About

Details

This is a two piece project. While the other site is not explicitly linked, it is stated outright in the beginning. This allows for the audience themselves to do a bit of digging like our hero.

Everything in the project on both sites are digitally produced through photoshop. Original comic layout and original designs.

Framework

I intended for the comic to be on an entirely different site, however, the linking process would’ve had to have been different to connect the two parts of the story together. The idea was to have two halves of a story, split in unusual parts, so the story is incomplete without the other half. Having the “missing data files” made it seem as though those parts were missing

While there is technically a true way to read the story, the audience is allowed to experience it however they wish whether its just reading the comic pieces or reading the other site new to old rather than old to new.

For those that were unable to find the other site, here’s the link. It is best viewed in chronological order, but if you wish to experience it like a real blogger, read it top down.

Background

This story has its roots not terribly deep, but they do exist. The initial concept arose about 2014, when I was in community college and had just moved to Washington. Initially, my friend and myself had played with the idea of hands in rocks as just a concept for a story, though it got no where.

However, once the project was announced, I knew what story I wanted to tell. Although I have many other stories I would like to tell, they are either too long or collaborative with people outside of the school. (While collab isn’t bad, its hard to time with other people’s schedules, especially when you’re in different time zones.)

Artist Statement

The project is two pieces, while not outright linked, they are implied to be related. The author relies on the user to figure out how to find the other half of the story. How the audience chooses to view the story is entirely up to them.

I intended to tell a story inspired by science fiction. Taking usual elements like the average folk stumbling upon the supernatural, government involvement, (originally) unseen forces, and so on. I drew influence from Stranger Things mildly. I wished to highlight the supernatural elements while still holding a somewhat realistic pov. The mod who runs the site where the comic is hosted is supposed to be government personnel.

In the art itself, I wanted to go for a sketchy, hazy feel; only giving definition to important elements of the story.

Self reflection

Over all, this course was a good overview and reiteration of concepts I felt I was already aware of. While I know the concepts, I believe I need more practice actually displaying the story and even writing comics. I learned that I need to polish my techniques through the experience of crafting the story.

Since I plan on (or at least hope to) be involved in the story making process in either an animation or game company, I’d like to have the skills necessary to be successful in that field.

In short, I have learned that I have a far way to go, which in a way, is a very valuable lesson.

Source for the paper texture wikimedia common, which came from the digital yard sale.