Where do I begin? Okay, Vane is NOT that bad of a shot that she would miss John Henry at that close range. It’s clear to me she’s not trying to kill him. More like she’s trying to get his attention. I think one round would have sufficed. There’s so much I want to say but I am pressed for time right now. I will say I love the way You have illustrated Vane’s body movement as the Professor’s wind control hits her, and she pulls her other pistol almost like slooooow motion as the round is frozen in air. Beautiful Arin, just beautiful.
As pointed out further down, I believe Vane missed her first four shots because of Crawford. For whatever reason, he didn’t want Hunter dead, or at least not in the library.
Seeing Vane shoot the professor breaks my poor little heart :(((
Why? Having re-read through the series for the umpteenth time, it’s even more clear that Vane isn’t a “good guy.” Throughout the series indeed, if we look purely at deeds, of the two, it’s Vane who clearly does criminal things without remorse or care – whether that’s threatening an innocent life or theft.
While JH has the smooth-talking aire of someone who’s untrustworthy, by and large he really doesn’t seem to do much more than be seeking specific items and doing what’s utterly necessary to avoid getting shot by the lunatic ex-girlfriend intent on planting him in a grave.
Since Vane isn’t totally human anymore (imo), I don’t think she is held to the same morality that JHH is. I think he is actually a soft-heart, but he did something to Vane that she is not going to just forget about. So whatever she does, can’t be judged by humans as “good” or “bad”. She is in another plane.
Missed keeping up with the comic for a while, so I’ve just reread the lot. Glad I did, because I’d missed a lot. I hope you never get tired of praise, because as others have said your work is amazing in every respect. I’ve been very glad for the comments along the way, pointing out all the things I haven’t noticed. Looking forward to seeing more.
Like jsfury said, she’s not missing on purpose. What is she aiming at in a room (mostly) full of books? It seems that each of the three has their own agenda for being in the room.
I think she’s attempting to break Hunter’s concentration, or make him move in a different direction–and beyond that I have no clue. In either case, the wind mage didn’t realize she’d turn on him that fast.
You know, this was probably one of the only pages I’ve been confused as to what was going on, but after reading the comments and seeing the bullet holes behind Hunter’s head, I got it.
There was a lamp behind his head, likely a gas one. I’ll put my money on Vane trying to pierce the gas line embedded in the wall.
Miss Black missed her mark because of gale force winds inside the magical library. From the comments, it doesn’t seem like you caught onto that. See, the bullet trajectory will be altered by wind.
No way. First of all, while there is a little breeze before and during Vanes shots (enough so that we see everyone’s hair ruffle), JHH’s duster is not blown back like on the previous page, and the instruments on the table are undisturbed. Secondly, I doubt very much that even a strong, magically concentrated wind would alter a bullet’s path in such a short distance. Although we don’t know much about Vane’s gun, we know that it’s a revolver– and thus the bullets are going to be traveling over 1,000mph, faster than the speed of sound.
agree 100 percent. PLUS, you can see that *look* she gives him is because he interfered with her. And that’s why he gets a bullet too . . . until JHH catches it on the next page, I bet.
OK, we know why JHH is here. He’s looking for a red crystal thing like the one he took out of his pocket and put in the Subspectral Resonance Dowser (find-the-similiar-thingies device). (see https://www.nexttownover.net/?p=2054).
JHH killed the seamstress, but did nothing about Dauterive.
Just like Vane isn’t really doing anything about JHH except chasing him around and provoking the hell out of him.
Just like Professor Crawford (wind mage guy) isn’t killing either Vane OR JHH, despite apparently having the ability to windblast the crap out of them, even to the point of redirecting JHH’s fire.
Do Vane and Prof. C want the red crystal too?
Why won’t any of the “main players” refuse to kill other main players?
I think you’re the only one who’s commented on JHH’s use of the Dowser to presumably track down another specimen of Dauterive’s red stone prior to turning it over to Crawford/the Academy.
Arin, forgive me, I don’t know why I’m doing this except for the fact that your fans (minions?) are not reading the body English you so skillfully illustrate.
