Corey Longstreth created the hero Merman, who contrasts pleasantly with his enemy, Petroleum Man. The lighting in Merman’s animation is very soft and natural, besides his tail, he has almost no shadows. This could suggests that Merman has nothing to hide, and he is a valorous and honorable hero. As far as shadows and symbolism, because the shadow on Merman is in fact on his tail, it could denote that any evil within Merman is the bestial, animal side in him. Merman’s colors are also very bright, and not very saturated. He seems sort of washed out, but this starkness seems to compliment his character. Although Merman shares blue and yellow with Petroleum Man, it’s hues are brighter and more inviting. Merman also has some green in him, which makes him seem more dynamic and whole.
Petroleum Man contrasts very slightly with Merman, which is just fine, as the similarities help the audience believe they are part of the same fictional world. Petroleum Man has many more shadows on and around his figure, which creates a more sinister mood than Merman’s portrait. The shadows also make Petroleum Man seem like he is in deeper water than Merman. The dark, murky depths of the sea is a scary and evil sounding place, so it follows that Petroleum Man is shadowed as such; just as Merman, being the transparent hero, should be closer to the surface, and less shadowed. The similar colors with varied hues also helps the audience distinguish between this good and evil duo. Petroleum man has darker blues, and a duller yellow than Merman.
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