Project Diary #1

Hey! So this is the first entry on what's gonna be a bit of backlog on what's going on regarding this project.

Once I was happy with the layout (as posted in the last entry):

I decided to star working from, well... The beginning. So Page #1, there I go!

Page #1 leans heavier on background as it needs to set the "Where" for the "What" that's coming. So I decided to heavily reference it to save time (this redraw already goes close to the 200% of the original length as is...).

Which led me to this:

But as I was lining that panel, for the sake of testing brush thickness and the likes I realized something.

Most of the comic will be happening in the black void of nothingness as one the setting has been... well, set... there's basically no need for background anymore (except some hints here and there for the sake of immersion). Also, during most of the comic, figure will take A LOT more space in the drawing since they're gonna be the main focus of the... action.

All in all, despite looking like the obvious place to start, Page #1 wasn't ideal.

I needed something that would allow me to experiment and decide the master guidelines for the comic in terms of linework, shadow/rendering technique, with different shot values but not too complicated, with text, lettering and some panels. Looking through the layout I spotted my perfect starting page.

Page #7:

I immediately spotted the fact that working on Konohamaru's hair was going to be a pain, specially since there's no references of him with his bare head at all. But then again, and due to facts depicted in Page #4, it would make sense, it would be cuter (and really convenient) if he kept Naruto's bandana on. So a quick redraw and expression fixing later:

I had my layout. Time to properly draw. Check panel border, brush, bubbles and text shape and thickness (plus some re-reworking on expressions...).

Time for the final rendering!

I had one thing clear. NO COLOR. I would love to, but this is gonna take forever as is. I also wanted something that would remind the original medium (that would be manga) but not too keen on mechanical plotting (might have to give it a try some day tho...).

I ended up with a compromise solution, plus some lettering effects for the sake of spicing things up.

And done!

First finished page, because of reasons, is Page #7:

So, what do you people think? Is there anything in the style you would like fixed? Something that strike you as off or weird?

Please, let me know what you think so I can deliver something you all will enjoy. ^^

Also let me know if there's anything specific you would like to see in this Journal entries. :P

And maybe now more than ever. THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR SUPPORT!