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[greenraptorstudios]

Thanks much for your review. I'm very happy that we earned a 7.5. The beginning was slightly rushed, because we wanted get the basic need to establish out of the way. We are now done with introductions so it's fun stuff ahead, and thanks for subscribing.

[Aspie_Gamer]

I agree with you art wise. I've been putting it off (improving my art that is) in favor of other things lately namely a guest comic I've been drawing for a subscriber/friend with her own comic, but I intend to get back to the grind of working on my own material after the first of the new year.

Story wise, there will be a lot more going for LooA once I start updating it again on a regular basis. It'll be one of those stories that starts out kinda slow and maybe even a tad familiar to (x)-ish, but I'm certain that once things start moving at a regular pace, LooA will no doubt find its own voice story wise. Also I'm rather curious as to what you meant by manga from the 2000's when you were talking about my characters? Could you please elaborate on that a bit?

[Marvin]

@jrej... The order got messed up again... I'm not sure which comics should get a review next... I guess Hallowed, Sherzo and Empire both need one more review, Handrawn and Raw and Life of an Aspie need two and Johnny Bullet needs three.

So if you cover Hallowed, Sherzo and Life of an Aspie when you have time, like you said earlier, the next three reviews should still be (in that order) :

1) Empire
2) Handrawn and Raw
3) Johnny Bullet

[Jrej]

Oh no guys! I thought we were good to go!
I'm working on bonus reviews right now...
Next up should actually be:
1/Empire
2/Johnny Bullet
3/ Cosmic Fish

[Jrej]

Here are my bonus reviews!

Hallowed: @windikite

Your comic has a mysterious atmosphere. Not much of the plot revealed but I'm sure there'd be more later.I could really put myself in your main character's shoes, wandering through this dark dream...

I would point out the lack of detailed background with the first pages and very stiff one later on. It makes sense if you were setting a cloudy/foggy atmosphere though.

I like you page layout, a lot of good ideas. Keep it up! I can already see a progression in your art!

Scherzo: @laikoozie

This is a really cinematic and professional looking comic. Reminds me of an episode of Cowboy Bebop. It definitely deserves more readers!

The universe you've set is really fascinating! I do have a lot of questions popping up about how this world works but answers are spread out along the story. Makes me want to stick around and learn more about it.

The characters are still pretty mysterious. Seems like they have a dark past and interesting connections. I like that several stories are crossing path, covering same locations.
The tension really builds up! I'm sure more awesomeness is around the corner!

Handrawn and Raw: @CPY

A lot of interesting plots. It really makes you think but I found them very sad. I hope you get around happy endings as well or redemptions at least. I wouldn't want to read too many depressing stories... But that's my personal preference.

The art is actually pretty detailed. I like the face expression and how recognizable the characters are! You put a lot of effort setting up the scenes and on funny little things.

The format of short stories really work for you. I would continue with that. Becareful with spelling mistakes in the begining and text position for a smooth reading. Otherwise a lot of potential even though you call it raw. You definitely get better as you go.

Life As an Aspie: @toadsteroven

With only one episode at the moment, the plot hasn't really picked up but seems promising.

The art is pretty simple especially with backgrounds but you use interesting body posture, face expression and varied camera angles.

I would be careful with textures you're applying, some don't work with screens and make a distracting glowing effect. It really takes me out of the story.

I have to say the stains of blood/mud all over the characters at first was distracting too. Couldn't figure out what it was as it usually does not spread like this.
Too bad because you use shading and good body proportions, you should enhance that.

I had a hard time figuring out the transition from video game to real life. Maybe more hints or visual explanation are needed.

Otherwise you seem to have a very precise idea of where the story is going. Keep it up. I am sure more adventures are to come!

Johnny Bullet: @ToonDoctor

And finally a look at Johnny Bullet. I actually started this topic by reviewing your comic and it's with pleasure that I'm back at it.

I actually get used to your unusual format. I like it better than the new mobile version. I hope you consider one day switching to full pages. I think it would really enhance your long form story arch. But I respect that you stand by your concept.

