Priorities

Too much is going on. I end up with further concerns as quick as I can unload them. Due to family obligations and concerns, I admit that I have had next to no time to dedicate to this task. With holidays quickly approaching (and how long each page takes without the proper equipment), I am putting any further webcomic production on hold till the new year. In the off chance that I can lay my hands on all required hardware before then (which I doubt), I may get more up. But don't count on it. For those who may be reading this to which it applies, I have just given a hint on what to expect from Santa.

In the works

Ok...

Here is an in-the-works draft of the cover to The Templar #1.

It is quite time consuming doing all this without the proper equipment, and a complete issue may be too much to hope for at this time. If I stick to only rough-cut (no digital touch-up) , I am not sure how the results will be. Thoughts on the subject are appreciated. As for the design, I was inspired by some old pulp rags I found at the local second-hand bookstore. (I even found an old Nero Wolfe mystery in German!)  As I have been doing a bit of research into the Templars and the Crusades, It seems to have affected my All Hallows Eve.

The missus is to thank for the wonderful seamstressness (it's a word now).

The costume is a decent approximation of what the Tempars wore, and basically the standard worn during the events of "The Templar."

I have not heard back from the one shop, so I am reevaluating my standards. I have to keep this short, but I hope you enjoy the pics.

The Weekend

This past weekend I spent my time in search of hardware and software. I found a shop that might be able to obtain a copy of CS3 for me. I also spoke with them regarding computers and laptops (since I have decided that my current computer is not going to suffice for my needs). I should hear back regarding the program later in the week, while I continue my search for the required hardware. I also have a wish list for some additional programs, but I may need to hold off on those for now.

Work Lag

Ok, mea culpa.

Things have been so tremendously crazy at work for the last week or so, combined with everything else in life. So...I still have not yet gotten a scanner. I am weighing the benifit/cost of getting an entirely new computer as well. Our current one is adequate, but for what I need, I may be asking too much of it. The monitor is far too dark (even with the brightness level all the way up) and the dvd burner (necessary for the program I will be using, as well as the level of backup recommended) requires a little manual assist in opening the tray.  All in all, I think it is time, but with everything else, it might be too cost prohibitive at this time.

On the plus side, I am still drawing. Last night I drew up a cover design for "The Temlar" no. 1. It is strictly pencil at this time, and will probably remain so. I will try getting it posted in the next week or so, so check back. As entire issues in this fashion would be trying to both create, post, and (most of all) read, I will be avoiding such. What I might do is post either a synopsis of some issues (quicker than actually writing and drawing them all), or eventually post the scripts. Either way, we'll see together.

Legends: the Return

[This was originally written to be the prelude for an online RPG in my world. I hope you like.]

The heroes of yesteryear are fables.

Passed off as shell-shock hallucinations, the few who encountered them have either stopped believing, or kept quiet for fear of institutionalization. But they are out there, and the day is dawning when the Powers That Be will no longer be able to hide their existence.

Today

3:15pm, local time, Port de la Galere, France, on the northern bank of the Mediterranean

The older gentleman pushed open the door, and slowly entered the restaurant. The sudden blast of air conditioning hit him, and he hesitated before continuing in. He appeared to be a fit man in his upper 60’s, dressed in a designer suit that was obviously custom tailored. Standing just under six feet tall, he leaned slightly upon a slender lion-headed cane, and favored his right leg when he walked. His silver hair, receding from his brow, was cut properly short, and combed back.  He gave the young hostess a charming grin, and gestured towards the bar.

<No need to trouble yourself, darling. Someone’s expecting me.>*

*(translated from French)

He gingerly took the three steps down into the bar section of the restaurant, and stopped.  Although the man’s back was towards him, there was no mistaking him. The older man moved over and took the stool next to the large man.

“Hello, James.” The older man spoke as he signaled to the bartender, his accent giving him away as British.

“Nigel.” The younger man responded with out looking up from his beer. His voice was strong, with just a hint of an accent placing his upbringing somewhere in the southwestern section of the United States.

