JL8 #22 - Creator Commentary
Added 2022-04-21 22:28:31 +0000 UTCJL8 #22 by Yale Stewart
Originally published on March 8th, 2012
Alright, taxes are done, so back to the commentary.
I honestly have no idea how commonly marbles are played anymore--even I never really played them as a kid--but they make for a great gag when you've got a character who famously has spherical smoke bombs. This is actually the first instance of playing Batman's gear for laughs, and I think it's a rather clever one.
Most of my comments really pertain to the art, though.
This was another strip that I drew over multiple pages. I can't remember if it was two or three, but the "POOF" was definitely on a separate sheet of bristol, just because I needed the extra real estate for the dimensions of the strip. I think I could've handled the "POOF" cloud in a way that was a little more obviously spelling "POOF," as I feel like a lot of people missed that. It's not make-or-break for the gag, but I was proud of my Frank Quitely ripoff.
The lettering in this strip alternates between pretty good and abysmal. The conversation between Hal and Karen in panel one is handled HORRIBLY. Like, I'm actively embarrassed by how bad it is. Not only are there no tails connecting each character's balloons, respectively, I didn't even give them distinctive colors to make up for it. Just a mess. However, Bruce's "GUYS." and Hal's grumble are pieces I'm pretty happy with.
In fact, that third panel is probably one of my favorite panels I've drawn. I love all the expressions, especially Bruce as he lines up his shot. I used a crop of his hand and face as a profile pic for a pretty long time.
I think that about covers it for this installment. As promised, I'll post another commentary tomorrow for make up for missing last week. I'll see you then for more playground hijinx!
-Yale
