Serious comic update! Okay, the final Lithium comic is at 170 pages, and I have a bunch of renders done, so in real terms we’re well past 170 pages. It’s a big comic, let’s face it. And even bigger news: I’m currently working on the final scene. Yup.
It’s funny really; for anyone who’s worked on a really big project over the course of eight or so years will know, it’s actually pretty emotional to draw ***anything*** to a close – it’d be much easier not to finish these things. Much easier to say the work is ‘rumbling along’ … and then step away quietly without actually finishing the final episode – because you get attached to these things and it’s quite a big deal to complete it, when it’s part of you.
These projects that speak something of us … that are vulnerable and difficult. That are real and interesting and something of a bugger to produce – ESPECIALLY these things. I’d have thought we’d avoid the completion of these things that are real ~ just like we avoid therapy; because it’s seriously difficult!
Aaaanyway, here we are. It’s happening, I really am working on the final scene of the final comic of the Lithium series ðŸ˜, and I have to say … it’s good.
I’ve just read through the previous comics to make sure we’re consistent (because internal references and Easter Eggs don’t really work if you’re not at least consistent; you all know that), but yeah it’s actually working.
I think Lithium begins to peak at #7 (where they enjoy sex), then #8 is somehow better, #9 funnier, #10’s an epic because of all the rhythmical action, #11 is sexy AF thanks to the bath (imo), but then we’ve got #12 which feels like the real, real art shit. That’s my own feedback on it all anyway – and sure #13 is good too but it’s not quite the bearer of the big message … which is the purpose of #14. The big message. The final thingybob.
(that’s a cover preview … you can see the difference in terms of intimacy and 3D stuff I’ve learnt, comparing the first and last covers … so I’m 88% sure we’re on the right tracks).
Anyway so yes, I’ve been thinking about the whole series. Behind the scenes clarity note: comic #1 of Lithium was called ‘Have spacesuit’ after the Heinlein Scifi novel about equipping a young dude to adventure into the unknown … and so after ****quite**** the adventure, my series will end on comic #14; ‘… Will Travel’ – which gently completes the title in a meandering loop that I’d planned since 2016. Only took me nine years. Shut up, what have your done in nine years? Exactly. Some good stuff, some bad stuff. Yeup. So as your last nine years and Heinlein have noted, it’s about humans stepping out into the strange reality that they both don’t understand, aren’t equipped for, are broken by, but are somehow ready for. And it’s all … fucking … fucking … wonderful.
… PS. I realise this Heinlein thing isn’t the best book in the world, but it’s okay to be inspired by things that are just okay!!It’s actually not a bad book, if you’re a 1950s teenager its pretty inspiring really. Probably. Ahem. Ignore the sexism. And the two-dimensiolism of the characters. Cover art’s good though … Lithium comic coming soon xxx
{{{ … Also, on an unrelated note, if you’d like to contribute to my wishlist, that would be amazing 🙂 }}}
New comic soon! *Waves Arms Like Kermit*
It’s been quite a run! Your comics are always awesome. Thank you so much for doing them!
Emotional.
The one word that comes to mind about your work.
On so many levels.
Educational.
The other one word that comes to mind about your work.
On sooo many levels too!
Erotical.
The other third word that comes to mind about your work.
Kaleidoscopical.
Another random word that strangely fits your work.
Thank you so much!
I’m sure finishing lithium will be an emotional rollercoaster. But you will not be alone for it. In these years you have found a lot of people who have joined you in your journey.
There will be more comics, there will be other ways to release your creative juices (and our juices), and you’ll look at lithium not as a finished project, but the one that started it all.
And just for the record:
lithium #3 ftw!!!
It wasn’t until I started reading Patrick Rothfuss that I really realized how HARD it is to finish a story. This goes for all entertainment mediums; print, comics, TV shows, even movies! One example: The Tomorrow War with Chris Pratt is actually a really good movie, until you get to the third act. Then it becomes soo stupid and cliche! Really ruined the rest of the movie.
And of course I don’t have to mention the Game of Thrones both TV series AND books.
I’m saying all of that just to mention: you getting to the final act of Lithium is an incredible accomplishment! Congratulations on writing such a successful series. I’m really looking forward to reading this last chapter.
Thank you. So much.
I am sure it will be awesome because its from your heart (and mind).
I am rereading all Lithium chapters in preparation for the closing chapter. It will be good to see where it all lands.
Flow with your quantum vortex!
“The Moon is a Harsh Mistress” is my favourite Heinlein book.
It has been an epic journey, one of the most significant and beguiling journeys of my life. Thank you.
Have tushy… will travel.
Thank-you for sharing this awesome work of humour, heart, nuance, love and boobies.
I am regression to my childhood here. This feels like Christmas morning and the suspense to open my present is making me all giddy.
Just waiting, patiently for Pavlov’s bell to ring.
Very exciting news and in a way sad, does it really have to end? Maybe we can have another final episode one day, like an ongoing farewell tour. Still I am very much looking forward to it, can’t wait in fact. Never read Heinlein but have been enjoying Ready Player One by Ernest Cline of late. If I was of the first gaming generation I’d probably like it more. Keep up the intimate work, that cover is very encouraging. xx