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Post by Loken on Mar 11, 2011 22:47:58 GMT -5
Yep, getting better by the page. Once you've finshed the series I'll have to print them in high quality and make a physical copy. I can't wait to see your refractor.
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Post by HF on Mar 16, 2011 7:13:00 GMT -5
Note: If anyone has trouble viewing the images, please let me know ASAP. Update: New page! Now finally revealing (the not so edgy) face of Rock, and one step closer to the "great escape" scene! I have thought over the kind of style I want to make this comic in, and have decided to do small but noticable shifts in the style depending on the story being told. My main reason for this is to make a compromise between what makes the DASH series so lovable, yet adding something to the story (more on that later). For one, most of the events involving the Bonnes would feel more fitting when done in a more comedic and simple style (but keeping an appropriately smooth transition, of course). On the other hand, events involving the Reaverds feels more appropriate if done in a more serious tone; especially so when I eventually get to the Juno arc. As a quick and exaggerated doodle, the kind of shift may be something like this: Comments, remarks, questions etc regarding this decision will be appreciated. And even bricks; that way I will know if I'm doing something seriously wrong.
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Post by Mikéy on Mar 16, 2011 8:12:45 GMT -5
Rock looks amazing, and when it comes to the serious tone, just do what you think is best. Everybody reading knows that the story's bound to get serious eventually, so the shift is definitely necessary. So far, I really don't see anybody throwing "bricks" anytime soon; the artwork and detail is just too awesome.
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Post by Blues on Mar 16, 2011 16:21:42 GMT -5
I like the interpretation of Megaman/Rock's name here as Rock Volnatto- it gives off a very 'European' (almost Italian) feel. Another good detail is the 'beat up' refractor- it really fits the atmosphere of the ruins better. The use of 'deflector' over 'refractor' still throws me off, though- despite being a more accurate translation, I've always felt the base word 'refract' fits the look of the crystal better, as it implies the involvement of light, while 'deflect' just seems like an odd word choice. I s'pose it's just a matter of personal preference, really... :14: Also , regarding the style shifting; what about when the feel of a scene changes midway through? For instance, the battle against the Gesellschaft starts off somewhat light, but turns serious after the Gesellschaft explodes. Will you make the style flexible for instances like that, or just keep the tone consistent all the way through a scene?
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Post by Dashe on Mar 16, 2011 17:02:17 GMT -5
*Six days between updates this time.*
I'm not entirely sure swapping styles all the time is a great idea, but then again I've never really seen it implemented much. Though from what I know about Legends specifically, I figure if someone wanted a softer, less edgy style, they could just play the actual games. There really aren't any serious attempts to write a darker and edgier version of the games out there in manga form, after all. It's ultimately your call, though.
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Post by HF on Mar 16, 2011 19:42:02 GMT -5
To everyone: Thank you for your feedback regarding my case. Dashe: Now that you mention it, maybe 'shift' is too strong of a word, even for myself. I guess I was just thrown off a little after reading on debates of a "Darker Story" in RMD3/MML3. So perhaps "Starts off -> Becoming" feels more appropriate than "Lighter <-> Darker" for the supplementary image posted earlier. Story-wise; despite the art style idea thrown around, the story remains unchanged; the overall feel is and will remain darker, and it will become even more so as it progresses (as we know). But for some relief and to not keep the mood too wound up, some comedic memorable events are still scheduled to be played out (Rock walking into Roll while she is dressing... I'm sure this one is necessary ) I openly admit that I lack practice with drawing in large quantities (particularly if it's for one series, let alone one character), but I am learning as I go. More importantly though, what about the art style so far, Dashe? @ Blues: There is a reason for why I chose "Deflector" over "Refractor", and I have plans to provide a pseudo-technical explaination for it inside the comic. The same goes for things such as the Digouter Suit, Reaverds, Weapons Systems, and a few others.
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Post by Dashe on Mar 16, 2011 20:28:03 GMT -5
I think the machines, vehicles, props and scenery work, but drawing the characters with a consistent style would benefit the story more than suiting your style to reflect the mood.
The visual change in the characters that you have displayed at the bottom of the post is literally my only concern. They almost look like characters from two totally different stories, one significantly lighter than the other. It would benefit you more in the long run to take one design and figure out how to express emotions using one consistent style, instead of altering the style to create emotion. The latter feels more like a cop-out anime gimmick than anything...it takes much more of an artist to convincingly run a range of emotions with one style than it does for one to change styles multiple times within a story to show emotions, if that makes any sense.
Personally, I prefer the design on the right, and would prefer if the whole comic were done that way, because it's not exactly what we're used to seeing. I'd just rather see consistency in the comic's character design. The characters are the first thing we're all going to be looking at, whether we realize it or not. You don't necessarily have to have a comedic character design to pull off comedy, if that makes any sense.
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Post by HF on Mar 16, 2011 20:46:11 GMT -5
Personally, I prefer the design on the right, and would prefer if the whole comic were done that way, because it's not exactly what we're used to seeing. I can do that. I guess page 5 will be considered "as soft as it gets". :17: Once again, I greatly appreciate the detailed feedback given. Thank you. @ Blues: I went with the translation used in the DASH 2 manual (PSP), and found it appealing for the same reason you mentioned. And by extension, I'll be using "Casquet" for Roll's surname. As a judgment call; the Bonnes, on the other hand, will remain as the "Bonnes" (because "Born" just doesn't feel right).
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Post by Dashe on Mar 16, 2011 20:53:45 GMT -5
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Post by Loken on Mar 16, 2011 22:26:04 GMT -5
Another great page HF. "I'm taking it now..." what a tease ! I agree that swiching styles isn't a good idea, but your 'Dark' style could also be lighthearted. The 'Dark' style my not be as cheerful as the 'light' but with the right smiles and words it can be just as heartwarming.
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Post by HF on Mar 17, 2011 0:08:42 GMT -5
@ Dashe: Homework? @ Loken: Yeah... The more I think about it, the less sense it makes. As Dashe said, the idea feels like bad gag parody, and I certainly don't want that... wait, this gives me an idea.
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Post by Avegodro on Mar 17, 2011 17:53:51 GMT -5
Its looking good HF, real snazzy indeed! I won't comment on the changing styles though, that is out of my field. (I'm no artist ;D ) Keep up this awesome work!
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Post by HF on Mar 18, 2011 22:57:29 GMT -5
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Post by Mikéy on Mar 18, 2011 23:38:41 GMT -5
I was watching bits and pieces, but it's coming along great! What program was that you were using?
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Post by Dashe on Mar 19, 2011 0:12:43 GMT -5
Man, you should've dropped a notice in the iScribble chat. Most of us are pretty oblivious to stuff outside of it when it's up. Ah well, I'm sure it looks fabulous! (TV...DVD...? What are you talking about?)
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