edward aimed the gun that he’d taken off one of the robbers at one of them, but missed and accidentally shot the hostage. Because of this, he was imprisoned and no longer able to become a hero.
Because of their pact, Ivan felt obliged to continue, and he worked hard to become a hero. Graduating at the top of his class, Ivan still had to work hard to get sponsors. Having succeeded, he focused not on rescuing people, as he still had little faith in his powers, but in advertising for his sponsors. He always ranked last place, usually by at least 5000 points.
Not long into Ivan’s third season, a vigilante named Lunatic appeared in Sternbild. Rather than arresting criminals, Lunatic killed them, whether they had had a trial or not. After this, people lost faith in heroes, and Ivan suffered in particular with his already low esteem, reading what other people wrote about him. To try and make people believe in them again, the heroes made public appearances doing community service. Ivan accompanied Barnaby and Kotetsu to the hero academy where they all gave guest lectures. While there, Ivan asked Kotetsu for advice, for the first time showing him his powers, but Kotetsu didn’t manage to reassure Ivan.
However, unknown to the heroes, Edward had escaped from prison and he was intent on revenge on the man whom he believed had taken away his chance to become a hero. He came after Ivan, trying to kill him with his powers, but Barnaby and Kotetsu arrived in time to save him. Unfortunately, Lunatic had discovered that Edward had escaped as well, and he managed to corner Edward. Ivan managed to find him as well and he distracted Lunatic by transforming into Edward and claiming to be the real one, overcoming his fear. Lunatic saw through his bluff, but by that point Kotetsu and Barnaby also had arrived and they saw Lunatic off. Not only did this reassure the people that the heroes had control of the situation, it gave Ivan confidence in his abilities, especially when Edward thanked him. As Edward was taken back to prison, Ivan promised to wait for him.
After that, Ivan promised to try harder, and he did. His chance to really shine came not long afterwards when a group of terrorists threatened Sternbild city with remotely powered exosuits. The heroes managed to capture a member of the group, and Ivan transformed into him and joined the terrorists in an attempt to discover their hide out. Although that succeeded, Ivan was found out by the lead terrorist, Jake, and though he attempted to escape he was no match for Jake’s NEXT powers. Jake forced him to take on his appearance so when the other heroes arrived he would act as a decoy. It worked, and Jake escaped, but Ivan was saved, though badly hurt.
Jake challenged the heroes to a series of one on one battles, with the safety of the city the prize if any of them could beat him. Meanwhile, Ivan managed to recover enough to let the council know how the exosuits were being powered, allowing them to plan a way to foil the terrorists plans. In the end it didn’t work, but it worked well enough as a distraction, and with the work of the other heroes the city was saved, and Ivan was provided with another healthy dose of self-esteem.
Point in Canon: A few months after the incident with Jake - long enough that Ivan is healed, but before episode 14 and the end of the timeskip.
Character Personality: At first glance, Ivan is the kind of nice boy that can come aross as very bland. He’s quite soft-spoken and a little quiet. He’s polite, even to those his own age or younger, and seems quite gentle. Most of this is the manifestation of low self-esteem, though, which Ivan has always suffered from. He’s smart enough to realise that his NEXT powers aren’t strong or useful enough to stand up against those of his fellow heroes, but also to fear that he’ll always be persecuted for them even though he’s long had them under control. When around people he doesn’t know or isn’t comfortable with he tries hard to blend into the background and because of this doesn’t have many friends.
None of this is very helpful for a hero, though, and so Ivan has developed somewhat of an alter personality for while he’s in costume, drawing from the Japanese that he loves so much. He’s much more boisterous and less soft spoken, walking with his head held high, and isn’t afraid to push through crowds to make sure his sponsors are visible in a shot. He is as polite as ever, though, as that was part of his upbringing.
There is one thing that Ivan can be obnoxious about. The polite way to phrase it is that Ivan is a bit of a nerd, but really the young man is a full blown weeaboo to the point where he denies his name and heritage. He’s obsessed with Japanese culture and media and as mentioned before styled his superhero disguise around it. He calls himself Origami Cyclone and takes from samurai and Japanese theatre tradition for his speech, actions and outfit. He spends a lot of his free time online where he has a blog for his superhero self, but also is very involved anonymously under another name. At least online he feels confident enough to be a bit more outgoing and of all places this is where he’s most comfortable.
