Chapter Seven Sneak Peaks, Progress, and Discussion

[Nekomata]

It's that time again- for a new chapter discussion thread! My, my. It feels like ages since I last created one of these. Maybe it has been. I don't know. It takes forever to complete each chapter. Maybe I can get this chapter done before I die! Maybe!

Since I don't have any sneak-peaks right now... I can at least have a really pitiful attempt at encouraging discussion and theories, right? I'll start by poking at a bunch of little details from chapter six- and maybe earlier- that some may or may not have noticed. I don't usually put these details in for no reason. Also questions...

- Cero mentions that there's been death in Greyfog Town in the year leading up to that flashback. Hmm...
- Zila has such a fun design
- Who is Miah? Hmm....
- There were other Hounds near Zila when Ace witnessed Zila murdering poor Aine
- Zila knows Night Slash? Strange... I could've sworn...
- Erin, the other Houndoom, seems a bit surprised, don't you think?
- That Charizard has a necklace with a familiar looking symbol...
- What is Zila looking for? Hmm
- Hey look- that symbol is on a letter!
- And is that a picture of another Charizard?
- Those berries look tasty too!
- Hmm... Strange Dark Pulse you have there, Zila!
- RIP Pyrra

---

When I'm done scripting Chapter Seven, I might post a few quotes as teasers. I hope to actually script before working on art. Not script as I go like usual. xD We'll see!

But for now, here's some words that relate to Ch. 7 in some form or another:

- Betrayal
- Clash
- Douse
- Burn
- Taint
- TWINS

[The Nonexistent Tazz]

"You're clearly not hinting that Zila is important or anything like that."

In all honesty, it really took you insisting that the Dark Pulse was "weird" to make me realize what was up, as otherwise I'd have chalked most of that panel's artistic choices up to, well, artistic choices-though it really took looking at a panel before then to really confirm what I believed to be the case (which I won't say), and only just now what it really meant.

"But clearly, the real masterminds behind this plot are the Twins."

[Nekomata]

"You're clearly not hinting that Zila is important or anything like that."

In all honesty, it really took you insisting that the Dark Pulse was "weird" to make me realize what was up, as otherwise I'd have chalked most of that panel's artistic choices up to, well, artistic choices-though it really took looking at a panel before then to really confirm what I believed to be the case (which I won't say), and only just now what it really meant.

"But clearly, the real masterminds behind this plot are the Twins."

Late reply, but I try to not post unless I've got news or stuff to share. xD Anyway...

Zila, important? Whatever gave you that idea. Hehe.

And feel free to share your theory publicly regarding the Dark Pulse or whatever. I won't confirm nor deny it, but I do enjoy reading theories!

---

Progress update on Chapter Seven: Outline is done, Scripting has begun, and after over a year and a half of MTMTE brainwashing, I'mma post a solicit (basically a summary/teaser of the issue/chapter) cause why not. Though... solicits typically come with covers, but meeeh- I'll post that when it's done!

PRS #7 - The Spring Flame
"The Flame Guard gathers together for one last clash against the temple’s intruders. Things don’t seem to add up though- what are the strange Pokemon really after? Can Naya find a way to stop them? Will she make the right choice in a decision that could mean the end of the Flame Guard? Only one way to find out!"

Cover + Quotes will come later along with the planned update schedule later! Enjoy!

[Nekomata]

Scripting, Scripting, Scripting, and... THUMBNAILS~!

I haven't gotten too heavy in the scripting, but I wanted to thumbnail what script I did have. So here's a thumbnail image of a page.

http://image.prntscr.com/image/9b596ea4817e4eef9f94193b3e237b42.png


Chapter Seven Progress

Outlining: 100% (if you can count my nonsense of an outline an actual outline)
Scripting: 16.5%
Thumbnails: 15%
Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%

[Nekomata]

Lucy's back on her favorite perch.



http://image.prntscr.com/image/3103dd00fccd40cea0ba9c47f2b9abfa.png


Chapter Seven Progress

Outlining: 100% (if you can count my nonsense of an outline an actual outline)
Scripting: 30.5%
Thumbnails: 20%
Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%

[Scytherwolf]

I love those thumbnails! They are quite a bit less messy than mine are. xD Makes me really curious about what's going to happen when they get to the flame.

