INTERVIEW: God of War II Concept Artist Dwayne Turner

Turner explains why Kratos is the "most violent guy" ever...

NECA’s Kratos: God of War figures are available at fine retailers WhiteWizardToys.com, CornerStoreComics.com, BigBadToyStore.com and ToyWiz.com.

Todd McFarlane once called Dwayne Turner the hippest artist in the business with all of the skills of a legendary craftsman. And though those in the toy industry may not recognize the name “Dwayne Turner,” those in the comic book world will instantly recognize him for his work on such titles as Wolverine, Spawn, Black Panther and The Authority.

Turner’s been working in the comic industry since he was in high school and alongside industry vets like Neal Adam and Chris Claremont. Now, Turner works in both the comic and entertainment industries as an artist and has added such hits as God of War and God of War II to his impressive resume, ensuring pop culture fans of all types recognize his name...

Figures: Do you play video games?

Dwayne Turner (DT): Well, I’m not a gamer…

Figures: What parts of God of War II did you work on?

DT: (I did) almost solely characters.

Figures: Which characters did you work on?

DT: (I worked on) the rock creature, Cyclops, Theseus, Spartan mini boss and Lahkesis.

Figures: What was your favorite thing to work on?

DT: I would have to say the rock creature. It was something I haven’t worked on in the past. The translation is good and the ways it appears in the game (below) is great.

Figures: Was it an individual or collaborative effort?

DT: (There was) a lot of collaborating. It starts off as a solo thing but it turns into a collaborative effort pretty quickly.

Figures: Why do you think God of War is so popular?

DT: Well, to me, I think God of War is one of the most violent games I’ve ever seen. So it’s the violence I guess. Also, the design of the characters; there’s a certain mood and theme to them and I guess that’s the idea…

Figures: Why do you think Kratos is so popular?

DT: (I think) that he’s the most violent guy out of all of the violent guys. No one spills more blood than he does. I think (that’s) the concept… “it’s been a hard day (or) it’s been hard work, let me go in here and do it like Kratos does.” (There’s) a lot of wish fulfillment…

Figures: Do you know anything about the (new God of War) PSP game or God of War 3?

DT: No, I unfortunately won’t be a part of the team. I enjoyed my stretch on God of War 1 and 2. As of right now I’ve moved forward…

Figures: Have you heard about the movie?

DT: Yes and I’m interested to see who’s responsible and who’s going to direct. Hopefully they’re the kind of director that can keep the whole feel and mood of the game.

Figures: Who would you pick to play Kratos?

DT: Off the top of my head, I would say The Rock or some big testosterone guy…

Figures: Have you seen the figures?

DT: They’re cool. I like the (facial) expression on the Golden Fleece (version).

Figures: How did you like working on Spawn (another character with a lot of figures)?

DT: I’ve had a fairly long comic career and that is the most fun I’ve ever had. Working on Spawn was the best…

Figures: What God of War figure would you like to see?

DT: Well, the rock creature, Cyclops…(laughing)…all the ones I’ve done. Especially the rock creature though because of the shape and the texture of it, I’d love to see it.

Figures: What do you think would be the ultimate God of War collectible?

DT: For me it would be as simple as a bust of Kratos. If (the artist) could capture the expression…

- Interview and gallery photos by Chris Marbach

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Be sure to check out Figures.com's coverage of “The Art of God of War II” Exhibition in the photo gallery below, filled with photos from the exhibition's opening night!

The Art of God of War II Exhibition PHOTO GALLERY