Character Plans: It shouldn’t be too hard for Ivan to adapt to the world, as it’s not too dissimilar from Sternbild. What will be harder for him is having a mundane job, since he’s only ever worked as a superhero before. Once settled in, he’s going to stick with the person he already knows: Kotetsu, and together they plan to set up a sort of superhero agency, where people can hire out superheroes for help, whether individuals, businesses or groups. Trying to introduce superheroes who aren’t used to being paid or sponsored for their work is going to be fun, and who knows where it could branch off to!
Appearance/PB: Ivan is short and quite slim, so you’d be forgiven for thinking that he’s pretty weak, but under his clothes he has a surprisingly muscular build. He has messy white blonde hair and purple eyes, and out of costume wears comfortable baggy trousers and t-shirts. Here’s a picture.
Writing Samples
First Person Sample
[Ivan is sitting cross-legged on the floor, his NV obviously in his outstretched hand or something similar from the angle. He has made himself a makeshift mask from paper, but under it he looks a little puzzled.]
I don’t understand how heroes from other places survive without funding. I can understand wanting to be a hero for the sake of helping others; of course I want to use my NEXT powers for good. But who pays their wages? Or destruction fees? [He smiles, just a little.] Mr Tiger would be in a lot of trouble if he didn’t have that help. And what about public appearances? Interviews and photoshoots, especially. I know I wouldn’t be very good at arranging and planning those. Supersuits too. I know mine was expensive, but I don’t want to think about how much a mecha suit like Mr Tiger or Mr Barnaby’s would cost to make. [He uneasily adjusts the mask. He’s not confident that it’ll really do a good job of hiding his identity, but Kotetsu seems to be fine just wearing something like this, so he hopes he will be too.]
I’ve never been anything but a hero. My parents were kind enough to house me while I was looking for sponsorship when I came out of the academy. I’ve never even written a resume. I’m not even sure I have any employable skills. All my life I’ve been training to work as a superhero and know I don’t know what to do. Someone once told me that if I didn’t make it as a hero I should pretend to be celebrities for people, but I don’t know what celebrities there are in this place. At least that would be better here than at home: it would be weird to have to impersonate my friends all the time. I probably wouldn’t be very good at it anyway, and I’m not an actor. I can copy their body and voice but I’d have to act like them too and I might ruin the illusion for people if I can’t do it.
Besides, I like being a hero. I’m not very good at it… or, well, I’m not as good as everyone else, but it feels good to save people. Maybe I just need to try and introduce sponsorship to this place… [He trails off, thinking about that, then finally reaches out with his other hand to end the transmission.]
Third Person Sample
Ivan winced as he heard the wailing. He wasn’t fond of children at the best of times, but even less so when they were crying. It wasn’t hard to hunt down the source. A little girl, perhaps five or six years old, her dark hair in pigtails was crying, staring up at a tree. Ivan hesitated, not sure what to do. But what could he do? He was a hero, even here in this city where he wasn’t sponsored. He’d shame himself if he didn’t help. Stepping forward, he gave the girl a little smile. “Are you all right?”
She looked at him, eyes wide and full of tears. “My kitty went up in the tree and the sirens are about to go off!” She said. Ivan frowned and followed her gaze. After a moment, he spotted a little grey and white cat and sighed. If he was Keith this would be easy; he could just use the winds to bring her down. Or even Kotetsu or Barnaby, he could use their hundred power to jump up into the tree. Cautiously he stepped forward, putting his hand against the bark. The branches low down had all been cut to make it easier for people to pass underneath, and the one lowest down was out of even jumping reach. Ivan considered it for a moment, and then an idea occurred to him. His body and eyes glowed blue as he activated his powers. For a moment the light concealed his form, but when it faded he was still blonde, but a taller blonde. Keith. It was easy for Ivan to take on the form of the man that he saw so regularly at home, and while Antonio was probably taller Keith had always seemed taller to Ivan.
Ivan shifted his shoulders a little, and glanced back at the girl. She didn’t seem too surprised. Maybe she had NEXT powers herself - or, well, the equivalent. He gave her a smile, automatically brighter in this form, and this time she smiled back. Keith’s smile was infectious. He tensed, and then jumped, grabbing onto that branch. Swinging a little, he got used to his weight, then hefted himself up onto the branch. Grinning, pleased with himself, he headed up, the going a lot easier now he was up in the tree. Only two minutes later he was crouched on the branch, and he reached out for the cat, who hissed at him, swiping him. Ivan yelped and pulled his hand back, surprised. For a moment he eyed the cat, who was trying to crawl back along the branch, her fur on end, then another idea occurred to him and he smiled. He looked down at the girl again, who was staring up at him hopefully. Taking her in, Ivan’s form glowed again, and a moment later a copy of the girl on the ground was up in the tree. Ivan settled down and smiled at the cat. “Here, puss puss puss.” He tried, imitating the girl’s voice. He reached out a little for the cat, then edged just a little closer. “Come on, I’m not going to hurt you. Here kitty!” The cat still seemed unsure, and he glanced up at the sky. They didn’t have long until darkness fell. Looking back at the cat, he edged forward, but at least this time the cat didn’t retreat. Encouraged, Ivan reached forward and managed to catch her, pulling in closer and cuddling her in, stroking her to reassure her. Now that he had her safely in his arms he didn’t hold back, quickly climbing down. Jumping the last gap, as he straightened out, he handed the cat out to the girl, a mirror copy of her as she reached out for her.
