This post is to highlight the work I’ve been doing for a large portion of the summer. I’ve put up a lot of pretty pictures without much in the way of context. So I figured I’d remedy that here. What follows is a link to the first 78 pages or so of the graphic novel I’ve been working on as my graduate thesis. I’ve put it in .cbz format because there seem to be a lot of free viewers out there and they tend to punch the viewing speed up a little from that of a .pdf. That said if you’d like a .pdf I’ll provide that link as well. I’m not overly impressed with either for digital viewing of comics at this point. Some links I trust at the moment for .cbz viewers are: http://comical.sourceforge.net/ and http://comicrack.cyolito.com/

ComicRack’s install was annoying, but its functionality is miles beyond anything else I’ve tried- so give it a shot if you have a care as to what your digital comics look like when formatted for viewing. Be aware that if you’re not concerned about how the software reads the book, several double page spreads may get a bit disjointed and confusing to read if not formatted properly- but you’re smart you’ll figure it out. I hope you enjoy. And by all means, please feel free to leave me feedback, personal issues with the work, compliments, insults or jibes should you choose to.

Here’s the .cbz link: http://cleopatragraphics.com/lorica_excerpt.cbz

Here’s the .pdf: http://cleopatragraphics.com/lorica_excerpt.pdf

The .pdf file is a bit large and may take a short while to download, but enjoy either way.

Below are a pair of images, the front and back cover of an early single issue edition of the first chapter, not available in the .cbz or .pdf files. The back cover includes a narrative description that might aid you in deciding whether to read the work.

Front Cover- The Lorica Chapter One

Back Cover- The Lorica Chapter One

Filed under: Art, Illustration, Sequential Art by Vinegar Tom
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For anyone looking for me elsewhere online I think it’s time I tell you I’ve been cheating a little on my main squeeze of a website. For the most current updates- though perhaps void in depth of context- you should check out my tumblr page. I mention it because unlike some of the other image blogs and micro blogging addresses I maintain, this one doesn’t seem to show up very well in google when people search for it. So check me out here as well: http://vinegartom.tumblr.com/

Filed under: Announcement, Art, Written by Vinegar Tom
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I love stories if you can’t tell. I like to read them. I like view them. I like to write them. Roleplaying and building the sort of flexible narrative you need for a game has some great moments in it if you’re a builder like me. For some folks it’s a numbers game: what are the stats? How many? How much? Numbers, numbers, numbers… My personal taste runs towards the character potential- the what-if’s of the situations. Making every moment the opportunity for a great character piece. To that end I’ve been building my world through images- of characters and locations.

These few small images wield immense power when utilized within the narrative of the game. In a lot of ways they almost do this by themselves- which is why I’ve included them here. Used at the right moment (more…)

Filed under: Art, Illustration, Journal, Written by Vinegar Tom
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