I’ve been neglecting this newsletter and I couldn’t figure out why - until now!
Firstly, I need to put a time stamp on this stuff so from now on this is a quarterly newsletter (Jan, April, Aug, Nov). Second, I put too much pressure on myself to give you something unique and therefore never get around to writing the damn thing. The truth is you’re not really here for that, are you? And aren’t I doing enough of that in the work itself? So let’s just keep this little rag simple. You’re here for NEWS, so let’s get on with it, shall we?!
All The Work Things.
A quick update on our epic-in-the-making, Precious Metal. We start working on the final issue at the end of the month. The process on this book has me staying one double-sized script ahead of the artist, Ian Bertram. But the 6th and final instalment of the story requires us working really close together, so I’m finishing that up and then we’ll spend time working through each scene together - lock-step across the finish line. I think this book is going to end up around 270 pages, which is uh, a whole lot of comic. Come my next newsletter in Jan, we might actually have a release date in mind.
I leave you with this image and quote from Chapter Four; “I found something…in a dream.” I like this moment in the book for several reasons, but none more than the fact that so much of this book really was found in a dream.
The great Grim Wilkins dropped a teaser image on Twitter the other day and I wanted to share it here as well. This is for a short comic that we’re collaborating on titled, Begotten, for a yet to be announced sci-fi anthology. I think it’s coming to Kickstarter but not entirely sure. Stay tuned.
I’ve always wanted to collaborate with Grim and can’t wait to show you more of the brilliant work he’s been doing. I’ll be sure to let you all know as soon as the book is available. Meanwhile, if you’re not familiar with Grim’s work, I highly recommend picking up Mirenda from Image Comics. It is, in my humble opinion, one of the best graphic novels in the last few years that has consistently flow under the radar.
My work on the Critical Role mini-series, Tales of Exandria, The Bright Queen wrapped up earlier this year and all four issues are now available in two collections. The first is a trade paperback that is available wherever books and comics are sold, and the other is the Limited Edition Hardcover available exclusively through the Critical Role website. It’s incredibly fancy.
I had a great time diving into the world of Critical Role, and exploring the darker side of Exandria. If anyone’s interested I have a very limited amount of both versions of this book for sale in my store at darcyvanpoelgeest.com - but wait! If you’re interested in purchasing a signed copy from me then you’re going to want to read until the end of this newsletter first.
Writing Journal - Entry #3
I’m going to keep this one rather short (wink, wink). Until this recent collaboration with Grim Wilkins, I’ve been quite regularly turning down opportunities to work on short comics. I haven’t been able to articulate why until recently and I think it’s because I dread working on stories were I don’t get to properly explore the characters and flesh out in depth arcs for them.
Even my short films, prior to writing comics, it was often commented that they felt like the piece of something bigger - which, in retrospect, was part of their strength but also a weakness in form.
My first comic book (Little Bird) went against the advice of pretty much every creator I admire, “start with something short”, and that still seemed to go okay. So long story short - I’m doing my best in a form that always seems to drive concept over character because the opportunity to work with Grim wasn’t one I was willing to pass on.
I’ll let you be the judge of how it turns out.
Until Next Time
Thanks for reading!
This newsletter is now officially a quarterly publication with the next one coming in January 2023. Oh! I almost forgot. I did a kind of website reboot and added a store.
In order to celebrate the relaunch of darcyvanpoelgeest.com I’m giving a special 10% discount exclusively to my substackers for the next 7 days! Use this code A5DBHK2 at check out! Treat yourself. - DVP
Precious Metal sounds cool! Looking forward to it!