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Broken Sky Page 07
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Broken Sky Page 07

on December 14, 2014
Chapter: Book 7: Broken Sky
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Discussion ¬

  1. Karyl
    Karyl
    December 14, 2014, 6:17 am | # | Reply

    Well, now she’s got to make yet another choice–remind him that the first fitting isn’t done yet? or try to put that pin away without sticking herself or losing its location so she can use it later…it’s all at the “sticking” point, isn’t it?

  2. jsfury
    jsfury
    December 14, 2014, 6:28 am | # | Reply

    Once again Erin, simply beautiful. Panel two, the detail in Miss. Dauterive’s elegant glove is incredible. As is all of this great illustrated story.

  3. Ozzien
    Ozzien
    December 14, 2014, 8:10 am | # | Reply

    Something about that “comprendre” feels off to me. It’s in the infinitive form, so it’d be like saying to someone “to understand?” It’d be more natural to say something like “C’est compris?” (“Is that understood?” A little rude) or “Vouz comprenez?” (“Do you understand?” More formal).

    • Random Spanish Guy
      Random Spanish Guy
      December 14, 2014, 9:17 am | # | Reply

      “Comprendre?” is indeed grammatically wrong. I would go with “Compris?”. It’s short, snappy, authoritative, which I guess is what Ms Dauterive is trying to convey, since she already “owns” Eliza. “Comprenez-vous?” would be the polite, empathetic way to ask it, like she was concerned about Eliza’s future.

      Looking forward to the date between Hunter and Eliza :3

      It looks like Eliza isn’t a very subtle person: in panel 6, you can see her reaching at Hunter, going straight for the kill.

      Lovely art, as always, Erin.

      • Ben
        Ben
        December 14, 2014, 10:41 am | # | Reply

        “Compris” is exactly what I wanted. Thank you.

        You are on your way to a “French consultant” credit.

        • arnly
          arnly
          December 17, 2014, 6:13 pm | # | Reply

          I saw “Compris” and immediately thought of the forceful American Italian slang “Capiche.” It does sound right after a veiled threat.

  4. arnly
    arnly
    December 17, 2014, 6:57 pm | # | Reply

    I hope JHH heard that entire exchange and is going to get Eliza out of her situation, though (in the words of Bob Dylan) he might “use a little too much force.” The overly strong gesture he uses to stop her sticking him while still keeping her unaware of his knowledge, seems like more of the gallantry and panache that makes this man irresistible. The gesture seems stronger to me, I think, because he grabs her wrist, and not her hand…

    As usual, I feel like I’m watching a movie. Of the web comics I read only a few handle the art and the story telling this seamlessly and carry both to this level: Girl Genius (very different style, pacing, etc. than NTO), Lackadaisy (unmatched for the level of detail and handling of warm and cool hues), Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant (too short! – the action is as convincing and well paced as NTO, and more great attention to setting and architecture) and Power Nap (masterful use of exaggerated expressions – though, again, Ms. Butler might take the prize on this point, as well). These are my favorites, with NTO.

    Like jsfury I love that glove! And the turn John Henry makes in that second to last frame – more magnificence. John and the right suit carry each other to amazing places.

    This time I noticed the reflection/refraction in Eliza’s glasses… The accuracy is great, but what’s even better is how you use these like a magnifier of her emotional state. I reviewed the last few pages and you always manage to either echo the whites of her eyes, double the glare of her brow, or circle the glasses with uncertainty. The reflection of the shop windows in the cell where she’s decided to go for it – that’s particularly effective. I almost wonder if you positioned John Henry between her and the window deliberately to use this effect, or if it was just some serendipity you magnified. There are other reasons for placing him there – the proximity to the conversation, the proper lighting for his magnificent turn, etc. but I wonder…

    I feel like research into the ladies’ gowns would reward the time – but I’m not sure where to start on that one.

    Beautiful page, as always – thanks for taking so much time to craft these every week!

    • Karyl
      Karyl
      December 21, 2014, 7:52 am | # | Reply

      While I utterly agree with all you have said in favor of NTO as an exemplar of all that is best in web comics, I want to suggest an addition to your list: Spindrift. Her art is astounding in a different way, and the story is not like any other I’ve encountered so far in my wide readings.

  5. arnly
    arnly
    December 17, 2014, 7:04 pm | # | Reply

    OK… As usual, one more thing… I just noticed the lovely detail to frame the one round cell. And that called my attention to the roundness of that cell and the THREE round mirrors right below it in the next cell. Which made me realize that Eliza is stock still in front of that pin and glove – like she is looking into her own soul. Great visual story-telling well beyond the plot.

    • Ben
      Ben
      December 18, 2014, 11:35 am | # | Reply

      The usual thanks — but read your comments while feeling particularly down so they were even more of an inspiration than usual. Very much obliged.

      (Also the mirror thing was inadvertent, I must confess, but that is a hell of a read of a happy accident.)

  6. Kayla G.
    Kayla G.
    December 19, 2014, 7:10 pm | # | Reply

    I love that vivid pink of Miss Dauterive’s dress… it really stands out against the darkness. Your usage of color is absolutely fabulous. Also, I am rooting for our blonde French gal here in this instance, just because Henry is a right awful brute. Granted revenge is never the answer (IRL), but in a case like this, well… I think I can make an exception to my rule of pacifism. I love that Dauterive has made a return, though, as she is fabulous. Fantastic work as always and hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

    (P.S. I am a lurker… guilty as charged. I pop by when I can to tell you how much I enjoy your work.)

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