Changing of the Guard has been a wonderful challenge for me as an artist, but more so as a writer. I really feel as though I may have bitten off more than I can chew at times (i.e. most of the time), but I also believe that is what motivates me to see the story through and try to make sense of it all. This will easily be the biggest TOACM chapter yet!
I still feel like I’m setting up the world of TOACM with each new comic. For a webcomic that’s over two years old (has it really been that long already?) that seems like kind of a funny statement, but it’s true. I amuse myself each time I add in a footnote caption box that references an older strip. To think that pieces of the current story tie back to events, characters, etc. from months and months ago is mind-blowing. There’s does come a certain sense that things are beginning to work themselves out and coalesce. I hope, as reader, that you feel the same way.
I’ve been Tweeting lots of sketches, thumbnail artwork, and work-in-progress stuff as of late, some of which you can see in this very post. I hope you enjoy the little behind the scenes sneak peeks into the process. In this post you will find a) a rough thumbnail sketch of panel 3 (top left), b) the pencil art for Gus and CM in panel 1 (top right), c) a work in progress shot of the entire strip in the early inking stages (below), and d) the final scanned inks of the entire strip before any finishing work (at bottom). I hope you enjoy these glimpses into my creative process.
Until next week!
-Denver
Is it silly that my favorite part of this update is that fantastically-rendered brick wall in the 2nd panel?
LOL! Thank you, and no that’s not weird at all. I happen to notice those kind of things in the comics I read too.
Your inks are amazing as always. I love the first panel with the two girls, it’s great. Such great character designs across the board.
So I’m thinking the shadowed figure is Tracy. Or maybe you just WANT me to think that. Hmm….
Thanks buddy! I had to get Penelope back in the strip just for you! LOL!
I appreciate the comments on my inks. I love inking. It’s one of my favorite parts of the process.
Looks like Tracy is going to be our dogged investigator, trying to track down TCM?
I always love seeing other artists creative process…and I second what Tom said. What do you you use for the inks?
Thanks Jerry! I use several tool to ink with…mostly Mitsubishi brush pens, but I also use Microns, Sharpies, India ink and brush, and even crayon. :0)
It’s artists like you that make me strive to get better. Thanks for the great comic!
Oh, you are far too kind Tim. That’s how I feel about Jim Anderson and Mike Maihack!
Thank you.
Man. I just found this comic while browsing around all bored like early this mornin’ and I gotta say, it’s awesome! Just lovin’ everything so far. Definitely on my favorites list.
Thanks Robert! Glad to have you on board! Always great to hear from new readers!