Once she had the cat safely in her arms, Ivan changed back and eyed the girl. “How far away from here do you live?” He asked.
She pointed off in the direction she’d come from. “About ten minutes that way.”
Ivan sighed out, and closed his eyes, then crouched down. “Come on, get on. I’ll run you home.” He’d never be able to forgive himself if he left her to get home and something happened to her. He’d probably regret it when he had to run home, but… Ivan was a hero.
General
Canon Source: Tiger & Bunny
Canon Format: Anime
Character's Name: Ivan Karelin / Origami Cyclone
Character's Age: 19
What form will your character's NV take? In the anime, heroes are provided with PDAs in the shape of a wristband. Canonly, they’re used to call people, and can summon up images on a hologram, so it’s not too much of a leap to assume that a keyboard can also be called up to type on. For reference, here is an image of Ivan’s PDA (while using his powers; the tattoos/gloves aren’t normal for him), and here’s one of Kotetsu making a video call.
Abilities
Character's Canon Abilities: Ivan is a NEXT, which is what those with superpowers are called in his world. NEXT are carriers of a mutation in the genes that cause super human powers to develop, some powerful, some not so. Ivan’s particular powers are to shapeshift to perfectly copy someone’s appearance, and he can also imitate their voice (or speak with his own, depending on what he wants). There doesn’t seem to be a limit on how long he can use it for, but he makes it clear that he can’t copy people’s powers as well.
He has also gone through hero training school. Barnaby mentions in the series that he’s been taught everything he needs to be a hero, and as Ivan went through the same school it’s reasonable to assume that the school doesn’t just teach students to control their powers. Ivan has been taught to fight, but also in diplomacy, bomb disposal and driving and piloting, amongst other skills. He’s unusually fast, but not superhumanly so, and he works out on a regular basis, so he’s in good physical condition.
Weapons: Ivan keeps a collection of ninja stars, so he’ll have those with them when he comes to Siren’s Port. He also has a pair of swords, but those are attached to his superhero suit, so he won’t have those.
History/Personality/Plans/etc.
Character History: Ivan was born in Russia, but his parents moved to Sternbild city when he was very young, so he can’t really remember it. He was a normal boy growing up, if a little quiet and distant. His powers developed just before he hit puberty when he was eleven, and his parents were quick to send him to the hero academy. He did well enough there, consistently placing second in all of his classes, but he was still quiet and always hiding behind his best and only friend, Edward.
As top of all of their classes, it was widely assumed by all that Edward would graduate to become a hero, but Edward also supported Ivan, encouraging him and assuring him. They made a pact to become heroes together. However one day while Edward and Ivan were out in the city they became witness to an armed robbery. Despite academy rules banning the use of NEXT powers outside of the school grounds, Edward decided to help the police, but because of that rule and Ivan’s insecurity with his powers Ivan was too scared to. When a second robber attacked Edward aimed the gun that he’d taken off one of the robbers at one of them, but missed and accidentally shot the hostage. Because of this, he was imprisoned and no longer able to become a hero.
Because of their pact, Ivan felt obliged to continue, and he worked hard to become a hero. Graduating at the top of his class, Ivan still had to work hard to get sponsors. Having succeeded, he focused not on rescuing people, as he still had little faith in his powers, but in advertising for his sponsors. He always ranked last place, usually by at least 5000 points.
Not long into Ivan’s third season, a vigilante named Lunatic appeared in Sternbild. Rather than arresting criminals, Lunatic killed them, whether they had had a trial or not. After this, people lost faith in heroes, and Ivan suffered in particular with his already low esteem, reading what other people wrote about him. To try and make people believe in them again, the heroes made public appearances doing community service. Ivan accompanied Barnaby and Kotetsu to the hero academy where they all gave guest lectures. While there, Ivan asked Kotetsu for advice, for the first time showing him his powers, but Kotetsu didn’t manage to reassure Ivan.
