Monday, April 20, 2015

Issue 5.5 Production Post One

Started work on what I'm calling Issue 5.5, the 5-page mini-comic that will be available in some capacity later this year. As I said last time, I'm producing 5.5 before I start Issue 5, as it will be a testbed of sorts for some techniques I'll try for the last issue of the season.

After spending a few days setting up the first finished scene, I did a few hours of renders and have four panels already knocked out, about 80% of Page 4. This scene has a fun tip of the hat to an '80s movie that I've wanted to do for years and I finally found the right time and place.

I'm excited by the possibility of exploring other short-form comics like this, especially after spending upwards of six months on 22+ page comics over the last three years and all the work that entails. While there is an intrinsic reward in the hard work and quality of the long-form comic, it is difficult for me not to get bogged down with the sheer amount of labor that is involved. By no means am I ready to quit the Agent Maya series as I've laid it out; I've invested too much sweat into it to stop now. However the temptation to branch out into other non-Maya areas of interest is growing, particularly if I can produce a 5-page comic in just a matter of a month to six weeks. I'll try to quell the temptation until I at least get through Season One….

Monday, April 13, 2015

Issue Four Production Post Seven

Here's the completed cover for Issue Four, "Maya and the Don of Venus".


The five-page special I mentioned last time is in prep right now—I have a few sets to throw around and some crowd people to place. Producing content while reusing (and altering) selected props, sets and characters is quite appealing, for not only do I save time but money, as well. And those two are the most important commodities of this whole deal.

All right, off to work.

Monday, April 6, 2015

Issue Four Production Post Six

I have a rendered cover for Issue Four, but without cover dress and all that entails, so I'll post that here next time. Meanwhile I'm continuing with balloon placement and such, which is the most tedious task in production, but one which needs to be done.

After completion of Issue Four, I will be producing a special five-page mini-comic (the story of which and its release to soon be apparent!) but it is within this first season's timeline, fitting after Issue Five chronologically. I'm looking forward to creating this special treat for everyone.

I'm also looking at some other spinoff-type stories, one of which stars a past foe, and another one-shot featuring two upcoming guest stars. Don't know when I'll get into production on these, but rest assured it'll be posted when I'm starting.

Issue Five will be ramping up this Summer. More details to come.