As promised, I will continue my ongoing SIDEWISE commentary. I will do my best to get caught up so I need only write commentary for page 15 (which will be posted here Thursday).

PAGES 6 & 7

Pages 6 and 7 are the in-your-face action pages. It was almost entirely artist Igor Norohna’s idea. You see, I was extremely busy when we began working on SIDEWISE, so I simply suggested “Hey, let’s have some action on these pages.” The end result is what you see: a stylized battle scene with the Queen’s robot army that showcases the abilities of their exo-suits. I simply went back and added dialogue after the pages were complete.

Well done, Igor. Take a bow.

PAGE 8

Page 8 was our last chance to hook readers and make ‘em hungry for more. It was also my intent to question the nature of reality. “And that’s exactly what it was.” In light of Adam’s previous statement, perhaps there’s more to this assertion than meets the eye?

Did you think Wells’ “Come with me if you wish to live” was a nod to the Terminator films? It was. A tongue-in-cheek reference to one of the greatest action flicks of all-times. Why not?

PAGE 9

This is one of my favorite pages. Igor really captured my vision of a “Teslafied” Buckingham Palace. The Tesla coil powered force field is especially important in the future, but I won’t give it away. Keep reading.

Page 9 is also particularly important because it introduces the Knights of Hanover: Dr. Fain, Sir Campion, Lord Tritton and Major Wilson. In case you didn’t notice, the Knights are manifestly strange.

More on that later.

PAGE 10

Introducing the monstrosity that was once Queen Victoria! I really wanted to impress readers with the strangeness of the Queen. Igor really nailed it.

This is also the first mention of Minister Moriarty. Is he the Moriarty from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Regardless, he is a major player in the story and–as we find out later–a bitter rival of Lord Tesla. Why? You’ll just have to continue reading to find out.

Th-Th-That’s All, Folks

I need to get back to work, but I’ll post commentary on the remaining pages in the next couple days. I would say tomorrow, but I’d hate to become so busy that I lie to you (again).

Please take a moment to check out Parts 1 and 2 of my interview with Rocket Llama. The conclusion of the interview should be posted this week. Be sure to check my tweets for a link as soon as I get it.

Thank you for your patience. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to read my little blog.

I apologize for my extended absence on the blog, but I assure you that I have been extremely busy with various comic and novel projects.

Yes, I am currently working on my first Young Adult Novel with my beautiful and talented wife, Rebecca MacPherson.

More on that later.

SIDEWISE COMMENTARY

This is something I have wanted to do from the beginning. As the 14th page has now posted at Zuda, I guess you could say that I’m a bit late.

Okay… you could say that I’m extremely late.

My goal is to post a page commentary on my blog each Thursday to coincide with a new comic page posted at zudacomics.com. To catch you up to date, however, I will make several posts over the next few days.

Following is commentary for the first five pages…

PAGE 1

Page 1 was very important. It is the first page reader see, so I really wanted to capture readers’ interest from the beginning to ensure they kept reading.

I decided to include first person narrative to fill the reader in on what has transpired before the events depicted on Page 1. I realized it could get tricky to continue the narrative as the story progressed, but I’ve never shied away from a challenge. I think readers will agree that it works nicely after they finish reading Season 1.

PAGE 2

“We’re not in Kansas anymore.” After the mini-cliffhanger on Page 1, I really wanted to impress upon readers that Adam is in trouble on many different levels. Not only is his time machine broken, but he’s also been transported to an alternate universe. A universe with steam-powered robots who are not happy to see him. We find out the extent of their displeasure on the next page…

PAGE 3

Lost and alone in an alien universe with no hope of returning to his world, Adam learns the robots want to kill him. What started as a mission to gather research for a college paper has ended in a life or death situation.

I also wanted to introduce the name “Tesla.” Of course, Adam is aware that, in his world, Tesla was not in England during the early 1900s. Still, seeing the scientist’s name adds to his discomfort. After all, everything Adam has encountered has not only been disconcerting, but downright disturbing as well. It says a lot about Adam’s fortitude–or his hubris–that he is joking as death closes in on him. As the story progresses, we’ll discover which one it is.

PAGE 4

Ah, our first glimpse of Nikola Tesla, Wells and Hopping. After the advent of the steam-powered robots, readers should not be surprised with the futuristic technology displayed on this page. My hope was that readers would find it intriguing and cool to ensure they would “turn the page.”

PAGE 5

Time for some action!

