Johnny - Warriors OC Animatic

Content Warnings for death, decay, and injury
I decided to make my first warriors OCs a few months ago for kicks and giggles and now I’m INVESTED
I’ve been working on this one for a while now! I made the rough version of this video a few months ago, and decided I wanted to try and polish it up a bit. Then, polishing it up turned into... this, I guess! If you notice points where the style of the lineart or designs of the characters shift a bit... those are the points where I picked the project back up again, haha!
Characters are as follows:
Hawkpaw (white w/ black spots)
Puddlepaw (fluffy with dark face/paws/tail)
Whitepaw (white streak on nose)
Mudpaw (“Johnny” aka the one with the black stripes)
Unnamed mentor (half n’ half w/ white)
So the basic storyline here starts with a group of apprentices: Hawkpaw, Puddlepaw, and Whitepaw. Once, when out hunting (i.e. playing), they happen upon a tree that smells of rot. When they decide to dig up whatever has died there, they happen upon a... stash of mutilated birds? They are appropriately confused.
At the same time, we see flashes of the recent past. Mudpaw’s mentor is kiiind of a (massive) jerk, and takes out a lot of aggression on him. As a result, Mudpaw ends up feeling powerless in his situation, and takes out his aggression out on the prey he catches. When that aggression gets to be too much, and the kill is not enough, he mutilates his catches, and then buried the evidence. His clan doesn’t realize just how much hate and resentment he’s bottling up, and this bottled aggression and resentment drives a rift between himself and his clanmates.
EDIT: as they are no longer indicative of the story's direction, I removed the following sentences from the story summary!
[ If left unchecked, he might move on to bigger prey...
Anyway what I’m saying here is that there’s a growing potential serial killer in their clan and no one realizes it. ]

[@ANGELKIZZ]

Before it was revealed that there was actually prey under the dirt beneath the tree,, I thought mudpaw's body would just be laying there like 😃🖐️ KAKSK

[@rhiannajackson6283]

zagii glad I'm not the only one who thought that lol

[@ebentaylor]

OK YEAH ME TOO

[@Woff-e]

Same XD I was so worried. Like nooooo Mud paw don’t die aaaaah

[@BotanRice]

LOL SAME

[@somethings9090]

SAMEEE

[@Nogiistune]

Omg I thought they were going to dig up his body, I'm so happy im wrong

[@Shsy7573]

Honestly, me too

[@Jade-qd5lq]

Same

[@dracostarlight226]

They might be dig up a body soon if nobody gets Johnny some therapy

[@Feezee223]

Same

[@YourBrothahDoggo]

Lol same-

[@belessstrange768]

Plot twist: the crow was just trying to inform them about Johnny

[@garden_creature]

Honestly, watching this after watching your fantastic creation "The Garden", I felt such a unique sense of impending horror not knowing for sure what those apprentices were going to dig up. Your ability to build up suspense without any dialogue is incredibly impressive to me. This is incredible!

[@garden_creature]

Also, knowing more of Mudpaw's story and what goes on to happen with him... the fact that he stores the birds in the same place where he tried to hide from his abuse is just phenomenal storytelling. Phenomenal.

[@mrraow7491]

Finally a potential serial killer cat! I've wanted someone to do this for so long lol

[@Bee8467]

My very first OC villain is a serial killer, i have had them for a long time

[@chartreusechartroos]

1:57 i'm so happy that you cut out the "red as an indian skin" a lot of people wouldn't do that nowadays

[@tesha4444]

This is beautiful!!! The ending of that last shot gave me chills. I love the lighting especially, and I would love to see what happens with Mudpaw in the future. A serial killer type of storyline for wc is so dark but so interesting.

[@RileyG]

Thanks!! In my initial version, the last scene was just a few still frames, and I figured it didn’t have enough oomph. So I’m glad that this one works well! I’m hoping to be able to expand on the characters and story in the future, if I get the time haha

[@mooneatsworms]

not even halfway through and i love all of your characters.

[@RileyG]

I’m so glad you like them! Coming up with their designs and personalities was a whole lot of fun :)

[@squirtle_10]

man i love the story of mudpaw and his silent resentment towards his mentor and how he takes out all his anger on the prey he catches, its so intriguing

[@oneditzybrunnette]

When you say potential, do you mean “he’s definitely gonna do it” or “I’m actually on the fence”?

