Is this the corner of a badge I spot on the left side of his vest? Cannot wait to discover what organization this gentleman belongs to.
And, Erin, don’t beat yourself over the last story (stories?). It was fine. If nothing else, the last chapter provided some interesting details about the NTO world, and the first interactions between Hunter and his huntress. It also showed more of the ruthlessness of the two main protagonists, in case anyone was starting to give a pass to any of the two 🙂
Now that you mention it… I did spot the gargantuan cracked crystals, but I failed to remember they were in a better shape before Vane’s and Hunter’s visit. That’s new.
OTOH, I’m not sure the town suffered any structural damage. Any that we can see from so far, anyway. Comparing with the scene at the start of the chapter, most of the buildings seem to be still here. There is some haze effect (different time of the day, more smoke, or simply the cracked crystals changing the local light pattern?) which is obscuring the view of the central part of the town.
One difference is, when Vane arrived, the rail station was empty. Now there is a train waiting in it, with a smoking locomotive.
I have no complaints about how this has unfolded. I savor every detail of each page and have loved the pace. I hope you enjoy your break!
Comparing the before and after images of the town, I love that the cog railway cars up and down the hill in town are in different positions between the two. That, the train in the station, and the different light show passage of time even from this distance. The cracked crystals are terrifying – I wonder if the town residents realize yet. In a way Vane and John Henry have destroyed the place even more completely than in their previous episodes.
I love the mutton chops and waxed mustache on the new arrival. Another fancy dresser – and he’s wearing sunglasses! I note the same badge like device might be on his coat, on his tie, and on the breastplate of the saddle harness? (The breastplate sent me on a research tour of saddle harness, especially when I realized that breastplates or breastcollars are not standard parts of western saddles. Given the rough country, I can understand why some would use them. Going back through previous chapters I see that you have some riders use them and others not. The reading I did indicated that some horses have builds that make them a wise idea (shape of rib cage, etc.)).
Final detail: I like the way the birds draw the eye from the three inset cells on top down to the silhouette of the figure in the bottom left.
Erin, one of the chief pleasures of NTO, for me, is the depth of detail and care you put into everything. It makes it possible for me to take this kind of detour into subjects like saddle harness, or telegraph equipment, or conductor’s uniforms… Thank you for that time consuming attention. And while this chapter was hard on you, I feel as if I’ve been IN that huge sunlit blue and white hall, with all that detail. Thanks for that, too.
I’m afraid that the citadel of Broken Sky is going to crushed soon by the massive tonnage of the huge crystals when they come crashing down. Wonder how many will be lost this time to the two crazed protagonist in this incredible story.
And as for the new arrival to this story? Yes, definitely a badge on his coat. Perhaps a Pinkerton type agent? Or a “Lone Ranger”? Much like the real one, and not the Hollywood version. Erin, you do keep us guessing.
One possible reason that would explain why there is hardly any critics in the comments is that there is nothing to criticize! Just sayin’.
Add me to the list of people buckling their seatbelts for the arrival of the “real NTO”, because it’s been one hell of a ride up until now. I really can’t see how it can get better.
Awesome as always and this town seems a lot less safe now with those cracks…
I actually enjoyed this chapter quite a lot, as there was a lot more background-info than before. It seems to me, the plot is getting denser now and I can’t wait for the next chapter.
Oh and generally: You’re doing some very, very impressive work here. Especially the clever details are such a treat!
The pace of NTO is nothing for which to apologize. It’s brilliant. To follow NTO is to realize that the medium was made for breakneck chases in slow motion.
Erin, if I had my way your readership would quadruple and so would the patreon! I dearly enjoy all your efforts. I might not pick out in words the details of the pages, but I really appreciate them, commenting or not.
Broken Sky indeed.
And what’s this? Has a yet another new challenger appeared? And what a fine mustache!
I have no complaints. Can’t wait to see what happens next. Thanks for the update!
Thanks TT!
Is this the corner of a badge I spot on the left side of his vest? Cannot wait to discover what organization this gentleman belongs to.
And, Erin, don’t beat yourself over the last story (stories?). It was fine. If nothing else, the last chapter provided some interesting details about the NTO world, and the first interactions between Hunter and his huntress.
It also showed more of the ruthlessness of the two main protagonists, in case anyone was starting to give a pass to any of the two 🙂
Thanks Helianthus!
Also it’s possible Book 7 was/will be someone’s favorite … it just wasn’t mine.
So, wait, what happened? Did the whole town just get burned out? Are some of the crystals collapsing?
