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"RFfiliates" The Collected Thread
- Thread starter cardero
- Start date
cardero
Citizen Mod
THE MOD SQUAD: The Next Generation Chapter 1 (Originally presented in the Religious Forums September 1st, 2008 Newsletter)
They say if you have to explain a joke, it probably isn’t funny or worth telling. The truth is worth telling and I must admit that I enjoy good commentaries to films and informative behind the scene specials. If you have a good commentator, he or she can bring a lot to the table and add an extra depth of personality and understanding to their work. But I am not doing this because I think I am a good orator but I believe that I may still have difficulties getting my message through to the comic craft. As far as am I concerned, I am still new, wet behind the ears, sharpening my teeth in this world of sequential art and storytelling.
The hardest part of the The Mod Squad; The Next Generation was ripping everyone from an earthly based community and thrusting them into a space setting and wondering what jarring effect this would have on the readers. But luckily, I found the transition easy and smooth as long as I could constantly allude to the forum format. I could change space to cyber-space and it still fits into the “RFfiliate” Universe. Inspirations include the title “the Next Generation”, which in itself conjures up a Star Trek setting. Another influence was a show called “News Radio” whose cast actually performed a whole episode in a “what if” type episode in outer space.
Another problem which always plagues me is what and how to fill eight pages monthly and end the segment in a cliffhanger. I solved some of this problem by beginning and ending (or at least trying to begin and end) each segment with a splash page. Even in today’s comics, splash pages are quite effective in starting a chapter and nothing screams “tune in next time” louder than a big ol’ cliffhanger splash page at the end of each episode thus reducing my ability to further a story within only 6 pages.
PAGE 1
The spaceship on the page is a genetic internet image (modified slightly) and RF member Rosje named it. I had to contact Sunstone to get the exact date when RF was first started and just added that to Rosje’s suggestion to name the ship the REX31504. With Sunstone's “Administrator’s Blog” (Captains Log), I am clearly setting this as a Star Trek parody.
The Angellous_Evangellous as Willie Nelson reference in the left corner harkens back to the Saturday morning Scooby-Doo Movies, where the voices and images of actual celebrities participated in helping the gang solve mysteries.
The title, “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum,” is the title of a 1966 comedy/musical film. Using (variations of) movie titles as chapter titles would be a monthly occurrence.
They say if you have to explain a joke, it probably isn’t funny or worth telling. The truth is worth telling and I must admit that I enjoy good commentaries to films and informative behind the scene specials. If you have a good commentator, he or she can bring a lot to the table and add an extra depth of personality and understanding to their work. But I am not doing this because I think I am a good orator but I believe that I may still have difficulties getting my message through to the comic craft. As far as am I concerned, I am still new, wet behind the ears, sharpening my teeth in this world of sequential art and storytelling.
The hardest part of the The Mod Squad; The Next Generation was ripping everyone from an earthly based community and thrusting them into a space setting and wondering what jarring effect this would have on the readers. But luckily, I found the transition easy and smooth as long as I could constantly allude to the forum format. I could change space to cyber-space and it still fits into the “RFfiliate” Universe. Inspirations include the title “the Next Generation”, which in itself conjures up a Star Trek setting. Another influence was a show called “News Radio” whose cast actually performed a whole episode in a “what if” type episode in outer space.
Another problem which always plagues me is what and how to fill eight pages monthly and end the segment in a cliffhanger. I solved some of this problem by beginning and ending (or at least trying to begin and end) each segment with a splash page. Even in today’s comics, splash pages are quite effective in starting a chapter and nothing screams “tune in next time” louder than a big ol’ cliffhanger splash page at the end of each episode thus reducing my ability to further a story within only 6 pages.
PAGE 1
The spaceship on the page is a genetic internet image (modified slightly) and RF member Rosje named it. I had to contact Sunstone to get the exact date when RF was first started and just added that to Rosje’s suggestion to name the ship the REX31504. With Sunstone's “Administrator’s Blog” (Captains Log), I am clearly setting this as a Star Trek parody.
The Angellous_Evangellous as Willie Nelson reference in the left corner harkens back to the Saturday morning Scooby-Doo Movies, where the voices and images of actual celebrities participated in helping the gang solve mysteries.
The title, “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum,” is the title of a 1966 comedy/musical film. Using (variations of) movie titles as chapter titles would be a monthly occurrence.
Last edited:
cardero
Citizen Mod
PAGE 2
Page 2 was something that I wanted to incorporate more into this season but never had enough time to do so. I wanted to get away from last year’s comic page structure and explore different page layouts (like the black background with the stars in it) but story telling and time constrictions prevented me from experimenting.
The main thrust of Chapter 1 is to introduce readers to the new format and to ease them into the new setting. It also sets up the “Sunstone stepping down from Administration” plot thread. I wanted to show that this was not going to be anything like last year’s story but I wanted to insure readers and members that I didn’t forget about them. It’s a “day-in the-life” slice on the REX31504.
Keep in mind that this is the first time mrscardero was working in this capacity and she really did a great job on these first two pages. It really is not uncommon in the comic book field for artists and writers who have husband and wives helping them in some part of the creation process. I enjoy working with mrscardero on this. She is thoughtful, has a good design sense and a willingness to spend time on the artwork. Originally she was to ink over my pencils but time and insecurities prevented this but she’s very meticulous about this computer work and shares the same eagerness to learn and grow as I do. She did the computer black background with the stars. I will try to bring mrscardero in sometime to share some of her memories on these commentaries.
Page 2 also introduces us to the new administration that is replacing Sunstone and yes, it was intentional for me to draw Sunstone staring at MysticSangHa’s breasts.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST: PAGE 2
Panel 1: Mister_T, Sunstone
Panel 2,3: Robtex, in full Spock regalia (admit it, you would have made the same drawing decision).
Panel 4: Scuba Pete, MysticSang’Ha’s leg
Panel 5: Sunstone, MysticSang’Ha
PAGE 3:
Seyorni returns as his Ghandi avatar and I introduce Moderator Wandered Off for the first time. It was interesting fitting a TV set to a human body and I did some research on Star Trek outfits and Wandered Off is sporting a uniform from The Next Generation series. It was a no-brainer for Seyorni to be the REX31504’s doctor but I wanted to show that he was approachable for almost any instance, even if it was to install cable to Wandered Off.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST: PAGE 3
Panel 1: Sunstone
Panel 2: Sunstone, MysticSang’Ha
Panel 3-6: Seyorni and Wandered Off
PAGE 4:
Mr. Emu (a fan favorite from the Proselytizer storyline) returns as moderator sporting his stylish Dwayne Wayne flip top sun glasses. I cemented his catch phrase of reporting new members to the Members Introduction thread because I like to keep Mr. Emu official. He’s been a moderator in good standing for many years and most of that is due to his friendly personality and professionalism. If Mr. Emu was to be compared to a TV character, I would say that Mr. Emu is RF’s "Radar".