[@RileyG]

Great question! I’m feeling like I’m on the fence right now, but definitely leaning toward it

[@aris1869]

What if you did a little of both? He kills someone, fells horrible for it, then spirals downward until someone finally notices what’s going on and stands up for him or something. Maybe they try to hide the evidence of the kill but the clan finds out later and gets pissed

[@RileyG]

@@aris1869 this is such a good idea!! I’ve been ruminating on it and I think I’ve got a solid plan, but this is actually sort of similar to what I’ve been thinking 👀

[@callie3728]

@@RileyG can’t wait to see what you have planned! Just out of curiosity have you any ideas about the name of mudpaw’s mentor?

[@RileyG]

@@callie3728 I haven’t fully committed to a name just yet, most of the names I come up with just don’t seem to fit him 😅

[@itsmesir3128]

Instant goose bumps at that death glare from "Johny" your art style is so gorgeous not to mention your back grounds! Your art is stunning!!

[@RileyG]

Thank you so much!!! I always have trouble with backgrounds so I’m glad they came out ok here :)

[@Shsy7573]

I have to say, I greatly appreciate u changing the lyrics “Feathers as red as an Indians skin” to “Feathers as red and eyes and skin” or something. Make some happy that even tho it’s a small PMV, ur still respectful, and unwilling to use that terminology and relation. Edit : Ok y’all, I commented this like a year ago. I did *not* mean it to become a debate topic of controversy. A: apologies for anything I made have gotten incorrect/inaccurate about my explanation below about this comment. B: thank you to the actual Native’s who were kind enough to make clarifications. C: can we just drop this now? Unless you’re genuinely interested in the topic. This is a comment on a video about cat murder. Just appreciate the art.

[@humanbeeing4780]

Can you explain to me how using the word “Indian” is offensive? Is Indian a slur now?

[@Shsy7573]

@@humanbeeing4780 “Indian” is a term that Europeans used to call the First Nations people of the new world back during The Age of Exploration, and the colonization of The North and South Americas. But that’s not what they actually are. They gave the Aboriginal Peoples English names, treated them like savages, and all around, for the most part, just didn’t respect their way of life. Even when Europeans realized they were not IN India, they still continued to refer to the people living here as “Indians,” which was a direct and implicit disregard and disrespect to the actuality that was the First Nations. Many atrocities and attempts to assimilate First Nations have occurred since then. The term Indians is now recognized as offensive and improper by the Canadian government (and other governments too, I think, but I only know about the Canadian one). Of course, some First Nations people will take more offence to it than others, and some even consider that to be a classification of what they are. But, in general, it’s not a word to just throw around because it is pretty much a direct reference to all the shit Aboriginal people had to deal with from the Europeans.

[@humanbeeing4780]

@@Shsy7573Uh, okay. That doesn’t explain why nobody should be allowed to say Indian anymore….

[@humanbeeing4780]

@@Shsy7573Also not everyone lives in Canada

[@kyiamack]

@@humanbeeing4780 How’s this for an explanation: Native American/First Nation People are not “Indians”. The person in the song is referring to Native Americans as “Indians”

[@grudgiecrumbs6524]

I wonder if having all those crows under the tree means that this isn't the only time he's been attacked.. And if it's still going on

[@averypolitecat6843]

This is absolutely terrible that you only have 627 subs. I can’t believe what I just watched, its so amazing that I broke the replay button. It would be cool if you made a sequel to this ngl.

[@titanofthedepths]

I love American Murder Song, its neat to see someone use their music for an animatic! Especially one so well done!

[@Countryoncrack]

The art, proportions, skill, story, sheer beauty and heart felt work makes this my favorite PMV of all time, keep up the glorious work!

[@RileyG]

Oh my goodness thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed!!

[@illuxtre]

This is just delightful! The song choice, the art, the pacing is so fun to watch! I loved how the apprentices took a few lines to start digging (and the gloomy story showed in between!) It builds up and while there's no lines I can nearly hear them playing and joking around from their expressions! This is so nice

[@RileyG]

Aaaah!! Thank you for taking the time to tell me your kind thoughts, I'm gonna cry 😭 I'm so glad that the three's attitudes came through without any speaking lines, I wanted to really portray them as a tight, fun group to contrast with Mudpaw's ostracized position. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@illuxtre]

@@RileyG You're so welcome!

[@thesilvereevee222]

oh right i forget the fact that warriors has clear abuse that the leaders of the clans ignore

[@lucid2957]

A tutorial on how you do anatomy/proportions(especially those paws, they look amazing) would be pretty cool

[@RileyG]

If I can find the time I’ll try to do that!

[@tricksfollies9549]

Poor Mudpaw, he was terrified.😢

[@PrincePrince-ep1xf]

I came here from “emo cat has anger issues” and I gotta say I love your content. What I’ve seen of your characters and story is really cool and I love the way you portray emotion in poses as well as the face and even body language.

