My Sister, the Freak

I just posted an article over on my main blog about my writing process. I’m still pretty new to this comics thing (and writing in general for that matter), but I hope it gives you some insight into the way I work and makes for an educational read.

As part of the blog post, I have posted a portion of the MStF script. If you’re interested in seeing it, you can download it here.

Read the full post here.

You can now get printed issues of My Sister, the Freak Vol. 1 Iss. 1. Buy them in the store here.

I only have “deluxe” versions available for now – they come signed with free pencil sketch of the character of your choice. I only have 20 of them, so get them while they last. Once they run out, you’ll have to wait while I reorder.

Regular (and cheaper) editions will be sold through IndyPlanet.com. They are not available yet, but should be soon. If you are not interested in an autograph or sketch, please wait to buy your issue there.

You can now decorate your computer in “freak”-y style with some hi-res desktop images.

View and download them here: http://www.mysisterthefreak.com/extras/downloads/

My Sister, the Freak was recently showcased on the geek girl blog Geek with Curves by Amy Ratcliffe. You can read her write-up here.

I appreciate that Amy seems to be connecting with the characters and relating to the story on a personal level. I had no idea if a girly story about two sisters would float in the comics world or not, so it’s good to see that at least one person “gets” it.

And bonus points for comparing Mary to Lilo. I’m honored.

I’ve gotten some great fan art recently. As fun as it is to draw aliens, I’m so happy to see little Mary getting some love from the readers.

The first image is from Mark Harmon and I love the concept and play on the characters.

The second image is from Brant Schewe, and I think his interpretation of Mary is absolutely charming and cute.

I have officially started a Fan Art page so I’ll have a home for all these great images. I’m so flattered that other artists are finding inspiration from my story. Thanks so much!

Super cool artist and fellow Spacedock 7 crewmate asked me to make a pin-up for his comic Cleopatra in Space. I had tons of fun making it. Thanks Mike.

If you aren’t familiar with Cleo yet, go over there and read it NOW because it is awesome.

Now that the entire first chapter has been posted to the site, I am making the first issue available to download in PDF and CBZ formats. Each file is $.99 and compatible with iPhones and iPads (and other computers and ebook readers, but hey, I’m an Apple fangirl). To read them, you must have the correct software – I recommend GoodReader and/or ComicZeal.

I am also working on getting print versions available, but that’s probably another few weeks out. Until then, enjoy these pixeled versions.

You can download the issue here.

Last week, I shared a few inking and coloring tests I made during early development of My Sister, the Freak.

Here’s another test panel that was finished using similar methods that I’m using for the pages today. I ultimately decided on using pencil for my lines and Photoshop for my colors.

The drawing is roughed out in red pencil first.

I scan the drawing. Then I use Photoshop to take out the red and clean up the line.

Then I color it in Photoshop.

If you have been following My Sister, the Freak or are a comics fan in general, I’ve got a great announcement for you!

Several of my artist friends and I have started up a new website called Spacedock 7. Check it out at Spacedock7.com!

Seven creators, seven comics. This site will serve as the central hub for them all.

Each comic is sci-fi related. That means lots of aliens, spaceships, robots, planets, and babes. What’s not to like about that? Each artist has different styles and tastes, and it’s neat to see how each one handles the genre.

The rest of the SD7 crew includes Otis Frampton, Mike Maihack, Joel Carroll, Eddie Pittman, Grant Gould, and Katie Cook. If you are unfamiliar with any of these artists, please go check out their work because they are all awesome.

With the seven of us, we are each updating our comics on a different day of the week. MStF will reside on Saturdays. For the rest of the week, be sure to visit Spacedock 7 to get your daily sci-fi webcomic fix!

My Sister, the Freak is the first comic I have ever made. Back when I was first developing it, I experimented with different media and coloring methods in order to figure out how I wanted to create the rest of the story.

I inked a few sketches using brush and ink, pen and ink, and pencil.

I also created a few test comics to see what full panels would look like together.