Ok, I know i'm supposed to use this blog for art, and i'll get back to that eventually, but; Can we just take a moment to point out how drastically different Duelist kingdom Kaiba is from Battle city Kaiba?
Because, like, this Kaiba? Still very much a *kid*. Don't forget that the first time we see him, they're all in *high school*. Timeline wise, if we consider DsoD, he's like no older than 16-16 1/2 at this point. He's only been a CEO for like, 5 years max, and the majority of that time was spent restructuring *e v e r y t h i n g*.
This Kaiba has really only had to deal with adults and their crap from the perspective of bureaucratic mind games up until now. His greatest concerns up until now were like, his board members overthrowing him. Here, in duelist kingdom, he has a real grown human being holding the only person he has left to care about hostage.
That would shake the fuck out of *any* 16 year old, but Kaiba doesn't....He doesn't have time to feel things about it in the moment. It isn't until after we see Mokuba retrieved that he lets up even a little. Or in that last scene, where his posture slips into a more human and far less ridged state. He lets his shoulders down finally and lets expression back onto his face.
But *This* Kaiba? *Battle city* Kaiba?
He's still a kid, realistically, but he's trying harder than ever not be perceived that way. Duelist kingdom stayed with him, and its evident in many ways. First of all, Yugi and crew saw him being soft towards his brother. Nope. Not allowed. *Backpedal*, but not to hard. Second, the idea is out there, in a bigger way than before, that his brother is just as good a target. *Nope*. Mokuba will now be tethered to his side for the foreseeable future until the primary threats are eliminated. *Understandable, have a nice day.*
Beyond his behavior regarding his brother, He's stiff again. All the time, just about. Boi doesn't even allow himself to slouch a little in front of his own computer (outside of resting against the desk). He carries himself higher, makes a greater point to look down at people to see them. His white coat makes him look taller (older?). He's a lot quicker about using his money to make flashy statements (Helicopter, buying a car, jet pack, ya'know). Hell, the way he chooses to hold the Battle city tournament is a bold statement of power. Who borderline shuts down a city to hold a card game tournament except for the guy with the money and influence.
It isn't until he has to confront his childhood trauma *in front of everyone* that we see the Kaiba of duelist kingdom resurface. He's *terrified*, not just as a response to the trauma playing out in front of him, but again for the potential to lose his brother. And he's still trying to maintain this tough guy shit he's been putting on. But when the touching sibling moments are over, and it's time to get the hell out of dodge? Tough guy business Kaiba snaps back into place. *Hard*. His actions become even more closed off, outside of Yugi and Mokuba, anyway.
Idk. I have a lot of thoughts. I'm an eldest sibling myself and I see a lot of things in my own life (as far as general trauma and reactions) mirrored. I wish people saw more of the nuance in him rather than bashing him bc "lawl rich jerk w/ no emotions". But I suppose I also envy, slightly, the type of upbringing you must have had to not be able to see it. What a pleasure it must be to not relate.
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Been on a Yugioh kick lately and wanted to draw Esper Roba and Jinzo. What a fun duel! On a side note, I also have a Twitter for sharing my art. Looking for more Yugioh fans to geek out with!
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Even Mokuba is tired of his brother’s monologuing
After everything was said and done, I hope Mokuba gave Kaiba so much shit for coming in 3rd in his own tournament. It’s his job as a little brother.
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