Meet the Band

NOTE TO FASTPASSERS! Do not spoil (or even hint at spoilers) in your comments. Thank you!!

Here we have the initial designs of the band members. They were pretty much all streamlined or changed in some way on their way to the comic, the biggest alteration of which being Briar's. Mostly his original design was bugging me because it somehow felt like he was wearing pajamas.

Here's some details and fun facts about everyone!

Florence: Defacto leader and manager of the traveling band, Florence is also responsible for their lyrics and playing the banjo in their musical lineup. She is headstrong and goal-oriented – necessary traits to be able to herd the rest of her somewhat chaotic crew.

Fun fact: Florence’s choice in instrument is inspired by one of Laurel’s favorite musicians – Kaia Kater – and her efforts to separate the image of the banjo from its primarily white and hillbilly cultural reputation.

Vivian: The band’s upright bass player, Viv is classy, elegant, and smart. Not the most vocal of the group, her opinion is however highly valued by the others. She also has a sense of humor and can appreciate the strangeness of their unusual lifestyle.

Fun fact: Vivian often acts as the “mom friend” of the group – taking care of the others and providing advice.

Honeysuckle (AKA ‘Honey’): The lead vocalist and tambourine enthusiast of the band has a dreamy, carefree attitude. She is optimistic and friendly and her warmness is infectious, making her easy to get along with.

Fun fact: When she first joined the band, Honey had a crush on Eustace!

Augustus: Augustus plays the violin for the band, and is friendly and approachable, albeit somewhat airheaded. Clumsy and scruffy, he has a tendency to get in and out of scrapes if he’s not being watched very carefully, which he usually is by his brother Eustace. Like Honey, he has an optimistic view of the world and the two get on very well.

Fun fact: He has a prized collection of beer coasters from the various venues they’ve played at.

Eustace: Augustus’ much more put-together older brother, Eustace is also a very talented drummer. His purpose in the group is usually to keep an eye on Augustus and Honey, but being cool-headed and pragmatic, he is also very useful in intense situations where he can pull things back into a semblance of order.

Fun fact: In his original design, he had coattails, but because he was sitting down in his first appearance, Jay didn’t have to draw them. By the time he was standing up, they just forgot they were supposed to be there. Now he’s coattail-less.

Briar: Once a curious traveler and gifted magic-user, Briar found his way into the mysterious ruins in a vast valley. Discovering the rare magical creatures that lived within, he took it upon himself to become their guardian, and has spent years in isolation protecting the wisps and keeping them calm - for their own safety, as well as the safety of any wayward travelers who may find their way into his ruins.

Fun fact: Briar is younger than he looks! He’s meant to be roughly around 26 years old, but the beard makes him look older.

- Jay