I just wanted to say, I started reading this comic about three weeks ago (think I hit the buffer at three updates ago, that sounds right), and it deserves far wider recognition than it gets, seeing as it’s not read by everybody in the world… Aside from the things that people mention a lot like the lovely panel borders and attention to detail, I just wanted to say that I love the way you draw (and shade) folds in cloth. It’s particularly lovely on those black gloves to still be able to see the shading, and on the contrast in the last panel between the doeskin duster and the darker cloak. It gives a very dynamic air to the panels. Thanks for your hard work every week ^_^
You are absolutely right, Hwajaemae! I rank NTO in my top five and that’s a really picky list-lots of adjustment every time a new page comes up on my screen. I find the story in particular to stand out though, making my two top contenders generally to be NTO and Unsounded. Spindrift and Stand Still Stay Silent are pretty much always there too, and the fifth is a floater. 🙂
I read SSSS as well – amazing how the two art styles, though SO different and unique, can both be such huge selling factors as a basis to the great stories of both comics. I can’t tell whether this is some kind of philosophical proof that at a certain level great art is appreciated by everyone, or you and I just have really similar tastes XD If Unsounded and Spindrift are anything like as good as NTO, I should probably check them out.
Sidenote, just while I’m reading this page again: I seem to see something like chagrin on Hunter’s face in panel 7. I wonder if he was expecting to see a ring he gave her a long time ago…
Spindrift has magical technology and otherworld races/species–actually so does Unsounded. The ART deserves standing ovations. 🙂 Unsounded verges on manga sometimes but really just to spin the character relationships-Spindrift is phenomenal, if updating much less frequently. If you read the author blogs you’ll find out plenty.
Regular updates are not to be underestimated. I love the hell out of Spindrift, both writing and artist, but it’s very inconsistent with updates(for good reason, last I checked). But even so, it’s nice to see the story of NTO progressing. We still know so little about our protagonists!
Story and art together are what makes it for me–either without the other doesn’t work–and I react to manga like I do to rap-very little desire for it. So seeing a less ritualized style with truly unique characters always gets me. Very glad to be assisting you to get your well-earned recognition!
It’s nice to see more people coming around to read and enjoy NTO. Like Hwajaemae (sorry, I can’t even begin to pronounce that name) points out; “I started reading this comic three weeks ago and it deserves far wider recognition then it gets”. YES! It does. That’s why I keep harping that this should be a animated motion picture. SIGH! Alas, this may not be in the stars for NTO. :..( Non-the-less, it is still an outstanding graphic novel and is my number one on line read. Speaking of which Karyl, you mentioned some of your others that you like, so if I do not offend my dear Erin, with you novel at number one my second favorite is Monsieur Charlatan, three is Girl Genius (although that one is more like reading War and Peace. There seems to be no end!) Four is Mystery Babylon, and five is a kicker I try to follow called Unearth.
This weeks up date is a ponderance for me looking at the expressions on John Henry’s face, especially panel two. God, what an actor. The Eastwoodian sneer on Vane’s face in the beautifully vignetted panel 11 as she states her proposal to Hunter is great.
I’m not usually much of a one for getting involved in internet discussions, but having observed for a while, the community surrounding NTO seem like a pretty awesome bunch of people 😀 Glad to be here, now there are more footsoldiers for the NTO publicity army!
(The name, by the way, is Korean, though I’m not, long story. In Korean “ae” is a diphthong pronounced like the “ay” in say or indeed may. It’s a probably terribly garbled way of saying “Firehawk” I came up with. For short, some online friends call me Hwa.)
I, too, love the upper-lip-curl in panel 11. Despite the purposeful amibguousness about pro- and antogonist-leanings for Hunter and Vane, I find her attitude much more appealing, though I’m not sure what that says about me exactly. Another week until we learn more!
Can’t help but feel for Hunter here. That hopeful look in the 2nd panel, where for a moment it’s just him and her up there, wondering if there’s any part of *her* still there. The look in panel 7 that suggests “well, damn.. I guess that’s how it is, then.” The look in panel 8 that is focused on the karketolite, disappointment that *this* is what she cares about now. And back to the showman on panel 9. Just brilliant, Erin; artistry like yours makes humble folk like me jealous.
