Needs Help: Shadow Archetype

I really hate it when a very important trope has no representative image because images can also really illustrate a point more than just words. This one also seems like it shouldn't be hard to find a good image. Basically it's about character's that more or less embody the negative aspects that the protagonist has. Not exactly an arch-enemy or even foil but somebody that is essentially the protagonist's dark side given life. Here's my idea for one which is Sherlock Holmes VS Moriarty. Cliched, I know but it illustrates the point well. Moriarty isn't Holmes' opposite but rather Holmes if he were a criminal not a detective. If anyone else has something, it would be nice to post some on this thread and choose one.

Or maybe this one. Again the Joker is a good example not because he's a twisted reflection of batman but because both have similar qualities. Both are utterly determined in what they do. Both are Crazy-Prepared in their own ways. Both use theatrics to inspire fear in their intended targets. Both (though it's only implied with the Joker because of him Multiple-Choice Past) became what they are during a defining moment of tragedy. The difference is in how they exhibit these qualities.

Edited by markband on Aug 13th 2018 at 2:46:01 AM

Moved back to IP for discussion.

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I'm not really feeling either suggestion, although I think the Batman/Joker pic is stronger than the Holmes/Moriarty pic.

Edited by Willbyr on Sep 3rd 2018 at 8:30:21 AM

This◊ or this◊ might work. Not the most famous rivalry, but the contradiction of values and similarities are obvious.

I know images don't have to be examples to qualify, but I don't think that will fly. Dr. Doom and Iron Man both have enough pop culture clot for people to call bullshit.

Not really a fan of the other suggestions, but the Batman/Joker one is okay.

Edited by Karxrida on Sep 3rd 2018 at 4:58:37 AM

Even then I feel Bats/Joker is only okay because of their clout...

I'm not sure this is much better, but perhaps Archer and Shirou◊ from Fate/stay night? The image details might make it a bit more illustrative than just "two guys going at it" — similar appearance/pose, opposing color scheme, cloudy sky vs. clear sky, etc.?

That's better, but I'm not sure if it's good enough.

So what constitutes "good enough"?

Batman/Joker is good enough for me.

I like the Bats suggestion as well.

Bats seems fine.

I like the Fate/stay Night image. The contrasting color schemes, weather, and opposite poses get the point across better than either the Batman / Joker or Iron Man / Doctor Doom images do.

Also, the degree to which The Joker and Batman reflect each other depends heavily on the writer. It's not a requirement like most people think it is.

Exactly. I know they have lots of pop culture street cred, but I don’t see much contrast between them in the image itself.

BUPKIS.

The trope is "A character that embodies something other character dislikes about themselves", and I'm not seeing it in any of the suggestions.

A Batman Rage Against the Reflection shot with Joker as the reflection might work better (if such thing exists).

This◊ might work. Even if thematically isn't as obvious, visually it is.

Looks like the newly launched Villainous Face Hold to me.

Looks more like Evil Counterpart, to me.