nickmag_comics (![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} nickmag_comics) wrote,@ 2007-12-27 12:36:00 |
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| Entry tags: | december 07, drew weing, jason shiga |
Shiga and Weing adventure!
For our Fantasy Issue, we knew we wanted Jason Shiga
to do something in the great tradition of "choose your own adventure" fantasy stories--the kind that had many of us flipping pages in the 80s. I sketched up an idea of it being text boxes connected by arrows and place on top of a castle.
Jason asked if it could be a hybrid comic/story. We said "Sure!"
Here's the initial concept sketch by editor, Chris Duffy.
Jason Shiga's "draft" was a perfectly functioning comic--not a big surprise, since Jason is an acclaimed cartoonist. (Go read Book Hunter!)
Drew Weing got tapped for the full illustration job. We were all impressed by the rich detail and expressive storytelling of his comics--including his ongoing online graphic novel "Set to Sea" and in his "Wulf & Merl" fantasy strip for the late Disney Adventures. Drew Weing had drawn Jason Shiga on a cover of an issue of the Comics Journal--but had they met? I still don't know. (forgot to ask)
Drew wisely stayed close to Jason's blueprint (I say wisely, because Jason knows how to organize space for this kind of thing--see Shigabooks.com) while adding invaluable detail and charm. 
We liked Drew's depiction of the heroine (check out those great eyebrows) but wanted her a little less cute and round, and maybe with some sassier expressions. 
Designer Tim Jones worked diligently to come up with a palette for the text boxes that was colorful, but not overwhelming. 
Word from Helene Salmon (who reads our mail) is that kids are liking this feature!
Check out the December issue of Nick Mag and join the adventure!