However, unknown to the heroes, Edward had escaped from prison and he was intent on revenge on the man whom he believed had taken away his chance to become a hero. He came after Ivan, trying to kill him with his powers, but Barnaby and Kotetsu arrived in time to save him. Unfortunately, Lunatic had discovered that Edward had escaped as well, and he managed to corner Edward. Ivan managed to find him as well and he distracted Lunatic by transforming into Edward and claiming to be the real one, overcoming his fear. Lunatic saw through his bluff, but by that point Kotetsu and Barnaby also had arrived and they saw Lunatic off. Not only did this reassure the people that the heroes had control of the situation, it gave Ivan confidence in his abilities, especially when Edward thanked him. As Edward was taken back to prison, Ivan promised to wait for him.
After that, Ivan promised to try harder, and he did. His chance to really shine came not long afterwards when a group of terrorists threatened Sternbild city with remotely powered exosuits. The heroes managed to capture a member of the group, and Ivan transformed into him and joined the terrorists in an attempt to discover their hide out. Although that succeeded, Ivan was found out by the lead terrorist, Jake, and though he attempted to escape he was no match for Jake’s NEXT powers. Jake forced him to take on his appearance so when the other heroes arrived he would act as a decoy. It worked, and Jake escaped, but Ivan was saved, though badly hurt.
Jake challenged the heroes to a series of one on one battles, with the safety of the city the prize if any of them could beat him. Meanwhile, Ivan managed to recover enough to let the council know how the exosuits were being powered, allowing them to plan a way to foil the terrorists plans. In the end it didn’t work, but it worked well enough as a distraction, and with the work of the other heroes the city was saved, and Ivan was provided with another healthy dose of self-esteem.
Point in Canon: A few months after the incident with Jake - long enough that Ivan is healed, but before episode 14 and the end of the timeskip.
Character Personality: At first glance, Ivan is the kind of nice boy that can come aross as very bland. He’s quite soft-spoken and a little quiet. He’s polite, even to those his own age or younger, and seems quite gentle. Most of this is the manifestation of low self-esteem, though, which Ivan has always suffered from. He’s smart enough to realise that his NEXT powers aren’t strong or useful enough to stand up against those of his fellow heroes, but also to fear that he’ll always be persecuted for them even though he’s long had them under control. When around people he doesn’t know or isn’t comfortable with he tries hard to blend into the background and because of this doesn’t have many friends.
None of this is very helpful for a hero, though, and so Ivan has developed somewhat of an alter personality for while he’s in costume, drawing from the Japanese that he loves so much. He’s much more boisterous and less soft spoken, walking with his head held high, and isn’t afraid to push through crowds to make sure his sponsors are visible in a shot. He is as polite as ever, though, as that was part of his upbringing.
There is one thing that Ivan can be obnoxious about. The polite way to phrase it is that Ivan is a bit of a nerd, but really the young man is a full blown weeaboo to the point where he denies his name and heritage. He’s obsessed with Japanese culture and media and as mentioned before styled his superhero disguise around it. He calls himself Origami Cyclone and takes from samurai and Japanese theatre tradition for his speech, actions and outfit. He spends a lot of his free time online where he has a blog for his superhero self, but also is very involved anonymously under another name. At least online he feels confident enough to be a bit more outgoing and of all places this is where he’s most comfortable.
Character Plans: It shouldn’t be too hard for Ivan to adapt to the world, as it’s not too dissimilar from Sternbild. What will be harder for him is having a mundane job, since he’s only ever worked as a superhero before. Once settled in, he’s going to stick with the person he already knows: Kotetsu, and together they plan to set up a sort of superhero agency, where people can hire out superheroes for help, whether individuals, businesses or groups. Trying to introduce superheroes who aren’t used to being paid or sponsored for their work is going to be fun, and who knows where it could branch off to!
Appearance/PB: Ivan is short and quite slim, so you’d be forgiven for thinking that he’s pretty weak, but under his clothes he has a surprisingly muscular build. He has messy white blonde hair and purple eyes, and out of costume wears comfortable baggy trousers and t-shirts. Here’s a picture.
Writing Samples
First Person Sample
[Ivan is sitting cross-legged on the floor, his NV obviously in his outstretched hand or something similar from the angle. He has made himself a makeshift mask from paper, but under it he looks a little puzzled.]
