Poll: More updates or inked pages?

Morning guys! Well, yesterday's clean sketch work left me very pleased. And, debating where to go next.

When the Supporters area closed, the idea was to continue the comic in a clean sketch format. CN:H only pays me now when a trade paperback sells, and even then I only get a portion of the profit. Most of it goes back into RCSI Publishing. CN:H is a hobby comic now. I want to finish telling the story, but I need to do other art to pay the bills.

But at the time, I didn't feel my sketching was good enough. Eight months have passed since then and I've spent that time practicing anatomy, shading, and doing commission work. And frankly, I think I've gotten better.

To the right is the first page of Issue 15 as it stands now. I may do a little more clean-up with an eraser as well as smooth out the darker areas. edit: Cleaned up version now posted. And yes, it prints very nicely. More importantly - to me, anyway - is that I really enjoyed working on it! The comic was fun again! I have to admit, that hasn't happened in a long time.

It can also be completed in a day. If I were to add inks, it would take two days with possibly a day to rest the wrist in between.

So here's the question... I'm interested in leaving the pages in the clean sketch stage. If I do, I can almost complete a full issue a month (there's a bit of prep time as well as the cover to figure in). This means the print and digital downloads will be released faster. It also means we can increase the update schedule to three a week starting with Issue 16, with the possibility of four updates a week over time.

There's also a chance that I may be able to have Volume III in print by Anthrocon of next year. That's nine issues in less than a year. It's tight, but it may be possible.

If I go ahead and ink the pages... I won't be able to increase the update schedule. I'm afraid that's just not happening. What you'll get instead is a slicker looking comic page. Also, if I stay with the inks I will most likely be dropping the updates back down to one a week. Remember, I only get paid by CN:H when a trade paperback sells. If I stay with the ink I can only produce a trade once every three years or so. Which means, I need to pick up extra additional work which cuts into comic creation time.

So, here's your chance to tell me what you'd prefer. All it takes is a few quick mouse clicks to decide the future of CN:H. Sketch and more updates, or smooth inks with a possible update decrease. You decide.



The poll will remain open until the 10th. In the meantime, I'll keep working on pages. Thanks guys!

And before anyone starts... hiring or getting an inker isn't an option. Don't suggest it.

edit: This post explains why the lines are a little light as well as how a different lead makes a difference.

edit 2: Commenting ability on this post has been closed. I apologize for the inconvenience.


"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change."
-- Charles Darwin