As well as introducing action into the strip, I wanted to develop the characters of Wells and Hopping a bit. Yes, they are wearing futuristic armor, but they are still very much your average Edwardian teens. This is where I turned to Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist for a bit of guidance and inspiration. What results is that Hopping Wells address one another formally, but there is also an air of playfulness. They’re not stodgy, but they’re obviously not completely mature, either. I wanted that to come through. I really wanted that to come through.

It also sets up…

To Be Continued

I would love to be able to sit here today and finish the commentary, but I simply don’t have the time. I apologize for breaking this into “bite-sized” posts, but it should only take a couple days to get you up to speed.

Thanks for reading. I’ll see you tomorrow with another blog post!

The Final Countdown

We now have a launch date for SIDEWISE on Zuda Comics, and that date is Thursday, October 8th! Please be sure to bookmark the SIDEWISE page and add it to your favorites. Trust me: you are not going to want to miss the launch of this exciting story!

All-Ages Does Not Equal Kids Only

I’m really going to need your help spreading the word. I like to think of SIDEWISE as the little all-ages webcomic that could, and if you are familiar with Zuda’s ongoing content then you are keenly aware that SIDEWISE is the first all-ages project to win the monthly competition. I think this is indicative of the current sentiment regarding all-ages stories: They’re only for kids.

I’m not sure when there was a paradigm shift in comic books, but when I was growing up, parents didn’t think twice about sharing their comics with their children. After all, you would never find inappropriate language, innuendo, partial nudity or ultra-violence in a comic book. It just wasn’t necessary to tell a good, entertaining story. Our comics were super cool and we loved them–oblivious of the fact that they were all-ages comics. We read them because the stories captured our imaginations and we lived a super-powered life vicariously through characters who could fly, leap buildings in a single bound and run faster than a locomotive.

Kid-Friendly = Kiss of Death

“Kid-Friendly” is a stupid phrase. My 13-year-old told me so. He doesn’t want to read a kid-friendly book, he wants to read what I’m reading. So I create stories like SIDEWISE, Edgar Allan Poo and Kid Houdini. My sons–like all kids out there–don’t want you to dumb down the story, and they certainly don’t want to read a book that says “kid-friendly” on the cover. Book series like Harry Potter, Twilight and Pendragon have proven that you don’t need to speak down to young readers and young adults. Believe it or not, they can handle thick novels and the comic books you read. They just don’t need all the aforementioned non-story-essential “adult” elements. So why can’t all-ages be smart, engaging, action-packed and accessible to all readers and still be cool?

Sidewise = Cool

My goal for SIDEWISE is simple: to create a smart, engaging, action-packed historical fiction story that will appeal to readers of all ages… and still be cool. And if you believe a story needs adult language, ultra-violence, innuendo and partial nudity to be cool, I feel sorry for you. You’re going to miss a heckuva story. A heckuva cool story.

Sidewise Update

The script for SIDEWISE Season 1 is complete and has been turned in to my editor at Zuda Comics. Artist Igor Noronha has completed the art for the next ten pages and we’re moving on. Our hope is to launch Season 1 in the next couple months, but that decision lies with our wonderful editor and the Zuda staff (feel free to beg them for SIDEWISE!), but I wouldn’t encourage you to badger them for a quick launch.

*Ahem*

Right, then. How about a few teaser panels?

I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am with this story! I’m dying to share the new pages with you, and I’ll be sure to announce the launch date as soon as I have it.

Remember The Interagents

We are currently putting together the material for an Interagents trade paperback. This trade collects the first story arc (issues 1-3) and will feature a foreword by a New York Times Bestselling Author and a back-up story by 2000AD artist P.J. Holden.

Trust me: You do not want to miss the trade collection! The back-up story is a must-read for all Interagents fans!

What’s Coming Up

Sadly, I cannot discuss other projects I am currently working on. You can rest assured, dear reader, that you will be the first to know as soon as I’m allowed to spill the beans.

WE DID IT! WE DID IT!

I would like to thank each and every one of you who voted for SIDEWISE and helped spread the word! As far as I’m concerned, this is a win shared by you as well, so congratulations for an amazing, tenacious job this month. It was incredible to watch the staggering number of views and know that many of you convinced your friends, family and acquaintances to vote for a comic strip they probably had no idea existed–and never would had you not shown them. I honestly cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate your dedication, enthusiasm and pertinacity.

But I’ll try.