The two men were dynamic contrasts. While Nigel wore custom suits, James was dressed in khaki pants, and a blue denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up onto his biceps. While Nigel was athletic for his age, the American was almost seven feet of solid muscles. His golden hair was laced into a French braid that reached halfway down his back. Nigel’s shoes were shined so well that they could be used as mirrors, while James’ khakis were tucked military style into the tops of hard worn jungle boots. Next to which, a sizable duffle rested.

After Nigel ordered his martini, and the bartender moved off to blend it, James glanced up. A sizable toothy grin split his countenance.

“It’s been a while old friend.”

“Merci.” Nigel thanked the barkeep, who upon delivery of liquid refreshment, toddled off. “You would never guess we shared the same blood.” He continued. “Look at you, it’s been what, over sixty years? You haven’t aged a day.”

“Clean livin’ I guess.” James replied. “Still, you seem to have aged well.”

“I may look great for my years, but nowhere near where we were. Still…”

He tossed a business card onto the bar. It was embossed with the Union Jack.

“I see you’ve got one to.” James then reached into his shirt pocket, and pulled out a card embossed with the Stars and Stripes.  He then flipped it over, showing a series of coordinates, a date and time, and simply the word, ‘friend.’

“Any idea who sent it?” Nigel asked.

“Not a clue, but Lady Daphne received one as well.” James gestured over his shoulder.

Nigel turned, and noticed for the first time, a tall (woman) in a burqa sitting in the bar’s far corner booth. It was nearly impossible to see her there, as she seemed to be part of the shadows. Once you knew she was there, it was easier to see her, and that she was staring right at him.

“Seems someone is getting the old gang back together.” James continued, without turning. He finished his beer, and turned to Nigel. “Whoever they are, there’s no sign of our mystery host.”

He stood up, and then everything exploded.

A short: Vigil

Ok, so I found the old images of Vigil. The character had started as a PC in a friends RPG, and one of the groups members drew pictures of each team member. It was a Marvel Comic inspired game, and the costumes reflected this. The artist (I don't recall his name, but I am attempting to track down his name, so I can give proper credit. Luckily, he at least put his initials on the pics) had a more anime feel than I go for, but he got the general look right. I even liked the additions to the standard costume.

Origin: Vigil was a U.S. Navy Seal on duty in the middle east. One night on patrol, his team got into a firefight, and he was lost during the chaos, presumed dead. In truth, he was abducted by aliens, who experimented on him, unleashing and enhancing his latent mutant power. Without revealing too much, he finds himself back on earth, in Egypt. He awakes to find himself the center of a cult based upon the ancient gods, with himself believed to be the avatar of Ra.

The debate

Things have been so busy, but with little progress for this project. Life is such a pain that way. I think I have found my scanner. It's not the one I want, but as it is less than a third of the cost, I think it will have to do for now. At least it has an 11 x 17 bed. It is the only 11 x 17 I have found in stores. Most stores only carry 8 1/2 x 11, with a few carrying legal (8 1/2 x 14). At any rate, I hope to pick it up in the next week or so. We shall see. Then begins the search for the stylus.

As for stories, I have the first Primal story just about ironed out. Then I need to block it and add dialog. I haven't had a weekend to speak of in months, so this is all slow going. I am also thinking of doing a one-shot origin for Vigil. I have also been thinking of revising his costume. I loved the one that a fellow gamer did, but I am not sure how it will fit with my ultimate vision. If I can find it (and the artists name) I will post it.

I have also been thinking that the way to go forward with this is to do a one-shot for my primary characters, and then get input. How I feel, as well as what others want to see, will decide the future.

Excuses

Still working on story ideas. Between work and outside impediments, I have not had too much time to commit to the cause this week. Even though I won’t be able to put it online anytime soon, I started some rough sketch page layouts. Bottom line, one page of Nobody is blocked. I am still piecing some other ideas together. My objective for this weekend (if I can turn to this at all) is to create a satisfactory design for Primal’s initial adversary.

