How do you make this comic?
- Writing the script on notepad. Mostly lines of dialogue with a few extra notes in between
- Rough thumbnails for the pages; stick figures and speech bubbles. I design the layouts spread by spread to take advantage of the physical book format
- Sketching a page on A4 copy paper. Tools: pencil
- Inking the page on A4 marker paper. Tools: ink, maru nib, markers
- Adding grays, halftones and text in Photoshop
- Arranging the pages into a book in InDesign
- Sending the .pdf file to a print house
- Done!
Wait what, there’s a paper version available?
Yes! Check here for more info. Phantomland is released as self-published books along with the online version. The books have a much higher image quality and there are exclusive bonus pages included; buying them is a great way to support the project if you’re a fan :)
How long is the comic going to be?
Depends on the reception I think. If it gets to a point where I simply cannot afford to draw a comic, I can remove a subplot or two to wrap things up sooner. Alternatively, if the comic gets really popular I can expand the story as well. I’m very determined to see this thing through in any case. I hope I’ll get at least 10 chapters made!
What are those dots on their face?
Skin rash caused by the virus. No, really. Practically it’s just a subtle visual cue to tell the ghosts apart from normal people. It becomes a more relevant thing in later chapters so look forward to it.
How old are the characters?
Everyone who comes to Cypress loses all memory and records of their previous life, including birthdates, so I haven’t really given much thought to their exact ages. I’d imagine all the main characters to be at least in their twenties though.
Do boys wear “trainee bows” too?
Boys wear ties. Sorry :D
Is there any POC and/or LGBT representation in your comic?
Chie is Japanese (although Japan doesn’t exist in Phantomland) and some characters do identify as LGBT. Overall this is a rather white and rather straight comic though. Most of the central characters were designed long ago when I was young and ignorant, but I’ve gotten more interested in diversity since. I’ll improve on this in the future!
Can I draw or cosplay your character?
Yes! Please do! And remember to show me!
Even if the drawing is NSFW?
Sure. I won’t share NSFW material in my blogs or galleries, though.
If you have any more questions, no matter how trivial, go ahead and ask. I’m always happy to answer :)