I love the vibe of your comic. Such a great retro ambiance with plot twist and charistmatic characters. The way you draw cars is amazing. I can tell it is your strong suit. Car chases are awesome. You really improved compared to the beginning, keeping your recognizable style!

You deserve more readers. I hope you find your rythm and your audience. I would totally see Johnny Bullet as an animated series! I see a lot of potential in your series. Keep it up! I'm sure it will lead you somewhere good!

That's it for my bonus reviews everyone!
Please don't consider this post for the following review!!!
Next up should be:
1/Empire
2/Johnny Bullet
3/ Cosmic Fish

[efdvorsky]

I guess I meant more when it was a time of my life I read most manga, I can't remember the last time I read one that wasn't ongoing (I read a lot of Osamu Tezuka last year, for example so that doesn't count). So back then I read a lot of school-setting things, when the Japanese culture was more interested in the welcoming of english-speaking exchange students more than their sudden inclusion of France as it is nowdays. I didn't mean it in a bad way, just the vibe i was getting. :U but definitely continue

[ToonDoctor]

@Jrej Thank you very much for the very encouraging comments. I get very little feedback from the Tapastic community and often it comes from people who don't understand that I'm trying to emulate older comic strips. I understand that the look and feel of Johnny Bullet is not what is expected today in 2015. It's a totally different experience. I wish more people like you would give it a chance.

I created the new mobile version to see if I could access more readers who the mobile apps instead. Perhaps this will remove some of the apprehensions that people unfamiliar with older comic strips have.

A Johnny Bullet cartoon? Hell yeah!

[Jrej]

You're very welcome. Good to see you still on tapastic. I thought I read you wanted to leave at some point. This platform brought me quite a few readers so I would recommend anyone sticking around at least as a mirror site!

[ToonDoctor]

Thank you for the words of support. After a brief period of discouragement, I decided to stick it out.

[Jewe11s]

Woo! 100th post! Let's keep this going!!!

@guily57's EMPIRE:

First impression: I immediately thought of Naruto and One Piece when I read your prologue. As other people have said, that font is not so easy to read but I see you've switched to a much better one so scratch that. XS

Art: In the first couple pages, I found that it wasn't very clear what was going on. In the bear scene, I was having trouble figuring out what I was looking at. I didn't realize that Katsuo was holding a weapon until after the bear ran away. (I thought the ball thing with the black bands was a playground swing -because Katsuo mentions a 'swing'- and it had fallen out of the tree and scared the bear.... yeah my brain is weird.) As the comic goes on your portrayal of action becomes clearer. ( I can tell you like the aforementioned Shonen titles and it shows that you're paying attention to how those artists lay out scenes. Keep it up!) Because I stumbled at the beginning there, I might as well reiterate the importance of establishing shots and making sure you show what's moving when an action takes place. You can definitely find artistic ways around this but don't leave your viewers to put the pieces together on their own 100% of the time as you might get people like me who get hilariously lost.

Characters: I like that you seem to introduce most characters in the middle of a conflict. It's one thing to have characters who show up and then proceed to ramble on about their life's story (One Punch Man parody's this - you might enjoy it.) but to have them showing us who they are and where they're staring from in the story is much more effective. It really left me curious to find out more about them! Katsuo reminded me of a certain other spikey haired, Japanese 'warrior' with facial markings. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but I hope as the story goes on that he will grow in his own way. (Also: Please let Naomi become more that just the protagonist's crush...)

Technical: Okay, your skills definitely develop as the story moves on. More dynamic poses, clearer action, etc. You're headed in the right direction. IF you haven't started this already, use references. I find a fun exercise to practice paneling and pacing is to reverse-storyboard movies and TV shows. As you're watching, quickly sketch out what you see in between each camera change as if it were a comic panel. (Youtube videos are better for this because you can pause and replay more easily.)

Final Words: I liked Naruto and your comic shares a lot of the same themes that made me a fan. Just be sure to make this story your own. Don't let it be restricted by the 'Naruto formula'.

5/10 - You're on the right track and clearly have the passion to achieve your goals with this comic!