[Nekomata]

I love those thumbnails! They are quite a bit less messy than mine are. xD Makes me really curious about what's going to happen when they get to the flame.

Oh, another poster! xD That's a surprise! I was about to get ready to post another progress update tonight. Haha!

My thumbnails are a bit messy at times, but I try not to make them at least legible for myself. xD

As for the flame... that will be happening soon! Bwahahahaha! I'm about to script that part, actually! =D Tonight is a scripting night- I really need a break from class right now, so why not? I'll be updating the below with more accurate percentages when I call it a night. Only just started. xD

And just something sneak-peak-y to post. How about the sketch for the next cover? I lost my mind working on programming and had to draw SOMETHING. So yeah!

https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/2106081864232008751.png?v=0TWb2_XyL8TfE9je_3nG4L-kzf1FknveOxAN8cdl9Go%3D

I'll be posting the final cover when I get all scripts/thumbnails and some pencils done!

Edit: There we go. It's progress! I'm slow with scripting, but the next few pages should be light on the dialogue. Hopefully that helps.


Chapter Seven Progress

Outlining: 100% (if you can count my nonsense of an outline an actual outline)
Scripting: 50%
Thumbnails: 20%
Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%


Chapter Eight Progress
Because I can.

Outlining: 30%
Scripting: 0%
Thumbnails: 0%
Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%

Work Schedule / Goals
02/20 - Finish Scripting / Resume Thumbnails
02/27 - Finish Thumbnails / Start Pencils
03/06 - Begin Buffer
03/13 - Finish Pencils / ~3+ complete pages
03/17 - Resume Updates!

[Scytherwolf]

That cover sketch looks awesome. Can't wait to see the final thing!

[Nekomata]

That cover sketch looks awesome. Can't wait to see the final thing!

Thank you! I can't wait to get back into production! I'm more motivated when I'm closer to something I can share with the world. xD Scripting is just so far off from that sometimes...

... BUUUUT. I'M DONE SCRIPTING. It only took me all night. xD I misjudged how long some scenes would take, so I had to clip out a few minor things. I'm trying to be better about pacing- if I don't cut out some unnecessary stuff, this story arc would take forever- and I think it's time I draw it to a close! I'd have liked to give some characters more panel time in this chapter, but in the end, it just wasn't possible! I don't have time to focus on every character's fight in this chapter. I feel so bad neglecting Talon/Mist in this arc- I'll be working on that more in the near future! Hoping to get them more love starting in Ch. 8.

Is it bad that I have so much attention to the flame guard (most notably Bern, and soon- another)? I do plan for some of them to be recurring characters, but I do feel that they were far more prominent than Talon/Mist- two actual main characters. Ah, well. It's a learning process. And when I get to remaking older pages, I can try to squeeze some extra scenes in. I'm expecting to be able to condense some scenes into a fewer pages. That should open room to add in stuff. I don't plan on changing anything major though.

Chapter Seven Progress

Outlining: 100% (if you can count my nonsense of an outline an actual outline)
Scripting: 100%
Thumbnails: 20%
Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%


Chapter Eight Progress
Because I can.

Outlining: 30%
Scripting: 0%
Thumbnails: 0%
Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%

Work Schedule / Goals
02/20 - Finish Scripting / Resume Thumbnails
02/27 - Finish Thumbnails / Start Pencils
03/06 - Begin Buffer
03/13 - Finish Pencils / ~3+ complete pages
03/17 - Resume Updates!

[Neo Emolga]

Naya, PLEASE KICK ZILA'S BUTT SO HARD IT RIPS A HOLE IN THE TIME SPACE CONTINUM.

Quest rewards: cookies.

