the albatross

ch01, p4-5, 58-60

2007-10-10T15:23:24Z

PAGES

pages 4-5 redrawn; pages 58, 59, and 60 are up

SITE

The comic Starbooze is now an affiliate! Check it ooooout.

LINKS updated

FAQ updated in ABOUT

Fanart and fanfic added to EXTRAS → FANWORKS

Ahahaha, hello.

And goodbye. Bigger update next week, since future pages are finished, except for the page immediately preceding the completed ones and I'm leaving for Seattle in an hour. SMART MOVE, ME.

Hahaha. Enjoy, kiddies.

Arts

2007-07-27T22:53:08Z

Felt the itch to play around with color and Salad Days was the first thing to come to mind, so now I'm sharing two really fast sketches before I have a chance to think better of it. XB

So much white.

ch01, p55-57

2007-06-19T15:30:08Z

pages 55, 56, and 57 are up

Aaaaahahaha, late late late late late so late I know but that means next one will come a bit sooner, hopefully. I have a lot of other work I'm getting done along with the comic for upcomic conventions, so if I stick to my schedule next update should be Friday or Saturday :)

...I feel like any iota of dignity these characters had kinda vanished suddenly. It's a pretty simple way to end the fight. Anti-climatic hilarity!

ch01, 51-54

2007-06-09T14:48:25Z

pages 51, 52, 53, and 54 are up

added prev-posted designs to GALLERY

fanart added in FANWORKS

xkcd and Three Panel Soul in LINKS

Thiiis would've come earlier if a sudden bad cold didn't hit me. On the bright side... These pages came out ridiculously well. So!

Though I'm still suspcious that I'm drawing an ellaborate storyboarding project, not a comic.

Site news fairly self explanatory @ update list. But I should mention: I changed the weights a bit of Gain and Reach in keyplayers when I realized I must have made them up drunk cause THEY WERE MUCH TOO LIGHT.

...Well! I guess for bonus this update I decided to show the page process of my fave page? So if you're curious how I draw up the pages:

Look at the script!

First I sketch it out. The starting sketch is VERY messy and pretty much only comprehensible to my eyes (and even then, sometimes... XD). I first add a scribble to either the left or right margin to remind me which said of a hypothetical book it would be on. In this case, scribble is on the left, so it's a right page. I then lay down the panel order/layout, speech bubble locations, and put an extremely rough idea of what I want on the page with a lot of scrawled notes to myself to remind me what that mess of lines is SUPPOSED to represent, or what I want to change upon refining the inking. I very rarely follow 100% exactly what I lay down, as I VERY FREQUENTLY scrap and redo panels four or five times each--not that this page shows that, since it was pretty on the ball.

I create a new layer and nicely set up the layout and speech bubbles. I know a lot of folk put in the speech bubbles last, but I work more comfortably with them there first.

I start lining! This cap has both the quick jot-downs and the more detailed refinement after I go over it. As you can see this is ENTIRELY where I do the actual drawing.

The finished lineart of the page! I add in the black as I go, airbrushing for gradient effect in places. I used to do it on a seperate layer but it turned out to be more trouble.

And the toning. I don't actually spend as much time on toning as I should, since it's the last step of the art and by the time I get there I want to get it done done done. So it's really kinda sloppy. ...I'm always amused when I get complimented on it though.

Aaand then crop, text and resize for site viewing :3

Pretty unexciting isn't it? Well it's something XD

Oh, and some wip work on the redraw of the chapter spread (because it bugs me just That Much):

W-well. Until next week! I mean it???

vote incentives

2007-06-07T12:25:27Z

SO LET'S IGNORE MY EMBARRASSING WORK HABITS SHALL WE.

There is an update on the way. But as an appetizer I may as well provide some art:

Voting prompts drawn!

TopWebComics:

Buzzcomix!:

....Well it was about time I slapped up some incentives ;;;

ANYWAY. Another post coming in about a day.

fanart - culinary capers

2007-05-08T06:18:20Z

Figure I should put it here too, maybe!

BONUS:

new digs

2007-04-09T05:15:58Z

New front page layout. Two days late, but I fixed the updates to not mention that.

ch01, p47-50

2007-04-07T09:25:01Z

pages 47, 48, 49, and 50 are up

Added comic in LINKS! Roza and the Horse Prince

H-hello.