Panel 1.) Professor Crawford is slightly slumped over as he is tired, and a little singed, from pulling the flames away from the books John Henry was about to light.
Panel 2.) Vane fires her modified Henry riffle/pistol to get and hold JHH from, once again, slipping out the back door.
Panel 3.) JHH appears somewhat annoyed at Vane’s persistence and maybe over done distraction.
Panel 4.) Vane holds her position as John seemingly is waiting for her next move. Note, wind is now starting to swirl as Crawford is aware of something that he doesn’t want to happen.
Panel 5.) Crawford, with arm extended and wind still swirling declares to Vane a stern NO! as Vane looks at him.
Panel 6. and 7.) The battle eyed stairs before the fight.
Panel 8.) Vane goes for her left side arm as she knows she’s going to need it.
Panel 9.) Crawford and Black begin battle, Black pulling pistol from left side holster.
Panel 10.) Crawford throws the first blow (wind now blowing) knocking the pistol from Vane’s right hand with enough force to push her right side back. Her quick reflexes, anticipating the action, has pulled her left pistol and…
Panel 11.) with right arm blown back and pistol leaving her hand brings left pistol to bare on her opponent and FIRES, the fatal shot?
Will Vane hit her mark? Will John Henry run like hell and yet get away again? Will the posse FINALLY show up and catch these two maniacs???
Tune in next week for another exciting page of NEXT TOWN OVER !
Where do I begin? Okay, Vane is NOT that bad of a shot that she would miss John Henry at that close range. It’s clear to me she’s not trying to kill him. More like she’s trying to get his attention. I think one round would have sufficed. There’s so much I want to say but I am pressed for time right now. I will say I love the way You have illustrated Vane’s body movement as the Professor’s wind control hits her, and she pulls her other pistol almost like slooooow motion as the round is frozen in air. Beautiful Arin, just beautiful.
As pointed out further down, I believe Vane missed her first four shots because of Crawford. For whatever reason, he didn’t want Hunter dead, or at least not in the library.
Seeing Vane shoot the professor breaks my poor little heart :(((
Why? Having re-read through the series for the umpteenth time, it’s even more clear that Vane isn’t a “good guy.” Throughout the series indeed, if we look purely at deeds, of the two, it’s Vane who clearly does criminal things without remorse or care – whether that’s threatening an innocent life or theft.
While JH has the smooth-talking aire of someone who’s untrustworthy, by and large he really doesn’t seem to do much more than be seeking specific items and doing what’s utterly necessary to avoid getting shot by the lunatic ex-girlfriend intent on planting him in a grave.
Since Vane isn’t totally human anymore (imo), I don’t think she is held to the same morality that JHH is. I think he is actually a soft-heart, but he did something to Vane that she is not going to just forget about. So whatever she does, can’t be judged by humans as “good” or “bad”. She is in another plane.
Because I like Crawford, he seems like a nice enough guy, and he just got shot by someone that he thought was on his side.
especially since i’m pretty sure what he’s after is a way to bring her back in full
Missed keeping up with the comic for a while, so I’ve just reread the lot. Glad I did, because I’d missed a lot. I hope you never get tired of praise, because as others have said your work is amazing in every respect. I’ve been very glad for the comments along the way, pointing out all the things I haven’t noticed. Looking forward to seeing more.
Very much appreciate the kind words!
Like jsfury said, she’s not missing on purpose. What is she aiming at in a room (mostly) full of books? It seems that each of the three has their own agenda for being in the room.
I think she’s attempting to break Hunter’s concentration, or make him move in a different direction–and beyond that I have no clue. In either case, the wind mage didn’t realize she’d turn on him that fast.
You know, this was probably one of the only pages I’ve been confused as to what was going on, but after reading the comments and seeing the bullet holes behind Hunter’s head, I got it.
There was a lamp behind his head, likely a gas one. I’ll put my money on Vane trying to pierce the gas line embedded in the wall.
But…he didn’t count on the second gun
Miss Black missed her mark because of gale force winds inside the magical library. From the comments, it doesn’t seem like you caught onto that. See, the bullet trajectory will be altered by wind.
