26. Making History Out Of The Future
The ongoing newsletter for the 404EVER Comic
Check the The Phantom Pleasure Instruction Manual for more info on 404EVER.
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Hello everyone, I’m happy to be back, though I’m terribly sorry it took so long. I ran into some issues with official commissioned projects (works I can’t share just yet). On top of that, a couple weeks or so I had a major health scare due to a freak life-threatening accident; which resulted in a quite serious injury. I’m still recovering from it, but doctors have assured me that my condition is trending in a positive direction. There will be no permanent serious issues or long-term damage, and I’m not mangled or anything. Thankfully.
I have a lot of thoughts regarding the incident and I’ll eventually speak more about it at some point. But, right now is not the time. Right now I just want to share some art and story with you. As always, I’ve been working on 404EVER in every free moment that I have. And this incident has made it clear to me that I need to dedicate my life to producing more original art, more original stories. I owe it to those who’ve supported my work, my friends and colleagues who died too soon, and to myself.
I’m officially releasing the first episode as:
404EVER
The Phantom Pleasure Syndrome
This opening chapter introduces us to the subterranean world of GEO-CITY ONE through a random encounter between (disgraced Dedicated Server hostess) Echo and (Social engineer Jump-Cutter) Halo, a dangerous partnership program offer, a gang war between (the Private Domains) Club Meteo and Parallax, and a hardcore psy-op from the Gogg Republic (breakaway civilization). The first episode explores themes of identity and viral memetic disease.
If you like the action and intrigue in the Akira manga, the reckless tech nightmare feel of Ishii Sougo’s ‘Burst City’, the satire in the John Brunner novel ‘Stand on Zanzibar’, and the abstract mysticism and conspiracy in works like End of Evangelion or Xenogears; then I think you’ll enjoy my comic.
Please watch this BURST CITY trailer if you’re not familiar with it. It’s definitely not for everyone, but I love the ‘Jishu Eiga’ genre so much.
I’m designing a new cover illustration for the 404EVER Guide. Here’s how it started:
I’m creating a vintage layout, like packaging or advertising for software in the late 80’s or early 90’s. This is a VERY ROUGH idea of what the finished product will look like:
The first episode will be around 45 pages or so. I’m really happy with the writing and structure of the opening story, there are lots of fun instances of world building through visuals and character interactions. I hope you all enjoy it once it’s ready. Chapter two will be known as HEAVY META, and I’ll speak more on that later.
I’m working on some portraits for the main characters, sort of in the style of historical drama and shoujo manga. I had fun working on the details on her face and suit.
I’m also working on a higher detail painting of Echo, practicing some foreshortening and weapon drawing when I can.
In the next newsletter, I’ll introduce you to Colin Atari. He’s Halo’s manager and a high level Narrative Moderator in the Gogg Republic. I’ll share some art of him and explain his role in the 404EVER story.
I’m feeling uplifted, and I hope you are, as well. I will be back sooner next time, no more large breaks between updates.
