Another week, another page, and this one I think came our remarkably cleanly – things feel smooth, slick and readable, and I think that the whole action progresses as I wanted it to.  Which is funny considering that it’s a direct progression from last week, really, and at the time I was not happy with that one.  Over the course of the week, I liked it more, and decided to follow its logic to this page as well.

I am particularly happy with the top panel, for several reasons.  Primarily, it has a clear east/west conflict depicted in microcosm, which was a pretty good outcome for something that’s basically talking heads.  But also, I’ve heard it said that in this kind of drama, where nearly everything has already been done before, you have to try to do the same thing, but in an unexpected way.  I think that having the Federate soldier get the upper hand in the argument, basically shouting down Major Rucker, is kind of unique.  And I don’t know about you, but I identify with him.  We start, here, to see things more and more from the “other side,” which is blurring the good guy/bad guy distinction in a way that I’ve been aiming for from the start.

Beyond that, there is a lot I want to say about the page, and the chapter as a whole, but I think it will reveal too much at this point, so I’ll hold off on my artistic analysis until the end of the chapter.  I’m actively engaged in twisting and turning the plot in directions people may not quite expect, and I don’t want to give away too much and wreck the story on you.  And to that end, also, please forgive me if in response to some more specific posts I’m forced to write, for the moment, “No comment – keep reading and you’ll find out!”  But we’re six pages from the end of chapter one, and it’d be a bummber to ruin the ending for you at this point!

In any case, I’m off to my much-needed rest.  But before I go, one final and additional “thank you” to everyone who posted their many encouragements last week.  I try to avoid fishing for compliments, which a lot of self-deprecating artists do, particularly the really good ones.  But I still do appreciate all the kind words, and so thanks, and thank you for the continued support, readership, and of course, the votes!  We’re SO close to breaking the top 200!  And considering that just three months ago I was in the middle-1000’s, that’s a big leap, and so I thank you!

Anyhow, I’m going to get my laundry out of the dryer, make my bed and then go to it.  Have a great week, folks!