Chapter 1: Page 28
This week, Quinlan is dealt a bit of a curveball from the Tesque trainer – how will he react? What will come of this challenge? Well, you’ll find out next week of course!
Of course, those attending New York Comic Con will not know right away, because in the preview book that Rachel and I are printing up, this will be the last page displayed. The book will contain all prior pages in a trade paperback format, with some additional pages of concept art, original artwork for the cover, and a “Coming Soon” teaser image at the end. The whole preview book will be about 48 pages and, at this moment, is only planned to be given away as pitch material for potential publishers.
BUT! Rachel and I don’t want to leave anybody out who might be interested in a printed volume. So we’re gauging some interest in the possibility of printing up some extra copies for readers who might want to possess Quinlan, Dakkan, and the gang in paperback format.
A WIP version of the preview book cover (no it won't actually be leather-bound :)
Since this is a sort of one-off limited engagement type deal, we’re considering offering the trade paperback preview to our readers for $20.
We’d set up a Paypal account to handle the transaction and then mail you the paperback around early-to-mid November (since it takes 3-4 weeks for printing and shipping and we’d be doing this after ComicCon in early October). Nothing concrete yet of course – we’re just gauging interest. If you think you’d be interested in the book, leave a comment or send us an e-mail at thewesterndeep(at)gmail(dot)com!
This week’s guest art is from Saraa Luna, who felt that the Vulpin weren’t getting quite enough love in the story (don’t worry, they show up in force later!) and sent us this wonderful piece of a Vulpin gypsy dancer!
The Vulpin have many different distinct cultures across their kingdom ranging from urbanized scholarly bookworms to desert-wandering nomads. The gypsies live in bands that acclimate themselves to any surrounding, be it the back alleyways of the capital city, Nessa, to the expansive wastelands within the Desert of Zin. They tend to travel together in familial bands, and the dances they perform serve many purposes ranging from simple ceremonial functions to complex interpretive dances representing past historical events in Vulpin culture.
If I were in this situation I’d just say “Well I’m not our last captain, so piss off. I’ve got nothing to prove to you; YOU’RE the teacher, so YOU demonstrate the tenets. Would you prefer me to tell the king that you’re shirking your responsibilities, foisting your duties off on your, like you said, EVER-so-busy captain?”
I think I’d just ring his neck or put scorpions in his bed >:-D I wonder how Quinlan will react…Crim’s a smug squirrel and has definately brushed Quin’s fur the wrong way.
Likewise.
When I read that line, I’m pretty sure my blood pressure spiked in empathy.
Yay confrontation! Can’t wait. Also, I would be very interested in that sampler. Sounds right up my alley. :D
Totally awesome page! I love how Quinlan looks in this one. And I love what going on in the background…*paws in air* *squirrel on the ground* *being helped up*
hehe…anywho A PRINTED VERSION???? OoooOOOoooOOOo Um but I’m a little confused…is it a ‘preview’ in print, or is it the whole comic? Because if it’s the whole thing (or maybe just the preview) I would totally get it.
oh yea…and that preview book cover is completely awesome!
I’d definitely be up for that printed preview :D
Oh, and a question. Should Beyond the Western Deep be picked up by a publisher, will that most likely mean that the webcomic will discontinue?
That’s not the outcome I’d prefer, and I know that there are some publishers that will allow the webcomic version to stay live. We’ll just have to see what happens, though. c:
We get to see a bit more of Crim’s cocky attitude this time. I should mention that what drew me to him at first was the design. One thing I’ve always been impressed by is how you make each of your characters, including background characters of the same species, look unique, and Crim is a good example. Seeing a squirrel portrayed as so burly and muscular and heavy felt like a very unique design, and made me want to see more of him. I think it’s that huge chin of his that really makes him stand out.
Otherwise, another great page, especially in the use of light and shadows (I notice how the training area is in the shade of a tree). We get a nice little pic from Saraa Luna, and some more info on the Vulpin (really looking forward to see them later!)
Hmm. I’m sure there’s a redeeming side to him, but Crim is currently reminding me of what happens to your finger when you’re careless in picking up a rose.
Here’s hoping he’s more than that first impression. (And I’m reasonably certain he is more than that.)
Ooh. Don’t bring up Grandpa. Is Quin going to show the bully up? I kind of hope so.