"Pre-Otakon 2007 Info" Tuesday July 17th, 2007

Alright before I go into all the Otakon craziness, let's get into the comic. All I have to say is despite the number of establishing panels (AKA no drawing, no work copout panels), this one took a while and it was all because of the last panel. The drawing itself was originally drawn as a sketch to show the various members of the Fuzen who would be making the assault on Crescent Island. I ended up liking it so much that I inked it and intended to use it as a filler or as a new merch design. However as I was going over the comic script a few weeks ago I noticed that the drawing would be perfect for the scene you see it in now. The only problem was that normally a drawing of this size takes a while and I try to keep such multiple character panels to a minimum just to be able to keep putting the comic out in a somewhat timely matter. Despite all that, I knew I wanted this drawing to be in the comic and despite it being late. I thoroughly convinced it was the right decision and I really like the way the panel turned out.

With both sides set and the lines of battle drawn, we'll step right into the action in the next comic. Unfortunately, I have to say the next comic will not be out till next Thursday as I make preparations for Otakon of which I will mention in more detail in a moment. So I will probably have some more of Rob's EXCELLENT drawings/cgi painting up as filler later this week and I should have an Otakon sketch up for the Monday update. Thank you as always for being understanding.

Otakon 2007 Details

Like I have mentioned previously, I will be at Otakon 2007 and I will not have a table in Artist's Alley. However that doesn't mean that I wouldn't like to meet any NS fans who are also going to be at Otakon. That being said I do not have a set schedule of where I will be during the weekend. Of the things I know I will most likely be at are any screenings by Studio Sokodei such as Evangelion ReDeath or Nescaflowne. I will also be in the crowd at any of the webcomic panels.

Who will you even look for?

Yes, that is me in all my spiky haired-closing-my-eyes-goodness. I will most assuredly be the only Japanese guy wearing either the Ninja Spirit shirt in the above picture, an Intermilan jersey, or a black 5 Spot V2.0 shirt on top of camo shorts or jeans. I will also have my gray Ninja Spirit messenger bag on me. My ID tag will be some generic Otakon one and with River as the name. My friends, Dave and George, who strangely enough inspired the characters of Dave Btwys-y-Cawr and Salem St.George, will also be with me if you are interested in meeting the men behind the myth.

Now just so your hard work does not go unpaid I will have a few NS goodies such as stickers, and signed reprinted panels of my comic that I will give away for free for as long as people want them and I have some to give out. I will also be glad to draw sketches for anyone who wants one. You really can't beat that deal right? Now if you really want to be sure you meet up with me, send me an email before Thursday and I will be glad to set up a coordinated meeting point for everyone.

Chances are I won't see anyone at Otakon since A. it's a huge frickin place and B. though dedicated, the NS fan base is a rather small and fun loving family. the only reason why I am putting forth the effort to reach out to you despite reasons A and B are that I still feel thankful for everything you have all done for me while I went through my troubles last year. So my free gifts and such are my presents for you guys. Thanks as always for reading Ninja Spirit and hopefully the stars align and I meet some of you to express that thanks.

So to recap about the comic, filler on Thursday, Otakon sketch and report on Monday, and a return to the comic next Thursday. I'll see you here or there!

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