Chapter 2: Page 35
*Note from Alex: Next week, instead of a page, we will be sharing one of the upcoming book’s guest art pieces (from Western Deep guest art extraordinaire, Jerome Jacinto). This intermission will be used to give us a bit of breathing room for book-related material that needs to be done, and should only last the one week. Apologies in advance — and if anyone has a question or topic they want me to cover in next week’s post, feel free to either post it in the comments here, or send me an email at thewesterndeep(at)gmail(dot)com!
Some may interpret Clovis’ gesture this week as a sign of him playing the military politician, or perhaps trying to blow off Quinlan’s loss. While it’s impossible to know for sure just how honest Clovis’ words are, it’s important to remember that even if he truly loathed Caldus, respect and proper decorum to a new captain (even one from Sunsgrove) are essential. Still, he’s a general first — which means when he sees one of his recruits slacking off, that’s going to take priority over whatever platitudes he needs to offer to visitors.
This week, we’ve got some wonderful guest art from Saraa Luna! A rather dapper-looking Vulpin fellow is featured, and I just love the clothing design and colors here. Thank you so much, Saraa!
I love how the recruit’s face is screaming “Oh, crap.” Also, guess we know what that flashback to Calous on his deathbed was about.
Also why is Quinlan only wearing ONE glove?
It’s an archer’s glove; you only wear one. Keeps your fingers from being chaffed and bleeding after shooting so many arrows, because otherwise the bowstring will wear your skin raw.
I love all of Clovis’s expressions on this page, especially the one with the singular ear flick and the “damn” panel that follows. Someone is in for the high jump. Well, it can’t be said he can’t multitask or switch modes quickly.
Looks like Clovis is big into micromanagement. He might be excellent strategist, but not a very good boss.
Loving those sidelong looks between Quinlan and Kenosh. Don’t look too impressed now, boys.
Also, Saraa, I could totally see your Vulpin warming up for a desert marathon. “They call me the road runner.”
I was wondering when you guys would have the artwork of the person that has to be your single biggest fan: Saraa Luna. Also that recruit is going to be screwed.
Hey, wonderful artwork from Saraa there! Looks like he could be featured in the Four Kingdoms Olympics!
I also love the subtle but wonderful expressions here, many of which my fellow commenters pointed out: the small flick of Clovis’ ear, Quin’s and Ken’s sidelong, worried glances in the last panel, and of course the “oh, crap” one on the poor recruit as Clovis stomps over to “correct” his technique. I can’t wait to see how it will be followed up in… two weeks, sadly. Owll, a BWD page is always worth waiting for!
I’m rather ambivilent about Clovis right now, which I guess is the point. He doesn’t come across as very likeable, which is strange since I usually find all the characters in this comic, even Crim, likeable at first sight. Maybe it’s his attitude, maybe it’s his somewhat non-descript appearance compared to most other important characters. We’ll see how he develops.
At least in part I can see where the red mark of the fingers come in, it’s something of a gesture of honor. I love the side ways glances the two are having. When I hear a wrong note in music I have the same reaction.
Clovis, Master of subtlety ladies and gentlemen! I can totally tell he’ll be a fun character in the near future. I’m glad I wasnt the only one who pointed out Quin’s and Kenosh’s side-look. Just gives the general impression on him for now.
Anyway I gotta give proper love to Saraa Luna’s art here! I really like his welcoming posture here as well as his attire and colors. If you manage to reply, may I ask for his name?
Hello, Veigue! Thank you! And no, he doesn’t have a name; never got around to giving him one. I just wanted to draw a cheerful and cheeky-looking Vulpin.
Ah I see, again great job on the art here! I can tell that the whole painterly style is very popular amongst some of the BWD guest art, which is good since it’s freaking dank. Did you used Photoshop for it or some other painting program?
Photoshop CS5. Things are fun when you find the right brushes, ha, though I don’t paint things as much as I should.
Chok! Chup?
Not gonna lie. At first glance, I thought it was some sort of language. Maybe beaver.
It is the language of the 1960s Batman fistfight montage. Thuff! Flump! Wupp! Paf!!!
Sorry, I was away for a bit and now I’m playing catch-up. :P
What can I say except the expressions of the characters, particularly Quinlan in the 2nd frame and Clovis in the 4th, are fantastic. You can feel Quin’s pain and Clovis’ agitation. I was hoping for a little more info on Caldus (sp?), but I’m sure that will come when Clovis stops micro-managing and let’s conversation last more than a handful of returns.
The one thing I found strange is the fact Clovis knew nothing(or at least pretended not to know) about Caldus’ death. You would think a militant leader would have that sort of information brought to his attention, would he not? I mean Caldus was the Captain of the Guard for Aisling’s ally – a change in leadership would have been noted, but maybe the news went directly to the capital and Tosch is bringing it with him. Only time will tell.
Well, reading on!
FT
P.S. Great work on the Vulpin Saraa!
What a “shame”quinstion . im ”very sorry ” ! yeah right
It’s interesting that he directly intervenes when hearing something out of whack. It looks like he isn’t very confident in his middle managers’ ability to deal with issues.
Oops. Someone caught the attention of the General and not necessarily in a good way.