I gave Father Heathen an origin introduction and enjoyed drawing his avatar (I always been meaning to ask him about the story behind it.)
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST: PAGE 4
Panel 1-4: Mr. Emu, Father Heathen
Panel 6: Mr. Emu, Lunamoth
Panel 7: Quagmire
Page 2 was something that I wanted to incorporate more into this season but never had enough time to do so. I wanted to get away from last year’s comic page structure and explore different page layouts (like the black background with the stars in it) but story telling and time constrictions prevented me from experimenting.
The main thrust of Chapter 1 is to introduce readers to the new format and to ease them into the new setting. It also sets up the “Sunstone stepping down from Administration” plot thread. I wanted to show that this was not going to be anything like last year’s story but I wanted to insure readers and members that I didn’t forget about them. It’s a “day-in the-life” slice on the REX31504.
Keep in mind that this is the first time mrscardero was working in this capacity and she really did a great job on these first two pages. It really is not uncommon in the comic book field for artists and writers who have husband and wives helping them in some part of the creation process. I enjoy working with mrscardero on this. She is thoughtful, has a good design sense and a willingness to spend time on the artwork. Originally she was to ink over my pencils but time and insecurities prevented this but she’s very meticulous about this computer work and shares the same eagerness to learn and grow as I do. She did the computer black background with the stars. I will try to bring mrscardero in sometime to share some of her memories on these commentaries.
Page 2 also introduces us to the new administration that is replacing Sunstone and yes, it was intentional for me to draw Sunstone staring at MysticSangHa’s breasts.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST: PAGE 2
Panel 1: Mister_T, Sunstone
Panel 2,3: Robtex, in full Spock regalia (admit it, you would have made the same drawing decision).
Panel 4: Scuba Pete, MysticSang’Ha’s leg
Panel 5: Sunstone, MysticSang’Ha
PAGE 3:
Seyorni returns as his Ghandi avatar and I introduce Moderator Wandered Off for the first time. It was interesting fitting a TV set to a human body and I did some research on Star Trek outfits and Wandered Off is sporting a uniform from The Next Generation series. It was a no-brainer for Seyorni to be the REX31504’s doctor but I wanted to show that he was approachable for almost any instance, even if it was to install cable to Wandered Off.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST: PAGE 3
Panel 1: Sunstone
Panel 2: Sunstone, MysticSang’Ha
Panel 3-6: Seyorni and Wandered Off
PAGE 4:
Mr. Emu (a fan favorite from the Proselytizer storyline) returns as moderator sporting his stylish Dwayne Wayne flip top sun glasses. I cemented his catch phrase of reporting new members to the Members Introduction thread because I like to keep Mr. Emu official. He’s been a moderator in good standing for many years and most of that is due to his friendly personality and professionalism. If Mr. Emu was to be compared to a TV character, I would say that Mr. Emu is RF’s "Radar".
I gave Father Heathen an origin introduction and enjoyed drawing his avatar (I always been meaning to ask him about the story behind it.)
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST: PAGE 4
Panel 1-4: Mr. Emu, Father Heathen
Panel 6: Mr. Emu, Lunamoth
Panel 7: Quagmire
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cardero
Citizen Mod
PAGE 5:
I admit, I was at a loss about how to introduce Quagmire. He had been a long time RF member but there was still much I did not know about him personally so I had to concentrate more on the qualities of his Jabba The Hut avatar. The idea of having to share the close quarters of an elevator with Jabba The Hut would be unappealing to even the most polite RF members.
The Engineering room with Captain Xeroid and Engyo was my attempt at doing backgrounds and trying to establish a futuristic setting. Most of the props in this scene were referenced from Star Trek specs. My attention to detail and my use of perspective is flawed (something that I would really like to work on in future installments). Sometimes I only have time enough to just describe the story that I forget that a comic artist also has to be both an architect and a mechanical artist as well.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST: PAGE 5
Panel 5: Mr. Emu, Captain Xeroid, Engyo
PAGE 6:
I introduced Angellous closing a thread, doing a skit with ChristineES (who is also a tremendous Star Trek fan). Since Angellous sometimes sports Willie Nelson songs in his responses, I tried to relate that aspect to his character. The Angellous of the “RFfiliate” universe wouldn’t think twice about breaking into song to accompany any situation. This would also be a reoccurring joke. These lyrics (if you haven’t already guessed) are from a Willie Nelson song called “Across The Borderline.” I had to review many songs before deciding on the right one and I would realize that Willie Nelson does indeed have a song for every occasion.
PAGE 7:
Once the introductory scenes were established it was time to introduce the conflict. Bishop Price and Cardinal McCleary were original characters but I did research references for costumes. When Sunstone asks Nanda to put the incoming transmissions on the “hex screen” it is a reference to the viewing screen on Mystery Science Theater 3000’s Satellite Of Love.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST: PAGE 7
Panel 1: Logican, Mister_T, Sunstone, Moonwater, Nanda
Panel 2: Sunstone
Panel 3: Scuba Pete, Mister_T, Sunstone, Nanda
Panel 4: Nanda, Sunstone
Panel 5: TOP: Bishop Price, Cardinal McCleary
BOTTOM: Nanda, Sunstone, Mister_T, Logican, Scuba Pete
PAGE 8:
Mrscardero drew the Mormulon and Decatholon spaceships and did most of the design on this page. The decision to use temples and cathedrals as transportation vessels seemed very natural. The Rex31504 is the same Rex31504 on page six shrunken and reversed. These were some of the shortcuts we discovered when we realized that we were completely out of our artistic league. I think the REX31504 being dwarfed by two religious star ships is an effective cliff-hanger.
I admit, I was at a loss about how to introduce Quagmire. He had been a long time RF member but there was still much I did not know about him personally so I had to concentrate more on the qualities of his Jabba The Hut avatar. The idea of having to share the close quarters of an elevator with Jabba The Hut would be unappealing to even the most polite RF members.
