SNEAK PEEK: Zub's Next Creator-Owned Series? (Patreon)

With Wayward coming to an end in late October, I told myself I wouldn't immediately dive into another creator-owned series. On each creator-owned book I've done I've acted as not only the writer, but also the project manager, accountant, and person who works directly with the publisher. It's a big responsibility and, as much as I love it, it also takes a lot out of me, both physically and financially. I told myself that after Wayward I'd take a break before embarking on another creator-owned quest...

...I really should have known better.

The gang at ComiXology Originals asked if I had any new concepts I was interested in pitching and that got me chatting with artist Max Dunbar. Max and I had a blast working together on Legends Of Baldur's Gate and the 3 issues of Champions he's drawing right now with the team heading to Weirdworld are stunning. We've wanted to collaborate more and this looked like a good reason to bounce some ideas around.

The original concept I pitched them was one Max and I had thought of doing years ago, but it has a lot of sex/violence and comiXology Originals isn't steering into hard 'R' rated territory, so they asked us for something else.

That got me digging through older pitch concepts I had to see if something would be a good fit for Max. And there, tucked into a folder I haven't touched since 2012, was an idea I'd built with another artist that petered out when they started to get Big Two work.

It's a space-fantasy centered around a gladiatorial arena and it's filled with all kinds of neat ideas I'm excited to explore. I showed Max the initial notes (and didn't show him the original design art so he wouldn't be influenced by them) and he loved it! Almost immediately, he started sketching. 

The title is still in flux, the character names are changing, but it's starting to gel.  With each new sketch we're drilling down on setting and characters to build something new and fun. 

This is how projects actually happen - It's a stray conversation and a good contact, mixed with old ideas jotted down in the archives and a bit of luck. I've put together quite a few pitches over the years that haven't gotten past the concept stage, but I'm hopeful about how this one is coming together.

I told you guys I'd give you exclusive sneak peeks at the process as I developed my next thing, so here it is...very raw and far from fully formed, but worth taking a peek at anyway. I'll try to update you with more progress and thoughts as we see where this goes. 

Wish me luck.