So why don't mutants have any tattoos?

[IIX]

I'm just wondering if the artists can't really make them that good or something. I figured Wolverine would have a tattoo or more seeing how he's been through alot in his life.


I haven't seen any mutants with a tattoo that I know if im mistaken please tell me.

[Mikl C]

Bishop has a biga$$ one over his EYE.

[Sentinel K]

Cos scars are cooler.

[Phil Hunn]

I'm just wondering if the artists can't really make them that good or something. I figured Wolverine would have a tattoo or more seeing how he's been through alot in his life.

His healing factor would likely destroy the ink very quickly, so even if he did get one, it'd be an expensive waste of time.

I haven't seen any mutants with a tattoo that I know if im mistaken please tell me.

As Mikl C said: Bishop has one on his face. It's pretty hard to miss (and now Jamie Madrox has the same mark, too).

[Pro]

I haven't seen any mutants with a tattoo that I know if im mistaken please tell me.

Magneto has a tattoo ...

[Don Quixote]

As Mikl C said: Bishop has one on his face. It's pretty hard to miss (and now Jamie Madrox has the same mark, too).

Layla too. I suppose it might leave Marvel open to criticism from parents who don't want their children getting tattoos. If you're producing material that those under 18 will read, I suppose you have to be very careful about what you show. Hence Joe Q's no-smoking policy.

[DeadXMan]

Vincent has Vibratium Tattoos

Nate Grey also had a ink done, and so did Rachel.

[Christopher O]

Storm had tattoos for a hot minute, but I suppose they were just henna. Warpath also has a tattoo, and Nezhno has many.

[Mr. Eymed]

Norika aka Surge, also had some tattoos, but I guess they were rub-ons.

[gorthon616]

I'm just wondering if the artists can't really make them that good or something. I figured Wolverine would have a tattoo or more seeing how he's been through alot in his life.


I haven't seen any mutants with a tattoo that I know if im mistaken please tell me.

I think the reason is because you are causing a permanent change to the characters visual appearance and it also gets annoying to draw. You can put someone in a bad costume, but you can always put them back. Also tatoos tend to be little details of the variety that artists tend to like to do themselves on spontaneous kind of level.

[RickyD410]

Norika aka Surge, also had some tattoos, but I guess they were rub-ons.

I think the reason is because you are causing a permanent change to the characters visual appearance and it also gets annoying to draw. You can put someone in a bad costume, but you can always put them back. Also tatoos tend to be little details of the variety that artists tend to like to do themselves on spontaneous kind of level.

Exactly. Its just that the artists never keep track of them (unless its crucial to the character's history or story, like Bishop, Nezhno, Rachel, and Ink). Its kinda like how Havok used to have a scar.... but now doesnt.

[Phil Hunn]

Magneto has a tattoo ...

Damn, how could we forget this one?

Layla too. I suppose it might leave Marvel open to criticism from parents who don't want their children getting tattoos. If you're producing material that those under 18 will read, I suppose you have to be very careful about what you show. Hence Joe Q's no-smoking policy.

There aren't exactly legions of comics fans who've taken up smoking because they saw Ben Grimm, Nick Fury and Logan having a puff on a stogie, though. Kids have been seeing their heroes smoking for ages - Joe Q's little crusade was a daft idea to begin with (and both Songbird and Emma Frost have both been seen smoking since it was introduced anyway).

Vincent has Vibratium Tattoos

Nate Grey also had a ink done, and so did Rachel.

Well, technically Nate had a "genetic brand" rather than a tattoo, but it still looked cool :)

Rachel's "winged man-part" death-mark, on the other hand... :eek:

[Slung]

Rachel's "winged man-part" death-mark, on the other hand... :eek:

Rachel also has(d) the hound tattoos all over her face. And doesn't Warpath have a tattoo?

[brundlefly]

Magneto has a tattoo ...

Heh; that was just about the only scene that I enjoyed from X-Men: The Last Stand: "If you're a mutant, where's your mark?" *Mags pulls up sleeve* "I've already been marked once before..."

Sabretooth was drawn with tattoos in Frank Tieri's Weapon X series, although, like with Wolverine, his healing factor should have made those an impossibility. But then this is Tieri that we're talking about....