@ToonDoctor's Johnny Bullet

First Impression: Wow, things are moving fast!

Art: I like the simple black and white style. You seem to have a good handle on values. However, I would like to see a more consistent middle ground. A grey (or the illusion of grey with one of your crazy detailed textures) would be put to good use in separating your characters of objects of interest from the ground in some panels. This really feels like something out of the 60/70s. It was really a really refreshing to look at. Also: HOT DANG, can you draw cars!

Characters: It took me awhile to really start to understand who everyone was. Even after a few strips/pages I was pretty lost. For example, in #2, Johnny talks to the guy with the curly hair and moustache and even after taking my notes for this review I'm still not sure who he is. I got the names of a bunch of girls who Johnny talks to but not the guy who is giving his assignments right off the bat. I will say I liked the backstory of how he met Doug. It was at that point that I started to actually care about the main character and what happened to him and his friends.

Technical: I like your layout choice. It contributes to the 60/70s vibe. I understand that means you only have so much space to work with in each strip but sometimes the 'end' seems rushed or awkward. It's not always possible to do all the time but: I really enjoy when the strips leave me intrigued for more. Ie: #24 and "how long can I keep this up?" or #6 and "It's not johnny who crashed."

Final thoughts: You've got something that feels classic to me. Keep it up!

6/10 - You really don't find comics like yours anymore.

@efdvorsky's Cosmic Fish:

First impression: SPAAACE! FORESTY JUNGLE! ALIENS! I'm in.

Art: Your colouring skills rock. The atmosphere is beautiful. The jungle in the first handful of pages feels both familliar and alien, and mysterious and like someone's home at the same time. With the first 4 pages there you did a fantastic job of telling me where we are by saying nothing. Already this comic is right up my alley and as my first impression thingy said, I'm in.

Characters: Agh! Awesome character design. The Krazzle immediately comes across as both someone I'd want to be friends with and someone who is definitely in charge or a leader. Which is cool because I'm sure if I met them in real life, I'd be freaking out. (As in both scared and excited. Can I ride them? Can I gush about their tail? Wow their eyes are giant!!!) The ghost is well designed. Immediately I was curious about why it was there, why it was broken up and again I was intrigued to know more. Acantha is all kinds of the best.

Technical: Your world is really well developed. It all seems to fit together... as wonderland-like and out-there as it seems. You really have a handle on pacing and you had me giggling with your well timed punchlines and reaction shots. It's seriously good. Why don't you have more readers?

Final thoughts: Sorry this was more of a gush than a serious review. Your comic is just my type. I have subscribed and I'm happier for it.

8/10 - So biased. I love it.

The next three comics to be reviewed will be:
Johnny Bullet by @ToonDoctor
Cosmic Fish by @efdvorsky
and The Chronicles of Oro by me!

[efdvorsky]

I'm blushing so much right now from this review

Thank you so, so, so much I'm so glad you liked it!

[Jrej]

Such detailed reviews @Jewe11s ! Very well done.
The topic kind of got lost during the holiday...
But 100 posts is quite impressive!

Just a reminder, next up are:
- Johnny Bullet
- Cosmic Fish
- The Chronicles of Oro

It's a good opportunity to get feedback on your work and discover new series at the same time so don't be shy!

[Jrej]

The offer still stands.
Anyone in for reviews.
I think this is actually an awesome way to discover new stories and artists.
Feel free to jump in.

[donathinfrye]

I've bookmarked this, and am looking forward to taking part in it! It's a great idea. I want to get a just little further into my comic's first chapter before I put it up here for review, though.

[Dozzer]

Hello! I just thought I'd share my series: The Middle Crowd
I've rolled through this thread and see a lot of active posters, which is awesome! That being said, I've just arrived and hope to return the favor when I get the chance!

The Middle Crowd

Please be upfront and blunt! Tell me what works, what doesn't, what could use improvement! I will appreciate any feedback!

