250!

Published on: 2011-07-15 | Author: J Gray

It somehow seems appropriate that Chrys's dad make his first appearance in our 250th page.

See, this whole thing started with him. Once upon a time, I started making up stories about a dashing, interdimensional traveler. It wasn't Chrys. Or Theresa. It was Quest. Over time, I grew up and didn't need to Mary Sue so much and the storyline evolved to be about his daughter and, eventually, about his daughter and her girlfriend.

Still, it is nice that, on our 250th page, he shows up... in the flesh.

Previous page is in color, by the way!

Mitaukano

Guest post by "Mitaukano"
Is it worrysome that since you mentioned Quest I've been eagerly waiting for him to show up? I'm very interested to see what happens since they have both been caught. Don't feel too bad about the Mary Sue-ing, we all do it at one time or another. Also at least your's isn't a giant crazy Were-cat/Bastet.

adamas

Guest post by "adamas"
Yes I was right!

Fairportfan

Guest post by "Fairportfan"
Okay i'm not going to make any "like a fungus" cracks, but the art is beginning (slowly) to grow on me.

Are youse guys doing something different in the colouring? The colours seem brighter, somehow.

Ellaanabeth

Guest post by "Ellaanabeth"
Um... What happened to Chrys' purple stripes in her hair? Did they dissapear when I wasn't looking? O.o

James

Guest post by "James"
I'm sorry but it must be said. The art work is not doing it for me as it did in previous pages. It's like giving away your Farrari for a Taurus, a cool car to show off for a family car everyone had. Her art work maybe good for other comics but for this one, the original artist style was what brought people to it. I only stay for the story because it is still interesting.

I think you people are being a little too polite. I'm not saying we should be against simple forms of art, but, honesty rather then "don't hate me" politeness isn't a bad thing to practice once in a while, it may even help in some good way.

Xade

Guest post by "Xade"
good work, purple streaks coming? hope so, she looks like a dumb blond without them, the straks add personality to her and matches her lips.

The art took some getting used to (I like Kieth's artwork) but it's looking nicer the more I see it. Good job. Loved the zeros comment on the one before.

James

Guest post by "James"
Well sorry if I have an opinion, asshole.

JGray

You are, of course, allowed to have an opinion. Xade wasn't denegrating it. No one was. Calling people names isn't cool, though. Please do not do so again.

Gillsing

Guest post by "Gillsing"
I'm guessing James thought Xade was calling him "a zero" with the "Loved the zeros comment on the one before." Which actually seems to refer to the last panel of page 249, and not at all to the previous comment.

A lot of times it's a good idea to turn the other cheek at perceived insults or attacks, because sometimes they're just mistakes on someone's part, and retaliation just makes things worse. And hey, even if it's an actual verbal attack, it already reflects poorly on the attacker, so as far as I'm concerned, there is really no point in name-calling even as retaliation.

James

Guest post by "James"
You ever been picked on your whole life just for being born something? I don't take shit from no one. I just wanted to voice an opinion, and to see something that looks like a response to you makes me feel like I'm not welcomed. I like this comic and I am looking forward to seeing more of it in the future, and I don't like coming into a place that makes me feel unwelcomed.

Gillsing

Guest post by "Gillsing"
No, I can't say that I have been picked on my whole life. I have just been picked on enough to figure out the difference between being picked on and not being picked on. Personally I wouldn't want to give shit to people who aren't picking on me, and if I happened to take a verbal dump on someone by accident, I would most likely apologize. I mean, that would be the decent thing to do, right?

Xade

Guest post by "Xade"

I was not saying anything about anyone, James, I was talking about the "few zeros short of a price tag" comment by the pirate to his lackey. I was in no way even considering attacking you or any other person who commented, James. the "one before" was speaking of the comic before. Since you never mentioned or even hinted at the word zero or anything, a cool headed person would have known that I was speaking of the comic. You took that completely wrong and twisted my innocent comment in an effort to start something. If anything you just showed off your chair warmer, congratulations, James. It makes me wonder why you must take everything as a personal insult and imagine people attacking wherever you go.