[Kage Kisaragi]

Norika aka Surge, also had some tattoos, but I guess they were rub-ons.

rub something on her on alright :evilsmile Annnyway! lol

[We R. Venom]

Didn't Rogue have some lame ass tattoo after she lost her powers in X-treme X-men?

[Phil Hunn]

Didn't Rogue have some lame ass tattoo after she lost her powers in X-treme X-men?

Yeah, she got a massive sleeve-tattoo - which seems to have vanished, thankfully.

[Pro]

Sabretooth was drawn with tattoos in Frank Tieri's Weapon X series, although, like with Wolverine, his healing factor should have made those an impossibility. But then this is Tieri that we're talking about....

Technically i think both could have tats for a while. The ink might not be identified by their healing factor as a substance that is dangerous to the body. So the needle punctures would heal almost instantly trapping the ink underneath their skin like it does with normal humans but would fade way faster than on normal humans but would be visible for a while nonetheless.

[We R. Venom]

Yeah, she got a massive sleeve-tattoo - which seems to have vanished, thankfully.

lol indeed it has. Thank God. I never read much X-treme anyway, but when i saw it, i just shook my head.

[mattx110]

Technically i think both could have tats for a while. The ink might not be identified by their healing factor as a substance that is dangerous to the body. So the needle punctures would heal almost instantly trapping the ink underneath their skin like it does with normal humans but would fade way faster than on normal humans but would be visible for a while nonetheless.
He could just use semi-permanent paint too.

Not like he cares about the health risks of associated.

[brundlefly]

Technically i think both could have tats for a while. The ink might not be identified by their healing factor as a substance that is dangerous to the body. So the needle punctures would heal almost instantly trapping the ink underneath their skin like it does with normal humans but would fade way faster than on normal humans but would be visible for a while nonetheless.

True. Also a good explanation for why the tats were gone after Weapon X ended and he popped back up in the other X-Books later.

[Don Quixote]

There aren't exactly legions of comics fans who've taken up smoking because they saw Ben Grimm, Nick Fury and Logan having a puff on a stogie, though. Kids have been seeing their heroes smoking for ages - Joe Q's little crusade was a daft idea to begin with (and both Songbird and Emma Frost have both been seen smoking since it was introduced anyway).


That probably wouldn't stop some parent somewhere from trying to sue Marvel if their kid was smoking, and then saw a comic that showed Gambit puffing away on a cigarette. Same goes for tattoos.

As a non-smoker myself, I don't find it an attractive quality anyway, so don't mind that characters have all mysteriously quit.

I think Rogue's tattoo was temporary, though. Think the mutant who had the tattooing power (makes absolutely no sense, but ok) said that it wasn't permanent.

[Michael P]

I would imagine that, prior to the Decimation, plenty of non-named mutants had tattoos. Some groups may have even taken them up as a sign of solidarity ("Magneto Was Right" tattoos were probably quite popular among inner city mutant teens).

The ones who lost their powers now probably feel quite silly. On the other hand, maybe they feel it's something that unites them.

[Pro]

That probably wouldn't stop some parent somewhere from trying to sue Marvel if their kid was smoking, and then saw a comic that showed Gambit puffing away on a cigarette. Same goes for tattoos.

But not apparently for deals with the devil :)

[Don Quixote]

But not apparently for deals with the devil :)

Hah. Stay tuned for the next kid who goes off the deep end and kills himself, OMD will get the blame instead of Marilyn Manson.

[_Jayme_]

Because somewhere along the line an artist would probably forget it or make it completely different than the original. :P

[The Black Guardian]

Technically i think both could have tats for a while. The ink might not be identified by their healing factor as a substance that is dangerous to the body. So the needle punctures would heal almost instantly trapping the ink underneath their skin like it does with normal humans but would fade way faster than on normal humans but would be visible for a while nonetheless.
One of the reasons tattoos fade in normal people is because of the normal healing process. The lymphatic system recognizes the ink as a foreign substance and removes it. In someone like Wolverine, this process would be faster and more thorough.

As for Rogue's tattoo, it was a temporary thing she got from Tattoo (formerly of the Omega Gang and New Warriors).

