The Book of Three

First page done entirely on my new mobile studio...there's a bit of a learning curve even though the software is the same, and I feel like it's a little rough thanks to the scale and resolution of the smaller screen. But in keeping with my "just get it done" philosophy, on we go! Doli meltdown in 3...2...1...

This is great! I love how you give this scene the time and buildup it deserves. The Doli expressions are outstanding, especially how you can feel his frustration building up to the eye-popping last panel, LOL. Can't stand to see a botched job!

Glad you're enjoying the new mobile setup. ;-)

Welcome back! That's so funny. You can practically hear the fuse burning, in the last panel.

“I canna stand t’ see good wood so mauled by yer Golem-like mitts, ye great lumberin’ land haddock! Give over and I’ll show ye how t’ make a proper cage, ye two-legged ox! Crivens!”

So good to see a new page! I’ve been missing this! Taran deep in concentration is so adorable here, and Doli is as comedic as always. I shall be eagerly awaiting the impending meltdown — heat shield up. 😎

twitch

He can't take the ineptitude!

I've always loved Doli in this part of the story, because his actions (probably in the next page) are probably a combination of how he genuinely can't stand seeing Taran's terrible cage, whether he'd feel safer with the "enemy" being in his cage than Taran's, or whether he's also kind of feeling that, despite the group being a nuisance to him and them not making the choices he would've, he likes them enough to offer a bit of a helping hand.

Also, not a big deal, but on the third panel, Taran says "cloaak" with an extra a.

Heh...just noticed Eilonwy's expression looking over Doli's head, almost as if Fflam can see the things she would LIKE to say and is silently trying to get her to keep her mouth shut :) And Doli's meltdown is gonna be epic...

Fantastic page, I honestly didn't notice any difference in quality so I think your new setup is working fine.

I'm sure this has been said a hundred times before, but one of the greatest things about this comic, I believe, is the attention to all the small details, even with the less refined style, that really makes it feel like you are actually watching the events in real time...if that makes sense? And it is even more remarkable when you consider the extreme sparcity of the original text. Like, you've taken so little in the way of outright exposition and turned it into a full and detailed representation that more does more than justice to the source material. I've been shaking my head lately over the absolute crap that is the Rings of Power series, and so it is extremely refreshing to come back to a fan project that actually respects, and may I even say elevates, the canon from whence it came...and the reaction of the fans says it all. Great work as always.

Also, and this just occurred to me too, I really love the comedic timing in the first two panels, with Doli's angry little face abruptly ruining the moment, or what feels like the 'hint' of a moment, between Eilonwy and Taran... XD

*twitch*


Love it.

Rough or impressionistic?

It looks great!! I can hear and feel the wind in this page: the way you show it in Taran and Eilonwy's hair.

I agree: the attention to these small details makes all the difference! The eye-roll E gives; Taran's wide-eyed gratitude and enthusiasm to her in the first panel; the way Doli looks like his face will explode from anger in the second panel.

Great to have another gorgeous page!

Welcome to torment the OCD Craftsman time!!!!
I love this page.

Cunningham's Law strikes again

Absolutely love Doli's face in the last frame. Made me laugh out loud remembering the scene. Brilliantly done! :D

I'm still enjoying the comic! I started reading in its first year, and noticed its in its eighth year now, which it was one of the larger series I read as a child (apart from Lord of The Rings) but I had hoped it might be finished before so many years... I forgot much the story but guess there's not much longer to go. I hope you'll get to the rest of the series also, even if it'd take a few more decades. Some earlier pages (at least cover, chapter title pages, maybe some older content pages) were more like standard comic book shape, which I think were nicer... I noticed in recent months the pages got much thinner, more like 'webtoons' which are easier to read on pads/tablets/phones but I think standard comic book pages within 11x17" are best for desktop (and would be nicer if ever made ebook).

Such vibrant colors! It also looks like a subtle style change in the appearances of Eilwony and Taran, almost as though they've grown a bit more mature?

None of that matters though, because Doli is too hammy to let anyone notice anything but him. :D

Nice to have you back, Saeriellyn, and I'm glad you have more (or just different) resources at your disposal! I know you'd like to put out pages faster, but right now I can almost keep up with your update schedule...almost. o.O February was a dumpster fire and March isn't looking much better :D

I have this comic bookmarked, and whenever I remember it's here and open it to discover new pages I am absolutely thrilled with excitement. I've been following this for a while and it's been inspiring for me. It reminds me of my love for these books and characters, of my love for art, and the power of dedication of a creative project. Beautiful pages <3 I adore the opening panel! It's beautiful..