And so we finally get to a point in the story where the momentum starts to change a little. This page in particular was quite the challenge to do, as it’s probably the most important page of the entire first chapter. Maybe even the entire series (but that has yet to be seen). For those of you that read the “ABOUT” section of this site, you may (or may not) remember what makes the main character unique. She has the ability to experience the pain, agony, and desperation of those singled out for cruelty. And, this page is the very first time she’s ever experienced it.
The pacing and layout for this page accurately come from a not-so-happy experience in my life. Oddly, it was the perfect template for me to use though. One of the few things I remember today, like it was yesterday, was when I got my very first migraine. I was eighteen years old, and was doing what I normally do…which is have fun. And out of the blue, without warning, I got the sharpest pain I’d ever experienced (on the left side only, to be specific) in my head. I’d had headaches before, but this was so much worse. My vision even became spotty. It was crippling. I remember falling on my knees holding my head while laying the rest of my body (torso) on my bottom bunk bed. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to cry, yell, pass out, and a host of other things to end the pain. My poor mother didn’t know what was wrong with me, or what to do at the time. Eventually a dark, quiet, freezing room with a side of sleep seemed to do the trick after much suffering. But it was from there that I drew inspiration of this page.
It’s not the happiest thought, but it made for great reference. Ha.
A sudden outburst of pain. Ive been there all too often.
I have chronic daily migraines. I’ve had them since I was 17 and I’m now 23. I have not had a single day without a migraine in almost 7 years. I’m so happy yours are so easily fixed ^_^
Been following the strip for a couple weeks now (I followed a link from one of your ads on my site, actually), and I must say the suddenness of this page’s events really made it stand out.
Also, regarding the artwork, I like how BB breaks panel borders regularly.
Awwww. I know the pain of migraines… I got them when I was a kid. Since I was a boy (and only GIRLS got migraines back then) I was told to lie down for half an hour and then go back to class. =Þ
Also, I really want to be B.B’s sidekick. I think the presence of an adult would help, and she could help temper me.
I do love the grim look of sorrowful determination in the last panel. An awesome contrast to the hopeful and loving first panel of last week (which was almost painfully happy).
=D
Great job!
@ Ianna: I can’t fathom what it must be like to have daily migraines. I hope you have something that eases the pain, or shortens the length. :/
@ Dave: We really appreciate you giving the comic a shot. As for breaking the panels, it’s interesting that you took notice. It’s one of my favorite things to do when I draw, and I have no idea why.
@ Miles: Many thanks! Yeah, I was a little worried about the last couple of weeks of hopeful and loving panels. I was hoping that I hadn’t overdone it. But, I was trying to build up to this moment. You and a few others have been vocal in your approval of the pacing, and I am truly thankful. I know we can’t please everyone, but at least we know we’re not disappointing everyone either.
Aahh… for a while I thought she was in pain because she felt pity for a soap bubble.
What will she fight for, I wonder? I’ll wait and see. >:)
The first time? As in her whole life or since the story’s started? She looks like she knows how to respond to this situation.
Found your webcomic from the after-voting advertisement on TWC. I was interested because I experienced a type of bullying when I was younger.
I like the buildup. It will be interesting to see what comes of this. I’m wondering how a small child can help someone who is being bullied? Does she have expert martial arts skills? Is she stronger than a normal child? Or is she simply so persistent that people think she’s crazy-dangerous and are afraid to challenge her?
It seems that she does have an empathy super-power, so I won’t be too surprised if it turns out she’s also super-strong or something.
Ah, I knew I’d seen that name before! Luci Phurr’s Imps. Nice to see you branching out. For reference, I’m the one who both proposed and eventually won the “what did Pain say to Luci” mini-competition in the Roanoke section of the History Ain’t What It Was arc.
I’m wondering if the theme of this comic might turn out a little like the theme of a comic series I had in mind (but don’t have the skills to illustrate). Time will tell.
@ Melkior: So glad you were able to stumble onto this site! I look forward to all of your questions being answered as the story unfolds.
It’s funny, the moment I saw your name, I too thought Luci Phurr’s Imps. Both webcomics keep me plenty busy.