[@ebentaylor]

this is so good!!! i game here from the "cat yells at sky" video and i love your ocs so much

[@RileyG]

Thanks!! I'm glad you like them!!

[@aster-iix]

I've gotta thank you for introducing me to both american murder song and the crane wives, as now both of them make up the majority of my most listened songs,, aside from that! Very eager to follow along with lil mudpaw's story^^

[@QuillWorks]

I don’t comment on videos much (although I’m trying to more) but I keep coming back to this video, I really love it that much. Your art style is so appealing to look at, especially how you do your line art, and I love your character designs! And of course the prospect of a serial killer in the clans is fascinating, and I love how you dove into the psychology of a potential serial killer with Mudpaw’s abuse at the hands (paws?) of his mentor, isolation from the other apprentices, and mutilation of crows. I also like how you characterized the other three apprentices. They come off as a tight nit clique of sorts that, while not outright mean to Mudpaw (that I know of), certainly don’t pay enough attention to realize what’s going on with him. Another thing that sticks out to me is the organization of the scenes, how it flips back and forth leaving you in suspense of what the three apprentices will find buried beneath the tree. I’d love to see more about this character in the future! P.S. Thanks for introducing me to this song. It’s been caught in my head for the past two days!

[@RileyG]

AAAHHH ok your comment has made my day!! thank you so much for your compliments!! Your observations are spot on, especially with the bit about the other apprentices. They don’t mean to be cruel, but they’re just kids! They don’t understand that their clanmate is hurting, they just know that he’s different, and a little strange. I’m happy to note that I’m planning on making additional videos in this sort of style to explore these characters in depth, but unfortunately they probably won’t be done anytime soon 😔 I don’t have very much time to devote to these videos these days, but I’m excited to get them done eventually! Also, I’m glad to introduce you to the song! The reason these characters exist in the first place is because this song just wouldn’t leave my head 😅

[@keeprollin9911]

Their story is so intriguing and sad, but that's the point that makes it so interesting. Oh, and the art is just outstanding and beautiful!! All the poses and movements seem so natural, the expressions so emotional, really this deserves much more appreciation!! =D

[@RileyG]

Thank you so much!! I’m glad you enjoyed it :)

[@ily_h96]

Mento boi: *Beats child* That wont bite me later Mudpaw: *Bites*

[@mazrier]

LETS GOO YOU KNOW AMERICAN MURDER SONG AND THE CRANE WIVES???? HELL YEAH YOU HAVE TASTE

[@crystalcolors2229]

God i am in LOVE with this story omg and this animatic is GOLD

[@akihiroishii958]

Yeah. I didn’t realize his mentor was the one who gave him the scar over his eye. I definitely understand “the Garden” much more now. I’m on Mudpaw’s side TBH.

[@Nova_Xx15]

That grimace form Mudpaw at the very end sends shivers down my spine every time I watch this, love it!

[@DrifterNox]

this is absolutely incredible! fell in love with the characters and story instantly so glad my recommended threw it at me (also nice w/ editing the song, i love it dearly but oof that one line it has)

[@RileyG]

Aw thanks!! And yeah that bit is always a big OOF so I figured I would change it as best I could haha

[@fluffyfloppastudios]

It’s hard to pick a favorite part because the whole thing is gold

[@irelandcat2598]

I seriously need more of these characters. I keep watching this every couple hours. It’s just so good!!!!

[@sleepisoverrated1735]

i’m super late to see this but jeez ive been watching your animatic all day!! even now the idea of a potential serial killer in wc is strong, and i’m super hyped to see anything else regarding these characters’ storylines!! on another note your anatomy and posing is amazing, the entire concept for this project is really well illustrated with the character’s unique designs 🤲

[@sillyplatypuslalala]

After seeing your 'emo cat screams at the sky' and then coming to this (haha out of chronological order), I can't get Zuko's voice out of my head. I swear all I think about when I see Mudpaw is Zuko. bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb

[@Numbattery]

Your art style, your characters, everything is so on point!! How have I just found this?? I had no clue other people listened to American Murder Song as well

[@VixenLovelove]

Your art is impeccable. You draw the cats in all sorts of dynamic cool poses

[@yarg4036]

I just wanna let u know all your warrior cat ocs are so pettable like if i saw any of these kitties on the street i would pet them

[@RileyG]

this is the nicest thing i've read all day :')

[@amberzysek8387]

Love love this! This is one of my fave songs from one of my fave albums! Glad to see it used in warriors ❤

[@everydayfriday-_-852]

I looove this story! The designs are so nice, the characters are intriguing and the art is beautiful!!