In all seriousness, things are looking good. Now that I'm finally all caught up, I've got my eye on this and I'm eager to see what transpires next. The cover for Chapter 7 is already looking great, but there's just one bitty problem. Naya looks too worried. She needs to put her kickass with sass face on! Only kidding, but yeah, keep up the great work! :3

[Nekomata]

Naya, PLEASE KICK ZILA'S BUTT SO HARD IT RIPS A HOLE IN THE TIME SPACE CONTINUM.

Quest rewards: cookies.

In all seriousness, things are looking good. Now that I'm finally all caught up, I've got my eye on this and I'm eager to see what transpires next. The cover for Chapter 7 is already looking great, but there's just one bitty problem. Naya looks too worried. She needs to put her kickass with sass face on! Only kidding, but yeah, keep up the great work! :3

HAHAHA. No Zila this chapter. =P She'll appear again before long. If you hate her NOW, just you wait.

I've definitely given Naya some love this chapter! She's not quite ready for kickass sass, but maybe eventually! She's always a little worried- part of the amnesia, I'm sure. xD

Man, I'm excited to get working on the art for this chapter. It's going to be hellish- I've put in some very demanding scenes on terms of art, but I think it'll be worth it in the end. I'll start posting some more thumbnails as I go. SNEAK PEAKS FOR EVERYONE!

[Suicune's Fire]

XD Lucy's perch. Love it. Also wow, the cover sketch looks awesome so far. Nice job!

[Nekomata]

XD Lucy's perch. Love it. Also wow, the cover sketch looks awesome so far. Nice job!

Thank you! xD Lucy likes to sit on Bern's head. Is warm. Too bad if/when she evolves she'll get too big for that eventually.

Progress was made tonight. xD

So to celebrate, have another sneakpeak.

Devin: STOP BICKERING LIKE AN OLD COUPLE
Stella/Edge: What?
(Not an actual quote from the chapter)

http://image.prntscr.com/image/f7b6f487737e416988751ad921a73d15.png

Chapter Seven Progress

Outlining: 100% (if you can count my nonsense of an outline an actual outline)
Scripting: 100%
Thumbnails: 50%
Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%


Chapter Eight Progress
Because I can.

Outlining: 30%
Scripting: 0%
Thumbnails: 0%
Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%

Work Schedule / Goals
02/20 - Finish Scripting / Resume Thumbnails
02/27 - Finish Thumbnails / Start Pencils
03/06 - Begin Buffer
03/13 - Finish Pencils / ~3+ complete pages
03/17 - Resume Updates!

[Suicune's Fire]

I feel like she'd just try to make him evolve so she could still sit there. XD

Hahaha your quote is funny. cx What do you mean by thumbnails? o:

[Nekomata]

I feel like she'd just try to make him evolve so she could still sit there. XD

Hahaha your quote is funny. cx What do you mean by thumbnails? o:

Pfft. Bern has trouble evolving. Something to do with a traumatic experience repressing his ability to do so... =D He should have evolved by now otherwise.

And thumbnails = layouts = a tiny sketch of each page where I plan out the paneling and camera shots. It gives me a general idea of how each page will look before I start the final sketch. I sometimes edit the number of panels in a script to get the best panel flow in a page if it doesn't look as good drawn out as I thought. Helps me make sure I get everything I need to in a smaller number of pages. Also easier to remember what I'm planning this way.


http://image.prntscr.com/image/698310bc692c4ebaba3cfbf7ebf4e147.png


This is a full sized thumbnail. Final page sketch will be MUCH bigger, more detailed, cleaner, etc. This is just a plan.

The below is examples of thumbnails from MTMTE. Tiny plans.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmchAzIXgAA0lDt.jpg

[Suicune's Fire]

Omg that explains it. Poor Bern. :( Sounds like he needs to see a psychologist.

OHHH! That seems so sensible. Why don't I do that? XD I should do that next time. Definitely. Makes sense that it would be a pretty standard thing to do.

[Neo Emolga]

Oh snap, yeah, thumbnails are definitely a good idea. For me, going in without them for the Community Comic was like going in blind and those would have made it faster and easier. Now we know!

Everything's looking good, though. Keep up the great work, Neko!