No way. First of all, while there is a little breeze before and during Vanes shots (enough so that we see everyone’s hair ruffle), JHH’s duster is not blown back like on the previous page, and the instruments on the table are undisturbed. Secondly, I doubt very much that even a strong, magically concentrated wind would alter a bullet’s path in such a short distance. Although we don’t know much about Vane’s gun, we know that it’s a revolver– and thus the bullets are going to be traveling over 1,000mph, faster than the speed of sound.
Read more about muzzle velocity and the myth of bullet dodging at http://www.mythbusterstheexhibition.com/science-content/dodge-a-bullet/
Eeeexcept this is a fantasy comic, Vane’s gun ain’t a revolver, and JHH did a real bullet catch last chapter.
Also uh, I think the prof just interrupted her aim with a gust, not the bullets.
Or maybe she’s pulling to the left. I’m still estimating her bullets will be at least a few inches off in hurricane winds.
The prof clearly has his hand extended for Vane’s gun hand – it’s pretty clear he screwed up her aim I think
agree 100 percent. PLUS, you can see that *look* she gives him is because he interfered with her. And that’s why he gets a bullet too . . . until JHH catches it on the next page, I bet.
(Pst. You guys are correct.)
OK, we know why JHH is here. He’s looking for a red crystal thing like the one he took out of his pocket and put in the Subspectral Resonance Dowser (find-the-similiar-thingies device). (see https://www.nexttownover.net/?p=2054).
That crystal came from the neck of Ms. Dauterive (https://www.nexttownover.net/?p=68) who just recently popped up again, trying to have JHH assassinated. Theoretically to avenge her great aunty or whatever… but maybe actually to get her red crystal back?? see (https://www.nexttownover.net/?p=2171) and (https://www.nexttownover.net/?p=2188).
JHH killed the seamstress, but did nothing about Dauterive.
Just like Vane isn’t really doing anything about JHH except chasing him around and provoking the hell out of him.
Just like Professor Crawford (wind mage guy) isn’t killing either Vane OR JHH, despite apparently having the ability to windblast the crap out of them, even to the point of redirecting JHH’s fire.
Do Vane and Prof. C want the red crystal too?
Why won’t any of the “main players” refuse to kill other main players?
I think you’re the only one who’s commented on JHH’s use of the Dowser to presumably track down another specimen of Dauterive’s red stone prior to turning it over to Crawford/the Academy.
Arin, forgive me, I don’t know why I’m doing this except for the fact that your fans (minions?) are not reading the body English you so skillfully illustrate.
Panel 1.) Professor Crawford is slightly slumped over as he is tired, and a little singed, from pulling the flames away from the books John Henry was about to light.
Panel 2.) Vane fires her modified Henry riffle/pistol to get and hold JHH from, once again, slipping out the back door.
Panel 3.) JHH appears somewhat annoyed at Vane’s persistence and maybe over done distraction.
Panel 4.) Vane holds her position as John seemingly is waiting for her next move. Note, wind is now starting to swirl as Crawford is aware of something that he doesn’t want to happen.
Panel 5.) Crawford, with arm extended and wind still swirling declares to Vane a stern NO! as Vane looks at him.
Panel 6. and 7.) The battle eyed stairs before the fight.
Panel 8.) Vane goes for her left side arm as she knows she’s going to need it.
Panel 9.) Crawford and Black begin battle, Black pulling pistol from left side holster.
Panel 10.) Crawford throws the first blow (wind now blowing) knocking the pistol from Vane’s right hand with enough force to push her right side back. Her quick reflexes, anticipating the action, has pulled her left pistol and…
Panel 11.) with right arm blown back and pistol leaving her hand brings left pistol to bare on her opponent and FIRES, the fatal shot?
Will Vane hit her mark? Will John Henry run like hell and yet get away again? Will the posse FINALLY show up and catch these two maniacs???
Tune in next week for another exciting page of NEXT TOWN OVER !
Okay, I’ll shut up now. ;p
Thanks js!
Thanks! I have some serious problems with visual literacy, so this kind of summary is especially helpful on action-dense pages.
Yay for crazybrain.