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Post by Brandon on Feb 22, 2006 9:10:24 GMT -5
Welcome to the feedback forum for Aquaman's fourth issue!
...which hasn't posted yet. Due partly to real-world responsibilities catching up to me, partly trying to squeeze in the Art Challenge pic, and partly me never needing to write two monthly titles again ;D , there will be a short delay on this issue. Look for it to post either late Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning. Sorry for any incovenience. Please be sure to check back for the new story starting this month and then to leave some comments and critiques here!
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Post by Brandon on Feb 24, 2006 9:55:05 GMT -5
It's finally up! Sooooo, due to many factors I had a complete schedule meltdown this week.  BUT, I persevered and here's the latest issue of Aquaman. Just consider it the Special Weekend Edition from DC2! ;D If you haven't given up hope and happen to read the story, leave your comments here! |
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Post by starlord on Feb 24, 2006 11:58:17 GMT -5
Well worth the wait! Great cover and great story make for a great time! Although I am a little worried, what with Mera's condition and now "you now who" shows up. Makes me a little nervous.
Congratulations KSM! Another terrific story!
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Post by HoM on Feb 24, 2006 12:55:01 GMT -5
WOW! Nice ending there, KSM! Must have been the best bit  ... I love your characterisation of the characters, and I love the way you're setting up every character for the future! |
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Post by Brandon on Feb 24, 2006 17:59:35 GMT -5
Thanks guys.  Yeah, this one was all about characters and setting. Next issue will be action! Lots of action! |
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Post by Lantern Lad on Feb 25, 2006 1:18:05 GMT -5
Excellent read! I had no idea (call me clueless, if you will) that the narrator from the beginning was Garth! So that took me by surprise! Mera holding onto the secret worries me as well... especially now that Black Manta has reared his ugly helmeted head. So are these games the Atlantean version of the Olympics?
That cover... I only wish I could produce that! I've always dreamed of drawing a portrait of Atlantis... it always looked just like that, regal, majestic, timeless yet futuristic! But when my pencil touches the paper... it looks flat, blotchy & lame.
I envy you you talented bastard!
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Post by Brandon on Feb 25, 2006 21:44:10 GMT -5
Thanks, Scott! You didn't miss anything. I didn't reveal that the narrator was Garth until this issue because it's the big Aqualad intro. Neptune's Champion Games are the Atlantean version of the Olympics. And somehow the timing worked out just right to have it happen during the games in Torino! I had considered having Garth mention that the two events were connected in some way in the distant past but couldn't really make it work. On a side note, the name 'Neptune's Champion Games' actually comes from the Jimi Hendrix song "1983... A Merman I Should Be", an amazing sci-fi/fantasy epic piece that has a storyline that runs through four different songs on his Electric Ladyland album. Hendrix was huge science fiction fan and this showed amazingly in this innovative work. It also serves as a sad reminder that we will never get to see where Hendrix's genius would have gone given more time. This issue and cover are directly inspired by that brilliant piece of work. And thanks again for the compliment on the cover. It was the single most difficult cover I've done on the site yet and part of the reason for the delay. I really wanted to capture the elements you named in your description and first thought about going dark and glowy (like Alex Ross usually shows it) but then opted for a brighter, more magical depiction. And the Little Mermaid look-alike swimming around nearby is there for my oldest daughter, Olivia. As far as some of the other subjects brought up, I won't say anything other than there are very, very difficult times ahead for Aquaman and his fair city. |
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Post by starlord on Feb 25, 2006 22:55:18 GMT -5
Exalt! Just cause I think you're one fascinating and talented fella.
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Post by Brandon on Feb 26, 2006 7:54:46 GMT -5
Aw geez, thanks Brian!
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Apprentice
Staff 
I really need a new avatar...
Posts: 479
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Post by Apprentice on Feb 26, 2006 10:23:43 GMT -5
I loved the intro to Garth, and Mera's secret! I can't wait for next issue, and I thought Black Manta's first appearance was great! An amazing read! And a great cover!
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Post by Brandon on Feb 26, 2006 18:56:52 GMT -5
Thanks! Glad you like it. |
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Post by goldk on Mar 9, 2006 14:59:04 GMT -5
I will admit that I never got into Aquaman much. Part of the reason is the magical aspect and the history that goes with it. I like the concept of Aquaman but no one ever seems to get a good handle on him. He's either the dark brooding angry king, or the light hearted adventurer who doesn't seem to care about his kingdom. I think you have found the right balance. The thing that I liked most about this issue was the characterization and the relationships being built between the characters. Great Job B- (great now I have another title I have to read!)
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Post by Brandon on Mar 9, 2006 20:58:53 GMT -5
Thanks so much, Roy! I'm glad you liked my take on Aquaman. I'm presenting a version of the character that really hasn't existed before so this is new ground, but at the same time I've tried to take all the best parts of the previous takes so it would have something for all Aquaman fans. My reason for doing these stories was my frustration over how Aquaman was being handled (at the time in particular about two or so years ago) and realizing that it had been a long time since there had been just a good Aquaman stories using all the character's common elements. There was always Sub Diegos or hook hands or Obsidian Ages or somesuch. So I started thinking about all the things like the history of Atlantis and how magic was presented and so on, and that's how I came up with the stories you are reading now. My only hope is to put out something entertaining for fans of good ol' classic Aquaman stories. The reaction has been good so far so I'll keep going until I run out of ideas! Just a couple of weeks till Issue Five. I'd better get busy! |
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BUT, I persevered and here's the latest issue of Aquaman. Just consider it the Special Weekend Edition from DC2! ;D
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