lovin the new art! but could we possibly get a little more elaboration on the habits of young Savasi women? you know, just to flesh out the background a little
movie version of gimlee was a chick, why else did he go so far out of her way to spontaneously explain that dwarven women look and sound like hte men but definitely do exist?
I’m pretty sure she and legolass hooked up at the end
This page has sold me on the art style. It’s different but has earned my respect. It’s not as curvy and smooth as Erica, but there is detail and a clear attention to detail, props John, props.
(I know what you’re thinking: Hot damn! Some random guy on the interwebs respect! Control your excitement.)
Thanks, Chiken. I know my style is certainly not as fluid as Erica’s. She was amazing with a spontaneous energy, and it’ll take some time for me to loosen up to her level of artful assurance. Thanks again.
(and I’ll take respect from wherever I can get it.)
Then take mine, too!
It may have taken me three strips, but I really, really begin to like your style. It’s not just the details – the mood does fit.
-> Props.
You don’t have to try to be Erica, dude. You’re doing fine so far with your own style. I like your detailed backgrounds better than her sketchy/blotchy stuff, actually. *waits to be jumped by a gang of Erica fanboys* Nah, seriously, Erica did a great job. OW! NOT THE FACE….
He didn’t say it would lead to war, he said that it was a symptom of war. My guess is that he sees it as young women in a society in which no young man can be expected to be around or to be alive for a long-term relationship, so live for the day and have fun while you can.
In warrior cultures, sex role differences are often exaggerated, with men valued mainly for their fighting prowess (and sometimes their ability to work) and women for breeding little fighters. Thus, you do see a lot of flaunting of sex characteristics in dress and behavior. (You also see a degradation of the work ethic, because courage is what gets you positive attention, not diligence.) See, for example, “Albion’s Seed” by David Hackett Fischer.
I hate how, in these situations, the victims (in this case dwarves) are always expected to take it up the ass and accept their losses for the greater good while the aggressors (humans) are sort of absolved out of convenience despite their crimes again all for a “greater good”. I’m almost tempted to say, “Ally with the savage races, kill all humans (while you still can) and take back what’s rightfully yours”. Knowing my race I can say with almost full certainty that they won’t stop until you’re either dead or assimilated as second class citizens or worse.
Meh. Do unto others before they do unto you, says I.
But Hobbsian cynicism aside, are the dwarves truly blameless victims or simply the losers in a conflict for resources? In the absence of a universally acknowledged moral order, can their truly be such things as an entire nation or people as “victims?”
“can their truly be such things as an entire nation or people as “victims?””
Yes. There can be. If you look at the north american continent, for example, you can find quite a number of groups that were attacked by a hostile power for their land, were slaughtered, murdered on purpose by disease and weapon, due to no fault of their own (unless you buy “having a different skin color” being a crime)
It’s a silly argument, because history is full of such groups. Scare quotes around victim do not make your argument any less inherently ridiculous and ignorant of the entire human history.
What authority makes the land theirs? Because they were the first humans we happen to know about that lived there? Because they were the defenders in the one instance in recent memory rather than the aggressors?
Think about the question more carefully. You have this idea about right and wrong – but on what foundation does it stand? Is that foundation the same in the comic as it is in the real world?
What is someone’s “home” in practical terms? Where they live right now? Where their parents live? Where they crawled out of the primordial goo?
This is a recurrent theme in fantasy literature, and we should examine the philosophical ramifications of it more carefully.
if i had reservations about the art, john- this page has assuaged them. less painterly lines, but better volumes and details. the overlayed texture is the constant- one that i actually think you might almost be better off without.
if there’s something positive to take from the feedback so far john, i think it’s that we don’t want you to try to be erica. erica’s (gorgeous) lines sometimes sent her proportions or details askew- and yours are rock solid. more pages just like this one please.
I never had a problem with Erica’s way. Aside from the out-of-the-ordinary characters/story, her unique art style was the other “big thing” that drew me to GA.
You said proportions were sometimes “askew” and previously you used the pronoun “we”. Since your post does not represent my own viewpoint I merely wanted to exclude myself from the “we”.
