Meanwhile, Back at the Shack…
Aedre’s Firefly Graphic Novel updates every Wednesday at NOON eastern time.
If you’re a new reader click here to start closer to the beginning of the story…
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This week’s #LFWC
This week, I’d like to introduce you all to another new online graphic novel I’m greatly enjoying called Pandeia by Paul Caggegi. This is a science fiction tale that takes place so far in our future that it’s barely seems to be the one we know. There are at this time five main characters, each one a complex person with their motives and attitudes. There are greek symbols all over the place, and underground complexes, and puzzling mysteries to solve. And of course while the mysteries are being solved, there is someone, perhaps another faction, who is trying to stop them.
For young (or cash-strapped) cartoonists, one of the really interesting things about Paul’s work is that he doesn’t use Photoshop. His main tools seem to be Blender3d and Gimp. It’s encouraging to see this high quality work being produced in free programs. It also makes me want to work even harder to get my Blender3D skills improved. I use Gimp for specific things in my work. I scan inks and pencils in using Gimp, and I love the ease with which I can make any colour I want transparent (usually the white from the background of my scans) and that then I can save those as Photoshop files, which, since the demise of PaintShop Pro has become my main raster art tool. I will also sketch in Gimp sometimes, too, but that’s about it so far. What Paul does with Gimp is pretty awesome.
I haven’t had a chance yet to listen to any of his podcasts, but he has some Process ones there where he talks about how he produces each of the issues. Unfortunately my Win7 computer running Firefox doesn’t want me to listen to Paul’s podcasts. I click and nothing happens. :`( I might have to try it on my MacBook Pro later. So check it out if you like far future Sci-fi. It’s pretty intriguing.
News
Chapt. VI is complete and I think I’m about halfway I’ve now finished on the splash page for Chapt. VII, the final chapter in Volume One. Also, I have the inks done for the first strip, but still need the lettering and the shading done. I’m truly looking forward to taking a wee break and scripting out Volume Two of Aedre’s Firefly, which I plan to do as soon as I have Chapt VII fully inked and uploaded.
On the iGame development front, in our last meeting we voted unanimously to develop this game for the iPhone and iPod Touch and iPad. I’ve started work on some of the GUI assets and am in process of working up concept art for the characters through the different stages they transform into as they level. The tough job, for me at least, was going through a brainstorming session about the combat system –stats, attributes, etc. But during that meeting I doodled some pretty cool icons. :`D Nothing is definite yet except for the story we’ll be creating and the platform for which we’re developing this game. Very early days yet.
I guess that’s it for now. Don’t forget that Bearman’s unique annual Charity Challenge is still going on this month. Read all about it and maybe contribute a little art, a bit of space on your blog, or money directly to the Charities yourself. <3
Thanks for reading, and also for commenting. You’re the best!
Is this a supernatural element showing up? I’m always down with that. I went to add Pandeia to my “check it out” list and saw that it was already there. I must have seen a sidebar ad for it and liked the art style. Ah, so many webcomics, so little time.
Paul Caggegi lives in Australia, so sometimes it’s hard to catch him on twitter. He seemed pretty pleased though. I also found a video interview with him and he’s so enthusiastic it really delightful.
He says he’s going to troubleshoot the problems with his Vidcasts and Firefox. Looking forward to checking out his Process-To-Go Vids.
Who is he talking to?? Don’t leave me hanging. You are supposed to explain yourself in the comments.
This is a fantasy graphic novel, Bearman, not a political commentary site. But you succeeded in delighting me with your response. <3 All will (eventually) be revealed… ;`)
Oooh, mysterious! Can’t wait to see where this is going… next week? Or are you going to keep us hanging longer than that? :P
*looks around, whistles slightly off-tune* Could be… I’d have to check. For me the story is now halfway through August and into Chapt VII. So I forget how this plays out. Guess I’ll find out just before you do. :`D
Glad you’re enjoying the “Plot Pretzel” as Mal called it below. lol
Ooo… I have a feeling I know what’s going on here but I’ll keep my suspicions to myself for now. :D
If anyone could guess it would be you, Caz! Thanks for keeping your suspicions under your hat. :`D
Wow, definitely a huge plot twist. I just hope that whatever is going on between our cabin dweller and this spirit or entity still keeps Aedre’s best interests at heart. Man, just when things look to be going one way you give us this. I’m stoked to see what is going to happen next, and what “Chance” encounter Aedre has found herself in.
Bit of a surprise, eh, Todd? I did warn everyone a few posts back. :`D In April I think… Yep. Last paragraph here.
So happy to know you’re as excited about it as I am. <3
Hmmm. Curiouser and curiouser! What new and exciting element are you tossing in now, Jande? Can’t wait to see! Very lovely panels, too, I must add.
Thank you very much, Mark! Your opinion of my work means a lot to me. :`) (’cause… you know… mutual admiration and all that.) <3
Hmm. Oh? Well. Really? Let me put this another way. WHO or WHAT the heck IS that? I want to know NOW! Ahem. :^0
Now that’s a plot pretzel and no mistake. Methinks we may have just gotten our first hint of amazing new horizons.
Good job on the glow in the wood stove!
Glad you got hold of yourself before that tantrum got out of hand, Mal. ;`D
“Plot Pretzel” put me into hysterics. Thanks for that, Sweetie! :`D <3 <3
And thanks for the compliment about the glow.
Oh, snap! I certainly wasn’t prepared for this. How intriguing. I’m definitely glued in now, Jande. What do you have hidden up your creative sleeves for us readers. :D
Yeah such a long slow buildup you guys have probably forgotten key elements from waaaaaaay back. So glad you all stuck with me to get your reward for your loyalty. Even if the reward itself is slow. <3
I speak “scribble”, so I know what that other person is saying! I’m totally on board! [wink]
Awesome! Thanks for not giving away what they’re saying, Scott! ;`D