I didn't mean to leave it off at a bad place for so long, uh... Well, THE EXCITING CONCLUSION, or not.

The update is actually supposed to be eight pages, but I got too caught up in making it look Pretty. ~~I'll do a follow up update on Sunday or Monday with the other half or something, probably.~~ scratch that, I accidently keep getting myself in a sleep coma.

A new link: put up Roza and the Horse Prince in the link page!

There's gonna be a new front page redesign in a few hours, fyi. Cause Nat is magnificent and we wouldn't be have as cool WITHOUT HER MIDAS TOUCH.

Aaaaaand for other comic art stuff:

A character that won't be appearing for a while, which pains us cause she's kinda awesome. This is her more-or-less final redesign her some from her concept. I am very pleased with her hair! It was inspired by some of the floating seeds found in the Nutcracker segment in Fantasia ♥

Design of a character appearing in the next episode, which is soon coming actually... I won't say much, since you'll get to see him for yourself. He's really going to be one of the few--if not only--character with outrageously illogical hair. :)

I think that's it for now!

ch01, p41-46

2006-12-28T17:01:18Z

pages 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 are up

Concept sketch added to EXTRAS→ GALLERY

Fanfic added to EXTRAS→ FANWORKS

Butternut Squash and Gone With the Blastwave added to LINKS

So whenI say NEXT WEEK I actually mean three, and when I say TOMORROW I actually mean A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER. I'm hoping these pages are so badass that I'm forgiven all ails. ...On the brightside this technically counts as an on-time update, looking at the day.

hahah at least now I know that if I want to stay awake for something like four days, I just do six pages x.x

I'm noticing I have this awful habit of designing some things at the last minute. For instance, the sword in title pages (4-5) isn't actually their sword. Because I was hardpressed to come up with something. I should fix it to fit, huh? Maybe. Eventually. Honestly, I hate it, it was pure torture to draw for some reason, the actual art is awkward and extremely unoriginal ...Actually, knowing me, I'll probably just up and redo it entirely for something better XD It's easier than fixing something that, in my mind, I try to forget its even there.

...And I digress. BACK ON TOPIC: if anyone's a gun fanatic, I'm sorry my renditions are so horrible. It's unfortunate that a good few characters in the series are specialized in them, frick. OH WELL, EXTREME NONSENSICAL CUSTIMAZATIONS OF WEAPONS GO.

SITE RELATED STUFF: I added an old concept sketch of a couple of characters I completely forgot I had sketched. I was looking through my files and realized it wasn't up on the site, whoops. Well, now it is! In addition, we have our first fanfic! You can find it to be read in Fanworks. I'm actually very charmed at how Delia made such an impression on the fans even though she's yet to even show up! ♥

Lastly, there are a couple of new links! ...well, more like one new link and one link that was added a while ago but never announced. Except now we are. Both comics are for some gawfawing good times as well as ridiculously well drawn, so give them a read ♥

....Wow I'm chatty this time around, huh. Life is extremely hectic for me right now, so we'll see when the next update'll be done eh?

gain says sorry

2006-12-25T02:58:36Z

TOMORROW, PROMISE.

ps: merry christmas eve

ch01, p37-40

2006-12-04T05:22:04Z

pages 37, 38, 39, and 40 are up

Lyrics added to KEY PLAYERS songs

lol hey dudz

The excuse this week is Final Fantasy XII, and lots of it. But! At least it's not just one shoddy page like last time! (Boy I'm unintentionally cruel, huh?) AS APOLOGY. There is four pages for viewing pleasure~ Four pages that turned out kind of fabulous to boot. You can REALLY tell that I love ze action X)

Oh, right~ I added the lyrics to the characters songs in the character pages. For those who are interested in the translation for Reach's song choice an' all.

SO WHEN WILL THE NEXT UPDATE BE I WONDER. HMMM. I'm thinking next week, back on schedule. I'm on an artistic roll, and I'm eager to get the story moving just as much as you guys, I just wish I had better handle on things. Especially when the author gives me such brilliant material to work with :)))

[week 17] ch001, p36? I think? Anyone? (Bueller?)

2006-11-01T00:24:59Z

For lack of an artist -- who has been dutifully locked in an attic until a larger update planned for later this week -- I am here to inform you lovely folks that that comic thing we're still doing here now has guys rolling around on the latest page.

Happy Halloween.

to those just tuning in? grass stains bite.

