Free Mars

Ashes2Ashes    Page 23.

Interior, the back room of the Green Mill, Offworlder Zone.

Friday once again, Marsers. Hope you’ve had a good, if busy, week and can now sit back, relax with a Pan-galactic Gargle Blaster and enjoy this week’s page, another work of art from our gene-enhanced Argentine, NRG!

Here’s the rub. As Short Round would say, “Bad news coming”. Everyone in Free Mars is willing to help each other, if the price is right. In this case, the cost of acquiring three Martian political prisoners doesn’t seem extravagant. But nothing is ever as easy as it seems…

I always love Nic’s “holo” work. Here is no exception. The three liberated prisoners look great. Nic had a good point, at this point in the story, Kessler deserves a good nap. “Stasis chamber? Yes, please!” And Siouxsie is starting to become one of my favorite characters, thanks to Nic’s design. I’d love to see her back story at some point.

Have I mentioned The Savages yet? Wow. They could very well be THE sound of the Sisters Grimm. An all-female UK band. With a very Sonic Youth-esque feel. The actual album came out this week – Silence Yourself. Which is a nicer way of saying the title of their opening song, ‘Shut Up.’

Dave

Happy Friday Marsers,

Chris Borer here, Free Mars sculptor and semi-official sounding board. Dave is traveling abroad and Nic is diligently working on the next pages of the saga, so I was offered the chance to “guest post” and intro today’s page.

As Dave mentioned last week, we just finished Adepticon (www.adepticon.org), an annual convention for what my wife calls “little fighting men” (AKA miniature wargames). I got to hang with Dave and meet a surprising number of people who follow the comic. As a bonus, our own Taryn Vexx won the “sculpted miniature” category in the Crystal Brush – a contest at the show. http://crystalbrush.coolminiornot.com/artwork/369
The best-of-show winners were stunning as always. I’d highly recommend checking them out too.

As for today’s page, I won’t say it’s my favorite page yet – because how could I pick – but think it gives a great change of mood from DeForrest’s bar a few pages back; it’s still a bar, it’s still Terra, and it’s still our heroines, but yikes… I told Nic when I saw the pencils how well I thought he’d conveyed the “what are WE doing HERE” feel in the last panel. Also that I really liked the Remnant dog in the first frame. I find it somehow reassuring that even the Remnants still have dogs. I just want to pet him and give him a nice bowl of Soylent Green.

Without Dave or Nic around to propose a musical pairing for this week – I’ll take crack at it and suggest Carnies, by Rush. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnEIL9KDDCM
I think the lyrics and undercurrent fit this page well, and the album is one of their best in years.

-cb

A2A     PAGE NINETEEN

Let me put you in the picture, let me show you what I mean

The messiah is my sister, ain’t no king man, she’s my queen

Happy Friday, Marsers. Nic and I are happy to bring you a nice, fresh page of Free Mars on this gloomy (at least here in the Chicago hab-pyramid) afternoon.

I really love this page. I think Vikki G. looks great in Panel 2. And I think DeForrest might just, maybe become a regular bartender in our (hopefully long-lived) series. I can see him sorta being the Free Mars equivalent to Issac on the ‘Love Boat’. Remember that show? The night that show featured Kirstie Alley in a two-piece (1983) corresponds almost exactly with my becoming a man. But I digress. Anyway, DeForrest could end up as some sort of galactic travelling bartender. He could always show up right when you need him. Sort of like Dr. Who without all the spaziness.

When I was thinking about this week’s music pairing, I thought about how Brad Paisley has a new album out this week. Then I thought how those things could never be related because I hate Brad Paisley.

Anyway, this is for the Stone Roses who are playing at Coachella tonight. You better tour, you northern monkeys!

Dave

A2A  PAGE SEVENTEEN

Interior, Reclamation Mine 24601 – six miles below the Earth’s surface.

Introducing Siouxsie…

Dave

A2A PAGE FIFTEEN

Interior, Reclamation Mine 24601 (look down)…

Friday, Marsers! It’s the 15^th page on the 15^th day. And Damien Kessler is hell-bent on getting outta the waste mines. Who wouldn’t be?

If you haven’t seen it yet, head to our FaceBook page for a glimpse of the Chris Borer-sculpted Trayn Vexx. Fantastic. If you supported our KickStarter, chances are one of these will be coming your way in the next few months.