The Engineering room with Captain Xeroid and Engyo was my attempt at doing backgrounds and trying to establish a futuristic setting. Most of the props in this scene were referenced from Star Trek specs. My attention to detail and my use of perspective is flawed (something that I would really like to work on in future installments). Sometimes I only have time enough to just describe the story that I forget that a comic artist also has to be both an architect and a mechanical artist as well.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST: PAGE 5
Panel 5: Mr. Emu, Captain Xeroid, Engyo
PAGE 6:
I introduced Angellous closing a thread, doing a skit with ChristineES (who is also a tremendous Star Trek fan). Since Angellous sometimes sports Willie Nelson songs in his responses, I tried to relate that aspect to his character. The Angellous of the “RFfiliate” universe wouldn’t think twice about breaking into song to accompany any situation. This would also be a reoccurring joke. These lyrics (if you haven’t already guessed) are from a Willie Nelson song called “Across The Borderline.” I had to review many songs before deciding on the right one and I would realize that Willie Nelson does indeed have a song for every occasion.
PAGE 7:
Once the introductory scenes were established it was time to introduce the conflict. Bishop Price and Cardinal McCleary were original characters but I did research references for costumes. When Sunstone asks Nanda to put the incoming transmissions on the “hex screen” it is a reference to the viewing screen on Mystery Science Theater 3000’s Satellite Of Love.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST: PAGE 7
Panel 1: Logican, Mister_T, Sunstone, Moonwater, Nanda
Panel 2: Sunstone
Panel 3: Scuba Pete, Mister_T, Sunstone, Nanda
Panel 4: Nanda, Sunstone
Panel 5: TOP: Bishop Price, Cardinal McCleary
BOTTOM: Nanda, Sunstone, Mister_T, Logican, Scuba Pete
PAGE 8:
Mrscardero drew the Mormulon and Decatholon spaceships and did most of the design on this page. The decision to use temples and cathedrals as transportation vessels seemed very natural. The Rex31504 is the same Rex31504 on page six shrunken and reversed. These were some of the shortcuts we discovered when we realized that we were completely out of our artistic league. I think the REX31504 being dwarfed by two religious star ships is an effective cliff-hanger.
Last edited:
mrscardero
Kal-El's Mama
Now that I have Photoshop CS3, I try to give the recent comics a little touch. I am still learning.
mrscardero
Kal-El's Mama
cardero's giving me a raise!
Renji
Well-Known Member
"RFfiliates" Strip No. 1 (Originally presented in the Religious Forums July 27 Newsletter)
Frubals to the first person who can identify all the current RF members
Now, is that a woman who talks to the animals and to the "no avatar"? If it is, I think it has resemblance of the Mystic. If it's a man, I think he's more like Mr. Cardero???!.,
cardero
Citizen Mod
That is RF member Michel and his avatar is "The Fool" from the Tarot Deck. Michel was not only a co-creator of the "RFfiliates" but he was an Administrator at the time and I thought it was appropriate that he'd be featured in the first strip as well as show "newbie" member No Avatar Selected around the forum.Now, is that a woman who talks to the animals and to the "no avatar"? If it is, I think it has resemblance of the Mystic. If it's a man, I think he's more like Mr. Cardero???!.,
mrscardero
Kal-El's Mama
I remember that. That was so long ago. You've improved with your drawing of the characters by the way. :flirt:
Now where's my pay! You owe me for all the hours I put in at work and home. Now let's see....that will be....3 years no rent!
cardero
Citizen Mod
THE MOD SQUAD: The Next Generation Chapter 2 (Originally presented in the Religious Forums October 2008 Newsletter)
PAGE 9
(Splash Page)
As I was researching photos to depict the Mormulons and the Decatholons I realized just how strange or alien these sects could be and how easily they would fit into this genre (See Figures 1 & 2 for the inspiration to Elder Snow and Elder Pratt.). I added ridges to the Mormulons foreheads to give them a more alien appearance. The smiles (from the pictures I researched) seem genuine and never come off. The contrast in costuming from the Mormulons to the Decatholons also lends to the fact that we are dealing with two different organizations.
I had a little difficulty with character placement and placing the speech balloons even with the unspoken agreement between artist and reader to read left-right, up-down.
PAGE 10
Panel 1
I enjoyed using Deepshadow and Scott1 and it seemed reasonable to include them in a discussion of this magnitude. One or both of them of them have been nominated as RF ambassadors (these are members who are upstanding and knowledgeable representatives of their religion). Though Deepshadow has kept the dog avatar for some time, Scott1 never offered me the opportunity to use him in a RFfiliate strip. I wanted to take advantage of his new Peter Griffin priest quickly.
Panel 4
Once Upon An Avatar
There is an interesting story that I would like to share concerning the rendering of The Mod Squad strip and one of Midnightblues avatars.
Deciding what offense to attach to Midnightblues avatars was difficult and required a suspension of belief and a stretch of the imagination. The only avatar that had a terrorizing quality was his Batman and Robin riding a missile avatar. I would use this example against the Decatholons, there was only one problem; I didnt have an image of this avatar and an internet image search proved fruitless and the availability of this image seemed non-existent. I assigned four people to do a search for this image and I even PMed Mike182, who sported a similar avatar, about where I might be able to find this image. Midnightblue was on hiatus at the time and I think I had even e-mailed him. I could never find the image so I had to draw a 6-6 black and white image from memory on a separate piece of paper and shrink it to fit the diagram that Cardinal McCleary is holding in the fourth panel.
Panel 5
Panda is sporting his Kung-Fu Panda avatar. Panda has since changed his avatar to a Panda image similar to the one that RF member Buttons used but for the sake of clarity I had to stay with the Kung-fu Panda avatar.
Panel 7
That is an actual webpage image of RF on Cardinal McClearlys laptop. Mrscardero did a nice job manipulating the size so that it could be recognizable.
PAGE 11
Panels 1-6: Don Penguinoini is sort of an original creation and an evolution from last years appearance (see Figure 3). It is a combination of Marlon Brando (Figure 4) from The Godfather and a penguin. I tried to keep his youthful innocence and curiosity intact. I enjoyed this scene because it is a humorous break from the exposition that is going on in the Moderators meeting. The extra level of comedy comes from Gentoo who because of her current moderator duty status prevents her from attending the conference. Though she would eventually learn what would be going on behind those closed doors, she chooses to cave in and agree that Don Penguinoini has a pretty good idea for eavesdropping and is willing to participate in his wrong doing.
PAGE 12
Panel 1
Again, when it was Bishop Prices turn to express his evidence, I needed an imaginative offense that would give me reason to further the story.
Panel 2
I establish that Administrator Sunstone may seem to be a bit clueless about the historical changes in members avatars and must rely on the sharp insightful memory of Mr. Emu to remind him.
Panel 6
I enjoy reading comics where one can learn something new or comics that can teach an established understanding to a reader. So for those that werent familiar that there are requirements needed to attend a Mormulon Temple, now you know.
