Here’s Gullimar. That’s a name I came up with a long time ago and I dig it. Some names have a sense about them and they feel good every time I say them. Gullimar, Gullimar, Gullimar. It works!
I wanted to establish the kind of world the nnewts live in. It’s full of adventure, with a little bit of magic. It’s supposed to look a little rustic, since this is a story about the past, so Katherine used more earthy, gritty tones to tell the story.
An update on the site, as of last week we went from about 600 unique visitors to about 800. That’s a good trajectory, and it means you’re all helping get the word out. I’m going to regularly post my traffic numbers just so you can follow along with how the audience is building or shrinking from time to time.
I’m in the middle of inking pages 21 – 24. If this schedule continues they’ll go up in the fall! This story is going to take a LONG time to get through, so we’ll just have to savor the wait. I’m the most impatient guy in the world, so there you go. I’ve been looking into Kickstarting a graphic novel, so it will either be another title I’m working on, or this one. If I can get some funding, we might be able to pick up the pace. I just don’t want to play my Kickstarter card just yet, since I’m developing a video game, and some other projects.
Video game?
XD Definitely can’t wait to find out what you’re up to with that.
As a follower / promoter of Ratfist, I cannot wait to see where this comic goes. Great storytelling so far.
“Gullimar, Gullimar, Gullimar, Gullimar, Gullimar…”
Oooo – a video game? Intrigued.
And you’re right, it is an awesome name.
A videogame! I thought you were morally opposed to those since they are such addictive-time-wasters.
Do the Kickstarter and you will get funded.
I am so excited to see this progress. I will wait as patient as possible for each new page
Ben, it’s hard stand here reading a web comic then call video games a bunch of time wasters.
Panel 2 is the most Calvin and Hobbesian thing you’ve drawn in a long time.
Yeah! Magic!
I think the video game should be titled Gullimar.
you are the #1 and #2 on my list of creators I’d give kickstarter money too. Ghostopolis is a thing of beauty!
A video game?
Is it Never or EWJ? Probably EWJ.
Or neither…
Still,
A video game!
I would definitely help fund a Kickstarter for you.
DEFINITELY!
I hope Sayer Nok isn’t just the narrator from now on. His design is so cool.
Also I’m digging Gullimar. The long wait between pages actually makes me appreciate each new one so much more. Also I would definitely donate to any Kickstarter should you choose to do one. Keep the Nnewts coming!
Awesome start, I already like where this is going. I think your first instinct is right on this one – wait and see as far as the kickstarter business goes. A videogame (or “some other projects”) would probably benefit more directly from kickstarted funds. I’m assuming Ratfist sold pretty well on the strength of the webcomic.
Doing this as a frame story is looking like a good move. It’s creating a mythic feel and I imagine it could successfully open up the possibility for multiple stories and story lines.
Food for thought as a frequent Kickstarter supporter:
I think it’s wise that you’re playing your Kickstarter card carefully. It seems as of late that everyone in webcomics/illustration is doing Kickstarter. As a supporter, I’ve had mixed results with what I’ve received (and IF I received it) and so I’m somewhat more circumspect about the entire platform.
Repeated Kickstarters… those really make me uncomfortable as a supporter. If I start to think a creator is using Kickstarter as a proxy for a “donate” button, I definitely will back off and just elect on passing.
I think you’ll find some reluctance to fund comic creators who want “time to work on my project and advance money to pay my artist.” I’ve seen some people attempt this and not fully fund.
Video games are different.
People seem more willing to invest in production time TBH…
Can you guess what I recommend? Go for the big idea. I say video game. I think you’d have far more mileage in terms of social media sharing and press releases.
Thanks for posting the behind the scene drawings! I really enjoy looking through them. Also that is an awesome name.
Not sure I trust Gullimar with magic yet. He looks clumsy.
“I’m developing a video game”
While I kind of hope it’s something new, I’ve been hoping for in iPad version of the Neverhood for so long. Still perhaps my favorite video game from that era. So so good.
Your artwork is stunning. This is already one of my favourites. I shall wait (im)patiently for future pages
(also-intrigued by the video game!)
“I’m assuming Ratfist sold pretty well on the strength of the webcomic.” Is that being sold now? I never heard anything about it. That’s one I’d like to buy.
Very glad to see a new strip by you! Your stuff always manages somehow to be both fun and thought-provoking at the same time. I look forward to seeing where this one goes as it plays out.
Everything that you’ve made that I’ve read/played I’ve loved(Especially Earthworm Jim, that’s one of my favourite games ever made), so I can’t wait to see
A) How this turns out
and B) What your Video Game will turn out like.
Although I didn’t find out about Ratfist until a few weeks after it finished, I bought the full book, and loved both the Webcomic, and the full book(Especially the full book). Oh, and onex, you can buy the Ratfist book at Amazon. It’s just a shame that one of the things I’m most interested in that you’ve made is so hard to find(The Neverhood).
Overall, good luck with this comic, good luck with your Video Game, and good luck with anything else you’re working on or are going to work on in future.
Awesome! I’m glad to see you are traveling the webcomic road again.
Gullimar? I like it too! I’ve actually always found your last name interesting too- where *does* TenNapel come from?
A graphic novel AND video game?? HUZZAH!!
I love your art even more on Nnewts than anything else yet. The design and colors on Sayer Nok alone are really cool to look at.
EARTHWORM JIM!
In the soil he did crawl!
EARTHWORM JIM!
A supersuit did fall!
(okay, I’m focused now. ^^; )
Hi Doug! After getting so deeply invested in Ratfist, I was very disappointed when your next project Bigfoot for Hire never materialized. Luckily I found a link from Ethan for this project (much as I did for the last one) and I once again have one of your stories to follow. My best wishes for success on this one! If any merch materializes I am once again your guy!
Hey Doug,
I’m a huge fan. We’re friends on facebook….
I love Nnewts…. Just saying hi! I’ll spread the word.
Gene
I was feeling nostalgic and went back to look at the ol’ Ratfist site. I can’t believe I didn’t find out about your new webcomic sooner. I was so disappointed when Bigfoot for Hire didn’t happen. Keep on trucking Doug!
Your loyal fan
Looking good man! I’ve backed your sketchbook kickstarter and listened to a few podcasts you’ve done. Thanks for all the insights and inspiration.
if you are reading this doug tenapel then please respond to me at my email because i love your books i have read ghostopolis, bad island, and cardboard, so far cardboard is your best! if u r or did create any other books please tell me because i want to read all the books you write!!!!! ur books r the only type of comics i like and i want to read more!!!
Hey Doug,
Just stumbled on this page, loved it within a minute! I’m a huge Neverhood fan and my friends and I are currently plowing thru Earthworm Jim dvds. Glad to see a vet like you still experimenting and trying new projects!
Cheers, Tom