If you wish to discuss issues growing up, then I shall. When your own father makes you feel unwelcomed into the world for being a girl and verbally, physically, and almost sexually abuses you then you expect to have issues. I grew up learning how to duck, dodge and hide from the male who donated his genes to me. You might have been born a minority or who knows what, but at least peer pressure is all you had to live with. I had to live with a father who wanted to initiate me into womanhood, AND classmates that picked on me because I misbehaved, had a speech impediment because my teeth were kicked in, I had a temper, and ....well, you get the idea I had a lot of issues growing up. However, I rose above my past and learned to not be a defensive person. Instead, I do my utmost to be a kind and warm hearted young woman, who does not take everything said around me wrong. I am sorry that you took my comments wrong, I wrote that comment soon after waking up, and apparently I forgot to double check to ensure that my words could not be misread. I should have said "in the comic before" or "in the previous comic" instead of "in the one before" so no one could think I was attacking them. Of course I could never have foreseen that my innocent comment could be taken the wrong way, I am not all knowing. JGray asked me to comment a long time ago on twitter, now I am very sorry that I did.

Xade	Guest post by "Xade" btw, I only check comics weekly so that I have a nice little read, which explains why I wasnt here to defend myself. Because, you know, I have this little tiny four letter word called "life" going on around me, ya know?

Uhl

Guest post by "Uhl"
So people responding to you makes you feel "unwelcome?" Wow, what an incredibly thin skin you have there, James. Besides, that "zeros" statement was clearly aimed at Elizabeth because the smiley has zeros in it. Lose the chip on your shoulder, ok? You'll find life considerably more enjoyable if you do. If you can't, I suggest finding a nice padded room somewhere where they give you regular doses of "happy juice" whether you want it or not. Thanks.

Need for an artist

Published on: 2011-07-19 | Author: J Gray

I once again find myself in need of an artist for Mysteries of the Arcana. I'm looking for someone who can stick with me through the end of this storyline. Who can deliver, complete and on time. It is a paying gig. Ten dollars a page, paid every five pages. Not much, I realize. I apologize for that but the comic has a very small budget.

If you're interested you can contact me at mysteriesofthearcana (at) gmail (dot) com. I'd like to get up and running as soon as possible but I'm also going to make sure the next artist is a good fit.

This one isn't a late April fool's prank. Or a prank of any kind.

On the plus side! Chrys has her highlights on page 250 now!

James

Guest post by "James"
Your last artist didn't leave because of what I said, did she?

Flinn

Guest post by "Flinn"
This is my fault isn't it? "She has no ears...she has no highlights..."
My keen eyes have run off your artist. Sorry about that...

JGray

Things like this are never about something as simple as 'X said something mean'. Jessica's a tough person and she could take the criticism. Her life just isn't in the right space, at the moment, for her to work on her own projects and Mysteries of the Arcana as well.

I will never tell readers to censor themselves, except when it comes to civility. So long as you treat each other (and the MotA team) with respect, I am happy.

James

Guest post by "James"
Well, not to toot my own horn, but I have been planning on entering the webcomic business and so I have been developing my artistic skills, my criticism aren't just me being a dick. So maybe I could throw my hat in the arena for this.

JGray

Sure! I'm asking for a commitment to the comic. To producing two pages per week. I'm also asking for an audition page. Essentially, pick any page of MotA you desire, draw it in your own style and with your own take on it and send it to me at mysteriesofthearcana (at) gmail (dot) com.

Ketira

Guest post by "Ketira"
I do wish you luck; you've got a good story here, and I'd love to see how it ends.