In The Beginning…

When I was first approached by Igor Noronha about submitting a comic to Zuda, I was writing American McGee’s Grimm for IDW and working on a couple other projects. Despite being incredibly busy, I readily agreed because I considered Igor to be a good friend and I’d been so outspoken about the future of comic books. It was time to put my money where my mouth was.

SteampunX–er, SIDEWISE

Committed to writing a submission for Zuda, I had no clue which idea in my magic box (okay… it’s an “In Development” folder in My Documents) would best suit Igor’s animated artistic style. Scrolling through hundreds of document icons, I opened a folder titled “SteampunX.” The document was little more than a page of ideas in bullet format and a short synopsis that I wrote the day after my 13-year-old asked me what Steampunk was, so I got to work developing and refining the document so I could share it with Igor.

Igor loved it and SIDEWISE was born.

Get to the Point, Already!

What started out as a commitment to one friend has culminated in a stunning commitment by many friends.

So to you, my friends, I say a heartfelt thank you. We got where we are because of you and, as such, are dedicated to creating a story that will be worthy of your support and commitment.

The best is yet to come!

Acknowledgments

First off, I would like to thank everyone who’s taken the time to vote for SIDEWISE on Zudacomics.com! Igor and I have put a lot of work and love into these eight pages–but the best is yet to come.

You won’t believe what happens next.

If you have not yet voted, you only have four short days left to let your vote be counted. Please take 30 seconds out of your busy day to vote for SIDEWISE:

VOTE HERE!

As a special thank you to those who’ve supported us, series artist Igor Noronha has created an amazing SIDEWISE trailer that will blow your mind.

You’ve been forewarned.

American McGee’s Grimm #3 Preview

Wow… it appears–at least according to ComicList–that American McGee’s Grimm #3 will be released this coming Wednesday.

Here’s a special exclusive preview for those discerning (crazy?) readers who follow my rantings…

I’m Out

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed the trailer and preview pages. Hopefully–with your help–my next post will be to say a heartfelt steam-powered thank you for helping SIDEWISE win the Zuda competition.

Signing With a Legend

I will be making an appearance and signing books at the Bristol Mall on the 27th of June. I’m extremely excited because I’ll be sharing space with legendary artist Charles Vess. Vess–an Eisner Award winner–is most widely known for his amazing work on Stardust, Sandman and Swamp Thing.

To say I’m excited about this appearance is an understatement.

Zuda Competition Down to the Wire

As you may or may not know, I have an entry in this month’s Zuda competition. With the month–and the competition–drawing to a close, I’m asking for your vote. I’m also asking you to please tell someone about the strip if you enjoy it. We’re going to need every precious vote we can get to win this thing.

VOTE FOR SIDEWISE HERE!

We also have DYNAMIC SIDEWISE WALLPAPERS and BANNERS AND AVATARS that you can use to help spread the word. Please, feel free to use them at your discretion.

Virtual High-Five

A big thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to support SIDEWISE, American McGee’s Grimm and all my projects. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate YOU.

I just received the following distressing e-mail from my good friend–and Accent UK publisher–Dave West.

We’ve been talking to a number of comic retailers here in the UK, and have begun to understand how difficult it is to take a chance on a new publication, even more so from relatively new creators. From these discussions it was suggested that we provide retailers with sight of our comics to coincide with their listing in PREVIEWS.

WESTERN follows our previous Diamond distributed themed anthologies ZOMBIES and ROBOTS, and again collects a select group of emerging independent comic creators alongside some of the more common names in comics today, including John Reppion & Leah Moore, Steve Bissette, Kieron Gillen, Dwight L. MacPherson and Dave Hitchcock. These creators all accepted the challenge to tell complete short stories around the WESTERN theme with entertaining and surprising results.

At only $12.99 for 200 pages it represents great value and can be ordered this month from Diamond using order code: JUN090671.

Launched at this month’s UK Comic Expo in Bristol, WESTERN is already attracting reviews which we link too below along with a couple for our earlier books:

WESTERN:

Comics Bulletin

Down The Tubes Comics

ROBOTS:

Newsarama

Grovel.org

* ROBOTS can still be ordered through DIAMOND.

ZOMBIES:

Whatever Comics

Down The Tubes Comics

* ZOMBIES is sold out, I’m afraid.

Thanks for taking the time to following the review links which hopefully were useful.

We are of course happy to discuss any of our projects and are open to constructive feedback.