I am in awe of your work. The way the the story flows from panel to panel and the rich detail in each one. I too notice that there was a hint of hope in hunters expression, “Does she still have a memento of our relationship?” Only to see that there is nothing left of this remarkable woman he loved but a burning, hateful, revenge driven creature.
also I thing this is the first time I’ve ever seen Vane’s teeth. I was expecting fangs. By the way does she ever eat?
While she could just have reached for the gem without taking off her gloves, she take the time to make sure he knows she doesn’t have it on her finger. I’m curious to see if we’ll find out she does keep it somewhere else. Perhaps closer to her heart… (I know, I’m a hopeless romantic). Also curious to know exactly what secret she is after.
this comic is incredible. I just read it all today (I know, I know, but I had to). I love perfect amount of dialogue, and the art is amazing. The characters are excellent.
SqualLion, “to show her sadness?” I think that’s a really good observation, metaphorically speaking, but I’m not sure of the real reason for Vane’s skin complexion has been fully reveled yet other then she was brought back from the dead by Mr. Hunter.
And the look on his face, (like Piripero said) when he hopes for the ring (he’s wearing his, right?) and it’s not there! I assume she was buried with it on, so it seems to hurt him that hers is gone.
And what will happen if he dowses for karketolite… anything to do with the details of the full exposition poster (which Patreon patrons got to see)? I keep waiting to see how that adds up.
And the crowd – who has a crystal on their person, and what will happen when JHH dowses for it? And does he already know what will happen?
I’ve fallen in love with the shade of blue you use in this chapter.
I just wanted to say, I started reading this comic about three weeks ago (think I hit the buffer at three updates ago, that sounds right), and it deserves far wider recognition than it gets, seeing as it’s not read by everybody in the world… Aside from the things that people mention a lot like the lovely panel borders and attention to detail, I just wanted to say that I love the way you draw (and shade) folds in cloth. It’s particularly lovely on those black gloves to still be able to see the shading, and on the contrast in the last panel between the doeskin duster and the darker cloak. It gives a very dynamic air to the panels. Thanks for your hard work every week ^_^
Thank you so very much for the kind words, and thanks for reading!
You are absolutely right, Hwajaemae! I rank NTO in my top five and that’s a really picky list-lots of adjustment every time a new page comes up on my screen. I find the story in particular to stand out though, making my two top contenders generally to be NTO and Unsounded. Spindrift and Stand Still Stay Silent are pretty much always there too, and the fifth is a floater. 🙂
I read SSSS as well – amazing how the two art styles, though SO different and unique, can both be such huge selling factors as a basis to the great stories of both comics. I can’t tell whether this is some kind of philosophical proof that at a certain level great art is appreciated by everyone, or you and I just have really similar tastes XD If Unsounded and Spindrift are anything like as good as NTO, I should probably check them out.
Sidenote, just while I’m reading this page again: I seem to see something like chagrin on Hunter’s face in panel 7. I wonder if he was expecting to see a ring he gave her a long time ago…
Spindrift has magical technology and otherworld races/species–actually so does Unsounded. The ART deserves standing ovations. 🙂 Unsounded verges on manga sometimes but really just to spin the character relationships-Spindrift is phenomenal, if updating much less frequently. If you read the author blogs you’ll find out plenty.
Regular updates are not to be underestimated. I love the hell out of Spindrift, both writing and artist, but it’s very inconsistent with updates(for good reason, last I checked). But even so, it’s nice to see the story of NTO progressing. We still know so little about our protagonists!
That is some great company to be in, Karyl. Thanks so much.
Story and art together are what makes it for me–either without the other doesn’t work–and I react to manga like I do to rap-very little desire for it. So seeing a less ritualized style with truly unique characters always gets me. Very glad to be assisting you to get your well-earned recognition!
It’s nice to see more people coming around to read and enjoy NTO. Like Hwajaemae (sorry, I can’t even begin to pronounce that name) points out; “I started reading this comic three weeks ago and it deserves far wider recognition then it gets”. YES! It does. That’s why I keep harping that this should be a animated motion picture. SIGH! Alas, this may not be in the stars for NTO. :..( Non-the-less, it is still an outstanding graphic novel and is my number one on line read. Speaking of which Karyl, you mentioned some of your others that you like, so if I do not offend my dear Erin, with you novel at number one my second favorite is Monsieur Charlatan, three is Girl Genius (although that one is more like reading War and Peace. There seems to be no end!) Four is Mystery Babylon, and five is a kicker I try to follow called Unearth.
