I don’t spend enough time just sketching these characters in situations outside the comic itself. So I decided to draw the “softer side” of Naola Firsthander. Here she is skygazing on her balcony (I think you’ll see her den in upcoming episodes).

Now, why she’s doing this in her underwear and with her weapons is kind of a mystery…

Started doing these little strips a few weeks ago. I still don’t know what they are going to be called. Probably fits into the Zyn Dweomer mythos, but not sure how just yet.

You know the most awesome thing about drawing digitally is the ability to immediately fix mistakes without leaving any trace. And not just by erasing stuff. When I’m drawing a complex panel with several figures I will usually have to resize some of the figures at some point. I love having that ability. I can draw Hurke next to Naola and he might come out too small or too big. Just a quick lasso around him and I can make him any size I want.

That rocks.

Yeah, drawing comics is a constant battle. It’s not easy. Especially for a self publisher operating far, far below the radar. But that’s my lot and always has been. And its great on far more levels than not.

I get to decide what I draw, when I draw it, and how I draw it. I get to explore whatever I want. I get to choose my format. The only thing I can’t readily choose is how many people get to see it. Ah, wouldn’t that be a nifty trick?

So yeah, comics. You keep drawing them because they are your voice and you want to say some stuff. So I’m speaking in a language that feels comfortable to me.

Dragon Hour has went very well today. I started this morning with page 8 roughed out and now page 8 is complete. I call that a good day. I usually count myself lucky to knock out a panel.

And I really am enjoying the new approach. I admit, I had some moments of doubt. But the more I do it the better it feels. I’m drawing…and it is as organic as possible for the medium.

I’m eager to keep exploring this world and seeing what these characters are going to get into.

I just knocked out the basic thumnail sketches of page nine. In terms of strips, this represents strip #s 77, 78, and 79. I might be able to actually finish some of these panels this morning before the day’s other duties call!

Its great to be in the zone.

Finished 1/3 of page nine this morning. Drawing anointed goblins is fun.

Just a couple panels to go on page 10!

I’m either very close to beating my record or I’ve already passed it up. I mean, as far as number of days I’ve managed to maintain a good, solid schedule for myself. I’m consistently working ahead of my target, which honestly is a first for me.

So again this whole daily ritual thing really does work. It takes patience, but if you stick with something, every day, you will see results.

Site needs a minor overhaul. So I guess “overhaul” is the wrong word. Tweak, maybe. Tighten some things up here and there, add a gallery of some kind.

Ferb, make a note.

Just got back from a short famdam vacation, much needed. My wife has a new job starting this week and there are lots of other things going on around this joint so there will be no updates this week. Next week I will probably go back to a once-per-week update schedule for a while until I get settled back into a nice routine.

But not to worry, it’s all good!