....and if I could draw, I'd be doing the same thing as James. However, you wouldn't like what I would come up with. :(

Uhl

Guest post by "Uhl"
James, if you're going into the webcomic business, you're going to have to get a MUCH thicker skin. Just a warning, many people ARE going to deliberately paint a "bullseye" on you with far harsher comments then what you interpreted being said about you here, and if that wasn't enough, some are going to steal your art and call it their own too. If you don't watch that temper, you're going to burn out pretty quick.

Just an update

Published on: 2011-07-29 | Author: J Gray

I wanted to let everyone know what's going on. I've had several queries for the position of artist over here on MotA and, so far, a few audition pages. I'm waiting for a few more and then I'll make my decision. My hope is to be up and running again before the end of the summer if not sooner.

Thank you for your patience and your belief in Mysteries of the Arcana.

JD	Guest post by "JD" Silly thought... maybe post up the samples one at a time and have us vote? Just a thought.

JGray

I had considered that, actually, but thought it unfair. First, art style is only one consideration. I also need to take into account dedication and compatibility. Second, some artists might not be, as they say, ready for prime time and are being brave in putting themselves out there. I don't want to expose them to the crowd, especially after what happened with Jessica.

Also, I'm not sure art should be something that's subjected to a reality-show like environment, even a little.

Eddie

Guest post by "Eddie"
Well said sir! ^_^ Although it would be interesting to see the audition pages after someone was chosen if the other artists were ok with it Smile

Greg

Guest post by "Greg"

Quote from JGray:

Erm, if you're talking of everyone saying how bitchy she was, well, that's sorta because the belated April Fools joke wasn't understood as such so everyone, including Sarrah, took it at face value. And people aren't nice to people they perceive as not very nice people and nicer to people who seem nice...it feels like your blaming your readers for coming to your defense and trashing her and/or her art in ways they really wouldn't have if you hadn't started a joke that made the whole world cry (BeeGees)...
That might not be your intention, I dunno, but it sorta feels that way...

James

Guest post by "James"
I for one would at least like to see who I was up against after you make your decision. It's okay to make bad decision, just as long as you learned from them so if you want to try it again, you'd know how to do it better, without hurting your friends.

JGray

Greg, I don't mean the April Fool's joke but, rather, how much of a thrashing her art got. Yes, artists often need thick skins. However, most of the people auditioning aren't professionals and don't have a lot of experience. I think the "American Idol" process is destructive and would prefer to nurture young talent, not crush it.

James, after I've made my decision I'll ask all the artists involved if I can post their audition pages in the gallery. I do want to share them, just not as part of a 'vote on your favorite' process.

James

Guest post by "James"
I wasn't thinking of it as a voting thing, just a showcasing of the cannidates regardless of who was picked.

Fairportfan

Guest post by "Fairportfan"
While Jessica's art was not what i'd really want to see for mysteries of the Arcana, there's nothing wrong with is as webcomic art per se.

Magic_luver101

Guest post by "Magic_luver101"
Why dont you just do the art yourself?

JGray

You don't want that.

Trust me. You really don't.

JGray

I have great respect for Jeph Jacques and for Dan Shive, for that matter. Both started out with so-so art and improved considerably over the years. That said, the vision I have for MotA is fairly complex, detailed, and action oriented. The art has to be able to convey my writing. MY art would not. Maybe it might after years of constant work but in the meanwhile, readers would have to deal with a story that was often confusing because the art couldn't keep up with the writing... and since we've already had two years of fairly solid art, it would be a let down for the readers who have grown used to a certain level of quality from MotA in all departments.

Another Update

Published on: 2011-08-10 | Author: J Gray

Hello everyone!

Just a note to keep everyone up to date. I'm waiting on one more audition page. One way or the other, I'll be making a decision Friday. After that comes discussion with the artist I've chosen. Hopefully, we'll be up and running again soon after that.

I did not get any auditions that looked like Keith or Sarrah's work. Whoever fills the shoes, their style will be different from the majority of MotA thus far. I am trying hard to pick an artistic style that works well for the story.

JD	Guest post by "JD" After seeing just a teeny tiny sampling of what may come, I think you all are going to be very happy upon Arcana's return. I know I'm impressed.

