These guys are two famous hunters, Odetto and Urch. Hunting is a big part of their society and this theme will be developed over this next year. Why hunters?
The first newt I ever caught was because my father took me fishing with him up on the California/Oregon border. He challenged me to hunt for newts by lifting rocks in the river. I found lots of newts, and my eyes were opened to a great many things because of it. More on that later, but you’ll start to understand why I weave newts into so many of my stories, particularly my more personal ones, and newts must be hunted to be found in the wild.
I got my first newt from a pet store in 7th grade, and the awkward little animal matched my person. He was something I could relate to, being a teen ager I was going through a change. Amphibians always mean change to me because their fate is so bound to a huge, near violent metamorphosis. Little did I know at that time that newts would not only represent my own maturity into adulthood, but the idea that life is full of radical changes.
That first newt I got in 7th grade? I named him Orion… you got it, he’s The Hunter.
The first time I drew Gullimar.
Love these guys already.
No shoulderpads, so they must not be post-apocalpytic nnewts…
Not yet.
So what animal hide is the one Nnewt hunter wearing on his head?
Looks like some sort of wolf/fox, but I’m assuming Nnewts are the same size as regular newts (unless they aren’t, I’m confused on how the whole pelt-wearing thing works).
2 pages in one week? Yay!
Tekno, these Nnewts are “Hobbit sized”.
Why is the word “will” repeated in the first speech bubble?
“Your leg will WILL be ready in its own time.”
Woops! My fans are my only editor when it comes to web comics.
I’m loving this story so far, as usual. One question, though. The son’s question about magic seems rather awkwardly worded. “then for what good is your magic?” Is this intentional, does he always speak like this?
It’s intentional. One way that I put Nnewts in another time and another place is that I want to put in a few moments of odd vernacular. I avoid common, modern statements like saying “like” all the time or “You got it!”
Ah, the direct, unfiltered thoughts of a child.
I know it’s early to ask, but have we seen the narrator in this age of the story yet? I have a thought, but find no reason not to ask
*goes back a whole 4-6 pages*
I retract my previous question, on grounds of I completely forgot that it clearly says this isn’t his story -_q
Anyway, it’s good stuff so far, and I’m looking forward to watching this story unfold.
Your story of finding a newt in the river reminded me of one of my favorite moments in your book IRON WEST. My 6 year old son Jaiden loves dragons and lizards of any size. I’m sure the study of newts will open up a whole new world of fascination for both us
thanks Doug!
Doug, your ongoing fascination with newts makes me wonder if your original last name isn’t Fink-Nottle. And here Wodehouse thought he was being ridiculous by inventing a character obsessed with newts!
Enjoying your work, as always sir!
Doug & Katherine, thanks for sharing and inspiring! I get the warm and familiar sense of the start of Ratfist – and I`m glad to be back! The comic is art and beyond, and the personal comments adds a unique human value. Love the colors! You both inspired me to start a webcomic last year, and you keep the inspiration coming. It´s great to “know” you! I will follow this with great interest! /Inkan in Sweden
If there’s one thing I always enjoy as an artist, it’s fleshing out the “what a species can be” by bringing in some other guys.. the same species, but they’re different.. this guy has a moustache, that guy’s got eye-bags.. but they all have the same basic body plan and number of digits. I can tell you’re enjoying that too.
okay these little dudes are cool
I really like the descriptions of the story below. Thanks for doing that. My friend runs a website about returning men to hero status in the eyes of their family and a lot of your blogs talk about concepts he writes about. Very cool.
Years ago, I remember browsing Doug’s sketchbook back when it was online, and there were a bunch of drawings of weird newt creatures. Is that when the idea began to form?
I just wanted to say that I read about this on the PVP blog. I usually check out the comics he recommends, but had no idea how great this would be. I’ve already ordered Ratfist, and am enjoying Nnewts more than anything I’ve read recently.
@Tredlow, that online sketchbook… as well as about 15 other sketchbooks over the last decade have a lot of Nnewt sketches in it. There’s a LOT going on this world… I can’t really spoil it, because that wouldn’t be nice. But suffice it to say, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Why do i feel as though John Goodman would voice the one on the far right? XD
That nnewt is named Urch and Goodman would be pretty good.
Just got back to my home in Florida from my first trip to the great northwest. (This may make sense in a couple sentences, but no promises….) My client is a long time bow hunter who lives in Idaho up near the Canadian border and he’s got a new camo pattern he’s getting my help with. I’m kinda handicapped, because I’ve never been hunting before. But after seeing the woods up there, I think I’m going to have to experience that one of these days.
All that to say, ummm….. I’m relating to the little tyke’s burgeoning curiosity. Thanks for making this!
Creature Tech is my very favorite story by you and I am very thankful for this chance to show others new to your work this web-comic! God bless you and those of your life ^_^
I gotta cat named Gully, he likes to jump up into my arms and cuddle me