[Phil Hunn]

That probably wouldn't stop some parent somewhere from trying to sue Marvel if their kid was smoking, and then saw a comic that showed Gambit puffing away on a cigarette. Same goes for tattoos.

As a non-smoker myself, I don't find it an attractive quality anyway, so don't mind that characters have all mysteriously quit.

I don't smoke either (my asthma really hates that sort of thing), but for self-destructive characters like Ben Grimm, Logan, Nick Fury and Gambit, the smoking is a key part of their character design. True, it's only an aesthetic, but it does take something away from them to have them not puffing away.

I think Rogue's tattoo was temporary, though. Think the mutant who had the tattooing power (makes absolutely no sense, but ok) said that it wasn't permanent.

Yes, it was indeed supposed to be temporary.

One of the reasons tattoos fade in normal people is because of the normal healing process. The lymphatic system recognizes the ink as a foreign substance and removes it. In someone like Wolverine, this process would be faster and more thorough.

And probably over in about a week at most. If Painkiller Jane's healing factor can do it, Logan's healing factor certainly can...

As for Rogue's tattoo, it was a temporary thing she got from Tattoo (formerly of the Omega Gang and New Warriors).

Tattoo didn't have the ability to give other people tattoos (she just had moving ones on her own skin). It was somebody else entirely (I forget who, though).

[La Fea]

Highly Important Characters Ink and Loa have tattoos.

I think tats are a bit overrated and I wouldn't particularly like most, such as Rachel's backside instructive phallic symbol.

Warpath's was neat, though. A bit similar to Rachel's actually. But phallic symbols are sexy on guys.

[rZi]

There is blatantly some "hidden" tattoo's from some of the older students ;)

Bet scott has seen Emmas...

[Brett P]

As for Rogue's tattoo, it was a temporary thing she got from Tattoo (formerly of the Omega Gang and New Warriors).

Tattoo didn't have the ability to give other people tattoos (she just had moving ones on her own skin). It was somebody else entirely (I forget who, though).

She was called Paint. Another classic from current CC. I'm surprised she isn't worshipped on this board!!

[Novaya Havoc]

I'm just wondering if the artists can't really make them that good or something. I figured Wolverine would have a tattoo or more seeing how he's been through alot in his life.


I haven't seen any mutants with a tattoo that I know if im mistaken please tell me.

Bishop has a biga$$ one over his EYE.

Mikl wins. Fo' rull.


But to humor the thread...

Tattoos are difficult to draw and keep consistent. Think of Finch drawing Ultimate Dazzler's tattoos. Intricate stuff. A lot of artists put her in long sleeves just to get out of trying to keep them consistent.

Tattoos are permanent stuff. Difficult to retcon, and difficult to replicate.

[LetsGoForIt]

ultimate dazzler is covered in them

edit: novaya beat me to it.

[Atomic Mongoose]

Mutants don't get tattoos because after you've saved the world from alien invasion, nuclear holocaust, interdimensional melding, and global genocide... you don't really need some lame, tacky tramp-stamp to show you're "edgy and spontaneous (!!!)".

[Christopher O]

you don't really need some lame, tacky tramp-stamp to show you're "edgy and spontaneous (!!!)".
Judgmental much? LOL

[Aceshigh]

Mutants don't get tattoos because after you've saved the world from alien invasion, nuclear holocaust, interdimensional melding, and global genocide... you don't really need some lame, tacky tramp-stamp to show you're "edgy and spontaneous (!!!)".

While true as would be found with 90% of people with Tattoo's... Tats are still cool for those 10 percent of us.

That being said, tats on comic book charecters are usually too hard to consistently draw and maintain. Unless its one of those stupid tribal things or a giant letter across your eye, no artist is going to screw their brethren for the next twenty years with some complicated design. Thats a quick way to be disliked in your own community.

[The Black Guardian]

She was called Paint. Another classic from current CC. I'm surprised she isn't worshipped on this board!!
Doh. That's right.
There is blatantly some "hidden" tattoo's from some of the older students
Bet scott has seen Emmas...
Where the heck would she put it that we readers haven't seen? ;)

Anyway, I really don't see Emma being the tattoo type.
While true as would be found with 90% of people with Tattoo's... Tats are still cool for those 10 percent of us.