[Nekomata]

Oh snap, yeah, thumbnails are definitely a good idea. For me, going in without them for the Community Comic was like going in blind and those would have made it faster and easier. Now we know!

Everything's looking good, though. Keep up the great work, Neko!

As I said below- certainly helps with planning! xD

And thank you!

Omg that explains it. Poor Bern. :( Sounds like he needs to see a psychologist.

OHHH! That seems so sensible. Why don't I do that? XD I should do that next time. Definitely. Makes sense that it would be a pretty standard thing to do.

He does. Or a good whack to the head or 20. xD

And yeah- layouts certainly help me see that I can fit everything on the page that I want to. PRS pages are much more packed when I do this. In a good way!

---

So for those who haven't heard, my tablet is... dying. I know not how much longer it can hold up- only that the cord is starting to have trouble and the tablet cuts in/out of connection. Hopefully, it lasts until I can get a replacement (soon!)- but this weekend will probably be it's twilight voyage livestream. </3 It's served me well for seven long years! Best investment I've made.

Thankfully, it has held up through the day and I can finally say: LAYOUTS ARE DONE!

Huzzah!

In fact, I even started pencils today!

http://image.prntscr.com/image/b477e5ecbb904513b80b2b99e53ef4b3.png
Aden: Wait... the tablet is dying?
Arden: WHAT DO WE DO!? DON'T DIE!

Chapter Seven Progress

Outlining: 100%
Scripting: 100%
Thumbnails: 100%
Pencils: 5%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 5%


Chapter Eight Progress
Because I can.

Outlining: 30%
Scripting: 0%
Thumbnails: 0%
Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%

Work Schedule / Goals
02/20 - Finish Scripting / Resume Thumbnails
02/27 - Finish Thumbnails / Start Pencils
03/06 - More Pencils / Begin Buffer
03/13 - Finish Pencils / ~3+ complete pages
03/17 - Resume Updates!

[Neo Emolga]

NOOO, HANG IN THERE TABLET!

It's unlikely if it will help, but have you checked to see if there's a possible driver update for it? It could also be that it's just old and has seen lots of use over the years, but maybe... there's an update for it. I don't I don't usually update the drivers of my devices, but you never know.

The pencil sketches look great though. They look like they're about to take a Calculus final exam! Lucky them! -_-

[Nekomata]

NOOO, HANG IN THERE TABLET!

It's unlikely if it will help, but have you checked to see if there's a possible driver update for it? It could also be that it's just old and has seen lots of use over the years, but maybe... there's an update for it. I don't I don't usually update the drivers of my devices, but you never know.

The pencil sketches look great though. They look like they're about to take a Calculus final exam! Lucky them! -_-

Sadly, it's definitely the tablet. It's old and has seen many years of traveling and work. The wire itself is what's giving in- and unlike newer tablets, the USB cord is directly attached to the tablet- not plugged into it. I can't bend the wire at certain angles or it disconnects. It's become very sensitive. Thankfully, my parents are helping me buy a new fancy tablet since it's school/work related.

And yeah! Excited to get working on pencils (and later inks/colors!) This is one heck of a chapter so far. The layouts are packed to the brim- I'd dare say this chapter has more into it than any other so far! =D Wish me luck, cause they're going to be HELL to ink and color.

[Neo Emolga]

Sadly, it's definitely the tablet. It's old and has seen many years of traveling and work. The wire itself is what's giving in- and unlike newer tablets, the USB cord is directly attached to the tablet- not plugged into it. I can't bend the wire at certain angles or it disconnects. It's become very sensitive. Thankfully, my parents are helping me buy a new fancy tablet since it's school/work related.

And yeah! Excited to get working on pencils (and later inks/colors!) This is one heck of a chapter so far. The layouts are packed to the brim- I'd dare say this chapter has more into it than any other so far! =D Wish me luck, cause they're going to be HELL to ink and color.

Yeah, I had a bad feeling about that. Well, at least it lasted for quite a while and you've done many awesome things with it! It lived a great life and you've made quite a legacy for it.