“we don’t want you to try to be erica”
“erica’s…proportions or details askew”
there was no pronoun in the second sentance, the first dealt with feedback, the second was a statement of FACT. it’s a stylistic choice, and one that i happen to enjoy, but the choice to maintain rigerous control over that kind of thing is something i can also respect.
are you saying you DO want john to be more like erica?
Don’t argue guys. you two are a couple of my favorite posters. On a side note, I figured this would be a good a place as any to post this. I find that i play my MMO in all my spare time but have only attained level 83 as of yet… how the f* is everyone else in my guild already 85? GET A JOB! (distraction ftw?)
Even though there’s no “we” in the 2nd sentence if still directly relates to the first one as a clarification or ‘statement of reason’ if you will.
Also, whether you meant it or not, I still sense a hint of qualitative comparison in your statement.
Finally if John were somehow able to emulate Erica’s style to its fullness I’d certainly welcome that but since that’s an unrealistic scenario it makes for a pointless discussion.
Rather than debate/ponder what you did or didn’t mean I’d prefer to cover my ass and point out that you don’t speak on my behalf in this instance.
let me rephrase then.
if there’s something positive to take from the feedback so far john, i think it’s that we don’t want you to try to be erica.
IT IS MY OPINION THAT erica’s (gorgeous) lines sometimes sent her proportions or details askew- and yours are rock solid. more pages just like this one please.
Damn it Phil, when you first held me and my face got lost in your beard I knew that I had to have you. If I cannot then no one else will! I will skewer any man who dares lay his lips upon your rugged countenance.
From the first journal of “My Travels” by Gravedust, I knew I was hooked on the Our Dwarves Are Different content of this comic in itself. Looks like that’s caching out (is that ‘cashing’ here?) soon, but there’s always “Syr’Nj is awesome” and “In what sense is Byron a Berserker?”
Heheh, for some reason I’m thinking about how hard Bandit would have to try not to laugh at Gravedust’s faces at this meeting so far.
lovin the new art! but could we possibly get a little more elaboration on the habits of young Savasi women? you know, just to flesh out the background a little
their brazen ways are DWARFED by those of a certain unnamed main character.
What a titillating idea! We should all stay abreast of this topic! He who does not is a boob, for there are bags of fun to be had!
I’m sure Payet Breast- er, I mean, Payet BEST would be interested in such an idea.
I dunno if inviting Best back is a good idea, situations involving him tend to go tits up
Which, considering the subject at hand, might not be a bust.
Still, I’m sure they could settle it all over a couple of jugs.
Man, what a bunch of boobs!
At least they were giving tit for tat!
Best was kind of a dick, if mammary serves correctly.
I suppose it’s good that they were making the breast of things.
boobs
“It’s true you don’t see many dwarf women. Though they’re so alike in voice and appearance, they’re often mistaken for dwarf men.”
[“It’s the beard.”]
“And this has given rise to the belief that there ARE no dwarf women, and dwarves simply spring out of holes in the ground! Which is ridiculous.”
Oh man, this quote just won you about ten million sweet points.
(Plus the art ain’t too shabby either!)
Cheers, and welcome!
Cote
movie version of gimlee was a chick, why else did he go so far out of her way to spontaneously explain that dwarven women look and sound like hte men but definitely do exist?
I’m pretty sure she and legolass hooked up at the end
This page has sold me on the art style. It’s different but has earned my respect. It’s not as curvy and smooth as Erica, but there is detail and a clear attention to detail, props John, props.
(I know what you’re thinking: Hot damn! Some random guy on the interwebs respect! Control your excitement.)
Thanks, Chiken. I know my style is certainly not as fluid as Erica’s. She was amazing with a spontaneous energy, and it’ll take some time for me to loosen up to her level of artful assurance. Thanks again.
(and I’ll take respect from wherever I can get it.)
Then take mine, too!
It may have taken me three strips, but I really, really begin to like your style. It’s not just the details – the mood does fit.
-> Props.
I’ve stayed at Guilded Age for the writing, but I loved it for the art.
Erica will be missed, but I’m seriously glad you took it over, so I can continue loving the comic. :)
Hey, slightly drunk respects count too, right?
