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Chandra, Page 21: The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress

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Yeah okay, I know, it's a Heinlein book.  But come on, Commander Davis is a fan, so what do you expect?  The Commander here is one of my very favorite characters.  I feel that I was able to convey a lot about his personality in just the two pages that we've seen him so far.  Probably much more than say Danya, Rocky or Tom. 

You out there with the sharp eyes will note that the weights are 135 kilograms apiece, which is 297 pounds.  BUT, on the moon that would only be 49.3 pounds each.  Of course, there's still the mass to deal with...hmmmm.  Little details and considerations, all things that need to be taken into account when making graphic novels.

Seriously, if you haven't read 'The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress' by Robert Heinlein, pick it up now!  It's about a civil war between Earth and a Lunar colony, what else do you need to know?

Creator Highlight # 1: What Nonsense by Caitlin Crowley

Welcome friends to a somewhat weekly feature on Artagem: The Creator Highlight.  I'll take a moment from time to time to point you to the home sites of creators I appreciate, whether they're other web comics, fine artists or just general troublemakers.

Taken from Crowley's site: What Nonsense is a humorous horror/suspense comic featuring anthropomorphic animal characters. The story follows the lives of the slightly deranged residents of "Nawncentz Inn," a remote vacation home, and the confused man who has been forced to live with them. I'd say there's nothing too adult about this story, save for some violence and cursing. It's recommended for ages 14 and up. 

More after the break.

Stray Flights #1: Desiccate, Page 8

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And we have arrived at the final page!  Can you believe it?  Now, a good editor would no doubt tell me that this page is unnecessary as well, but here it is nonetheless.  I couldn't help myself, I wanted some kind of capping image for the little story, and the Pierre Loti quote just really served to bring home the message of madness inside Paul.
The crazy continues after the break.

Hey, It's Time To Talk About: Swamp Thing, Book 1

That which you absorb with your eyes and ears is just as important as that which is spun from the fingers. Therefore, take a moment to pause for a little review:

Saga Of The Swamp Thing, Book 1 by Alan Moore, Stephen Bissette and John Totleben

Much has been written about Alan Moore and I probably won't bring anything new to the table here but I did want to offer my perspective on this singular book (series).  Like many, my first introduction to the work of Alan Moore was The Watchmen.  He's of course a legend to many, a god to fanboys, and the mad devotee of Glycon, and his influence in the field is immeasurable.  I could write whole posts just about Moore but this is a review of Swamp Thing.

Swamp Thing, the loneliest hero

'Moore' after the break.

Chandra, Page 20: I Know The Base Like The Back Of My Own Hand

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Whoa, lotsa dialogue!  And here he is, our fearless leader of Chandra, Commander Henry Davis, training away to keep himself fit, and fight the withering effects of the moon's light gravity.  These first twenty pages were finished exactly one year ago today, crazy huh?  It's strange looking back because I feel I've learned SO MUCH about making graphic novels since first drawing these.  Despite the big blocks of text, I think this page is successful enough in most ways.
Let's break it down after the break.

Chandra, Page 19: Oh. That Looks Deep.

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Good morning ladies and gentlemen!  A sunny day here, in contrast to mushy post-Irene last week, and with it, page 19.  Jason and Dr. Bannister begin their investigation of the good doctor's quarters.

What works? The first and second panels are fantastic.  I think they really breathe and though I broke the 180 degree of action rule (great discussion here on Mark Kennedy's really awesome blog) by placing the camera on opposite sides from one panel to the next, it still totally works.  There's also a really great swooping effect of the composition of panel two.  They eye skitters from the vent and Jason's work, to the picture, over his back to the toolkit, and on to the doctor's words and posture.

We'll break it down further after the break.