Chapter 1: Page 52
Hardin’s opponent just wouldn’t stay down – though Hardin seems more than willing to put him back in his place, permanently if need be.
Last week, we saw in the final panel Hardin flipping his dagger around from a dueling grip to an inverted grip – that of an Ermehn executioner. His opponent clearly took that as an affront; perhaps it could also be taken as a signal that the fight won’t end with the two of them walking out of the ring, if Hardin has his way…
Will Hardin finish the duel, or will somebody step in before he can? Or perhaps the nameless opponent will manage to turn the tables on Hardin?
Well, that is what next week is for!
Remember, if you have any fan-art or fan-related works, we’d love to share them on the website! Just send them our way at thewesterndeep (at) gmail (dot) com!
I wonder if Hardin would react if his opponent could knee him in the groin.
Ooh, so that’s what that knife flipping was about. How interesting! I’m very glad it wasn’t just a stylistic choice, because that just doesn’t seem like a very effective way to fight with a dagger.
Also, can I just say I’m rooting for Hardin to finish things? It would, I think, really show how serious he is about whatever his goals are.
Perhaps this is a test of character on Hardin’s part? Seeing how long his opponent will stick to his guns, fight to the last breath, never surrender, that kind of thing? Hardin seems like the type who would pick his followers that way, or make friends by mutual snot-beating.
Hi there. I really like this comic, nice job. I’m feeling a bit uneasy as how this fight will progress.
Also, the RSS feed is not displaying the collored page anymore, only the sketch pages.
Hi Jim – thanks for reading! :)
We just updated the website this past week to the latest version of WordPress and ComicPress, so a lot of stuff was reset (nearly giving Rachel and me a collective heart attack). The RSS folder seems to be pointing to the right spot, but I’ll investigate further. Thanks for the heads up!
Come on Hardin, let the guy up and ask him to join your little group.
Ever classy, Hardin… nice to know he’s snarky and insulting without even using words. I don’t picture him as being the kind to pointlessly kill others, especially those of his dwindling race, but you never know. Perhaps it’s a “weed-out-the-weaker” mentality? I love the coloring and poses on this page… the firelight and snow go so well together for a dramatic backdrop.
And more fanfiction, hooray! I’m not only the writer anymore! :P I’ll check out VarVau’s story when given the chance; my current internet access is quite limited.
Yes, Ice Burn is mine, and thank you! I just have a tendency to go as “Mushroom” instead of SaraaLuna here. You have quite a unique and descriptive writing style yourself, even just in the preview. I like it.
I find it amusing that the two fanfictions written right now are about the nations that are polar opposites and despise each other.
I think Hardin’s opponent is missing the stripe on his nose in the second panel. Great comic, by the way.
Whoooops, so he is. That’s going on the fix list, thanks!
Yay! Action!!!! *jumps up and down*
Alright, it seems the fight is approaching its end. Hardin’s unnamed opponent (can I just call him Bob?) tries to rise back up from his prone position, only for Hardin to leap onto him, forcing the knife ever closer to his throat. It is a really tense moment captured perfectly by Rachel’s superb artistry. My favourite panel is the first one with its dynamic pose , but the last one where Hardin’s knife hovers within a whisker’s breadth from Bob’s face is also great. You gotta hand it to Bob – he manages to keep up his fighting spirit even with the blade so close to him…
Btw, I had no idea that Mushroom was Saraa Luna! Hi there! Sorry I didn’t recognize you before :P I’ll be sure to read Ice Burn soon and give you my thoughts on it!
oh no, my other identity was uncovered!
…by myself, but er, that doesn’t sound as dramatic. Just wanted to say kudus for literally commenting on every page you caught up on, and leaving substancial and insightful comments, to boot. That’s an accomplishment. It’s good to have you back. (As for why I’m lurking back over old pages, I like to reread things; local archive ghost here.)