I don’t understand how heroes from other places survive without funding. I can understand wanting to be a hero for the sake of helping others; of course I want to use my NEXT powers for good. But who pays their wages? Or destruction fees? [He smiles, just a little.] Mr Tiger would be in a lot of trouble if he didn’t have that help. And what about public appearances? Interviews and photoshoots, especially. I know I wouldn’t be very good at arranging and planning those. Supersuits too. I know mine was expensive, but I don’t want to think about how much a mecha suit like Mr Tiger or Mr Barnaby’s would cost to make. [He uneasily adjusts the mask. He’s not confident that it’ll really do a good job of hiding his identity, but Kotetsu seems to be fine just wearing something like this, so he hopes he will be too.]
I’ve never been anything but a hero. My parents were kind enough to house me while I was looking for sponsorship when I came out of the academy. I’ve never even written a resume. I’m not even sure I have any employable skills. All my life I’ve been training to work as a superhero and know I don’t know what to do. Someone once told me that if I didn’t make it as a hero I should pretend to be celebrities for people, but I don’t know what celebrities there are in this place. At least that would be better here than at home: it would be weird to have to impersonate my friends all the time. I probably wouldn’t be very good at it anyway, and I’m not an actor. I can copy their body and voice but I’d have to act like them too and I might ruin the illusion for people if I can’t do it.
Besides, I like being a hero. I’m not very good at it… or, well, I’m not as good as everyone else, but it feels good to save people. Maybe I just need to try and introduce sponsorship to this place… [He trails off, thinking about that, then finally reaches out with his other hand to end the transmission.]
Third Person Sample
Ivan winced as he heard the wailing. He wasn’t fond of children at the best of times, but even less so when they were crying. It wasn’t hard to hunt down the source. A little girl, perhaps five or six years old, her dark hair in pigtails was crying, staring up at a tree. Ivan hesitated, not sure what to do. But what could he do? He was a hero, even here in this city where he wasn’t sponsored. He’d shame himself if he didn’t help. Stepping forward, he gave the girl a little smile. “Are you all right?”
She looked at him, eyes wide and full of tears. “My kitty went up in the tree and the sirens are about to go off!” She said. Ivan frowned and followed her gaze. After a moment, he spotted a little grey and white cat and sighed. If he was Keith this would be easy; he could just use the winds to bring her down. Or even Kotetsu or Barnaby, he could use their hundred power to jump up into the tree. Cautiously he stepped forward, putting his hand against the bark. The branches low down had all been cut to make it easier for people to pass underneath, and the one lowest down was out of even jumping reach. Ivan considered it for a moment, and then an idea occurred to him. His body and eyes glowed blue as he activated his powers. For a moment the light concealed his form, but when it faded he was still blonde, but a taller blonde. Keith. It was easy for Ivan to take on the form of the man that he saw so regularly at home, and while Antonio was probably taller Keith had always seemed taller to Ivan.
Ivan shifted his shoulders a little, and glanced back at the girl. She didn’t seem too surprised. Maybe she had NEXT powers herself - or, well, the equivalent. He gave her a smile, automatically brighter in this form, and this time she smiled back. Keith’s smile was infectious. He tensed, and then jumped, grabbing onto that branch. Swinging a little, he got used to his weight, then hefted himself up onto the branch. Grinning, pleased with himself, he headed up, the going a lot easier now he was up in the tree. Only two minutes later he was crouched on the branch, and he reached out for the cat, who hissed at him, swiping him. Ivan yelped and pulled his hand back, surprised. For a moment he eyed the cat, who was trying to crawl back along the branch, her fur on end, then another idea occurred to him and he smiled. He looked down at the girl again, who was staring up at him hopefully. Taking her in, Ivan’s form glowed again, and a moment later a copy of the girl on the ground was up in the tree. Ivan settled down and smiled at the cat. “Here, puss puss puss.” He tried, imitating the girl’s voice. He reached out a little for the cat, then edged just a little closer. “Come on, I’m not going to hurt you. Here kitty!” The cat still seemed unsure, and he glanced up at the sky. They didn’t have long until darkness fell. Looking back at the cat, he edged forward, but at least this time the cat didn’t retreat. Encouraged, Ivan reached forward and managed to catch her, pulling in closer and cuddling her in, stroking her to reassure her. Now that he had her safely in his arms he didn’t hold back, quickly climbing down. Jumping the last gap, as he straightened out, he handed the cat out to the girl, a mirror copy of her as she reached out for her.
Once she had the cat safely in her arms, Ivan changed back and eyed the girl. “How far away from here do you live?” He asked.
She pointed off in the direction she’d come from. “About ten minutes that way.”
Ivan sighed out, and closed his eyes, then crouched down. “Come on, get on. I’ll run you home.” He’d never be able to forgive himself if he left her to get home and something happened to her. He’d probably regret it when he had to run home, but… Ivan was a hero.