Comic #97: The Story of Steven Wright
Monday, October 15th, 2007This is a VERY emotional page indeed. Don’t worry, the remaining pages of the story are much more lighthearted, I promise.
In commentary for this page, my fingers actually cramped up this time during the inking phase from all the details I put into the backgrounds (I had to edit out in Photoshop a spot where I dropped the brush in panel 6, there’s this big “splat” of ink on the original). I really need to learn to not try and finish all of the inking in one sitting; my hand is REALLY angry at me right now.
Also, while writing out this plot arc, the thought crossed my mind to tell the other stories of kids that Seth has been assigned to protect. I don’t know how many I will be able to get into (I don’t want the comic to become entirely about Seth’s past), but I WILL eventually tell the story of Seth’s first time being a Guardian… although I won’t say anything else about that particular tale just yet.
…on a side note, I didn’t find out until a few days after posting the previous strip that Steven Wright is actually the name of a standup comedian, and evidently a rather popular one at that (although I’d never heard of him myself before now). I should probably learn to use Google before I decide on character names in the future. I actually felt a little guilty while drawing this page, in some oddly hilarious way.
Update 10-21-2007: Gonna have to wait a week or two for the next update, guys. I’m really sorry about the delay. I’m moving back to Savannah this week in anticipation of my return to graduate school at SCAD, and I just wasn’t able to get the next page done in the midst of all the chaos of packing. I should have everything up and running by this time next week, but whether or not I’ll have the new comic posted depends on when Comcast feels like getting my internet hooked up in the new place. I’ll keep you all informed.
October 16th, 2007 at 4:48 am
Aww!!!…. Again! But seriously, that would be heartbreaking, to raise a kid from childhood through adolesence, and he then kills himself, *sniff* I would be crushed.
But as far as the art, etc. goes, I think I like the kitchen background the best (probably because it’s almost an exact mirrored version of my own kitchen, dirty dishes and all!)
October 16th, 2007 at 4:49 am
Also, I just like panel 2 =]
October 16th, 2007 at 5:29 am
Don’t apologize because it’s not as happy-go-lucky as the other strips. I think this is actually the highlight of the comic so far. You should be proud of these strips. It’s comics like these that bind us to the characters and make us feel for them as if they truly exist. I’m sure you already care deeply for your characters but the audience needs to learn to love them. I think this comic has brought Seth closer to all of our hearts. Draw your next comic with all the confidence that can fit on the page because as a whole this I think this is a fine comic and it’s worthy of respect.
October 16th, 2007 at 5:34 am
Well, I guess you didn’t apologize exactly, but you know what I mean.
October 16th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Ah, don’t sweat the Name thing, there’s bazillions of Steven Wrights out there, and the famous one(s) probably won’t mind. It’s not like you’re saying “Steven Wright is a Jerk” or anything.
I was watching a mystery just last night where the almost-victim had the same name as one of my best friends, so you’re not the only one. ^_^
October 16th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
A page simply…beautiful. You’re doing a great job with your characters and you have many a things to be proud thus far with them. Seth really grew in my eyes with this strip and it’s ok for the comic part to be toned down from time to time so you can try something different. After all, that’s how artists grow in skill and talent, no? By simply experimenting…
Great work and I’ll check down next week as well for the development of the story. Beautiful comic you have here…my sincerest respect.
October 19th, 2007 at 1:03 am
Yeah, there’s a Steve Martin who draws furry art of an adult nature, and a guy named Larry King teaches Sunday School at my church. No guilt necessary.
October 19th, 2007 at 4:16 am
this story gets me right here *points to heart* it’s beautiful so far. what you said is true, we can try to protect those we care about from everything else but it’s hard to save them from themselves.
October 19th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
*sniff* How saddening!
Even humorous comics need their dramatic points. It’s what keeps everything exciting. Steven is one cute four-year-old, though!
October 20th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Oh, God…
that is too sad…
*snif*
please contiue…
Love the draws.
Bye-Bye!!
:)
October 21st, 2007 at 6:51 am
I know of Steven Wright, but since it wouldn’t make any sense for you to be talking about him, I immediately ignored what I knew of him, and read the comic. Accidentally using a (famous) real person’s name is okay, because anyone who knows the comic will know you wouldn’t be referring to comedians or what have you in it.
October 23rd, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Yeah, plus my half-ex-sister-in-law (don’t ask) just married a Sam Elliot not too long ago.
October 23rd, 2007 at 6:11 pm
This is such a work of art–emotionally and artistically. Gorgeous, gorgeous artwork. I agree with Jennifer, the kitchen is great and it really reflects the tone you’re trying to set, that Steven’s life is messed up. I love how Seth appears to Steven so playfully, and Steven’s childlike look of utter delight. I love how you show Seth raising him so lovingly, and Steven’s expression in the library is great. This strip also had a subtle ending–maybe I’m dumb but I had to think a second before I got it. But I like it that way.
October 25th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Simply great. Followed up on the entire comic just today, and I found it very intriguing in comparison to other webcomics I’ve seen.
Although I may find others amusing, this one actually grew to me quickly, and I rather enjoy the humour, the art aswell as the storyline which keeps changing in subtle ways, yet remaining as solid as always.
It’s a great webcomic, great storyline, and the art is just brilliant!
Trust me, I’m an experienced concept artist myself.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:17 am
wow. This story’s amazing!