The Junkyard Pirates – Rebel Crew of the Wasteland Seas

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A group of misfits fighting against the corrupt overlords who have turned the seas into a vast wasteland, the Junkyard Pirates sail the oceans aboard a ship crafted from salvaged wreckage. They steal from the rich and give to the oppressed, leading a rebellious fight for justice.

Meet the Crew

Here is a lineup of the main crew members, each with a unique role and personality, making them essential to the team’s survival and rebellion.

Character lineup of the Junkyard Pirates, a rebellious crew sailing a wasteland sea in a ship made of salvaged wreckage.

Character Descriptions

This section provides detailed descriptions of each character in the lineup, highlighting their personalities, roles, and distinctive traits that bring them to life. Feel free to read if you’re interested, but it’s optional.

Once a well-educated scholar destined for a life of study, Atlas found himself aboard the Junkyard Pirates as an unwilling hostage after escaping an even worse captivity. Though timid and unsure of himself at first, his exceptional skills as a cartographer and navigator eventually earned him a place among the crew. With his robotic arm equipped with a high-tech map projector and a massive tripod-inspired laser beam device, Atlas maps out uncharted waters and guides the crew through dangerous terrain. Often frustrated by their reckless antics, he serves as the voice of reason, balancing their chaos with logic and precision.

Simon, known as Captain Heartless, is the fearless and charismatic leader of the Junkyard Pirates, a crew devoted to fighting injustice and opposing the corrupt overlords who have turned the seas into a polluted “junkyard.” Once gravely wounded in a battle for his ideals, Simon survived thanks to advanced science, though it left him with a permanent hole in his chest where his heart once was. Despite this, he remains a formidable fighter and an unwavering symbol of resilience, inspiring loyalty and courage among his crew. Simon’s oversized captain’s hat, adorned with salvaged wires, ropes, and a tattered blue veil, reflects the resourcefulness of his team and their mission. While his rough exterior strikes fear into his enemies, his crew knows him as a steadfast protector who surprises them with acts of kindness, like cooking meals to keep morale high.

Rora, a young mechanic and gearhead in her early twenties, is the crew’s tech genius, known for her ability to build, repair, and improvise anything needed for the mission. Despite her chaotic and often reckless nature, her skills are unmatched, earning her the captain’s respect. A lover of animals, Rora’s best friend is her pet lizard, whom she talks to as if it were a partner in crime. Goofy and lighthearted, Rora’s playful, sarcastic attitude keeps the crew entertained. She’s the type to show up at the last minute to save the day, often with a witty remark and a chaotic, clever solution to whatever problem they face.

The youngest and most innocent member of the Junkyard Pirates, Kiddo joined the crew after his village was destroyed and the pirates stepped in to help during the hardship. Despite their initial refusal due to his age, his persistence and enthusiasm eventually won them over, and they welcomed him aboard—albeit with plenty of protective gear. Filled with unshakable optimism and wonder, Kiddo brings joy and playfulness to the crew, unscarred by the hardships of piracy. He idolizes Captain Heartless, mimicking his every move and trying to learn everything he can from his role model. Always prepared with a big, overstuffed bag of supplies, Kiddo is eager to prove himself useful, even if his excitement sometimes gets the better of him.

Milene, once the privileged daughter of the overlords, turned her back on her family after witnessing the destruction and suffering they caused. During her daring escape, she lost her hearing but later gained robotic ears that grant her extraordinary super-hearing. Now serving as Simon’s trusted first mate, Milene is both his right hand and his greatest supporter, sharing his unwavering values and vision for justice. She is the emotional heart of the crew, offering care and support to those around her. Deeply in love with Simon, the captain, she shares his values and admires his unwavering commitment to their cause. Plus she is an experienced fighter with dance-inspired combat style.

Dr. Gage, the oldest and most experienced member of the crew, is a war veteran, fighter, and doctor. Having lost loved ones, his leg, and his faith, Gage is tough, methodical, and serious, using his extensive medical knowledge—often through unconventional, chemical methods—to keep people alive. He promised to help Captain Simon succeed in honor of his suffering family, but remains doubtful about the crew’s chances. Gage wears a dark bandage mask to cover his eyes, a symbol of his bitterness toward people, sun and the world. His robotic leg and scarred body are reminders of the battles he’s fought and the personal losses he’s endured. Though he rarely expresses it, Gage deeply cares for the crew and would sacrifice everything for them.

Rough sketch showing early character poses and color palette exploration for the Junkyard Pirates crew.

Here, you can also see a behind-the-scenes messy sketch, where I prepared the poses and color palettes for each character before refining the final lineup.

➡️ Save this pin for inspiration!

➡️ Check out the Junkyard Pirates’ gear!