Dave West and Colin Mathieson.

www.accentukcomics.com

I used the word distressing because Dave and Colin are wonderful people who showcase the best and brightest writers and artists from the UK in their lovingly-made anthologies. It would be a shame to turn a blind eye to their work–and the work of their contributors–by simply doing nothing and allowing Diamond to decide you don’t want to purchase it. Now… I don’t know about you, but I’m not about to let Diamond dictate to me what I can or can’t read. The only way to stand up to their new inequitable benchmark policy is to let your voice be heard by pre-ordering.

So please… when you go to your local comic shop, ask them to order a copy of Accent UK’s WESTERN. You won’t regret it, and your help will truly make a difference.

A Word From Our Sponsors

Before I begin discussing my creative process, I would like to direct your attention to my Zuda entry. It’s called SIDEWISE, and we’d sincerely appreciate your vote. It only takes about 10 seconds to register. It’s probably the least lame registration process I’ve experienced on the internet.

So please, VOTE, ADD TO YOUR FAVORITES AND RATE SIDEWISE!

It will be necessary to check out SIDEWISE before reading the rest of this blog entry. Or you can pretend you’re a visitor from the ancient past: bewildered and anomic. Your call.

The Set-Up

After reading some of the SIDEWISE reviews, I began contemplating some of the various criticisms of our 8-page prologue. After much thought, I decided to use these critiques as a springboard to share a bit of my creative process. The purpose of this post is not to belittle these well-intentioned fans.

Long Form Vs. Short Form

Before I begin writing a story, I complete a bullet outline of the complete story: beginning, middle and end. As I continue conducting research and fleshing out the big picture, the bullet outline becomes a much more detailed document accompanied by image references for the artist.

By completing this outline, I can ascertain the length of the story: a one-shot, graphic novel or mini-series. Once I have made the call, I move forward and begin writing the script.

When I begin scripting, I have already mapped the story in its entirety. As such, I write for the long form. That is why you may see a character (Fawkes, for example) or event (“If I’d known then what I know now…”) mentioned early in the story and further introduced or explained as the story progresses. I don’t believe in spoon feeding. This is a story, not a gag strip. Buckle in, read along and watch the story unfold.

I never write 5 or 8 pages of a long form story and stop. That is both counter-intuitive and lazy writing in my estimation. It’s one thing if I’m writing a 5 or 8-page short comic story, but why in the world would I write a prologue for a long form story with no idea where to go from there?

Writing by the seat of your pants can be exhilarating, but it can also get you into a pickle. It’s better to avoid the stress and plot your story beforehand.

Tune In!

I will be discussing SIDEWISE, American McGee’s Grimm and my other projects this coming Sunday night (June 14th) on Fanboy Radio. Please join me LIVE at 7pm EST / 6pm CST / 4pm at Fanboy Radio for a spirited conversation.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

Lords and Ladies, I am proud to announce that my webcomic (along with artist Igor Noronha) SIDEWISE is in first place in Zudacomics.com’s monthly competition! If you haven’t already read our entry, you can do so HERE.

I’m billing SIDEWISE as “Sublime Steampunk for the 22nd Century.”

SIDEWISE promo image by Igor Noronha

Whot’s This?!

Special thanks to my mates Steve Ekstrom for the wonderful interview on NEWSARAMA and Gus Higuera for his masterful interview for ComicNews.Info. I have a couple more interviews I’m completing, so I will make links available as they are posted.

I Need Your Help

I’ve had several friends and fans say that they have not voted because they believe we will most assuredly win. My response has been “Ah, don’t underestimate the power of the internet.” This competition is as much (if not more so) about generating votes as it is about creating a winning entry. So please, if you have not yet voted, please head over to zudacomics.com, read SIDEWISE, vote for us, add it to your favorites and rate it. And–if you’re so inclined–please send me an e-mail at dwightmacpherson at gmail.com if you would be so kind to post a SIDEWISE banner to your site. Trust me: It all helps.

Happy Grimm Day!

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of IDW’s American McGee’s Grimm #2 at your local comic shop today. It’s Grimm vs. romance comics in this newest installment and you do not want to miss it!

American McGee's Grimm #2 Cover by Grant Bond

I’m History

Thank you for reading my newest blog entry. I know I haven’t updated as often as I’d have liked to, but please be patient with me. I intend to talk more about SIDEWISE in the coming days. That alone should be worth the wait.