Shinobu and Inaba

This sketch of Shinobu and Inaba from Rumiko Takahashi's (hilarious and absolutely wonderful) manga Urusei Yatsura is for (the equally wonderful)

I feel that I was done a huge favor when I was asked (after having begged to be given requests) to draw Inaba. I could not help but to throw in Shinobu too because she is one of my favorite Urusei Yatsura characters – although it is difficult (if not impossible) to settle for one favorite. I made a couple of sketches, partly because it was a lot of fun and partly because I could not really get Inaba to look any good. I really wanted to make a full body portrait but in that first case (the top part of this picture) I drew him too small to even be able to work out the face and every single one of my other tries did not show much else other than the face. Neither could I decide if I wanted to draw Inaba more boyish or grown up. In my opinion, he has a longer and manlier face than many other Takahashi boys but at the same time there is something gullible and sweet about him.

It is funny that the tiny Shinobu at the bottom is about to be drenched in tea not only by the eager little fellow rushing at her but from the big cup above her too I could have positioned them a little better.

... I know that you have been feeling a bit (that must be the understatement of the year) down lately. Although we have only spoken briefly I have always been very touched by your caring nature. You seem to be the kind of person to spread joy around you. Somehow I feel that it would be out of place for a stranger like me to try say anything to cheer you up (and I know you have not asked for people to pity you). I cannot even close to understand. I just want to get it out there that I feel for you. I wish I could have spontaneously given you this sketch at least. Now it is just a delayed request. If you are not entirely happy with it, it will be my pleasure to give it another shot.

And so, on that awkward note I wish to end this artist's note and I hope I did not write anything insulting or crossed any lines.

Inaba and Shinobu © Rumiko Takahashi