[Inspector_Spinda]

Johnny Bullet
The style reminds me a lot of old comics, or newspaper comics, pretty rare and cool to see. Once in a while the character's pose or expression seems a bit stiff. Most of these situations occur when the limbs are drawn facing straight so I recommending trying to find tutorials on foreshortening. Though I notice your more recent pages are looking much better. You're on the right track! The vehicles all seem to be done very well. Clear a good amount of research was involved.

The plot is interesting and the dialogue is fine, but like the art it is occasionally a bit stilted. Sometimes the characters will speak in oddly formal ways. For example, rather than "Hello Jed." maybe try something like "Hey, Jed." or just "Hey", or "Hi". Your story will be made much more interesting with more interesting dialogue. Another example is "It's a trap! Jack, start driving!" could be "It's a trap! Jack, step on it!"

This is just a small nit-pick, but on page 54 and 57, you put hearts on one of the panels, but I don't really think this is necessary. It doesn't really mix well in my opinion with your realistic style. Sorry if this review seems overly harsh. Your art has class and charm in its own way, but if you touch it up, it can become really great. I recommend you look up some of the more recent works of Naoki Urasawa. He's a manga artist sure, but he has a semi-realistic style that I think you can take a bit of influence from.

6.5/10

---

Cosmic Fish

I subscribed after a dozen pages. I bet that tells you all you need to know, but I'll elaborate anyways. Your comic oozes charm. The characters are all very lovable right away. I adore their designs, especially Phil's and Gallo's!

I feel that the initial plot of them rescuing the ghost kid is a bit strange especially since it shows up and ends very quickly. There's some conflict and tension throughout, but it ends too fast to make a big impact, especially since the event it's going to be a repeated one.

This is just a nit-pick, but I think the background color would benefit from being blue rather than green since the characters are already yellowish green. Anyways, overall I LOVED this! Definitely will be reading more.

9/10

---

The Chronicles of Oro

Not really the type of thing I typically love, but you seem to be doing a pretty good job. The lines are sharp and clean, and your style is very pleasing. I love the gold swirls you used. I'm a big fan of such effects in comics. It's also cool to see you drawn a bit of elven culture (or maybe it's just asian culture) and even make up a language.

There's a good amount humor in this (bear boobs) which is appreciated. Overall, I'm afraid I don't have too much to say about it. The plot seems to be just beginning and so far it seems interesting, but it doesn't particularly grab me.

7.5/10

Next are
- http://tapastic.com/series/Cosmic-Fish
- http://tapastic.com/series/ChroniclesofOro
- http://tapastic.com/series/Mercenary-Inn

[ToonDoctor]

Hello. I just saw this. Pretty cool review. Thanks! Not harsh at all. I agree with your comments!

Am planning on redrawing much of it for the print edition.

Cheers

[Jrej]

Thanks for joining in.
I hope this sparkle gets the "Review fire" going!

[Jrej]

Who's up for reviews?
Give back and you shall receive...

Next up are still:
- http://tapastic.com/series/Cosmic-Fish1
- http://tapastic.com/series/ChroniclesofOro1
- http://tapastic.com/series/Mercenary-Inn1

[TrustyShamrock]

OK HERE GOES. im not great at reviews so sorry if these are sorta confusing

FORST of all Cosmic Fish by @efdvorsky
theres a lotta pages here so i just read the first chapter. but i like it and plan on readin more!
Art: it has a pretty cool page right from the start. i really dig the way ya zoom down from space to a bug on the ground. the drawings are bomb and the way you do panels is really creative. theres actually a lotta clever things you do with panels and i always love seeing that
i think your backround art is really tops. you make the characters stand out against it but they still look like theyre in that area by the lighting and colors ya use. i do think some panels look like they have more work put into it than others tho. but i wouldnt notice if i wasnt lookin for it
most of all i reeeally like your character/creature designs. theyre creative and fun and magical! it makes me wanna know more about them. the faces they make (especially phils) i thinks are really great and have lots of feeling in them. plus the action and timing of everything seems on point
Story: still super creative! i like the world building stuff but it doesnt seem like a forced info dump. its told thru the story which is good. i DO think tho that itd be helpful to know more about what and where the main characters are a liiitle sooner. cuz its a little hard for me to get on board with everythin thats going on when i dont have anythin to go on. i like that theres mystery to it all and i hope that keeps up in the story. but i think a few words of explanation coulda been squeezed in without givin too much away. on the flip side i DO think it was a good call to hint acanthas backstory at the end of the chapter
but besides that their quest is pretty fun. it does a good job of showing the world and stuff in it. and i keep wantin to know whats happenin next. i keep going back and forward on if i like how fast it all went. i think its good as like a intro story. but i also think it seemed a little rushed. i really do like it tho and am totally subbed to it!
also another side note have you ever seen the short flash cartoons called Brackenwood? it was really fun and creative and your world reminds me of it a lot! theyre both pretty different story-wise and stuff but they both have that fun story-book foresty feel to it. you should check it out! i think theyre on youtube

