FanComic

Fan Comic - Supergirl: Last Daughter of Krypton

Beginning in January of 2014, I have been working on a fan comic-book (fan-fiction) about my favorite superhero, Supergirl (Kara Zor-El).  This fan-comic will be an ongoing series with an irregular release schedule (I release them when they are done, rather than on an arbitrary publishing schedule).  I am the sole author of this series, producing all work from writing to layouts to art to lettering.  The series represents a little bit of wish-fulfillment for me: I've always wanted to produce (completely produce, not just write or draw) my own comic-book.  As a kid I did this with photocopy paper, pencils, and magic markers.  Today, I accomplish it digitally.  I call the series Supergirl: Last Daughter of Krypton.

Supergirl: Last Daughter of Krypton represents my first real effort at "fan fiction" (I have written stories before, and even unpublished novels, but always with original characters). It's been a challenge, but one I have greatly enjoyed.  The series is a hobby for me, and is largely produced to suit my own particular tastes and interests.  For example, after reading so many awful stories about Supergirl and wishing she could be portrayed differently, this is my experiment to see if the kinds of stories (and personality for her) that I have always had in mind, will actually work.  (Of course, since this is my own creative project and is done entirely for myself, I define "working" very simply and selfishly -- it has to satisfy me, and be something I enjoy re-reading over and over again.)

There are many enjoyable aspects of creating my own comic about Supergirl (although it is also expensive and a metric ton of work). In addition to being able to tell my own stories about my favorite super-heroine, I also get to try my hand at some artwork.  This is a first for me, really, as I have never been very good at drawing.  And without that, one cannot realistically make a comic-book... or can one?

It turns out that one can -- using computer tools like DAZ Studio Pro, Bryce, and Blender.  With the computer as my "art crutch," and other much more talented artists than me creating the character models, props, and environments (for which I have paid them handsomely, via the DAZ shop, of course), I've been able to upgrade my artistic ability from "abysmal" to "acceptable" (I won't call it great, or even good, yet, but at least your eyes won't bleed from looking at it).  And so, one of the real thrills for me has been not just to write the story, but then to see the story come to life on the page in the form of rendered artwork.

On May 2, 2014, I finished the first issue of this ongoing series. More will follow over time. As they do, I will post them to my blog.  If you are interested in having a read, and seeing what this humble, amateur hobbyist can do in his spare time both in terms of art and story (always keeping in mind that I am still learning all the software parts and by no means even average at using any of them), feel free to drop me a line. I don't mind sharing.

However...

Want to try it? Read the following first!

As I say, this is largely something I am doing for myself, on my own computer.  However, because it's possible that there may be one or two Supergirl fans out there who know me, and might, perhaps, be a little curious about this fan's take on Supergirl, I will make the issues available to friends, readers of this blog, or followers of the Supergirl Homepage, upon request.  If you'd like to read my Supergirl stories, just shoot me an e-mail and ask.

Before you do, here are some things of which to take note:

You must agree not to share this file with other people.  Supergirl is a trademarked character, and although I believe it is perfectly acceptable (and legal ) for me to create artwork on my own computer, just for myself, and share it with a few friends, I do not believe it is right (whether or not it's legal) for me to release this work into wide circulation.   Therefore, I ask that you keep this file to yourself, and not share it with others. If you know someone else who you think would like to read it, direct him or her here, and let the person send me an e-mail requesting the link.

The file is in ComicRack format.  You will receive a zip-compressed .cbz file which can only (easily) be read by the program ComicRack.  ComicRack is free both as a PC program and an iPhone or Android app.  You will need to download and install some version of this file either on your PC or tablet to be able to read it comfortably.

Specify the pixel width in your request (800 or 900).  I have two versions of each issue.  The "default" is 900 pixels wide, and is comfortable for viewing on most modern computer screens. I suspect (though I cannot test this) that it would also work on 10" and wider tablets.  The 800 pixel file is designed to work with 7" tablets such as the Google Nexus 7.  If you have a 7" tablet, I recommend this version -- the 900 pixel one will look distorted on such a screen.

If that all sounds good to you, then go ahead and e-mail me or contact me through Google+, and ask for the file, which I will then share via Google Docs (if you have a g-mail account) or else via the Adobe CC (if you don't have g-mail).

Completed Issues:
Issue 1: The Supergirl from Krypton, Part 1: Sweet Sixteen
Issue 2: The Supergirl from Krypton, Part 2: Evidence of Things Not Seen
Issue 3: The Supergirl from Krypton, Part 3: Trouble at the Old Mill