The Warrior Cats official Instagram (and other social media like Facebook and TikTok) shared a mysterious teaser on Friday, May 15th, promising new art.
By Monday, May 18th, fans received more information: the Hunter team is commissioning illustrations from Johanna Tarkela. Tarkela is the artist of the many beloved covers for the Polish translations and started this teaser with Firestar. Each day, a new solitary cat was revealed. Read on to see what we know so far.
@warriorcatshubofficial‘s May 18th post on Instagram reads:
The wait is over and we’re delighted to reveal new official artwork for Warrior Cats!
Created by the incredibly talented Johanna Tarkela, whose art you will recognise from the beautiful Polish book covers, we have new official art for a host of your favorite cat characters. Starting with Firestar, we’ll be revealing new artwork everyday this week. This new artwork is in addition to the brilliant portfolio of art we already have for the main series books, novellas and graphic novels. Enjoy!
“The main hero himself, and naturally the first cat I drew for these illustrations! I tried to give him a confident, determined look.” – Johanna Tarkela
As the days went on, fans speculated which character would be next. After Firestar came Graystripe, prompting the possibility of Arc 1, The Prophecies Begin, protagonists. When Brightheart followed, thoughts circulated about each illustration being a cat from the book covers of TPB. A wild right turn occurred when Jayfeather was revealed, tailed by Tawnypelt, Squirrelflight, Scourge, and Tigerstar.
These eight seem like an odd assortment. While I expected all Arc 1 characters, these instead span Arcs 1-4. It might be predominantly TPB, but still. Where is Bluestar, Ravenpaw, Yellowfang, Spottedleaf, and Cloudtail? Where is the Lionblaze and Hollyleaf to their Jayfeather or Leafpool for Squirrelflight? Those are only prominent figures, too.
I would love to see minor and background cats like Sandstorm, Cinderpelt, and the leaders of the other Clans. Even Dustpelt, Littlecloud, or Graypool would be interesting. I always wonder why they don’t finish out family lineages when doing merch or art, as well.
I’m not holding my breath for those smaller roles. I assume Warrior Cats’ fans will see major characters first.
Since I’m not including every individual art piece, I encourage fans to check out either @warriorcatshubofficial or @erinhunterbooks, but especially follow Tarkela at @lhuin on Instagram.
Today, May 30th, a lot of this information was provided on the Warrior Cats official website with an article titled “New official Warrior Cats character art.”
Now, down to the nitty-gritty. These designs are stunning. They have a vibrancy and realism while still embodying the fantastical element of the characters and their world. All of their poses, body shapes, and face shapes are dynamic.
Firestar has a fire symbol, mimicked somewhat by Jayfeather’s “eye” symbol on his forehead. Brightheart’s injuries look life-altering and real without being gory, while Squirrelflight’s tail is fluffy to the max. Graystripe has a playful pose and Scourge looks menacing with icy-blue eyes. Finally, Tigerstar looks buff and villainous, while for once, I actually love Tawnypelt’s design. For a cat often messed up in art and merchandise (my opinion), the ginger and brown tortoiseshell patches work here.
Tarkela also included a little quote for each character, included on the social media posts and the official article.
As for the purpose of these illustrations, who knows? The Warrior Cats Instagram post mentioned these being “our first eight cats” while responding to comments that more will come (in the article, they say in “the coming months”). They’ve clarified these aren’t for book covers or any books at all, so it leaves fans theorizing. I’d personally love to have a new guidebook with these illustrations or even simply an art book. I’ve been obsessed with Tarkela’s Warriors art since I discovered the Polish covers.
It is interesting that the piece seems unfinished, with the placement of the characters and the shadows of the foliage and leaves. I wouldn’t be mad at individual posters/prints or one all together even.
All fans can do is wait and see what else they announce!
