Rust (Character)

* 2D
* 3D
* Stop-motion

### Goal

To overthrow unjust and corrupt governments through finding someone to become their host via the wearing of (Rust's) armor.

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>  *Not what you're looking for? See Rust (Disambiguation).*
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**Rust** is the second of five main tombsonas in the fictional version of the band The Living Tombstone. They are the fictional version of their real-life counterpart Sam Haft and, just like him, is the lead vocalist for the band.

## Appearance

Rust appears with light-greyish skin, their prime stands at 6' (182cm). They wear a black/dark grey skin-tight body suit, such is made of leggings and a sleeveless turtle neck top piece which are usually conjoined into one piece. alongside this layer of clothing are similar-colored plain fingerless gloves, and a pair of same-colored knee-high combat boots; which feature a neon green ring around the top of the bootleg. Their main defining feature is the riot armor, which consists of a helmet and chest piece. The helmet appears to be a futuristic take on a riot helmet, with a similar black/dark grey color to most of his outfit; placed on the visor is a simple green skull, which could also be considered as his identifier. The helmet also has a raised area above both ears which has a green ring on it. The helmet has also appeared as a full face cover with a similar look to a motorcycle helmet. The armor's chest piece is also the same black/dark grey color; however, it features green "rib-like" indented lines, with the top meeting the two sides in the middle with a raised triangle, as almost to mimic the shape of muscles; and the lower of the (usually 5) rows meeting at the bottom in a v point into a centered green ring. Rust mostly, but not always appears in a grey (about) ankle-length trench coat, which has a flared collar. the coat also features a bar-codesque pattern down the back, following Rust's overall dystopian/cyberpunk aesthetic.

\*(They have appeared in completely different looks in different iterations, which have included complete changes to the mask and/or armor, but they remain recognizable. This passage refers to what is considered Rust's prime design)

## Personality

Rust is very rebellious, is resistant and defiant to authority. Rust has sense of activism and advocating, and out of all the tombsonas is the strongest in feeling raw human emotion and empathy.

## Inspiration

Rust is inspired by the dystopian science-fiction of the 1980s, with authoritarian regimes ruling over. Rust draws its name from what is described as "the slow degradation of the metal cages that are the systems of order that keep us in line, obeying the propaganda of capitalism." This, with the communist flag in his eyes, heavily suggest that Rust is a communist.

Sam Haft has explained more specifically that the name Rust is a reflection of how "iron" systems of order cannot maintain permanent control, and that they "rust" over time. Rust as a tombsona is emblematic of exploiting those weak points.

Sam Haft has stated he is purposefully keeping the identity of Rust’s host ambiguous, to create the image of a “symbolic anonymous protester”.

## Lore

Rust is tied to those who are rebellious, resistant, and defiant to authority like itself.  Because of this, Rust needs to continue rebelling to maintain itself. Sam Haft has likened it to how some sharks need to keep swimming to keep breathing. If Rust stops rebelling, or takes on a position of authority, it will then cease to be Rust.

Rust bonds with a host by having them put on its armor. Sam Haft has clarified that Rust is not bound to a specific helmet or armor. Rather, any helmet or armor used in the spirit of rebellion can become Rust. This is seen in the comic, "Chosen" when a riot mask taken from a defeated police officer becomes Rust when worn by a protester.

## Abilities

* Sam Haft has stated that Rust in host form “has superhuman endurance” and could go for long periods without food or water.
* Rust is a skilled motorcyclist.

## Trivia

* Rust is the youngest tombsona (in that it has the most recent host of the current group).
* In “Meet Rust,” The goose from "Goose Goose Revolution" can be seen in the background in one scene.
* Sam Haft has stated that Rust is the tombsona that remains the most “human” when bonded with a host. Because of this, Rust is also the only tombsona that (presently) needs to eat.
* Rust is the only tombsona seen using weapons. In Fly Home, it is seen wielding a gun and club.
* Rust is the namesake of the second album created by The Living Tombstone.

## Appearances

1. Sunburn (background)
2. Chosen (debut)
3. What I Want (Music video)
4. Meet Rust!
5. Lazy (Music Video)
6. Fly Home (reloaded) (Music Video)
7. Scaring Doc
8. A Very Tombsona Christmas

## References

1. ↑  https://discord.com/channels/715529646690795540/743666757352554607/747184698823933962
2. ↑  https://discord.com/channels/715529646690795540/743666757352554607/743882608097886219
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elsa0PUVkpo
4. ↑ https://discord.com/channels/715529646690795540/743666757352554607/768158904172412958
5. ↑ https://discord.com/channels/715529646690795540/743666757352554607/772567623434371082
6. ↑ https://discord.com/channels/715529646690795540/743666757352554607/932422068543320126
7. ↑ https://discord.com/channels/715529646690795540/743666757352554607/768188318680481798
8. ↑ Haft, S. & Zong, C. *Chosen.* The Living Tombstone. 2020.
9. ↑ https://discord.com/channels/715529646690795540/743666757352554607/790110477006929930
10. ↑ https://discord.com/channels/715529646690795540/743666757352554607/766388543081021443
11. ↑ https://discord.com/channels/715529646690795540/743666757352554607/790110477006929930
12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFgufDut8gM