And hey, looking forward to it! Hopefully it won't be as bad as you think, but either way, I'm sure it's gonna be awesomesauce. :3

[Nekomata]

Yeah, I had a bad feeling about that. Well, at least it lasted for quite a while and you've done many awesome things with it! It lived a great life and you've made quite a legacy for it.

And hey, looking forward to it! Hopefully it won't be as bad as you think, but either way, I'm sure it's gonna be awesomesauce. :3

As long as it holds out til the new one comes in, I should be good! Hopefully until then, I'll be able to work as normal. </3 I'm debating if i'm going to frame this thing or give it a viking funeral when the day comes. -shot-

122 panels in this chapter! 60 of which are for the action-y part. RIP Neko.

[Neo Emolga]

As long as it holds out til the new one comes in, I should be good! Hopefully until then, I'll be able to work as normal. </3 I'm debating if i'm going to frame this thing or give it a viking funeral when the day comes. -shot-

122 panels in this chapter! 60 of which are for the action-y part. RIP Neko.

If you're going with viking funeral, I want to see pictures! To Valhalla!

Oh wow. I do love lots of action, though. :3

[Nekomata]

First page is up early here on PXR. Sometimes I'll post early. Sometimes I'll post at normal time. Other times I might forget and not post at all. Feel free to mention me if no page goes up by Friday evening. xD

http://image.prntscr.com/image/1a77ee0180c746e788cbd0205d6bb318.png
Arden: OH NO. IT HAS BEGUN.

Chapter Seven Progress

Outlining: 100%
Scripting: 100%
Thumbnails: 100%
Pencils: 20%
Inks: 10%
Colors: 7%
Lettering: 20%
Complete Pages: 1/20


Chapter Eight Progress
Because I can.

Outlining: 30%
Scripting: 0%
Thumbnails: 0%Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%

Work Schedule / Goals
02/20 - Finish Scripting / Resume Thumbnails
02/27 - Finish Thumbnails / Start Pencils
03/06 - More Pencils / Begin Buffer
03/13 - Finish Pencils / ~3+ complete pages - Whoops
03/17 - Resume Updates!

[Nekomata]

GUYS GUYS. I HAVE BUFFER.

http://image.prntscr.com/image/8609465b8a434631a44b03ae4dcf3794.png
You Have 1 New Message/s.

Chapter Seven Progress

Outlining: 100%
Scripting: 100%
Thumbnails: 100%
Pencils: 20%
Inks: 20%
Colors: 20%
Lettering: 20%
Complete Pages: 4/20


Chapter Eight Progress
Because I can.

Outlining: 45%
Scripting: 0%
Thumbnails: 0%Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%

Work Schedule / Goals
02/20 - Finish Scripting / Resume Thumbnails
02/27 - Finish Thumbnails / Start Pencils
03/06 - More Pencils / Begin Buffer
03/13 - Finish Pencils / ~3+ complete pages - Whoops
03/17 - Resume Updates!
03/24 - Pencil through 07-09
03/31 - Pencil through 07-14
04/07 - Pencil through 07-20

[Scytherwolf]

BUFFER IS ALWAYS GOOD.

I love the new page by the way. All the fluff. xD And I dunno if I've mentioned it before, but I really love the lighting/coloring on each of the pages. It's so pretty to look at.

[Nekomata]

BUFFER IS ALWAYS GOOD.

I love the new page by the way. All the fluff. xD And I dunno if I've mentioned it before, but I really love the lighting/coloring on each of the pages. It's so pretty to look at.

Thank you! xD The poor twins get poofy when they're scared. Which isn't often. xD

And thank you! Lighting/coloring is my favorite part of it all. I AM looking forward to a change of scenery in the comic though. I've shaded too many panels with that lighting. xD Thankfully not for -too- much longer...

And in addition to buffer: We've got the Chapter EIGHT outline ready to go!

http://image.prntscr.com/image/bf0b62125b1140d083015bcc265a94e7.png
Naya: Yay!

---

Also, one of my favorite comic series' posts a few quotes from each issue about a week ahead of release as a means of teasing. I thought I'd do the same with PRS before each chapter... except I forgot until yesterday. I shared them on the PRS discord, but I'll repost them here. Like my favorite series, I won't give context for the quotes or list who says what. It's more fun that way!