That being said, tats on comic book charecters are usually too hard to consistently draw and maintain. Unless its one of those stupid tribal things or a giant letter across your eye, no artist is going to screw their brethren for the next twenty years with some complicated design. Thats a quick way to be disliked in your own community.
Exactly.

Also, there seem to be a lot more mutants nowadays that, while they aren't tattooed, they naturally have markings: Blink, Loa, etc.

[ClanAskani]

Nate Grey also had a ink done, and so did Rachel.

Rachel's weren't exactly voluntary. More like genetic brands. But her Houndmarks were cool.

[Kid Icarus]

I have a hunch that Tattoo may have some
but I can't confirm this

[Kid Icarus]

Rachel's weren't exactly voluntary. More like genetic brands. But her Houndmarks were cool.

she still has those right?
doesn't she psychically trick people into not seeing them?

[ClanAskani]

she still has those right?
doesn't she psychically trick people into not seeing them?

No, Rachel's houndmarks were removed when she "died" and was reborn in Excalibur 51. All of her Hound programming and genetic modifications were removed by the Phoenix Force.

But she had them again as Mother Askani, somehow.

[booga]

I have a hunch that Tattoo may have some
but I can't confirm this

get back on the meds, only a lunatic would submit to that theory

[Kid Icarus]

get back on the meds, only a lunatic would submit to that theory

ugh i need some meds
I feel sickly
but i think it may be true
Im gonna go research further

[booga]

your asylum must be top of the line..what with the late night cyber cafe and everything

[Lombardo!]

there's that Ink character Guggenheim has created

also, regular 616 Dazzler has one ... but only Longshot's seen it

[The Black Guardian]

there's that Ink character Guggenheim has created

also, regular 616 Dazzler has one ... but only Longshot's seen it
Oh please... even Wisdom's seen that wrinkly thing.

[Lombardo!]

Oh please... even Wisdom's seen that wrinkly thing.

perish the thought [/VOMIT]

[worstblogever]

I think Chuck Austen said that mutants can't get tattoos.

No, wait, that was HIV. Nevermind.

[Mikl C]

Psylocke's crimson dawn tattoo was teh c00l!2"

[Mikl C]

I think Chuck Austen said that mutants can't get tattoos.

No, wait, that was HIV. Nevermind.

Northstar will be pleased!
homophobia!

[frog]

I don't think tattoos would work very well on Beast, Nightcrawler and Wolfcub.

[Lombardo!]

I don't think tattoos would work very well on Beast, Nightcrawler and Wolfcub.

or Kitty


BECAUSE SHE'S DEAD


are we still cracking jokes at this?

[zinderel]

One thought to prevent the whining about it being too hard to keep tattoos consistent is to do what I understand Darick Robertson did for reference when he was drawing Spider Jerusalem.

My understanding is that he kept a little poseable doll with a mockup of all Spider's many, MANY tattoos placed in the proper spots. This way, whenever he needed the reference, he could simply look at the doll, go, "oh, THAT'S the tattoo on his left shoulder!" and draw it properly placed and consistent. And considering all the guest artists that worked on that book for covers and inserts and specials and what not, I don't think doing something like that would be a bad idea at all.

Leave the model with the offices when you leave so that other artists have a frame of reference, or...I dunno...new artists could do their job and take the time to look at what the guy before them did, in terms of art and try not to go completely stupid with the redesigns?

Of course, the same could and should be said about writers, and we all know how Marvel feels about plot continuity nowadays, so I suppose art continuity is too much to ask too...

So yeah, never mind, comic artists, go ahead and be lazy. After all, you'll still get paid the same either way.

[Phil Hunn]

I have a hunch that Tattoo may have some
but I can't confirm this

Not anymore she doesn't.

Because she's dead (and even before then, she was depowered).

Psylocke's crimson dawn tattoo was teh c00l!2"

I... can't agree to that one. It was ugly and ended up covering over half her face...

[Kid Icarus]

Not anymore she doesn't.

Because she's dead (and even before then, she was depowered).

OH MAN
I completely meant Ink
New Warriors is getting into my brain!