PAGE 13
Panel 1-6
The basic premise of this scene is an example of the telephone (parrot) game gone completely awry and is where most of the episodes chapter title comes in. The capper to this pages joke is when The Voice Of Reason and Jayhawker Soule arrive late and are wondering what is going on. The reader is left to wonder that since the rumors are circulating free and fast (and incorrectly) one must wonder what explanation is eventually going to reach these two RF members.
In hindsight, (without getting to melodramatic) I cannot help wonder that with the religions that are represented, the examples that I used (see Page 10-panel 8, Page 12-Panel 1 and 6, Page 13-3,4), coupled with using RF member Midnightblue as the protagonist, that some people may have thought that this was a personal podium for my views on Proposition 8. Nothing could be farther from the truth (in the summer of 2008 at the time of this storys creation, I didnt even know what a Proposition 8 was). The central theme of this story (besides acknowledging Administrator Sunstones last mission and retirement) is about identity theft. Midnightblue was considered carefully because I had noticed that he was a shape-shifter (a member who changed his avatar often). The story really has nothing to do with the relationship of religion and Midnightblues belief status or lifestyle.
**BLOOPER: On Page 5 (panel 5), depending on how late Zippythepinhead has joined the crowd in this scene, Zippy would have truly, single-handedly been able to put a stop to that telephone line and correct any rumors to the qualification of Mormulon Temple marriages and ceremonies.
(to be continued)
PAGE 9
(Splash Page)
As I was researching photos to depict the Mormulons and the Decatholons I realized just how strange or alien these sects could be and how easily they would fit into this genre (See Figures 1 & 2 for the inspiration to Elder Snow and Elder Pratt.). I added ridges to the Mormulons foreheads to give them a more alien appearance. The smiles (from the pictures I researched) seem genuine and never come off. The contrast in costuming from the Mormulons to the Decatholons also lends to the fact that we are dealing with two different organizations.
I had a little difficulty with character placement and placing the speech balloons even with the unspoken agreement between artist and reader to read left-right, up-down.
PAGE 10
Panel 1
I enjoyed using Deepshadow and Scott1 and it seemed reasonable to include them in a discussion of this magnitude. One or both of them of them have been nominated as RF ambassadors (these are members who are upstanding and knowledgeable representatives of their religion). Though Deepshadow has kept the dog avatar for some time, Scott1 never offered me the opportunity to use him in a RFfiliate strip. I wanted to take advantage of his new Peter Griffin priest quickly.
Panel 4
Once Upon An Avatar
There is an interesting story that I would like to share concerning the rendering of The Mod Squad strip and one of Midnightblues avatars.
Deciding what offense to attach to Midnightblues avatars was difficult and required a suspension of belief and a stretch of the imagination. The only avatar that had a terrorizing quality was his Batman and Robin riding a missile avatar. I would use this example against the Decatholons, there was only one problem; I didnt have an image of this avatar and an internet image search proved fruitless and the availability of this image seemed non-existent. I assigned four people to do a search for this image and I even PMed Mike182, who sported a similar avatar, about where I might be able to find this image. Midnightblue was on hiatus at the time and I think I had even e-mailed him. I could never find the image so I had to draw a 6-6 black and white image from memory on a separate piece of paper and shrink it to fit the diagram that Cardinal McCleary is holding in the fourth panel.
Panel 5
Panda is sporting his Kung-Fu Panda avatar. Panda has since changed his avatar to a Panda image similar to the one that RF member Buttons used but for the sake of clarity I had to stay with the Kung-fu Panda avatar.
Panel 7
That is an actual webpage image of RF on Cardinal McClearlys laptop. Mrscardero did a nice job manipulating the size so that it could be recognizable.
PAGE 11
Panels 1-6: Don Penguinoini is sort of an original creation and an evolution from last years appearance (see Figure 3). It is a combination of Marlon Brando (Figure 4) from The Godfather and a penguin. I tried to keep his youthful innocence and curiosity intact. I enjoyed this scene because it is a humorous break from the exposition that is going on in the Moderators meeting. The extra level of comedy comes from Gentoo who because of her current moderator duty status prevents her from attending the conference. Though she would eventually learn what would be going on behind those closed doors, she chooses to cave in and agree that Don Penguinoini has a pretty good idea for eavesdropping and is willing to participate in his wrong doing.
PAGE 12
Panel 1
Again, when it was Bishop Prices turn to express his evidence, I needed an imaginative offense that would give me reason to further the story.
Panel 2
I establish that Administrator Sunstone may seem to be a bit clueless about the historical changes in members avatars and must rely on the sharp insightful memory of Mr. Emu to remind him.
Panel 6
I enjoy reading comics where one can learn something new or comics that can teach an established understanding to a reader. So for those that werent familiar that there are requirements needed to attend a Mormulon Temple, now you know.
PAGE 13
Panel 1-6
The basic premise of this scene is an example of the telephone (parrot) game gone completely awry and is where most of the episodes chapter title comes in. The capper to this pages joke is when The Voice Of Reason and Jayhawker Soule arrive late and are wondering what is going on. The reader is left to wonder that since the rumors are circulating free and fast (and incorrectly) one must wonder what explanation is eventually going to reach these two RF members.
In hindsight, (without getting to melodramatic) I cannot help wonder that with the religions that are represented, the examples that I used (see Page 10-panel 8, Page 12-Panel 1 and 6, Page 13-3,4), coupled with using RF member Midnightblue as the protagonist, that some people may have thought that this was a personal podium for my views on Proposition 8. Nothing could be farther from the truth (in the summer of 2008 at the time of this storys creation, I didnt even know what a Proposition 8 was). The central theme of this story (besides acknowledging Administrator Sunstones last mission and retirement) is about identity theft. Midnightblue was considered carefully because I had noticed that he was a shape-shifter (a member who changed his avatar often). The story really has nothing to do with the relationship of religion and Midnightblues belief status or lifestyle.
**BLOOPER: On Page 5 (panel 5), depending on how late Zippythepinhead has joined the crowd in this scene, Zippy would have truly, single-handedly been able to put a stop to that telephone line and correct any rumors to the qualification of Mormulon Temple marriages and ceremonies.
(to be continued)
Last edited by a moderator:
cardero
Citizen Mod
PAGE 16
I thought it was considerate that Midnightblue brought back presents for everyone. With MS Paint, mrscardero meticulously put the many number of lines in Midnightblue’s eyeglasses to make them look like shades. Months later she would discover the joy and convenience of Photoshop. Every gun that is pointed at Midnightblue is a rendition of a classic weapon used in a established science fiction show or movie.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 1
Panel 1-Elder Pratt, Bishop Price, Elder Snow, Sunstone, Un-named Priest Twins, Cardinal McCleary
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 2
Panel 1- Deepshadow, Sunstone, Scott1, Cardinal McCleary, Bishop Price
Panel 2-Sunstone, Scott1, Cardinal McCleary
Panel 3-9/10ths Penguin, Cardinal McCleary
Panel 4-MidnightBlue, Cardinal McCleary
Panel 5-9/10ths Penguin, Panda, Nanda, Mr. Emu
Panel 6-Cardinal McCleary, MysticSang’Ha, Panda
Panel 7-Cardinal McCleary
Panel 8- Cardinal McCleary, Scott1
Panel 9- Cardinal McCleary, Bishop Price
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 3
Panel 1-5-Gentoo and Don Penguino
Panel 6-8-Sandy Whitelinger (or Soyleche or s2A or Jose Fly), StephenW, Gentoo, Don Penguino
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 4
Panel 1-MidnightBlue, Bishop Price
Panel 2-Sunstone, Mr. Emu
Panel 3-Panda
Panel 4-9/10ths Penguin, Panda
Panel 5-Panda, Nanda
Panel 6-Deepshadow, Bishop Price
Panel 7-Sunstone
Panel 8-Bishop Price
Panel 9-Mystic Sang’Ha, Nanda
Panel 10- Cardinal McCleary, Bishop Price
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 5
Panel 1-StephenW, Gentoo
Panel 2- Jeremy Mason, Charity (or DallasApple), X+hautsed
Panel 3-Poisonshady, Storm, Hope
Panel 4-Whereismynotecard, Darkenedless, LukeWolf
Panel 5-Voice Of Reason, (background)Whereismynotecard, Darkenedless, LukeWolf, BouncingBall (sorry), JayhawkerSoule, JeremyMason, Halcyon, (background)MARO, Zippythepinhead **, Poisonshady, Hope, YmirGF, RF member Ralph C.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 6
Panel 1-Sunstone, Bishop Price
Panel 2- Cardinal McCleary, Sunstone
Panel 3-Sunstone
Panel 4-6-Sunstone and Mr Emu
Panel 7,8- Un-named Priest Twins, Cardinal McCleary, all the people who were listening from outside, Sunstone, Bishop Price
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 7
Panel 1-3-Guitar’s Cry, Gentoo
Panel 4,5-Guitar’s Cry and Master Vigil
Panel 6-StaceyBoBacey, Sunstone
Panel 7,8-MidnightBlue
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 8
Panel 1- MidnightBlue
cardero
Citizen Mod
PAGE 17
This was the chapter where I started to hit my stride. After the warm up of the two previous chapters, I realized that I was committed to the series and that there was no turning back. There was much exposition and a few laughs in the last two installments that I thought it would be nice to experiment with and introduce some drama.
Many of the layouts to this chapter were determined many months earlier and some pages and panels had a great deal of time spent from the initial design to the final pencils.
Panel 1
I divided the splash page into three long panels to give the reader the point of view that they were looking through a jail cell. Though the perspective is off, I tried to make up for it in atmosphere and give the impression of despair.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 17
Panel 1- MidnightBlue
PAGE 18
Panel 1-I wanted the administration to keep MidnightBlue informed and I used Tomspug to stand guard. Even though the comic is titled the Mod Squad, it is still an RFfiliates production. I always prefer to keep non-staff members busy and visible.
Panel 2-If you notice in the background on the wall there are a few remnants from past prisoners. All the major religions seem to be represented and its good to know that the debates dont stop even when RF members are thrown in jail.
Panel 5-I researched a real life picture of a mother hugging her child to get the right proportions. The scene touched me a bit and as mrscardero mentioned before, it brought tears to her eyes when she was doing post-production.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 18
Panel 1- Mystic SangHa, Tomspug
Panel 2-5- Mystic SangHa, MidnightBlue
PAGE 19
The decision to put pictures in WanderedOffs TV headset came about from the fact that we have been watching his snowy reception avatar for many years now. I figured that even though his avatar is a still picture, the RFfiliates WanderedOff character would have an array of broadcasted emotions. Pairing these scenes up with the right circumstance is always a fun challenge. The scenes depicted between the Moderators and the guests was not an indication that all Christian denominations are difficult, just that people can be particular.
The different scenes on WanderedOffs T.V. headset have already been discussed in the
RFfiliates Discussion Thread. I include the link here for anyone who is interested about Whats On T.V.
http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/1341075-post45.html
With panels 3 and 4, I thought it would be interesting to experiment drawing Nandas Lola character from a different angle.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 19
Panel 1- Bishop Price, Nanda, WanderedOff, Elder Pratt, Elder Snow
Panel 2-WanderedOff, Elder Snow
Panel 3,4- Nanda, WanderedOff
Panel 5-Nanda, Cardinal McCleary, Un-Named Priest Twins, WanderedOff
Panel 6-Elder Pratt, Bishop Price, Elder Snow
Panel 7-Nanda, Cardinal McCleary, Un-Named Priest Twins, Elder Pratt
PAGE 20
This page was important in introducing that something was amiss aboard the Rex31504 and I needed to introduce this problem swiftly with the schedule I was keeping. Six, eight page chapters a season is very constricting and it is a very difficult deciding between what the audience needs to see and what I would like to draw.
At the time, Circle_One was sporting an eye avatar and I really didnt know how to incorporate that image into a comic without having to draw her whole figure anyway. I searched all 208 Post Your Pic pages to find suitable pictures before sketching model sheets of her. She was basically reduced to her more recognizable features; like the swash of hair that covers her face, the clothes that she wears and her bre-er, belly button.
Panel 4,5-The relationship between Tashans chimpanzee Cheetah and Circle_One was supposed to be subtle as well as important. When Tashan explains that Cheetahs affections for other people were uncommon, I needed to quickly contrast this with the events of page 22. I was kind of concerned that this scene would not play well and that readers would not understand why Cheetah would later cowered in fear of Circle_One.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 20
Panels 1-5- Cheetah, Tashan, Circle_One and Elder Price
Panels 6-8- Cheetah, Tashan, Circle_One NoahideHiker and Elder Price
PAGE 21
Panel 3-6-I realized that the Elder Pratt imposter needed at least four panels to give the reader the impression of morphing. I bookended a before and after image of the character and used my imagination for the two panels in between. It is difficult to convey someone changing into another character in comics but I had a lot of fun figuring out the different steps and just added the squiggles to indicate movement.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 21
Panel 1-Elder Price, Circle_One, NoahideHiker
Panels 2-6-Elder Price morphing into Circle_One
Panels 7,8-Elder Price/Circle_One
Panel 9-Elder Price/Circle_One, Mestemia
PAGE 22
Panels 1-8
I tried to drop clues to the reader that alluded to the fact that MidnightBlue was wrongly accused and that there was something else going on. Animals have a keen sense and I wanted to indicate that even though the members couldnt recognize the Circle_One imposter, Cheetah could. Also it helps that I put Circle_One completely out of character based on what I know of her real life personality.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 22
Panels 1-8- Cheetah, Tashan, Circle_One and Mestemia
cardero
Citizen Mod
PAGE 23
Panel 1
It is no surprise to RFs sci-fi members why Quagmire has Princess Leia chained to him but it was necessary and fun to bring out other aspects of his RF avatar ..
Panel 2
.if just to incorporate dialogue like this.
Panel 3
I always wondered what would happen if two RF members with the same avatar met in the RFfiliate universe.
Panel 6-8
Instead of drawing several panels of MidnightBlue giving his speech, I thought it would be natural to go around the courtroom, show off some of our fellow RFers and create the perspective of how others were taking all of this. I reviewed MidnightBlues profile to get a better understanding of him and how he would deliver his speech.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 23
Panel 1,2- Quagmire, MidnightBlue
Panel 3- Lilithu, MidnightBlue
Panel 4- (From Left To Right) Hema, BalanceFx, MidnightBlue, Judge Sunstone, ???? Baliff, ?????, Deepshadow
Panel 5- MidnightBlue, Judge Sunstone
Panel 6- Hema, Williamena
Panel 7- Katzpur, TurkeyOnRye
Panel 8- Bishop Price, Cardinal McCleary
Panel 9- JayHawkerSoule, Sojourner
PAGE 24
A nice moment between Sunston and Midnightblue.
Then after I drew it, I regretted that I could not be more sympathetic to MidnightBlues fate because I couldnt get passed the goofiness of Sunstone wearing a powdered wig.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 24
Panel 1- Sunstone, MidnightBlue
cardero
Citizen Mod
PAGE 25
Normally I start each monthly segment of The Mod Squad with a splash page but since there was a lot of information I just thought that this would be a continuation of Chapter 3. I should have included it and later I will explain why and whatever happened to that lost splash page.
PANEL 5
Angellous is singing Willie Nelsons He Was A Friend Of Mine
PANEL 7
Panel 7 is an re-enactment of the last supper or in MidnightBlue's case "The Last Breakfast/Debate/Discussion".
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 25
Panel 1- Sunstone, MidnightBlue (great grandfather avatar), Dirty Penguin
Panel 2- MidnightBlue, jonny, troublemane
Panel 3,4- MidnightBlue, Ulraviolet
Panel 5- Angellous Evangellous, MidnightBlue
Panel 6- (front row) Cardinal McCleary, Bishop Price, (back row) Elder Snow, the Un-named priest twins)
Panel 7-Jayhawker Soule, Shadow Wolf, UnityNow101, 9/10s Penguin, Master Vigil, Mr. Spinkles, MidnightBlue, Father Heathen, Doppleganger, ScubaPete, The Voice Of Reason, No*s, Seyorni
PAGE 26
PANEL 2
The box of Hamdingers on the floor is a reference to Mystery Science Theater 3000. On the show Joel Robinson (Joel Hodgsen) finds a box of Hamdingers and is able to escape the Satellite of Love in a shuttle that is located in a box of Hamdingers.
PANEL 5
I decided to use the real image of MidnightBlue as a reflective metaphor to the story. The reality of MidnightBlues situation has settled in and I wanted to give an appearance of a tired and defeated MidnightBlue who was bravely decided to use his real appearance to enter this new chapter of his life.
PANEL 6
Im glad that Apex posted a couple of pictures of himself in the Post Your Pic thread because I really did not know how to approach his character through his avatar. That is the good thing about using RF members for the strip. If I cannot directly use the avatar, I can approach the character from their real life likeness. For this particular story, Apex is the Rex31504s go-to shuttle pilot.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 26
Panel 1-5 Sunstone, MidnightBlue
Panel 6- MidnightBlue, Apex, Sunstone
Panel 7,8 Sunstone, MidnightBlue
Panel 9-Sunstone, Apex
The Lost Splash Page
I was supposed to use a splash page after page 26 which included the Rex31504s shuttle speeding off with MidnightBlue looking off into the distance. I was even supposed to title the chapter but I did not really have enough time to fit this in. I did not include enough information or scenes that Sunstone, Apex and Midnightblue were leaving the Rex31504 to go to the Village Of The Banned. The missing establishing shots are important if a comic creator does not want to lose their audience. The only reference I have to a change of scenery is a vague image in page 26 panel 6 of a planet that they are approaching and panel 7 where the shuttle is landing on what appears to be a desert area. This should have been clearly indicated to the reader through the sequence of drawings but in hindsight, I felt that I could have depicted this better.
PAGE 27
PANEL 1
MysticSangHa posted some reference thread in the Games/ Pics/Jokes/Stories forum about TV clichés. One of the examples was that in order for the audience to know that a TV character was buying or carrying groceries there would always be a loaf of French bread sticking out the bag. I had just finished this drawing when I stumbled upon her thread and I had to laugh because its true for comics as well.
PANEL 2
I felt bad about leaving readers with the excuse that Circle_One was on a diet ..which is why I originated the rumor with Draka. Sorry Draka, I owe you one.
PANEL 5
I love how Circle_One is not the least bit concerned or curious that there is something else impersonating her and that she is strictly cool and laid back with the fact that there exists another Circle_One ..
PANEL 6
.And that Bauhaus Peter Murphy doesnt rate high enough to divert her attention.
PANEL 8
The imposter must have done its homework to realize that it would take a high profile celebrity like David Bowie to fool her.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 27
Panel 1-Ringer, Circle_One Imposter
Panel 2- mball1297, Ringer
Panel 3-9- Circle_One Imposter, Circle_One
PAGE 28
PANELS 1-5
The confusion of the imposter on where to hide the unconscious Circle_One was a way to remind and ground readers that this was still a story about the forum.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 28
Panel 1-4 Circle_One Imposter, Unconscious Circle_One
Panel 5,6- Circle_One Imposter
cardero
Citizen Mod
PAGE 29
PANELS 2-6
In last months commentary, I explained the decisions that went into drawing the morphing process. Since I knew I had to start with an image of Circle_One and end up with Sunstone, I first drew these images in their appropriate panels and contemplated what would come in the middle and how to make the transition fluent. I had fattened up the Circle_One Imposter and shortened its hair and squared the nose. Briefly guesstimating what the next frame was going to be, I looked at the final Captain Sunstone picture and realized that there was no else to go but to draw an image resembling Petes Dragon. Mrscardero and I would be laughing for days.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 29
Panel 1-6 Circle_One Imposter morphing into Captain Sunstone Imposter
PAGE 30
This whole sequence of Sunstone walking in on his doppelganger romancing MissTiffinyLatex was really the catalyst for the idea to start another Mod Squad season, to put the members out in cyberspace and to make it a Star Trek parody. Its funny how these things originate and materialize.
PANEL 2
I tried (I really did) but I couldnt draw Sunstone any lower.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 30
Panel 1-Apex, Sunstone, Texan1
Panel 2-Texan1, Sunstone
Panel 3-5-Sunstone
Panel 6-MissTiffanyLatex, Sunstone Imposter
Panel 7-Sunstone Imposter, Sunstone, MissTiffanyLatex
PAGE 31
PANELS 1-8
This was a guilty pleasure of mine and also a chance to experiment with time and the different stages of Sunstones emotions as he fully realizes what is going on.
Panel 1-embarrassment
Panel 2-shock
Panel 3-dumbfoundedness
Panel 4-disbelief
Panel 5-fuming
Panel 6-outrage
Panel 7-action
Panel 8- sudden surprise
Panels 1-5 were taken (swiped?) from a Chuck Jones cartoon entitled Feed The Kitty. I knew what expressions I wanted Sunstone to emote and I knew if I wanted to express them effectively, I had to resource a higher authority. Comic creator Wally Wood once remarked that if one is going to swipe, they might as well swipe from the best. The dynamics may be animator Chuck Jones but I still had to fit them within an RFfiliates (Sunstone) context, so maybe swipe is too harsh a word; maybe inspiration and homage would be the correct terms.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 31
Panel 1-8-Sunstone
PAGE 32
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 32
Panel 1-Sunstone, MissTiffanyLatex, MissTiffanyLatex Imposter
PANELS 2-6
In last months commentary, I explained the decisions that went into drawing the morphing process. Since I knew I had to start with an image of Circle_One and end up with Sunstone, I first drew these images in their appropriate panels and contemplated what would come in the middle and how to make the transition fluent. I had fattened up the Circle_One Imposter and shortened its hair and squared the nose. Briefly guesstimating what the next frame was going to be, I looked at the final Captain Sunstone picture and realized that there was no else to go but to draw an image resembling Petes Dragon. Mrscardero and I would be laughing for days.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 29
Panel 1-6 Circle_One Imposter morphing into Captain Sunstone Imposter
PAGE 30
This whole sequence of Sunstone walking in on his doppelganger romancing MissTiffinyLatex was really the catalyst for the idea to start another Mod Squad season, to put the members out in cyberspace and to make it a Star Trek parody. Its funny how these things originate and materialize.
PANEL 2
I tried (I really did) but I couldnt draw Sunstone any lower.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 30
Panel 1-Apex, Sunstone, Texan1
Panel 2-Texan1, Sunstone
Panel 3-5-Sunstone
Panel 6-MissTiffanyLatex, Sunstone Imposter
Panel 7-Sunstone Imposter, Sunstone, MissTiffanyLatex
PAGE 31
PANELS 1-8
This was a guilty pleasure of mine and also a chance to experiment with time and the different stages of Sunstones emotions as he fully realizes what is going on.
Panel 1-embarrassment
Panel 2-shock
Panel 3-dumbfoundedness
Panel 4-disbelief
Panel 5-fuming
Panel 6-outrage
Panel 7-action
Panel 8- sudden surprise
Panels 1-5 were taken (swiped?) from a Chuck Jones cartoon entitled Feed The Kitty. I knew what expressions I wanted Sunstone to emote and I knew if I wanted to express them effectively, I had to resource a higher authority. Comic creator Wally Wood once remarked that if one is going to swipe, they might as well swipe from the best. The dynamics may be animator Chuck Jones but I still had to fit them within an RFfiliates (Sunstone) context, so maybe swipe is too harsh a word; maybe inspiration and homage would be the correct terms.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 31
Panel 1-8-Sunstone
PAGE 32
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 32
Panel 1-Sunstone, MissTiffanyLatex, MissTiffanyLatex Imposter
Last edited by a moderator:
cardero
Citizen Mod
Not much commentary this month because the majority of the artwork speaks for itself. As I write this, I am into the second chapter of next seasons MOD SQUAD. I am realizing that it would probably be more practical to jot down notes as I am doing the artwork, this way I do not forget any thoughts if I decide to do a commentary later for next year.
There were also other things that I realized with this chapter. One was the importance to take photographs of positions if I needed them. Drawing from a photograph is much easier than searching for a certain picture and puts a little more of myself in the artwork. Another lesson I learned was the importance of learning how to draw with a gum erasure. This technique should be as fluent as drawing with a pencil.
Time was an issue this month and in some panels this is quite noticeable (and unacceptable as far as I am concerned). The last understanding that I learned is that the format of 8 pages a month is too constrictive for this kind of story. It is a point that will be thoughtfully addressed and corrected by next season.
PAGE 33
Im not sure what is scarier, that there are two Miss Tiffiny Latex dolls or the concept that the REX31504 has an interrogation room. Pop Goes The Weasel is a movie title reference as well as a reference to the joke in this chapter. What is funny is that we used to joke Sunstone about this moment so it was a pleasure to finally realize it in a drawing.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 33
Splash Page-(Front Row Left to Right) Seyorni, MissTiffanyLatex Imposter, Miss TiffinyLatex, Guitars Cry
(Back Row Left to Right) 9/10s Penguin, Panda, Sunstone
PAGE 34
Mister_T comes in with the solution and I find it funny that Guitars Cry immediately volunteers to do the popping. I didnt struggle with this scene and I eventually knew that Sunstone was the only one that had to make the decision. Timing was precarious for this scene and I really was ready to go the whole distance to create that atmosphere of suspense. Mister_Ts recommendation to choose wisely saved me a great deal of drawing as well as adding that sense of urgency.
I would also like to add that I hate drawing Garfield. Don't get me wrong, I love Garfield and Guitar's Cry and I am glad that GC decided to use a character for his avatar (as opposed to a scene) but trying to imitate Jim Davis' style was a confusing experiment. I don't know how the guy did it for all those years.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 34
Panel 1-Mister_T
Panel 2,3-Guitars Cry, Panda, Mister_T
Panel 4-Mister_T, Guitars Cry
Panel 5-Guitars Cry
Panel 6-Guitars Cry, Sunstone
Panel 7-Mister_T, Sunstone
Panel 8-Sunstone, MissTiffanyLatex, MissTiffanyLatex Imposter
Panel 9-MissTiffanyLatex Imposter, MissTiffanyLatex
PAGE 35
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 35
Panel 3-Sunstone, MissTiffanyLatex
Panel 4- (Front Row)- Mister_T, Guitars Cry
(Back Row)-Sunstone MissTiffinyLatex, Panda
PAGE 36
Panel 1,2
I have had a few interactions with Panda doing the Newsletter and I would like to think that I nailed his personality in these panels.