Now that you mention it…
I did spot the gargantuan cracked crystals, but I failed to remember they were in a better shape before Vane’s and Hunter’s visit. That’s new.
OTOH, I’m not sure the town suffered any structural damage. Any that we can see from so far, anyway.
Comparing with the scene at the start of the chapter, most of the buildings seem to be still here. There is some haze effect (different time of the day, more smoke, or simply the cracked crystals changing the local light pattern?) which is obscuring the view of the central part of the town.
One difference is, when Vane arrived, the rail station was empty. Now there is a train waiting in it, with a smoking locomotive.
awesome
Thanks Squall!
This guy looks badass.
Four years of reading? Nonsense, it hasn’t holy crap it’s been four years.
Honestly I’m dreading when this ends.
Ha. Right?
Also, don’t worry; I’ve got more NTOniverse stories in mind.
I just looked back and the cystals were in pristine condition! This doe not bode well for the Town of Broken Sky!
Good catch!
Sir Hammerlock! …and still with his right hand!
I have no complaints about how this has unfolded. I savor every detail of each page and have loved the pace. I hope you enjoy your break!
Comparing the before and after images of the town, I love that the cog railway cars up and down the hill in town are in different positions between the two. That, the train in the station, and the different light show passage of time even from this distance. The cracked crystals are terrifying – I wonder if the town residents realize yet. In a way Vane and John Henry have destroyed the place even more completely than in their previous episodes.
I love the mutton chops and waxed mustache on the new arrival. Another fancy dresser – and he’s wearing sunglasses! I note the same badge like device might be on his coat, on his tie, and on the breastplate of the saddle harness? (The breastplate sent me on a research tour of saddle harness, especially when I realized that breastplates or breastcollars are not standard parts of western saddles. Given the rough country, I can understand why some would use them. Going back through previous chapters I see that you have some riders use them and others not. The reading I did indicated that some horses have builds that make them a wise idea (shape of rib cage, etc.)).
Final detail: I like the way the birds draw the eye from the three inset cells on top down to the silhouette of the figure in the bottom left.
You can always be counted on to see details a lot of other folks miss; it’s hugely validating. Thanks, arn!
Erin, one of the chief pleasures of NTO, for me, is the depth of detail and care you put into everything. It makes it possible for me to take this kind of detour into subjects like saddle harness, or telegraph equipment, or conductor’s uniforms… Thank you for that time consuming attention. And while this chapter was hard on you, I feel as if I’ve been IN that huge sunlit blue and white hall, with all that detail. Thanks for that, too.
I’m afraid that the citadel of Broken Sky is going to crushed soon by the massive tonnage of the huge crystals when they come crashing down. Wonder how many will be lost this time to the two crazed protagonist in this incredible story.
And as for the new arrival to this story? Yes, definitely a badge on his coat. Perhaps a Pinkerton type agent? Or a “Lone Ranger”? Much like the real one, and not the Hollywood version. Erin, you do keep us guessing.
Thanks js, and good eye re: the badge.
And then there’s… THIS guy.
Love it, Erin!
Much obliged Emanon!
The real starts now…???
What then have we been so enthralled with for the last several eons? Oh, my!
I sense wonders approaching…
I hope so. There have been some disgruntled remarks on the last few pages; I’d like to impress some of these hardcases.
I’ve gotten spoiled I guess since most of the folks who comment are so, so supportive. I’ve gotten disused to anything critical in the comments! 😀
One possible reason that would explain why there is hardly any critics in the comments is that there is nothing to criticize! Just sayin’.
Add me to the list of people buckling their seatbelts for the arrival of the “real NTO”, because it’s been one hell of a ride up until now. I really can’t see how it can get better.
Awesome as always and this town seems a lot less safe now with those cracks…
I actually enjoyed this chapter quite a lot, as there was a lot more background-info than before. It seems to me, the plot is getting denser now and I can’t wait for the next chapter.
Oh and generally: You’re doing some very, very impressive work here. Especially the clever details are such a treat!
Thank you so much for the comment! It means a lot!
The pace of NTO is nothing for which to apologize. It’s brilliant. To follow NTO is to realize that the medium was made for breakneck chases in slow motion.
Very much obliged!
Erin, if I had my way your readership would quadruple and so would the patreon! I dearly enjoy all your efforts. I might not pick out in words the details of the pages, but I really appreciate them, commenting or not.
Karyl your kind words and your longtime support are super important to me — thanks so much!
a new challenger approaches