[@moldpaw]

this is so well done with the simple rendering nd lighting!!! its chilling and spooky and i love how suspenseful it is! you did an amazing job!!

[@animatorireenie8319]

Are you kidding me? That's amazing! It's even a PMV, not just an animatic, tbh. The quality is really good.

[@horsewithinternetconnectio2974]

THIS IS SO FREAKING SCARY AND I LOVE IT. BRO THIS GAVE ME CHILLS. KEEP THIS UP RILEY. I WANT MOREEEE.

[@jellyfishkisses3370]

Wooow I love how rich your storytelling is in this! You've done a great job of building on the world provided by the original stories, and created something wholly new with some really interesting characters! This is super dark but I can't wait to see where it goes

[@gremlininblue2601]

I come back to this every now and then and all your animatics/story are still as awesome as the first time If it's okie to ask, what did Wrentail say about Mudpaw's injury that scarred after it happened? Did he lie to the clan or just say it was an accident? You don't have to answer, I've just been curious for a while lol

[@RileyG]

aaa thanks!! and he basically explained it away as a training accident, and mudpaw didn’t feel like the clan would care if he told the truth :(

[@possumfalls]

AHHH THIS IS GORGEOUS!! You are super duper underrated, and your art is so pretty! I love the story so much and the characters, wow wow wow!!💖

[@dinoduckpen]

WOAH this is so good?? The detail you put into every scene! And the characters expressions/body language! Amazing. (Also American Murder Song is such a good choice for this, it really fits the animatic)

[@pibgeon8794]

I still manage to come back to this everyday!

[@remival9559]

OOH MY GOD THIS IS SO GOOD!!! i absolutely love the concept !!!

[@axelf9947]

THIS IS SUCH AN EPIC CONCEPT OH MY GOD

[@ystra_53]

DUDE YOU ARE UNDERRATED AS HECK THIS IS SO GOOD I LOVE THE GREYSCALE, THE SHADING, EXPRESSIONS, THE DIVERSITY BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS, EVERYTHING IS REALLY GOOD

[@RileyG]

omg thanks 😭

[@COWBOYALMONDPAW]

This is the first time I've ever heard this song, and I absolutely love it! The art is amazing too! I'm totally subbing!! Can't wait to see what content you make next!

[@redrasegarden]

Don’t take this the wrong way. But it’s a serious injustice that this the only animatic for AMS

[@RileyG]

Yeah they’re songs are really great!! Would love to see other animatics for their stuff

[@redrasegarden]

Riley G there just BEGGING for animatics

[@jaidendoesrandomstuff-4619]

I can’t help but comeback to this every one and a while cuz I swear I love it-

[@scepticalhyenas5750]

GREAT designs, and wow- what a powerful end scene!!!!

[@pepsicat2190]

This video is absolutely beautiful!! I love the characters and your story. Also because of this, I found my new favorite artist ^^

[@RileyG]

!!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it :D

[@fallstarz]

I'm so happy that got this recommended. You are so underrated. I hope that people will see how talented you are. This work is outstanding

[@RileyG]

I’m glad you liked it!!

[@pictureframe8989]

It’s a crime KZbin didn’t recommend this to me sooner. Brilliant job man, this looks amazing

[@sidereum-05]

Not gonna lie, when I saw the title the first thing I thought was "Johnny, Johnny? Yes Papa?"

[@RileyG]

CURSED

[@duckwashere4826]

im gonna singlehandedly add 700 views to this, this is amazing!!

[@RileyG]

I’m glad you like it!!

[@Tatertottt]

THIS IS SO COOL? I LOVE THE STORY SO MUCH AAA???

[@everydayfriday-_-852]

Okay, you are underrated af and this story is soooo good, I want more!!

[@Catsockks0w0]

And a little more about our Jhonny! I love the song you have chosen, it gives off an interesting mood. I am liking Mud'Paw more and more, he is a very interesting character. Your channel inspires me to want to start working more with animation. Who knows one day? But... poor Mud, he has such a disturbed mind! Sometimes I understand a little bit of how he feels. I am loving your story, the way you approach the feelings of the characters (Especially the protagonist) is amazing. (Sorry for translate errors :P)

[@Pigeocore]

This is so good! You must've put so much effort into it, I love your style

[@RileyG]

Thank you!! It took a long time, but mostly because I kept dropping the project after every section I finished haha

[@keshafluellen7152]

Mudpaw and the Others are like my Characters! This is great! I like how everyone has their own job in the Animation! It's so on track!

[@sugarrmoon]

Dammit. Why did you have to draw the birds so goddamn cute?

