Late update. I'll be honest. As much as I love this scene, there's a singular exhaustion to translating Alexander's writing in the action-packed moments. He was so minimalist that the last six pages of this comic comprise the events of literally two paragraphs of the book. Which makes me feel like I am foot-dragging and never going to get through it. I'm a little burnt out (probably also due to other things going on IRL, granted).
Not saying I'm stopping, just giving a reason why the last couple updates have been behind schedule. I'm ready to move on from this spot!
Sometimes silence lets the image speak louder, no? :)
I understand. It's not easy writing comics, but it is rewarding. The question is, is it rewarding enough for you to continue? Personally, I think you have a real talent.
I’m definitely not stopping! This project will always be worth the work to me.
I just am having trouble sticking with my prescribed schedule, and wanted to explain why.
It takes work to stay true to a schedule. And revision.
No worries, this is worth the wait. You're right about how condensed the text is, as big scenes are often described with few words. The good thing is that gives lots of freedom to expand deeper in adaptations (this comic, stories, films, etc), but I could definitely see how it could drag after awhile. Good job!
I love that freedom! Though I tend to use it more in personal interactions than in heavy action scenes - which are also, not surprisingly, easier for me to draw, since my heart is in them a little more.
Action takes a LOOOOONG time to translate in sequential art. (At least, for me it does). It's really tough to balance showing every movement vs. not showing enough transition panels.
Looks great to me, though!
YES. That's the thing. Transition vs. movement and you don't want to go too fast because sometimes the pause is the important part but GEEZ you just want the thing to move along and GAH.
I usually have a pretty good gut instinct for what needs to be shown. The problem is overriding my inherent dislike for drawing certain types of things, or pushing through the burnout of repeating panels where only small changes at a time are happening. Thank God for the ability to cut and paste.
***Spoiler Alert***
I always pictured the Cauldron Born as being much further away from them at this point--you give this scene a much greater urgency and dramatic tension than I ever did in my head.
It's really neat getting a peak inside how someone else imagines the books, especially when she does it so dang well.
And, again, you draw swords really well.
I agree, but I am most impressed by the expressions, body language, and lighting.
Sure!
Wasn't offering the swords as the highpoint of this page, to be clear. If you ask me, it's Taran's face in the last panel: especially the scrapes on his face, and the pores peeking out.
The sword is a direct copy. I couldn't find any references for that precise pose, so I used my own hands and sword because of course I have a sword which I'm sure surprises no one. lol
Taran's face did come out very nicely here.
Remember to take care of yourself too. I love these updates. It's a joy to see this beautiful story translated so vividly into pictures. Swooning, adoring fans can create quite a lot of pressure. But if you need to chill a bit, that's okay.
This is just gorgeous, though. Fflewddur ordering Eilonwy back, as much because she's their ranger as because she's a girl. Taran looking absolutely terrified, but completely unflinching. The colors and the sound effects. It's fantastic.
Oh, the swooning adoring fans are my lifeblood. It's not pressure really, it's inspiration; nothing fires my creativity like seeing people taking the time to comment and discuss details in these images and stories. When people are engaged, I WANT to work. It keeps my motivation so high. And this project is a wonderful mental escape for me too.
Wow, they seem to be afraid of that sword...
...and beautiful eyes there...
Yeah, the action it takes a moment to describe can take pages to show in a clear, visceral way. It's one of the things that make adaptations hard, I think -- the scenes aren't written for the pacing and visual vocabulary of a comic book, so they can take up more real estate than you expect. And you have to balance that with a desire to not let those visually expanded scenes not overwhelm the rest of the book.
And once again, you're doing an excellent job of it!
Thank you! Yes it is a challenge, one I enjoy 99% of the time. ;)
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