In other regards, I have been doing a bit of copyright research. Not that I am terribly concerned as such, but it is nice to know that your work is protected. It also helps to know what is public-domain, and what is not. As it is written, "nothing is new under the sun." And I like the idea of using certain well-established characters in new ways. One name that everyone will recognize is Prince Vlad III Draculya, although his face will be quite different than the ones usually portrayed.

Storylines

Ok...so there is not much advancement in regards to aquiring the necessary hardware to produce digital issues, as personal duties have kept me busy. That said, I actually have a number of storylines in the works.

I have three stories I am primarily focusing on. Two involve characters that have been on paper for years. Both are co-created, and were originally used in gaming sessions.

Primal: A ruggedly charismatic mutant who was raised in a laboratory. Escaping in hopes of finding out who he is and where he came from, he finds himself in a world he doesn’t know or understand. His powers include: heightened senses; healing factor; retractable claws; and prehensile feet.

Nobody: No one knows who the one called Nobody is, or isn’t talking if they do. As a metamorph, no one knows what he truly looks like either. All that is known is that he escaped from a scientific facility that had bonded his DNA with multiple alien species. Though slightly mentally unbalanced, he is mostly harmless.

Another co-created character that may appear down the road includes Bloodline. Here is an early sketch I did a few years back.

Hmmm...with some minor exceptions, he resembles Primal...I wonder what that could mean?

At any rate, that’s all for now.

Peter David and special thanks

My reference library is expanding. Earlier this week, I bought a book on writing specifically for comic books and graphic novels. Written by Peter David, it gives easy use tips and advice regarding everything from types of narration, to dealing with (the inevitable, as David puts it) accusations of plagiarism or “ripping-off” of ideas. It also turns out that I am a huge fan of his works.

I recently became aware of his name as writer/creator of the revamped X-Factor team (Marvel Comics; X-Factor no. 75+) which is one of my favorite line-ups. Upon picking up the book, I see he has worked on a large number of my favorite titles. So I did a bit more research. He is also a co-creator, and the original writer for Spider-Man 2099. A wonderful character who was original enough to stand on his own as a character (not just a knock-off), S-M 2099 is now gaining new fans as one of four storylines in the newest Spider-Man video game (the jury’s still out on whether I will get it).

In regards to webcomic progress, I am still researching scanners. I am having a hard time trying to find one that has the features I want, and is available in stores. (I don’t want to have to have it sent to our leasing office, or mail it if there is something wrong with it) A real pain is that selections of 11x17 inch bed scanners are nonexistent in most stores. Once I can get this figured out, the next step will be to look for stylus pads.

I already have a book that lays out using Adobe Photoshop CS for digital page production, and while I need a home-version of this software, it is easy to get, and fairly cheap compared to other programs I have looked at.

Character and story ideas are slowly flowing like the first sap from tapped maple trees, but I think these building blocks will create some great stories. I may post some character and story information in the future, but not today. I will try and make older stories and concepts available later as well.

In regards to a number of super-characters, they were co-created with my best man, Rob. Special thanks to him and Evil who have helped provide inspiration, advice, and even hammered some ideas into form. Rob gets bonus points for help with naming. He is an encyclopedia of comic names.

In the Beginning...

In an effort to re-ignite my creative flame, I am undertaking a conscious effort to begin writing and drawing again. My ultimate goal? I am going to try my hand at webcomics. It is a costly venture that seemed less so at the inception. As I read more, I am creating a list of need items, and eventually-need items. I fear it shall be some time before I am ready to create actual issues.

I have not written seriously since college, nor have I done more than a dozen or so sketches in the last five years. I have been feeling pent-in lately, and am hoping that allowing my spirit to fly in other worlds will make the current cubicle existence more bearable. My primary inspirations lie in fantasy, science fiction, and superheroes. We shall see what the future holds.