This weeks up date is a ponderance for me looking at the expressions on John Henry’s face, especially panel two. God, what an actor. The Eastwoodian sneer on Vane’s face in the beautifully vignetted panel 11 as she states her proposal to Hunter is great.
I’m not usually much of a one for getting involved in internet discussions, but having observed for a while, the community surrounding NTO seem like a pretty awesome bunch of people 😀 Glad to be here, now there are more footsoldiers for the NTO publicity army!
(The name, by the way, is Korean, though I’m not, long story. In Korean “ae” is a diphthong pronounced like the “ay” in say or indeed may. It’s a probably terribly garbled way of saying “Firehawk” I came up with. For short, some online friends call me Hwa.)
I, too, love the upper-lip-curl in panel 11. Despite the purposeful amibguousness about pro- and antogonist-leanings for Hunter and Vane, I find her attitude much more appealing, though I’m not sure what that says about me exactly. Another week until we learn more!
Warms my heart to see these two crazy kids getting along, even if it’s only going to be for like five seconds.
And he looks so sad to see that she’s not wearing her wedding band, too. What an amazing touch.
I hadn’t noticed that until you pointed it out.
That IS a nice touch!
Can’t help but feel for Hunter here. That hopeful look in the 2nd panel, where for a moment it’s just him and her up there, wondering if there’s any part of *her* still there. The look in panel 7 that suggests “well, damn.. I guess that’s how it is, then.” The look in panel 8 that is focused on the karketolite, disappointment that *this* is what she cares about now. And back to the showman on panel 9. Just brilliant, Erin; artistry like yours makes humble folk like me jealous.
Humble, excellent writer folk. Thanks so much though!
Wonderful update.
Thanks!
Thanks TT!
Oh.
Oh god, I’ve caught up.
Oh noooo. D:
(Absolutely amaaaazing comic, damn! XD)
Thanks so much, and thanks for reading!
I am in awe of your work. The way the the story flows from panel to panel and the rich detail in each one.
I too notice that there was a hint of hope in hunters expression, “Does she still have a memento of our relationship?” Only to see that there is nothing left of this remarkable woman he loved but a burning, hateful, revenge driven creature.
also I thing this is the first time I’ve ever seen Vane’s teeth. I was expecting fangs. By the way does she ever eat?
Thanks as always got!
While she could just have reached for the gem without taking off her gloves, she take the time to make sure he knows she doesn’t have it on her finger.
I’m curious to see if we’ll find out she does keep it somewhere else. Perhaps closer to her heart… (I know, I’m a hopeless romantic).
Also curious to know exactly what secret she is after.
this comic is incredible. I just read it all today (I know, I know, but I had to). I love perfect amount of dialogue, and the art is amazing. The characters are excellent.
Very much obliged for the binge read and the kind words throughout! I hope I’ll see you around.
I will be here.
I wish I could change my gravatar to Markus, though. He cracks me up.
I love how she is so dead-pan matter-of-fact, while Hunter is still putting on his grand show.
I will be here.
I wish I could change my gravatar to Markus, though. He cracks me up.
unexpected
I wonder (since the beginning) : why her skin is so pale/grey? to show her sadness?
SqualLion, “to show her sadness?” I think that’s a really good observation, metaphorically speaking, but I’m not sure of the real reason for Vane’s skin complexion has been fully reveled yet other then she was brought back from the dead by Mr. Hunter.
Again the hands… Her fingers so distinctly hers.
And the look on his face, (like Piripero said) when he hopes for the ring (he’s wearing his, right?) and it’s not there! I assume she was buried with it on, so it seems to hurt him that hers is gone.
And what will happen if he dowses for karketolite… anything to do with the details of the full exposition poster (which Patreon patrons got to see)? I keep waiting to see how that adds up.
And the crowd – who has a crystal on their person, and what will happen when JHH dowses for it? And does he already know what will happen?
I’ve fallen in love with the shade of blue you use in this chapter.