You don’t have to try to be Erica, dude. You’re doing fine so far with your own style. I like your detailed backgrounds better than her sketchy/blotchy stuff, actually. *waits to be jumped by a gang of Erica fanboys* Nah, seriously, Erica did a great job. OW! NOT THE FACE….
I have trouble understanding how brazen sexuality is going to lead to war, but I support it on general principles nonetheless.
He didn’t say it would lead to war, he said that it was a symptom of war. My guess is that he sees it as young women in a society in which no young man can be expected to be around or to be alive for a long-term relationship, so live for the day and have fun while you can.
I think he’s just a prudish old fart. He reminds me of an IRC op I know, actually…
Waitaminute! I thought all fantasy dwarves were supposed to have beards!
Maybe dwarf minus beard equals sellout?
In warrior cultures, sex role differences are often exaggerated, with men valued mainly for their fighting prowess (and sometimes their ability to work) and women for breeding little fighters. Thus, you do see a lot of flaunting of sex characteristics in dress and behavior. (You also see a degradation of the work ethic, because courage is what gets you positive attention, not diligence.) See, for example, “Albion’s Seed” by David Hackett Fischer.
Well. This Iver fellow is certainly… smooth.
Are you CERTAIN Iver is a fellow?
Gravedust turned out rather well I must say.
I hate how, in these situations, the victims (in this case dwarves) are always expected to take it up the ass and accept their losses for the greater good while the aggressors (humans) are sort of absolved out of convenience despite their crimes again all for a “greater good”. I’m almost tempted to say, “Ally with the savage races, kill all humans (while you still can) and take back what’s rightfully yours”. Knowing my race I can say with almost full certainty that they won’t stop until you’re either dead or assimilated as second class citizens or worse.
We don’t know fear or pity or remorse, and we will not stop ever until you are dead.
I liked Gravedust better when he looked South Asian in his ethnicity. But even Erica was moving away from that.
I know its schtick but i still chuckled when i read “assimilate”
Meh. Do unto others before they do unto you, says I.
But Hobbsian cynicism aside, are the dwarves truly blameless victims or simply the losers in a conflict for resources? In the absence of a universally acknowledged moral order, can their truly be such things as an entire nation or people as “victims?”
The mountains were their home, call it what you will.
“can their truly be such things as an entire nation or people as “victims?””
Yes. There can be. If you look at the north american continent, for example, you can find quite a number of groups that were attacked by a hostile power for their land, were slaughtered, murdered on purpose by disease and weapon, due to no fault of their own (unless you buy “having a different skin color” being a crime)
It’s a silly argument, because history is full of such groups. Scare quotes around victim do not make your argument any less inherently ridiculous and ignorant of the entire human history.
CAN YOU PAINT WITH ALL THE COLOURS OF THE WIIIIIND
What authority makes the land theirs? Because they were the first humans we happen to know about that lived there? Because they were the defenders in the one instance in recent memory rather than the aggressors?
Think about the question more carefully. You have this idea about right and wrong – but on what foundation does it stand? Is that foundation the same in the comic as it is in the real world?
What is someone’s “home” in practical terms? Where they live right now? Where their parents live? Where they crawled out of the primordial goo?
This is a recurrent theme in fantasy literature, and we should examine the philosophical ramifications of it more carefully.
Somehow I agree… You win the day for me…
Huh. I remember saying something on the previous page about looking forward to the quality of the art.
Following up on that now. Ahem.
“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”
On a more serious note, Dusty has an awesome kind of Gandalf-y look going on in panel 3.
The notes about the society, and how they suggest war, also fascinate me. Probably because that’s an interestingly discomforting mirror…
I also support more detail about the habits of Savasi young women. Just to make the background a bit more, you know, full-bodied.
if i had reservations about the art, john- this page has assuaged them. less painterly lines, but better volumes and details. the overlayed texture is the constant- one that i actually think you might almost be better off without.
During the creative process on John’s pages, we deemed that the textures were signature to GA, and it just wouldn’t be the same without them.
fair call. i’d figured it might be something like that. i did like how his cell’d guest page looked tho.
I love the overlayed texture. I want to know how to do it.
photoshop.
art layer. mode: darken. opacity: 90%
texture layer.
or you can do it the other way around.