Fairportfan

Guest post by "Fairportfan"
Evil Diva has weathered two artist changes - i actually like the current better than the original, by a small amount.

After almost two years - or was it three - The Wotch is coming back with a new artist and a different style - though it's one we've seen before and i like.

Exiern underwent an artist change that changed the look of the strip markedly.

So i'm looking forward to Friday with anticipation.

James

Guest post by "James"
Believe it or not, I once helped with the editing for Exiern. They didn't pay me, but I was happy with the job for about a month, before the artist change and then I stopped receiving the pages that needed the spell corrections (that was my job). The texts suffers for it even more then usual.

James

Guest post by "James"
Had this as a last minute thought (you don't seem to have an "edit post" option here):

Even if I don't get the part of artist for MotA, I at least am pleased to get my artwork out into the world, and to hopefully improve my style and form in my pla, no, personal quest to make a webcomic (and by that I mean my very OWN, not someone elses. I'm no fink.)

Welcome our new artist!

Published on: 2011-08-13 | Author: J Gray

Hello!

I'm pleased to say that I have offered the position of artist of Mysteries of the Arcana to Gennifer Bone. She has been quite gracious and accepted the offer. As we speak, she is hard at work on the next few pages.

I had quite a few people show interest in the position. In all, seven artists (eight, technically, as one of the artists was actually a team of two artists) sent me audition pages. I was quite pleased at the range and talent of the people interested.

In the end, I picked Gennifer because I felt she best understood the comic and the characters, both as a reader and as an artist. I've posted a full color sketch she did of Mandrake to go along with this page. As the week goes by, I'll show off more of her art, including her audition page.

If you are interested in seeing more art from Gennifer, you can see her DeviantArt account here: http://razielart.deviantart.com/

Everyone, please welcome Gennifer to the Mysteries of the Arcana team!

Fairportfan

Guest post by "Fairportfan"
Yay!

Mitaukano

Guest post by "Mitaukano"
Sweet we got us an artist!

JD	Guest post by "JD" Fantastic! Welcome Gennifer!

James Smith

Guest post by "James Smith"
"G'ennifer", that's a new one.

TC	Guest post by "TC" Welcome to MOTA, Gennifer

adamas

Guest post by "adamas"
Welcome, or as I think Mandrake is saying "Gppd/Happy day" Smile

More Gennifer Art!

Published on: 2011-08-15 | Author: J Gray

Gennifer was nice enough to send along a color sketch of Theresa. She showed what a good sport she was when I insisted she replace the gun. For the record, Theresa uses a Colt 45 m1911a1. That's the gun her daddy gave her and she's used it to blow up robots and ineffectually shoot goo and horrors thus far.

Seraia

Guest post by "Seraia"
Love, love LOVE the new edgy look. The last artist had softened things a bit too much and took all the "utch" out of being butch. I realize its hard to do that amount of art well, but if you can't do it well and on time there's no point.

Hjels

Guest post by "Hjels"
I agree, the new art looks amazing. Can't wait to see now pages coming.

Fairportfan

Guest post by "Fairportfan"
Yeah! Me Like!

Emma	Guest post by "Emma" I thought Jess was doing a great job, but this new girl is really growing on me too.

William!

Published on: 2011-08-18 | Author: J Gray

William isn't an easy character to portray. You've got a jackal anthromorph with digitigrade legs in high tech space armor with a fair amount of detail. You've somehow got to give that character expression on a face lacking typical human features. Fortunately, Gennifer did a fantastic job with William. She even managed to give him a very inscrutable, samurai warrior vibe.

I'm hoping to get one more portrait up this weekend and then we'll become publishing pages again come Monday!

Felix Pleșoianu

Guest post by "Felix Pleșoianu"
Indeed, William looks the best so far. Yay for Gennifer!

Fairportfan

Guest post by "Fairportfan"
Chrys next?