Alena In Action (and Inaction)

Alena in Panels 1 & 2, Pretty Vacant: Hong Kong Bound Page 11

I introduced the Alena character at the end of Pretty Vacant: Final Repose Part 2.  Yes, I wanted another good-looking character to place in danger, but I also wanted a character that looks different from Gigi, the series' main character.

Gigi is the fast and explosive former beach volleyball player.  On the other hand, Alena, the track specialist, is steady and methodical.  Alena was based on a track and field athlete who was banned yet reinstated for this year's Olympics in Rio.  This will be the athlete's first Olympic competition, and thankfully she now has the chance to showcase her skill to the world!   

I instructed artist Daniel that Alena's look should be lean and sleek, in contrast to Gigi, who is curvy and powerful.  Taste in beauty changes with time, and I wanted Alena to reflect that change.  Nobody knows when it will happen, but there will come a day when Alena will supplant Gigi as most visual person suitable for display who struggles against a fate prettier than death!