Good call Phil, I like this page a lot more.
Thanks, Dojang. I’m gonna try to work on that painterly thing.
if there’s something positive to take from the feedback so far john, i think it’s that we don’t want you to try to be erica. erica’s (gorgeous) lines sometimes sent her proportions or details askew- and yours are rock solid. more pages just like this one please.
I never had a problem with Erica’s way. Aside from the out-of-the-ordinary characters/story, her unique art style was the other “big thing” that drew me to GA.
i’m not saying better or worse, just different.
You said proportions were sometimes “askew” and previously you used the pronoun “we”. Since your post does not represent my own viewpoint I merely wanted to exclude myself from the “we”.
here we go. i love being grilled.
“we don’t want you to try to be erica”
“erica’s…proportions or details askew”
there was no pronoun in the second sentance, the first dealt with feedback, the second was a statement of FACT. it’s a stylistic choice, and one that i happen to enjoy, but the choice to maintain rigerous control over that kind of thing is something i can also respect.
are you saying you DO want john to be more like erica?
Don’t argue guys. you two are a couple of my favorite posters. On a side note, I figured this would be a good a place as any to post this. I find that i play my MMO in all my spare time but have only attained level 83 as of yet… how the f* is everyone else in my guild already 85? GET A JOB! (distraction ftw?)
I’m not “grilling” you, I mean no offense.
Even though there’s no “we” in the 2nd sentence if still directly relates to the first one as a clarification or ‘statement of reason’ if you will.
Also, whether you meant it or not, I still sense a hint of qualitative comparison in your statement.
Finally if John were somehow able to emulate Erica’s style to its fullness I’d certainly welcome that but since that’s an unrealistic scenario it makes for a pointless discussion.
Rather than debate/ponder what you did or didn’t mean I’d prefer to cover my ass and point out that you don’t speak on my behalf in this instance.
let me rephrase then.
if there’s something positive to take from the feedback so far john, i think it’s that we don’t want you to try to be erica.
IT IS MY OPINION THAT erica’s (gorgeous) lines sometimes sent her proportions or details askew- and yours are rock solid. more pages just like this one please.
Gentlemen, please.
We love you both equally. We don’t play favorites. There’s no need for rivalry!
Damn it Phil, when you first held me and my face got lost in your beard I knew that I had to have you. If I cannot then no one else will! I will skewer any man who dares lay his lips upon your rugged countenance.
You have a lot of work ahead of you.
That’s why I have an extra long skewer. With it I shall create my kebab of jealousy.
Ah, now we see Gravedust’s real motivation for reclaiming his race’s ancestral homeland: so he can tell all the whippersnappers to get off his lawn.
Dwarf women, brazen in their sexuality? THIS IS THE GREATEST COMIC EVER
Seconded.
Also, testing out this Gravatar thing as ordered by Phil last page . . .
Cheers,
Cote
Hm. The Warlord certainly looks FAMILIAR. He reminds me of a celebrity, but I can’t name which…
I’m digging the new art.
“We dig dig dig dig dig dig dig all the whole day through
…we dig dig dig dig dig dig dig it’s what we like to do.”
It’s funny because this comic is about dwarves.
ah hah, i see what you did there
I don’t get it. Why is Gravedust so angry? Those pictures look so happy!
They’re not “happy”, they’re DECADENT!!1 :O
I liked this artwork way more than all the rest
Thank you, Xan.
From the first journal of “My Travels” by Gravedust, I knew I was hooked on the Our Dwarves Are Different content of this comic in itself. Looks like that’s caching out (is that ‘cashing’ here?) soon, but there’s always “Syr’Nj is awesome” and “In what sense is Byron a Berserker?”
Heheh, for some reason I’m thinking about how hard Bandit would have to try not to laugh at Gravedust’s faces at this meeting so far.
not particularly liking Gravedust’s new characterization as an idiot conservative
Gravedust is an open minded conservative. You think that is not possible? Here I am…
Liking the new style already!
All dwarves are exactly the same in every fantasy story… except this one.
Macaroni noodle pictures of the fallen ancestors?
…oh dear, the ancestral Mountainhomes are right next to Amigara Fault, aren’t they?