Zaruko - Panther Form

Hello everyone, I’m excited to share Part II of my Zaruko project, which I completed a couple of weeks ago. This time, the focus shifts to his secondary form - the black panther.

For this piece, I spent time studying panther anatomy closely, with the aim to exaggerate key features while keeping the design grounded and believable. After several iterations, we landed on this design. The glowing markings woven through the fur reflect his tribal lineage, while also representing an overflow of energy. Energy that can no longer be contained beneath the surface.

I really enjoyed developing both sides of this character, exploring the contrast between human and beast. Unfortunately this will be my final project for VengeBorn. It’s been a great experience, but I’m looking forward to taking on a new challenge next, likely continuing with concept design. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback.