WAR BUDDIES - part 4 page 5

As I mentioned on one of the commentaries, this page is dedicated and inspired by the whacky kids on the 9th Wonders Forums. Basically I was totally burnt out by this stage. I really didn't have a lot left in the tank at all. Then the first part went up and there was an incredibly flattering outpouring of commentary, thoughts, discussion and praise. It really gave me the energy needed to take this page up a notch and take this baby home.

So thank you guys.

So where is panel 2 set? Why the Petrelli mansion of course. It seems that Papa Petrelli had some cash before he left for 'Nam. I believe Ryan was distracted by the picture of the table and chairs hanging behind Papa Petrelli. Why would I put something like that there? Let's just say that's what was in the reference.

Spoiler (highlight over the next bit to see the text): Episodes 19-21 are set in the Petrelli mansion. I wish I could tell you why

Anyway. Enough teasing.

Panel 1 was initially supposed to be set in the mansion. Hence why I didn't draw any stubble on Papa Petrelli. I didn't send Annette any notes and she coloured it like it was set back in 'Nam. In retrospect, I think that's an excellent decision.

Panel 2 has probably been the most controversial as far as my creativity and my drawing inability. It has my weakest illustration to date: baby Nathan (how old is he anyway?). I used an adult for reference and couldn't quite see past the reference to create a convincing child. As it is, he's a little bit freaky. But I (like to think) made up for it by having him play with an angel and a plane. Two things that fly to foresshadow his prediliction for things airborne. It wasn't in the script, but it's the sort of thing I will put in if given the opportunity.

It's probably my favourite bit of nerdery.

Panel 3 is probably one of the strongest character performances I have drawn. Papa Petrelli looks suitably surprised (but chunky!) and Linderman looks so much like Malcolm McDowell here. And I love his look. It's just perfect for the dialogue and how he feels. I'm really happy with Linderman's "performance" on these last two pages.

BLACK CAPTION:

DALLAS CAPTION (CONT'D): Silenced. Discharged. Ignored. The desire to use Austin's gift for the greater good had destroyed everything I had built for myself in the military.

UPDATE: 4 pages into the 11 page first story which is due on the 25th. It's REALLY easy to draw. I'm having a ball. I get to draw actual characters! Hana, Parkman, Ted and HRG (who I call "Mr Bennett" cos that's his damn name!). It's busting along, but I'm yet to hear back from NBC on the art (I believe it's sunday over there). It's a digital painted style that looks like a fusion between watercolour and digital. I love it, and the people I've shown have been really impressed. I hope they like it, because if they don't I really don't know what to do.

ps more stuff about the process soon! Had too much to rant about on this page.