Annotated 13-21
Let’s just call the repeated use of o_O-face a transitional device.
Speaking of devices, I had to lobby hard for the use of “pointer panels” on this page. They’re only really there because John broke the tie between me and Phil. Looking back, I can see Phil feeling that certain devices can pull the reader out of the story a bit, but I think this page gains more than it loses from their use. With our camera pulled back as far as it can possibly go, the reader can use a little help placing everyone in the scene, and it reinforces the scope of the action here.
Auraugu was born of Phil’s love of wrestling and his personality looks pretty firmly fleshed out in Phil’s original notes: “Bare knuckle Boxing/Wrestling champ of the Gnolls. Kind of like a hometown hero in spirit. Generally jovial and boisterous, a really friendly guy all said. Lives for the thrill of a challenge. He fights for pleasure, and has found his role in the war as a conscripted adventurer same as most everyone else. He’s happy to serve, though: Anything to propagate the indefatigable legend that is he, Auraugu, hero of the little people! Very much a true luchadore in spirit, but his primary inspiration is WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio (even though Alberto wears no mask himself). All said, he has a pretty big ego, but not the kind that harms others like Best’s.”
Well that’s something you don’t see everyday.
What – Scipio dropping his stogie?
It’s interesting that even this early, Auraugu’s official description cast him in a better light than a quasi-protagonist.
He is undeniably less toxic than early Best.
Which both serves the parallelism and Best’s character arc.
I’m just surprised Auraugu can lift his arms after the knifing Bandit gave ‘im. Guess they were but mere flesh wounds.
This is the position his arms were in when she stabbed him…maybe he can’t lower them without opening the wounds more. >_>
Much as I love that explanation, he lowered his arms the previous page he was featured on.
So clearly the only logical explanation is that Auraugu cares not for stab wounds, and will show his unmitigated enthusiasm with as much energy as any other day regardless! Which, I think, only makes him more lovable.
He’s a wrestler. He can automatically pull off any pose the narrative requires.
I would call these :O faces. O_O is rarely seen but could also work.
o_O is more like Spock raising one eyebrow at you. “Oh really now.”
So shocking Scipio grew eyes just for the occasion. That is some Jesus level Krakening.
Oh no the cigar.
YOU EPIC STUPIDFACES!
A testament to the writing, art and pacing that Auraurgu is just as awesome the second time around.
Yep, I think that line and that gleeful pose cemented his status as a fan favorite.
Auraugu seems like one of those characters that’s really fun to write and illustrate
hm! destroy your harbor, hyes!