"Oh. So we’re having that conversation now, are we?"

"They tried to explode us! What else what I was supposed to do?"

"You’ll be fine. Take advantage of how painfully slow those doors are to take a deep breath and relax."

"You betrayed the guard and tried to use the flame. You have no right to be here. "




Chapter Seven Progress

Outlining: 100%
Scripting: 100%
Thumbnails: 100%
Pencils: 20%
Inks: 20%
Colors: 20%
Lettering: 20%
Complete Pages: 4/20


Chapter Eight Progress
Because I can.

Outlining: 100%
Scripting: 0%
Thumbnails: 0%Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%

Work Schedule / Goals
Orange = Sketch
Yellow = Inks
Green = Finished
Blue = Post Date

http://image.prntscr.com/image/602b697e22e24fc799279f7fc78e60df.png

[Scytherwolf]

I know what you mean by wanting a change of pace with the lighting, even though I don't have near as many pages in the same area as you. xD

Hm...interesting conversations. I agree that's a cool idea to show a little preview. And wow, you are REALLY organized with this! I need to be more organized. XD

[Nekomata]

I know what you mean by wanting a change of pace with the lighting, even though I don't have near as many pages in the same area as you. xD

Hm...interesting conversations. I agree that's a cool idea to show a little preview. And wow, you are REALLY organized with this! I need to be more organized. XD

I've done too many chapters with this lighting being the most common. Soon I'll get to do some less contrast-y lighting though. Daylight is so nice. Easy with fewer layers. =D

Oh, and those four quotes are all unrelated. xD Not the same conversation. Should've made that clear. It's a fun way to tease stuff. Granted, my favorite comic's author one time decided to use "I'm dying." as one of the quotes in the season finale. My heart hurts still. That was cruel. xD

I've only gotten organized in the last chapter or so. The beginning was one disorganized mess. I think it shows. XD

[Scytherwolf]

I've done too many chapters with this lighting being the most common. Soon I'll get to do some less contrast-y lighting though. Daylight is so nice. Easy with fewer layers. =D

Oh, and those four quotes are all unrelated. xD Not the same conversation. Should've made that clear. It's a fun way to tease stuff. Granted, my favorite comic's author one time decided to use "I'm dying." as one of the quotes in the season finale. My heart hurts still. That was cruel. xD

I've only gotten organized in the last chapter or so. The beginning was one disorganized mess. I think it shows. XD
Yeah, I imagine that would get old. XD

Oh okay, I thought they were but I wasn't sure. XD And oh wow, cruel indeed.

I think I'm more organized now than when I started (when I started I'd only plan out a few pages ahead). Now I plan out about a third of a chapter ahead at the time (with of course a good idea about what has to happen in the rest of it, I just don't' script the whole thing at once.)

[HKim]

I like the grid schedule, but that may be because I'm a big fan of excel worksheets and charts.

[Nekomata]

Chapter Seven Progress

Outlining: 100%
Scripting: 100%
Thumbnails: 100%
Pencils: 80%
Inks: 65%
Colors: 65%
Lettering: 65%
Complete Pages: 13/20


Chapter Eight Progress
Because I can.

Outlining: 100%
Scripting: 0%
Thumbnails: 0%Pencils: 0%
Inks: 0%
Colors: 0%
Lettering: 0%

--

Schedule:

06/20: 07-13
06/23: 07-14
06/30: 07-15
07/04: 07-16
07/07: 07-17
07/14: 07-18
07/18: 07-19
07/21: 07-20

And some WIP from future page/s.

https://image.prntscr.com/image/dR7T-kG2RXK01D5HF2V0dA.png
https://image.prntscr.com/image/OVmncfQpS9mxxw9KRx96OA.png

[Nekomata]

https://image.prntscr.com/image/528kacGXTIa0qW4GsHu06Q.png

"THE NEXT PAGE IS DUE TUESDAY. WE'RE ALL DOOMED!"