RWBY Holidays : 2016

Holy cow, the feels are OVERWHELMING! Best of all, these aren't the depressing, heart-wrenching feels that we've come to associate with the show, but the warm, fuzzy feels that we associate with the holidays. I always love watching Ruby getting along with her family, and seeing her having a good time with Yang warms my heart. R and Y might stand on opposite ends of RWBY, but they're family, and that's one of the closest bonds in the world! (I hope that metaphor wasn't too terrible.)

What catches my eye in particular is the background. Ruby and Yang grew up on a forest island, but it looks to me like they're waltzing through Times Square on Christmas Eve, and I love it! The bright, vibrant lights contrast nicely with the nightly setting, and it leaves me wondering where the two of them decided to spend their holidays. (I don't think Patch has a metropolis.)

As with most of your art, the facial expressions are worth studying, and this piece is no exception. The look on young Ruby's face is filled with that same sense of awe and wonder that I've seen in so many classic Christmas movies, and as she tries to take in all the bright sights and sounds, I am reminded of the Christmases that I had when I was a kid, and how joyful they made me feel. Yang's expression is also worthy of note. At this moment, her focus is on her baby sister's joy, which seems to be radiating onto Yang. Her sister's happy, so she's happy, and the love she has for little Ruby melts my heart!

What is possibly the most subtle part of this drawing gives me the most fuzzys. Depending on who you ask, Christmas can be about giving to others, or it can be about the birth of Christ, and while everyone can believe what they want, this drawing shows another important aspect of Christmas: Being with the people you love!

If I were to nitpick, there are a few flaws to point out. Yang's sleeve is blurred, and while I'm uncertain whether or not this is intentional, it's a tad distracting. Also, while incredibly endearing, the image of a child carrying their sibling on their back has been used before, so it's not the most original idea.

It feels good seeing Ruby and Yang having a good time as kids, as it shows that all the hardships that they have to face are in the distant future. These two kids will not be getting any dead friends for Christmas this year, no amputated limbs under the tree or PTSD in the stockings. That won't happen for a good, long time. And while Team RWBY may be separated as I write this critique, seeing art like this helps reassure me that they'll overcome their struggles and reunite. And when Ruby and Yang see each other again, they'll both be ready to tackle any threat thrown at them as a team.

No. As family.