Flowing Wells by Andrew Dimitt is, as someone else said, just eight pages of a guy shovelling snow. But, guess what, it ain’t real snow! Hah, that’s got you interested! No? Well, no, me neither actually. It’s likely that when the shovelling is over our hero will be wandering around and meeting people and stuff. Things will be said. A pace will be maintained no doubt. And it’s entirely possible we won’t even see Donald again! There are more ‘professionals’ hanging around in Flowing Wells for some mysterious reason yet to be explained. It’s a bit vague. On purpose. We might discuss what that purpose may be, but it wouldn’t end well. That kind of discussion never does.
Our creator tells us that things will get more interesting, that our patience will be rewarded, and there will be jam tomorrow! Looking at the skill brought to bear on this entry I don’t doubt it. But the format, oh the Zuda format. Imagine watching those eight screens develop over eight weeks. You can hardly contain your excitement huh? Well, it’s not like I’m demanding a fist-fight or anything and I appreciate the possible reasons for kicking off a graphic novel (urgh) in this manner, but really, if there is more to this story, then why pick this part to display? I’m sure there must be any number of interesting events, conversations and characters to have shown us that would better sell (if I can use such a crass word) the story to the audience.
Would I be wrong in thinking this is really only the first four pages of the work cut down from the traditional format. That would at least make more sense of the slow pace. Bit like hearing a slow piece of music slowed down.
Andrew is the creator of Drockleberry over on Act-i-vate which might give you some clue as to where Flowing Wells might be heading – in terms of style and pace if not subject.
Well, you’ll make up your own minds for sure. I’m not convinced that I’ll find anything of interest within, but I do love the style. I like the writing too, so that just leaves the subject. What was the subject again?
May 10, 2009 at 2:55 pm |
Why try to hook a reader in 8 screens, well cause 8 screens is all you get to make a first impression on Zuda. (I’ll have another 5, 6 paragraphs expanding on these thoughts later on
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The three paths story pace/ composition-wise for a zuda submision I like are: 1. movie trailer overview: Think Lifespan, you get a number of vignettes/locations that serve as a great introduction to a ‘high concept’ world/ story. 2. Self contained story: Even if the comic doesn’t win you still have a assessable ‘done in one’ story -exemplified by Terrestrial and Vic Boone. 3. Cliff hanger character study: one of the most popular formats for 8 screens. You follow along with the lead(s) and gain insight into their character’s nature by their actions and the reactions of those around them -High Moon and Lily of the Valley come to mind. If a creator can mix it up a bit with pacing styles even better, cause hybrids are all the rage.
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Trying to do a character study without a cliff hanger, and not many genre expectations (thanks to the high concept) that a writer/artist can play into as a shorthand (like werewolves or superheros)for readers to understand the story puts a comic at a disadvantage.
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Plenty of promise there in the story, but this month has plenty of comics that deliver on just as much promise early on in the 8 screens.
May 11, 2009 at 2:45 pm |
I’m still very impressed by the style here. Probably more so than any other competitor this month. I’d love to see how he does it.
May 11, 2009 at 9:43 pm |
It would seem that you have a personal vendetta against Mr. Andrew Dimitt. Not everyone needs all the flash to follow a storyline. Sometimes just the basics can give a genuinely raw experience. I’ve actually been to the Zuda contest and I reviewed the comic in 1st place as well and in the words of a very wise relative of mine it was very much “Kim possible meets Resident Evil”! I also preferred Andrews artwork over this comic. I’m sure everyone has their own personal favorite. But talk about dragging an artist through the mud. It would seem that your opinion derives from the whole “instant gratification attitude”. There’s definitely something to be said for taking your time and building a solid foundation. Maybe I’m not as well versed in comics as you are. I read the eight pages and I was left wanting more and really isn’t that the point?
May 11, 2009 at 9:44 pm |
Yes I do have typos , please overlook.
May 11, 2009 at 11:28 pm
All your typos are forgiven
and corrected.
May 15, 2009 at 12:41 pm |
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