Posted by Paula Richey on January 7, 2013 at 10:56am
I've been working on setting my goals for the year, and I realized that if a comic is 24 pages, and I completed 2 pages a month, or 6 pages a quarter, I'd have Issue One finished by the end of the year. I know, duh, right? ;) But part of setting goals is setting out everything you want to do and seeing where it fits in a schedule for the year. Or at least it should be. Actually, I think that two of the pages are the inside cover, so I really just need 22 pages of story. I had been working on scripting it out, in addition to making thumbnail- sketch storyboards, but slacked off recently. Something about vacation, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and being sick twice just sapped my motivation for a while. But now I really ought to get back to it. Since I need to get back to my story, I was wondering if anyone was interested in critiquing it so far? If anything needs to change, it's better to find out before I start drawing it on the good paper. I feel pretty good about last year - consequently, I feel good about this one. Really, how often can you look back on last year's resolutions and feel good about what you've done? I actually did lose weight last year, and I actually did finish up some commissioned projects, and I stuck to my 365 day Bible study plan. Pretty much this year's resolutions are to continue last year's good work,and get Volume 1, Issue 1 of Penance Copper done. I hope that I can be consistent about getting and finishing commissioned work, and that I can expand my Zazzle stores and get more income from them. Zazzle should be sending me my first check soon, so I'm really excited about that. I need to check up on that, actually...So, would anyone like to help me critique the script for the first six pages and/or scans of my Ugly Draft pages?
Hey Paula, Sent you this email on the 8th but maybe it got caught by your spam filter, so I'm reattaching it here.
January 8th, 2013
Very interesting six pages! I've given you some of my thoughts below so you can see if my edit-style will be helpful to you. My email is abalon_comic@hotmail.com
Overall: I like the main character, really like her role (reluctant assassin) which has hints of vulnerability and capability. The cat and biscuit are each revealing touches, very nice.
Three changes of scene/situation in six pages doesn't sound like a good idea. I’m guessing the purpose of the first two pages is to introduce Acid-Penance backstory, if so then I recommend delivering their backstory in pithy dialogue at the apartment, reducing the change-of-scene by one and allowing you to focus more on subtle expressions and verbal sparring between the two.
The two aliens are compelling characters. Their focus on Justice reinforces Acid’s focus, and drives reader interest towards Penance’s meeting with Justice, somewhere beyond page six.
I think the story has great potential. Please keep me in the loop for editing.
Well, about page 18 I'm having issues with exactly how much room the story is supposed to take and what scene to end on. Which is what makes me think I need to get the first part critiqued. If I need to add anything to the story in the beginning, I might end up wrapping up issue one close to where it ends now.
Exciting! I assume the story is scripted and story-boarded. If so, then breaking you timeline into 2-hour slots, for penciling, inking-scanning, coloring and editing might keep you from waiting for a longer time-block to do anything. In fact...I could be accomplishing a small task on my comic instead of writing this; urk!
Thanks :) I truly do appreciate your help and your opinion.
Not to worry - this project's already dedicated to the Lord :) How, I'm not yet certain, but whatever comes of it is going right back to my church :)
Comments
Hey Paula, Sent you this email on the 8th but maybe it got caught by your spam filter, so I'm reattaching it here.
January 8th, 2013
Very interesting six pages! I've given you some of my thoughts below so you can see if my edit-style will be helpful to you. My email is abalon_comic@hotmail.com
Overall: I like the main character, really like her role (reluctant assassin) which has hints of vulnerability and capability. The cat and biscuit are each revealing touches, very nice.
Three changes of scene/situation in six pages doesn't sound like a good idea. I’m guessing the purpose of the first two pages is to introduce Acid-Penance backstory, if so then I recommend delivering their backstory in pithy dialogue at the apartment, reducing the change-of-scene by one and allowing you to focus more on subtle expressions and verbal sparring between the two.
The two aliens are compelling characters. Their focus on Justice reinforces Acid’s focus, and drives reader interest towards Penance’s meeting with Justice, somewhere beyond page six.
I think the story has great potential. Please keep me in the loop for editing.
Not to worry - this project's already dedicated to the Lord :) How, I'm not yet certain, but whatever comes of it is going right back to my church :)
oh...and most importantly keep our Savior first
i will critique. I am full of opinions. Most of them snarky, cheeky and sarcastic but opinions none the less... ;P
On a serious note. The best thing to do is just to start. Work at your own place. and allow (expect) artists blocks to come.