Panel 3
This scene was supposed to be funny but mrscardero said that it could be mistaken for being sad. Either way, Sunstone walking away in the distance with a deflated Miss Tiffiny Latex seems pretty funny to me.
Panel 4,5
This scene I had to e-mail Circle_One about. Prior to the release of this chapter, Circle_One announced to RF members that she was giving up a few bad habits. This is just one example of the changes I have to deal with putting out a monthly serial. Having readers realize that Circle_One was the resident party animal, I didnt want the joke to undermine her efforts in quitting. When I e-mailed her, I didnt have to explain the joke to her, she replied that anything I did would probably in the spirit of jest. In fact, Circle_One has been the brunt of a lot of this seasons MOD SQUAD jokes and I want to commend her for being a good sport about all of this. There has to be some award for it.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 36
Panel 2-Panda, MissTiffanyLatex, Sunstone
Panel 3-Mister_T, Sunstone, Guitars Cry
Panel 4-Panda, 9/10s Penguin
Panel 7-Seyorni, MissTiffanyLatex Imposter
There were also other things that I realized with this chapter. One was the importance to take photographs of positions if I needed them. Drawing from a photograph is much easier than searching for a certain picture and puts a little more of myself in the artwork. Another lesson I learned was the importance of learning how to draw with a gum erasure. This technique should be as fluent as drawing with a pencil.
Time was an issue this month and in some panels this is quite noticeable (and unacceptable as far as I am concerned). The last understanding that I learned is that the format of 8 pages a month is too constrictive for this kind of story. It is a point that will be thoughtfully addressed and corrected by next season.
PAGE 33
Im not sure what is scarier, that there are two Miss Tiffiny Latex dolls or the concept that the REX31504 has an interrogation room. Pop Goes The Weasel is a movie title reference as well as a reference to the joke in this chapter. What is funny is that we used to joke Sunstone about this moment so it was a pleasure to finally realize it in a drawing.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 33
Splash Page-(Front Row Left to Right) Seyorni, MissTiffanyLatex Imposter, Miss TiffinyLatex, Guitars Cry
(Back Row Left to Right) 9/10s Penguin, Panda, Sunstone
PAGE 34
Mister_T comes in with the solution and I find it funny that Guitars Cry immediately volunteers to do the popping. I didnt struggle with this scene and I eventually knew that Sunstone was the only one that had to make the decision. Timing was precarious for this scene and I really was ready to go the whole distance to create that atmosphere of suspense. Mister_Ts recommendation to choose wisely saved me a great deal of drawing as well as adding that sense of urgency.
I would also like to add that I hate drawing Garfield. Don't get me wrong, I love Garfield and Guitar's Cry and I am glad that GC decided to use a character for his avatar (as opposed to a scene) but trying to imitate Jim Davis' style was a confusing experiment. I don't know how the guy did it for all those years.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 34
Panel 1-Mister_T
Panel 2,3-Guitars Cry, Panda, Mister_T
Panel 4-Mister_T, Guitars Cry
Panel 5-Guitars Cry
Panel 6-Guitars Cry, Sunstone
Panel 7-Mister_T, Sunstone
Panel 8-Sunstone, MissTiffanyLatex, MissTiffanyLatex Imposter
Panel 9-MissTiffanyLatex Imposter, MissTiffanyLatex
PAGE 35
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 35
Panel 3-Sunstone, MissTiffanyLatex
Panel 4- (Front Row)- Mister_T, Guitars Cry
(Back Row)-Sunstone MissTiffinyLatex, Panda
PAGE 36
Panel 1,2
I have had a few interactions with Panda doing the Newsletter and I would like to think that I nailed his personality in these panels.
Panel 3
This scene was supposed to be funny but mrscardero said that it could be mistaken for being sad. Either way, Sunstone walking away in the distance with a deflated Miss Tiffiny Latex seems pretty funny to me.
Panel 4,5
This scene I had to e-mail Circle_One about. Prior to the release of this chapter, Circle_One announced to RF members that she was giving up a few bad habits. This is just one example of the changes I have to deal with putting out a monthly serial. Having readers realize that Circle_One was the resident party animal, I didnt want the joke to undermine her efforts in quitting. When I e-mailed her, I didnt have to explain the joke to her, she replied that anything I did would probably in the spirit of jest. In fact, Circle_One has been the brunt of a lot of this seasons MOD SQUAD jokes and I want to commend her for being a good sport about all of this. There has to be some award for it.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 36
Panel 2-Panda, MissTiffanyLatex, Sunstone
Panel 3-Mister_T, Sunstone, Guitars Cry
Panel 4-Panda, 9/10s Penguin
Panel 7-Seyorni, MissTiffanyLatex Imposter
cardero
Citizen Mod
PAGE 37
Terrible. Terrible. Terrible. This was an example of an artist completely out of his element. The scene of MidnightBlue arriving to City 16 was a relevant story part that needed to be told but I did not have enough time, reference or talent. All sense of mystery I feel was completely lost on this 12 panel page. I was focused more on storytelling at the cost of immersing the reader in the dilapidated condition of the environment. There were also some restrictions that I had to respect concerning the residents of the Village Of The Banned. I think that the sequence of events is clear but the art reminds me of something that I would have done last season. It is a bit frustrating when you are drawing something just to make a deadline and I knew that I could do better than this.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 37
Panel 2-MidnightBlue
Panel 3,5,8-?????
PAGE 38
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 38
Panel 1-MidnightBlue running from various, nefarious members of the Village Of The Banned
PAGE 39
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 39
Panel 1-MidnightBlue running from various, nefarious members of the Village Of The Banned
PAGE 40
No cliffhanger splash page this month because I had too much information to convey. Engyo features prominently on this page. I should have checked in with someone of the medical profession to see if it was possible for a person to have the same blood aspects but be of a different sex. This scene was important not only in introducing the female MidnightBlue but the Negative Zone as well.
RF MEMBER CHECKLIST PAGE 40
Panel 1-Engyo, Mr. Emu, Seyorni
Panel 2,4-Seyorni
Panel 3-Engyo, Mr._Emu
Some people have been wondering if there was any significance to the bands on the sleeves of the uniforms of the Mod Squads staff. Happily I am able to respond that there is. Star Trek fans may appreciate the homage.
