Oblesklk
2nd Level Yellow Feather
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2001
- Messages
- 3,357
- Points
- 38
Hi all!
It's been awhile since I've done a true production preview. I just did one with Yelena, but that was right when the comic was ready to release. I kind of shied away from these, because I would invariably predict a release date that wasn't met. So to keep myself out of trouble, I'll just say the comic is set to release in the year 4035. Anything earlier than that will be good news
The other thing I wanted to mention is for all that have kept the faith, writing emails, posting about Ruthless #2, thank you for keeping on this and still following the comic. In short, this issue has been a trainwreck of epic proportions. It feels like a Clinton was in the White House when I actually wrote this script. Ok, it hasn't been that long ago, but wow, it's been a long ass time. So sincerely, I apologize to you guys. It's certainly not my intention to have issues comes out this far apart. Quite the opposite, I would like to have the book released the day after I finish each script. But the artists' tend to complain about that a bit, so we need to wait some time, let them recover from carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.
This is a production preview, and I want to use this time to talk about where the book has been, where it's going, what it's looking like, and what it means to you. Then obviously answer any follow up questions you guys have.
So anyway, back on my initial topic, this production for issue #2 was a trainwreck. We initially went with the art team that completed Issue #1. Then they had some turnover in their company. The artist that penciled/inked/colored issue #1 got married, fell off the planet for a bit, got sick (then I think diverted an intergalactic war somewhere, I don't know, he was out of touch for like a year). After constant conversations going something like "we're really sorry, we don't normally conduct business this way, we'll have something to you asap" and hearing that about 10 times, I eventually decided to go with another provider.
So yes, the art style will change in issue #2. But before you groan too much, I will say I actually like this vision and potential more than before. And I thought it was pretty good before.
Dave2112 (whose latest work involves an amazing serial that can be found here http://www.ticklingforum.com/showthread.php?t=138695) is on point to steer me in the right direction, give the new art team feedback, and just add his wonderful insight on the project. Dave was not an official member of production for issue #1, but he gave a lot of great advise and feedback nonetheless. It was because of his germane insight on issue one that I decided to bring him on in a more official capacity for both our The Agencies and The Ruthless storylines.
And man, I'm really happy with things are going so far. Sometimes I'm not, and I voice that fairly often during production. But these guys are professionals, like most of the artists I work with. Like the others, they've worked for the biggest names out there in the comic world. And it shows.
We're very early in the production process still. We've gone through character design, now we're doing the storyboarding/pencils.
As for the script itself, it is very top secret at this point. There's going to be some things in there that may come as a surprise, including the direction of the storyline as a whole. The first issue was just a "hey there's a reporter on the dock...wait now she's being tickled to death by some weirdo in spandex." It was without context, random, but fun anyway. Each issue will explain more about The Ruthless. Who/What it is, what it wants, etc.
And finally, I sincerely want to thank all the fans out there again. The first issue of this book has sold incredibly well, and I'm really thankful you guys liked it. Because of this, it made me feel even worse that we're having so many delays in getting issue two out. But it will release. Dammit. If I have to quit my job, go to art school, and draw the thing myself (emulating Stick Figure Theater), I will do it.
Follow up posts will contain character images, as well as production shots as we get further into things.
Ruthless #1 can be purchased by going to our tickle torture web site at www.the-agencies.com.
[omg there's a Sweden flag smiley. That's awesome! Hejsan!]
It's been awhile since I've done a true production preview. I just did one with Yelena, but that was right when the comic was ready to release. I kind of shied away from these, because I would invariably predict a release date that wasn't met. So to keep myself out of trouble, I'll just say the comic is set to release in the year 4035. Anything earlier than that will be good news
The other thing I wanted to mention is for all that have kept the faith, writing emails, posting about Ruthless #2, thank you for keeping on this and still following the comic. In short, this issue has been a trainwreck of epic proportions. It feels like a Clinton was in the White House when I actually wrote this script. Ok, it hasn't been that long ago, but wow, it's been a long ass time. So sincerely, I apologize to you guys. It's certainly not my intention to have issues comes out this far apart. Quite the opposite, I would like to have the book released the day after I finish each script. But the artists' tend to complain about that a bit, so we need to wait some time, let them recover from carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.
This is a production preview, and I want to use this time to talk about where the book has been, where it's going, what it's looking like, and what it means to you. Then obviously answer any follow up questions you guys have.
So anyway, back on my initial topic, this production for issue #2 was a trainwreck. We initially went with the art team that completed Issue #1. Then they had some turnover in their company. The artist that penciled/inked/colored issue #1 got married, fell off the planet for a bit, got sick (then I think diverted an intergalactic war somewhere, I don't know, he was out of touch for like a year). After constant conversations going something like "we're really sorry, we don't normally conduct business this way, we'll have something to you asap" and hearing that about 10 times, I eventually decided to go with another provider.
So yes, the art style will change in issue #2. But before you groan too much, I will say I actually like this vision and potential more than before. And I thought it was pretty good before.
Dave2112 (whose latest work involves an amazing serial that can be found here http://www.ticklingforum.com/showthread.php?t=138695) is on point to steer me in the right direction, give the new art team feedback, and just add his wonderful insight on the project. Dave was not an official member of production for issue #1, but he gave a lot of great advise and feedback nonetheless. It was because of his germane insight on issue one that I decided to bring him on in a more official capacity for both our The Agencies and The Ruthless storylines.
And man, I'm really happy with things are going so far. Sometimes I'm not, and I voice that fairly often during production. But these guys are professionals, like most of the artists I work with. Like the others, they've worked for the biggest names out there in the comic world. And it shows.
We're very early in the production process still. We've gone through character design, now we're doing the storyboarding/pencils.
As for the script itself, it is very top secret at this point. There's going to be some things in there that may come as a surprise, including the direction of the storyline as a whole. The first issue was just a "hey there's a reporter on the dock...wait now she's being tickled to death by some weirdo in spandex." It was without context, random, but fun anyway. Each issue will explain more about The Ruthless. Who/What it is, what it wants, etc.
And finally, I sincerely want to thank all the fans out there again. The first issue of this book has sold incredibly well, and I'm really thankful you guys liked it. Because of this, it made me feel even worse that we're having so many delays in getting issue two out. But it will release. Dammit. If I have to quit my job, go to art school, and draw the thing myself (emulating Stick Figure Theater), I will do it.
Follow up posts will contain character images, as well as production shots as we get further into things.
Ruthless #1 can be purchased by going to our tickle torture web site at www.the-agencies.com.
[omg there's a Sweden flag smiley. That's awesome! Hejsan!]
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She's actually Stacia's psychologist (close enough to a librarian in the intellectually hot category?). Dr. Collins, in her late 30s, is a world renowned psychologist that handles a lot of A-list, world famous people that are dealing with issues of abuse and shock. Having spent her entire childhood in the spotlight (her family is worth billions), Dr. Collins knows what it's like to cope with stressful events while constantly under public scrutiny. Her clientele has grown impressively for her in recent years.
No doubt! I need to do a better job of explaining the logic in the stories sometimes. Too much jumping around can make one dizzy.
will probably hit the shelves before The Agencies #13 does (Damn, we have a lot of shit in production right now). So we have a lot of work to do here at Agency Publishing. Keep in mind ALL our publications have different artists. So if you think one artist or art team sucks, hopefully there are other publications for which you don't feel this way.
Pencils done, doing inks now. Which means I'll be posting updates soon!