[@bunnybeane1666]

i love puddlepaw sm

[@Subject-dn8ez]

So when I was watching that I noticed the un named mentor didn't have pupils. Or he did I don't know. But I like the no pupils because it shows something. I don't know what but it shows

[@alissehartin-espinoza5221]

This is amazing idk y you dont have more likes bruh ur art is amazing 😻

[@Muppet.Rabies]

love that American Murder Song is getting content i love them

[@Emilydigi]

Why didn't I see this until now?? This is SO GOOD

[@suburito5370]

:'3 this is so clear made that there's nothing I can theorise about

[@newtscope]

this is actually an interesting story! keep up the good work :D

[@LordDorian644]

Holy cow, this so amazing!!!

[@RileyG]

I’m glad you liked it!!

[@Ghosteo]

Wait a flippin minute. How the heck do you have only 617 subs! That is absolutely unacceptable, you need 3M! I’m smashing that sub button and destroying the like button.

[@RileyG]

Awe thanks :’)

[@tuxedocat4338]

for an animatic, this is really good!

[@raginghachi9001]

this is incredible ive got chills oh my gooooooood

[@sienasutherland5192]

THIS IS GREAT I LOVE THIS WOW!!! WELL DONE!!!!

[@sundaysugars8700]

How are you so talented and so underrated!!!??? You have gained a new sub.

[@ben.heliosia]

Hey guys, this animatic is amazing and I LOVE the plot... but this video has more likes than the actual song! Go show The American Murder Song - Topic some love :) Their song Johnny is great.

[@RileyG]

Seconded! The band has tons of great songs!

[@InterstellarKip]

im obsessed with this omg

[@wolfwriter2365]

If there is ever a part 2 to this, I would watch it in an instant.

[@Bee8467]

I have good news for you (if you haven’t seen it yet)

[@the_girlguy]

UH?? THIS IS AMAZING

[@spaghettostuff]

your art and style is absolutely breathtaking!! i especially love how gorgeous your backgrounds are in every shot :0 what programs do you use to make your videos? can’t wait to see more of your oc’s stories ^^

[@RileyG]

Aaa thank you!! I use the app Procreate for drawing, and iMovie to edit :)

[@meeplewafl]

this is so cool!!

[@RileyG]

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it!!

[@lieutenantgremlin8787]

honestly the three of them seem to leave the other out in the end, it so sad to see that he was actually alone. suffering in silence by his mentors abuse, no wonder he becomes a killer T^T

[@lieutenantgremlin8787]

OMG THANKS FOR THE HEART!~ YOUR ART IS BEAUTIFUL!

[@EJBeanJ]

Ideas for the mentor's name: Coal' berry Gull' song finch' cry Crow' hatch Tinted' water

[@starrybeanz2012]

Fantastic

[@eggduck2881]

i was just thinkin of this song and this shows up as soon as i open youtube

[@pearlwalker4205]

Yay finished version

[@RileyG]

Yes it’s finally done!!

[@IndiArtistic_Official]

You are so underrated omg

[@thesilvercat13]

i didnt understand what just happened but i love it my brain is dead today🥲👍

[@musicplaylists6718]

Hey, how's the story going? I found this a few days ago and haven't stop watching it since. Also, out of curiosity, is Puddlepaw a ragdoll?

[@RileyG]

Story is ongoing! I’ve got a couple animatics in the works that will expand on the story and world, but unfortunately its slow going, cause Life Is Happening 😅 and I didn’t have ragdolls in mind when drawing puddlepaw, but I can see it now that you pointed it out!! Their design was inspired by the Balinese breed :)

[@musicplaylists6718]

@@RileyG Interesting, thanks for the reply c:

[@1Ace_Editx1]

1:17 the bit where they realised their claws were unsheathed is just 😘

[@snipe-banditsanimations5951]

Where is my Johnny

[@butterqueen767]

Yes papa-

[@mikegil1891]

Hey mind if I take some notes from your story to possibly spice up my own oc?

[@mikegil1891]

Your probably g not going to see this but I don’t want to take ideas from other people without asking

[@RileyG]

@@mikegil1891 I don’t mind! As long as it’s not outright copying, haha. If you’re looking for story or character ideas, I’ve found looking at the TV tropes website to be a great resource!

[@mikegil1891]

Thanks and that’s a good idea I’ll check that stuff out.

[@emn.702]

My brain went=stranger things tree!

[@fnatro8401]

500 views and 60 likes o n l y? I’m sorry, w h a t?

[@RileyG]

And I’m thankful for every single one :’)

[@fnatro8401]

Riley G :o You are amazing and I believe you deserved more attention, but am glad you thankful for everyone :D

[@simijymy3728]

The poor little Raven 😪