QZ-M2: the Hunchback of Niima

A Hardy Past

Once a reliable Sherpa built to assist and guide travelers through the high mountainous regions of the planet Phatrong, QZ-M2 "Quasi" sports a thick plasteel-enforced frame designed to withstand the high-gravity environment of the Kyuzo species' home planet. Her outdated Intellex III computer system and attached restraining bolt allows for less expression of character than modern droids like the BB-unit, but her lack of emotion is made up for with her tenacity.

After a fellow porter by the name of Zuvio brought her to a distant planet with the promise of work at a small trading outpost, QZ-M2 found herself thrust into a new life hauling salvage for a mean-spirited Crolute. Though ill-equipped for the sandy dunes of her new home, QZ-M2 lumbers on, slowly replacing old parts with components sourced from distant outposts and ancient starships.

Making-Of

QZ-M2 takes visual cues from the oversized Shoiko backpacks, Kasa hats, and Mina coats of traditional Japanese farmers, as well as the Sode shoulder pads of ancient samurai. The droid's body structure was originally based on the skeleton of a pangolin, though some gorilla-like features developed later. The position of the large backpack—which could allow an actor to hide and operate upright in the costume—also takes inspiration from the work of Jake Lunt Davies.

A previous design originally created for this competition was scrapped three weeks ago, but makes an appearance hanging from QZ-M2's backpack.

Textures are all sourced by me, taking photos of copper pots around the house, vases at my local TJMaxx, as well as metal carts and burlap sacks from an antique store. In the video, music is composed and performed by me. Sound effects are recorded by me: a keen ear may hear a hand-cranked flashlight, a bag of rice, and a washing machine.

From concept to creation, this project has taken 25 days.