Chapter 2: Page 34
This week, we learn a bit more about Clovis’ brother (or lack thereof at the moment), and get to see a bit more of the hustle and bustle of Deltrada Garrison.
One of the major elements of this scene between our main trio and Clovis that we wanted to get across was the sense of unending, perpetual activity. The Canid war machine never breaks down, never stops, never tires — it is a constantly-maintained and expertly-crafted thing that requires all of its moving parts to be, well, constantly moving. Hence Clovis is always engaged in something, always moving. In some respects, this scene draws a lot from the steadicam walk-and-talks you’d see in something like The West Wing, which are great tools for keeping things visually interesting while also divulging a good deal of important information that wouldn’t be too well-suited for a static meeting room.
You may recall the scene in Chapter 1 with Quinlan, Dakkan, and Kenosh meeting with King Dabheid in his throne room — because the location was relatively enclosed, we had characters moving around, Dabheid stands up and flumps back down, and we employed the use of flashbacks/asides to keep the visuals interesting. Here, we’re making the most of the space allotted.
This week, we have a third piece in Jerome Jacinto’s collection of character portraits! You’ve already seen Dakkan and Quinlan, and now I’d like to present Bevan! I love Jerome’s take on the character (well, on all our characters, really), and Bevan has proven to be a pretty popular character since his introduction late in Chapter 1. Rest assured this fact has not eluded our attention!
Your description of the Canid military reminds me of the Qunari, to be honest XD
What’s Quin doing in panel three?
Mentally beating himself up over the way he introduced himself to Clovis, heh.
Push-ups! Sit-ups! Things I never thought I’d see doggies doing! (Although, I did have a Long Patrol hare doing stretching calesthenics in one of my Redwall fics … ) It’s interesting how such exercises here make the Canid seem more human and less animal-like. And a “West Wing” reference too! Loved that show! But, why are Quin’s eyes closed in panel three? Looks a little awkward … although not as awkward as the mention of Tosch not caring for Sunsgrove, or Clovis’s final revelation for why he was initially surprised to hear Quin introduced as captain; so, Clovis knew Quin’s grandfather? From his look and tone, the relationship might not have been a warm and fuzzy one.
Also loving Jerome’s take on Bev. You’d shown that to me previously in private, Alex, and it’s still awesome! Can’t wait to see his take on more of your characters! (And kinda wish he weren’t so busy with other things, so that he might be able to someday take a stab at some of mine too … )
Heh – well that answers that! Thanks Rach!
And I only just noticed the chart Clovis is reading in the last panel. Hmm – could it be Clovis knows of Hardin’s presence, and is contemplating a strike of his own? Things are getting interesting! (That’s one thing I love about “BWD” – so much to look at in each and every page!)
Whoo, activity everywhere! Can’t comment on too much else since my ipod and 30 minutes of free Internet doesn’t work well for writing out the comments I usually make; in the meantime, have a hello from London!
hello, enjoy the fish and chips!
I did; 75 percent of the time I was there. Jeez, it was Polcam turf everywhere.
Aww I guess Quinlan is having a little mental fit about messing up his proper introduction. It’s like when the Game Grumps mentioned Adam Sandler’s “YOU BLEW IT”, I could totally see that quote fitting on Quin’s dilemma.
I’m sure he’ll eventually prove his worth so I’ll definitely still root for him. And yet again, Jerome’s version of the cast is always so enjoyable to see. I love how Bevan is being sneaky, holding a dagger on his mouth and peeking from his hood (and of course those beautiful textures and greenish colors of his!).
btw I hope I dont sound pushy and all but I hope we get to see Janik soon. I wonder how she’s doing at Navran.
Sorry, this reply is going to be short. I love the expressions on the Canids – resilience, pain, agony …
One thing I have to ask is why every Canid that comes in contact with Clovis, closes their eyes. Is it a reverence thing?
Oh, and Clovis is so nonchalant about the whole matter of Tosch being held up on the road – I have to wonder why, but I’m sure that will be revealed when he arrives – OR maybe its to suggest the fact that Tosch was bringing reinforcements from Arklow because the Canids are anticipating Ermehn invasion. …
And, poor Quin. By that last comment of Clovis’ we’re going to get some insight into Caldus’ death, and maybe the general’s opinion of his grandfather, which I’m sure Quin is going to be oh-so happy to hear … not.
Can’t wait to see the next page!
Cheers,
FT
(If this hasn’t already been addressed) What is the story behind the bloody paw-print on the General’s armor?
Hi Karath! Charon asked that question last week, actually! There hasn’t been an explanation yet, and I’m thinking of ways to seed it into the story naturally. For now, just think of them as an imposing addition to the Canid visage :)
It’s a natural secretion from the Canids’ hands. They invariably end up marking anything they touch without gloves.
If I had to hazard I guess, I’d say it’s a mark denoting loyalty and service to the kingdom. It looks like the saluting Canid’s hand in the second panel is just about covering his perfectly. In such a hierarchical culture, it’s important for a soldier to know his place – always behind the well-being of the kingdom. Maybe there was a Canid messenger who was grievously injured, but saluted and gave his message before allowing himself to be treated. The bloody print he left behind became a symbol of the ideal soldier.
Or it’s just a handy guide for Canid that can’t remember how to salute.
Will enjoy Bevan and some sausage and chocolate now; just hit Munich.
Whoo Germany!
You should have a bunch (5-10) of the Canid lifting a massive telephone like log and doing group curls with it with the words “old misery” painted on the log
Late to the party, again, and as such not much for this rodent to say.
Just: an interesting expression from Quin there (looks like he smelled something really bad) and exercising Canids are awesome!
There are a lot of closed eyes. I’m not sure if that’s supposed to mean anything.