This week’s page is by an artist and author who by now, if you know anything at all about this comic, needs no introduction. But he’s getting one anyway. Ladies and gentlemen, the work of Joost Haakman is of course some of my favorite comic art in the world. Quite literally, as a matter of fact, since he’s based in the Netherlands. Joost wrote and illustrated the books Semmie the Forest Gnome and Hop, the latter in Dutch and the former in both English and Dutch. As an artist and writer he is among the most versatile I know, and this page shows all the hallmarks of his style – the dynamic motion, the colors, the depth of field, the layout. Joost and I have collaborated in the past, and this is also the THIRD (count it, THIRD) guest page he has drawn for me, so let me tell you, when you add it all up he’s probably the artist I owe the most to for his support, exchange of ideas, and all-around top effort in helping me keep this comic going. And if I haven’t said it enough, I’ll say it again: his work is simply stunning, and is in print, so I recommend you all grab copies of it today if you haven’t already!
As for me, this was a very long and busy week, bearing the weight of the world on my shoulders as I do (ha-ha-ha). A lot of important business at the proverbial “office,” meetings and so forth, all of which had nothing at all to do with comics, except insofar as I have bills to pay. And I do love my professional work, as well. If I ever get a license, it would be nice, but, well… suffice it to say that letters from the licensing authority protesting that even though I’m eight years in and counting, they still think it should be even harder for me to become a licensed architect, and that it’s all for my own good… well, it’s not confidence-producing. It’s beginning to feel more and more like a flimflam game the closer I get to the end of it all, which is really depressing, because it leaves a sour feeling in my stomach over the whole internship mess in this country. But that’s neither here nor there, I guess.
As always, though, comics are my solace (well, that, and the fact that I love my job enough to go through all this bullcrap anyway). So you can always check out this week’s progress, such as it is:
For now, I have to sleep. Another big week is coming up. All the best, folks!
Whooooo joost
*applause*
Love it 😀
But… what’s up with her hair in panel 4?
I like it, myself!
–M
Thanks! I had a great time aking it.
About the hair. What can I say? Major Sarah is my favorite character and I like her with her hair loose. I also wanted to show more movement in this piece so I chose to make her hair look like the wind is rushing trough it although this is technically not possible in a closed up cockpit. But then again, maybe she’s got the airconditioning fan on at top speed, who knows 😉
Here we go, let the fighting and dying begin! Will check out Semmie for sure. I needed a nice gift for my niece anyway. 🙂
>>> Revamped page: Really agrees with me what you’re doing there. Again: Nice work on the uniform details. The FSR BDUs look very good – kinda stylish AND functional. Facial expressions (especially in the 3rd panel are superb) are superb again and really put emphasis on the dialogue which will be included later – I think I know what it’ll be about.
To specualte a bit: This scene will probably serve to portray the FSR as human with their own moral ethics and code of honor and NOT as the faceless enemy we often see in less well-written novels.
APCs look good, too. Again: Very reminiscent of the BattleTech Technical manuals – which is good!
Semmie is a great buy, let me tell you!
Ans for the rest of it, you’re pretty on target!
–M
That would be cool! If you are interested, let me know. There are some promotional things possible this week.
Just ordered my copy. Might take a while until I have it in my hands, but the wait will be worth it, I’m sure! 🙂
Thanks man! You won’t be dissapoited I promise.
I have a problem with this page and in a word… Its Hair. I’m assuming thats Sarah there in the cockpit, unhelmeted and looking like an escapee from an 80’s Marvel/Hasbro comic. I look at this page and instantly get a mental blast of the GI Joe theme.
I’m sorry, but of all the pages so far, this one I like the least.
I’m bummed that you think so, because it’s one of my favorites!
–M
I’m sorry, but it just seems so jarring to see what we have come to know as a level headed and highly professional military career officer, looking like she should be performing lead vocals with Gem and the Holograms.
The art is not bad, I’ll give the artist props for a very energetic action scene, but it just bugs the hell out of me when I see Sarah’d hair flying out like that.
On a side note, does anyone else think that from this angle, the Howler looks uncannily like the original Cylon Raider from Battlestar Galactica?
I take it there’ll be a cameo appereance of MIKE in the next incarnation of Semmie the Forst Gnome? 😉
Hi Cameron,
I’m sorry I didn’t make a page that is more to your liking. You know what they say, you can’t please everybody. I hope that there is one in this 13 page story that is up your alley.
@Ulrich: That isn’t a bad idea!
I think its just how much the style differs from the other pages
That was kind of the point, for everyone to interpret their page in their own way. Being familiar with Joost’s work, I have a leg up, but I still think the colors, composition, all of it really clicks for me!
–M
Hah! I like the “bumper sticker” on the Howler in the second panel, nice touch Joost!
Thanks man! I thought it would be nice touch.
I love the explosion in the last panel. Beautiful work and color!