The Chronicles of Oro by @Jewe11s i only did the first chapter for this one too cuz theres lots of pages
ok so that veerrry first page with the music and the character pics. i gotta say i was really into it. i think it was a good song choice and hearin it while lookin at the pics got me really excited to find out what the story is about
Art: in the prologue i think the art style works pretty good but it also looks really plain compared to how much detail ya put into everythin else. i think you could add somethin to it to just pump it up a little bit cuz its the first part of the story that is gunna be seen. but its still not bad! the main MAIN thing i would change about it is just the font. its kinda a ugly front and it especially doesnt go with the myth origin story thing
later on the arts suuuper great. i really dig the backround art. it has a cool sketchy style that makes it stand out. the characters look a liiitle stiff but i like how different they all look from eachother. even the extras
theres a lot of differences between the 2 worlds too. its pretty easy to tell where they are without needin to have captions
Writing: i do really like the origin story thing about the god kings. i mean im always really into myth stuff like that but its still pretty creative
once the story gets started the way that it keeps switchin forward between the 2 worlds is kinda confusing but confusing in a good way. it builds up lots of mystery. im not super into how in the not-earth-world all of their word bubbles have 2 languages going on in them. its looks a bit messy. all the actual talking is pretty great tho. i especially like pretty much anythin lynn has to say cuz the mysteries of the naked bear lady was really funny to me. things started to get really exciting tho once juniper found that secret room and started gettin teleported to the other world. i thought it all looked great and it was cool watchin the 2 worlds finally meet

ok and NOW Mercenary Inn by @Inspector_Spinda
Art: i like the character designs. they got cool clothes and lots of personality. plus i think ya do a good job with drawin emotions and poses. their poses especially are really fun. they dont look stiff at all and work good in action scenes. i dont really like the what youre usin to draw it with tho. is it pencil and colored pencil? i think itd look a lot better if you went over it with ink. its not scanning really great and a lot of it looks a bit messy. it seems like maybe you inked in the word bubbles? ya should try doing that but aaall over the place!
i think you could spend a little more time on yur backrounds too
in the 2nd chapter ya start doing some snazzy things with panels tho and i think thats fun. and theres more work in the backrounds there so i like that. its easier to tell where the characters are that way and it puts more of a mood for the page
Writing: i like your characters personalitys. ya do a good job of showin it in what they say and do. especially eris. she has a lot going on. i like seeing what shes gunna do next. some of the things that happen seem like theres somethin missing tho. its a little fast and choppy in some parts. and between ch. 1 p. 17 and 18 its hard to tell whats going on. is she breakin into a room? and i dunno where she got the letter from all of a sudden. so maybe just slow that down a liiiittle bit more and itd work better! C:
i also like that cyrus isnt great at the beginning so itd be fun to see him get better. the 2nd chapter is lots easier to follow then the first one. the timing between panels is better and theres more scenery shots to tell when theres a scene change
the plot sorta reminds me of fairy tail but with a different twist to it. and i like fairy tail so that works for me! but i cant say a whole ton about the plot cuz im not sure what it is yet besides magical people going on missions

OH KAY so the next reviews are (i think?)
- http://tapastic.com/series/ChroniclesofOro
- http://tapastic.com/series/Mercenary-Inn
- http://tapastic.com/series/robo-hole (mine)