2006-10-12T23:10:37Z

Right. So. merc-vocab time:

checking the boards

a. that thing they make you do at school.

b. that thing you do during the storm seasons

c. this big board at the Albatross where you can check what is, basically? the mercenary classifieds. ~~supposedly~~ this is a good place to find work, good place to meet people who might find you work, good place to get coffee. I dunno. Not a fan of coffee. Rules of the board include: first come first served, and any fights over a lead are rewarded by at least a week's ban. No exceptions. The ads might read something like:

"Looking for strong, eager male to have a good time! Must be at least 175 cm, and have an outgoing personality. Business experience required. Preferably enjoys sailing, warm summer days, and shooting people in the face."

With the contact info on the back.

Yeah.

delay notice!

2006-09-18T01:11:39Z

Sorry! Sorry sorry sorry sorry. No update yet again this week, but I'll have it done by next week.

Sorry :(

ch01, p34-35

2006-09-04T07:47:32Z

pages 34 and 35 are up

EXTRA section up and running!

Extremely late, but I'm just happy I got it done. I was aiming for 4-5 pages but I overestimated myself since I've been beyond exhausted for the past few days. I have the next couple of pages mostly drawn though, so maybe there'll be a large batch next time?

...Speaking of next time! A notice: there will be no update next week. I have to deal with some life stuff (i.e. getting my wisdom teeth removed, getting school stuff together, working on other art stuff that needs attention, etc) so the comic will resume September 14. ...give about one or two days flexibility, with my trackrecord.

Sorry I couldn't get more done before the skipped week.... :\

On the bright side, I've been very very happy with the quality of the pages. It's finally consistently at my basic standard. Of course this may just be because action is totally my element *glees*

Soooo... after looking over scripts our FABULOUS WRITER has written for me, I decided that the comic will run on 'episodes' rather than 'chapters'. You may notice the URLs for the comic pages have changed, that is the reason.

We also want to thank our fabulous Nat for us FINALLY getting the EXTRA section up and running. Gallery, Writings and Fanwork are all there for on-site viewing pleasure :) Not all the fanworks are up, there's still a couple that should be up by next update.

Alrighty, I'm gonna go get some sleep now~

ch01, p31-33

2006-08-27T11:00:48Z

pages 31, 32 and 33 up

Late, as usual, but an update nonetheless~

I said 'big update', but the 'big update' is actually postponed to next week since I forgot to pester Nat early. BUT, it is as decent as any update I suppose. Three pages!

So glad the exposition is more or less over with, I keep running out of ideas how to make sitting around a table interesting. BUT!!! The action stuff is just around the corner oh yesssss.

...

I can't get over how retarded those two are.

♥

ch01, p29-30

2006-08-18T23:49:28Z

Howdy neighbor, long time no see.

pages 29 and 30 are up.

new front site links:
- Fallen is now an affiliate ♥ (hi ~~mom~~ aido!!!)
- So finally got around to adding the comic to Buzzcomix! Vote for us and make us popular ♥

This may be the first time since, like, the comic started that I actually update on time. Oh my god! You thought I wouldn't keep my word, didn't you! ~~with reason~~

Two pages since I'm pressed for time, I only got back from my stay in New York late Tuesday, and I'm heading going to Anime Evolution... um... today. XD BUT! It turned out so good, so quality over quantity this week! There's so many things I'm proud of in the second page! I'll just go melt in a puddle of satisfaction in my corner. I can draw faces of these characters all damn day, I swear.

Expect a really big update next week!

notice

2006-07-29T03:47:29Z

H-hello

This isn't actually an update, though there's a page up that I hope is mostly humorous!! It's mostly just there to say that for all this waiting... there will be more waiting! In short: Comic will resume August 18

Meanwhile, I'll be selling a promo print (as well as other art stuff) at Otakon and Anime Evolution, so I hope to see you there =)

ch01, p26-28

2006-06-10T20:50:54Z

Erm. hello. I have no excuse :x

pages 26, 27, and 28 are up.

I was aiming for 4 pages, could have made it if I wasn't so close to CRASHING RIGHT NOW I need a nap ASAP. Well, maybe there'll be 4 next week since the last page was almost finished.

Brief intermission into the present! With it ending rather ominously, ooooh.

