Next Town Over

Whiskey Bend Page 20

• Book 3: Whiskey Bend

So as promised in various places NTO Book 3 is now on sale digitally (print to follow at its characteristically slow pace; I’ll keep you apprised).

One of the most exciting things about this chapter is its cover, which was done by illustrator Eric Dagley.  He’s a standout act I don’t look forward to following: the Whiskey Bend cover is equally dramatic, foreboding and cerebral — not to mention cleverly emblematic of all the horse murder. Check out more of Eric’s work at his site, most especially his inimitable take on Kick Girl, a character of mine and Sef Joosten’s.

Oh and don’t forget to buy the comic! In addition to the rest of chapter 3 it also features art by Robyn Seale, Gustav Carlson and Casey Bieda.  Your continued support is the reason I can do this at all. Thank you kindly!

The comic’s far enough along now where I can sporadically resume posting old sketches and conceptual snippets without major spoilers.

This week, an old sketch of Hunter and the Outlaw:

Even in this blobby old speedpaint you can see I had something more stylized in mind initially for the look of the comic than what I ultimately went with (and the Outlaw’s brand is on his near side for some reason?) — you can also see I clearly recycled the pose in page 6 of the current chapter.

Still haven’t found the time to work on the new donor site, but! in addition to all the goodies previously discussed I was thinking donors of extraordinary generosity might also like to appear in the comic as bystanders? There’s always plenty of those in NTO. Would that interest anyone? And, if you’ve already donated $50 or more to me in the past and happen to be reading this please feel free to contact me if you’d be interested in collecting on this perk in chapter 4.

Digital Strips (the oldest webcomics-focused podcast out there) covered Next Town Over in their most recent show, talking at truly flattering length about the comic’s pacing, paneling, and, of course, who the bad guy really is. The NTO coverage starts around 12:20, but there’s insight & interest throughout and it’s well worth a listen.

Meanwhile, Shawn Gustafson, half of the creative team behind The Specialists, wrote up an NTO review of his own that was far, far too kind. The Specialists updates Mondays — well worth adding to your reading list.

Very much obliged, gentlemen!

There’re two new pinups in the super secret donor gallery! Okay, one’s been there awhile; I snuck it up months ago, but regardless, I can’t sit on these anymore. The cozy sepia one’s brand spanking new, courtesy of Watcher of Yaathagggu creator Robyn Seale, and the second, another amazing take on Vane in the Whiskey Bend environs, comes from Backwood Folk‘s Gustav Carlson (who’s selling a great new compilation). It’s just too rad seeing other folks’ interpretations of Next Town Over’s principals.

Now’s a great time to donate and check these out, along with all the older stuff by Alpha Flag‘s Jon Cairns, Reign in Hell‘s Sef Joosten and NTO’s very own sometimes-flatter (and my kid sister), Cate Mehlos.

All that said, I realize the donate-look-at-pinups machinery isn’t ideal; I’m also aware I haven’t posted much in terms of blogging/bonus material. Partially I’m just real behind schedule, but I’m also working on another whole site just for donors, that’ll let anyone who puts a dollar or more in the hat get a gander at all the pinups and new, exclusive wallpaper. My current thinking is that more stalwart supporters wanting to go above and beyond and donate $25 or more will get access to excerpts from my working draft of the NTO novelization (yes, this is a thing) as well as free downloads of all NTO CBZs and PDFs — including all future issues. And yes, I’ll be grandfathering in past donors.

So, what do you think of that?

2011 was a great year for NTO; the comic’s grown from utter obscurity to fairly well-receieved middlin’ obscurity. No, really, it’s grown a decent-sized following, and I’m confident things are going to continue getting better in 2012. Here’s hoping your things, do, as well — couldn’t have done it without you.

By request, I’ve made a wallpaper version of the first panel of page 4. Don’t come crying to me though when the detail level disappoints; it was never intended to be all big!

You said you’d be willing to donate for this; that won’t be necessary but don’t let me stop you, either — go right ahead and remember: a donation in any amount gets you access to the pinup gallery, which features art from friends of myself and the comic.

Click for full-sized download