I'll redraw the profile pictures next week because oh my god they are crap D: Oh, and I'll bug Nat to get the EXTRA section up soon with all the roughshod doodles I did and the lovely fanart (and fanfigures!, which I'm too lazy to take pictures of right now but thank you Snitter ♥) we've received.

Hm. I should probably doodle an incentive for voting O_o What of, what of? So begs the question.

I'm gonna make Muun take care of a couple of the update notices. Then she can establish that she exists. Also she's got +10 wit on her stats.

Onaga Fanart

2006-05-14T15:14:39Z

So, we won't see her for a while, but when I stumbled upon her design, the thought of drawing her was far more alluring than that of doing my ancient Greek translations. So! Though I hadn't the time to honor her with more than a short, messy doodle--

I cannot wait till all of these characters appear. Er. This would be in celebration of the recently passed birthdays of both halcyonjazz and moonsheen. And I'm only sorry I couldn't spend more time on these brilliant, wonderful people. ♥♥♥

ch01, p23-25

2006-05-13T06:11:54Z

A little late, but what else is new? Also I did three pages again, 22-panels in total. because I love getting no sleep apparantly.

pages 23, 24, and 25 are up.

new link banners found in LINKS

God these two are so retarded XD Reach is a closet drama queen and Gain is... Gain. Is there a word to describe all that Gain is? I can't think of one. But both of them are givine me the increasing notion that I should do an LJ mood theme for them. Their faces keep changing. I don't feel like I'm doing a comic, I feel like I'm doing STORY BOARDING for freaking animation and trying desperately not to make it that obvious. D:

It's also ridiculous how happy they make me feel every week ♥ And I'm really glad that I'm seeing the same reaction in the audience. Words cannot express how incredible it is to see the main characters being such a positive driving force for the comic so quickly.

Um, yes. I'll stop rambling. See you next Thursday-ish ♥

ch01, p20-22

2006-05-05T16:43:03Z

Sorry for the late update... you can kind of see why though. Three pages (cause it's been a while since the last time I did that) with... 25 panels? Hahaha. God I have to pay attention to the date when I decide to do something so massive ~~my poor hand.~~ Consider it a peace offering for the GIANT HIATUS.

Anyway, I decided to change the update date to Thursday since that's when I usually seem to get it done.

pages 20, 21, and 22 are up.

FAQ is moved to 'ABOUT'

new front site link:
- Salad Days has joined Top Web Comics for the voting thing, yes.
Guestbook added!

screen1

screen2

screen3

FINALLY BROKE TWENTY PAGES. Passive scenes are a pain o_o There's nothing happening besides talking! I keep forcing myself to do whacko things like overabuse perspective (oh boy aren't I abusing it...) or have some sort of action continuation throughout the panels... It makes me feel less repetitive and boring as the artist XD Although that also makes me go overboard... I can't wait until I get to the fight scenes *_*

PS: It was Muun's birthday yesterday. SHOWER HER WITH LOVE. Also pat her on the back for being this comic's EXCELENTO WRITER

yaaaaay I finally get to sleep some.

ch01, p18-19

2006-04-27T17:26:34Z

pages 18 and 19 are up.

...Right. No, my computer problems haven't really been solved (but here's hoping it is), and I have to admit losing my computer every time I get back into the drawing game was very unmotivating. ...But it's just getting ridiculous ^^;;;; I planned to have gotten this done..um. Something like two Thursdays ago. Blaming technology aside, I kept getting distracted hello KH2 and the internet, eheh....

Anyhoo. Flashback! Get to see the protagonists' flat. I kind of love some of Gain's alternate casual looks. And Reach reveals himself to be a spazz-tard. So much for being stoic and enygmatic.

We'll also pretend I can actually draw settings.

ETA: For those who aren't doing it, you should all go read Directions of Destiny since I, the comic artist, has officially guested as an original character! Oh this is very exciting.

what's been going on

2006-03-19T08:20:10Z

If you're wondering where the update is, it's primarily computer troubles (yeah. Still), and as a result a lot of lack-of-computer. I'm not sure if I can make next week--if I do it'll be ultra late.

Lalala I'll go study for my Japanese midterm meanwhile.

Fanart

2006-03-02T21:21:53Z

Joining in the recent trend of fanart (and, by extension, de-lurking), I offer my own contribution.

It's not by any means perfect--too sketchy, not enough shading, and goodness knows I probably killed head and face proportions--but I'm rather fond of it. I hope it at least made you smile.