I’m going to self-indulge for a minute and give you a short album review this week.

The Next Day. So I’ve been listening a lot to the new David Bowie album. What does it mean when you say “classic Bowie”? It’s almost meaningless – like saying “classic Peter Gabriel”. They’re such diverse artists with incredibly long careers, patriarchs whose musical identities get blurred over decades of music. But I can’t think of a better way to describe The Next Day. There are so many songs, like ‘Valentine’s Day’ or ‘You Feel So Lonely You Could Die’, that harken back to the early 1970s. There’s the shiny slick production values, but there’s also some very stripped-down, low-fi here. Combined with a surprisingly earnest sense of rock ‘n roll. This is an honest album.  And I think it’s awesome. Bowie is 66 and he’s released some of his best stuff in years this week.

‘Where Are We Now?’

Dave

Ashes2Ashes      Page 13

Interior, Tabernacle Space Station.

Happy Friday, Marsers! I’m on the road, so I have to keep this short. LOVE this page. The Choir turned out perfectly. Super-creepy. The surgical modification is inspired by one of my favorite dark fantasy writers, Michael Moorcock.

Song this week comes from the veteran Johnny Marr, who just released an amazing album. Classic Britpop. ‘The Messenger’. Kinda miss The Smiths, a little.

Dave

Ashes2Ashes Page 11.

Exterior space, high orbit, Earth.

“We toured the world and elsewhere.”

Happy Friday, Marsers. We are happy to bring you this week’s installment of Free Mars. We had a little delay this week due to the obvious meteor attack by the Arachnids, but we are back online.

The Tabernacle! The space cathedral-city of the High Theocrat of Earth. It hangs above the 3^rd World like some demented and gaudy chandelier and is home, not only to the polluted pontiff, but his closest minions. I gave Nic a few concept/inspirational illustrations when we were discussing the design of the Tabernacle. We wanted a nice hybrid between a retro 50’s space station and a gothic-style cathedral. I think NRG! found a nice combination of the two. It is not an inviting place, to be sure.

This week’s song is a little belated nod to yesterday, along with the obvious reference to this week’s page. I like U2’s Achtung Baby version.

Until next week…

Dave

Ashes2Ashes Page Nine

Interior, Reclamation Mine 24601, mess hall.

Happy Friday, Marsers. We’re happy to bring you the next installment of ‘Free Mars’ – this week sees our guys taking a little break from mining hundreds of years of landfill. I really like the little hint at Damien Kessler’s past adventures. Might have to go back and see some of that stuff some sol….

Some big news this week. Women can now serve in front-line combat roles in the U.S. military. As far as I was concerned, they’ve been doing that since 1986.

This week’s musical pairing is a tribute to our three “bad boys”. Gin Wigmore is awesome. Though every time I listen to her I want to drink a Heineken. Anyway, the video for ‘Black Sheep’ is also pretty appropriate for our penal workers.

Until next week,

Dave

Free Mars: Ashes2Ashes

PAGE SEVEN

Exterior, night. The mean streets of the Jovian Quarter.

I think this-sol we should start with the musical pairing, Marsers. Check it out here. Listen, I’ll wait…

…Pretty cool, yeah? DEVO covers NIN. I like the DEVO version better, but I’m probably in the minority (mutant minority). Anyway, the song says it all.

Gibson Eightsix isn’t a ‘bot. He’s a ‘tuber – a clone. He, like all corporate clones, was genetically farmed for very specific missions or roles. They are typically enhanced with cybernetic physio-ware, but they remain fundamentally organic. They are loyal agents, couriers, assassins, whatever the Combine needs. But even their engendered loyalty has its limits, as the threat of tank-violence here illustrates.

And we find out why the band has gone to extraordinary lengths to cyber-punk this particular clone. Data. Prisoner locations. Damien naffing Kessler.

More on him next week. Until then,

Dave

Ashes2Ashes Page Five

Exterior, Outside Ziggy’s Café

Welcome to 2013! 2012 was a great year for the comic, though I expect even more for 2013. It is, actually, just nice to be writing these weekly updates again after the break.

Now, you didn’t expect Gibson here to get very far, did you? The grav bike was a nice attempt, though. I’m glad A2A is starting out with a nice grav bike chase, however short-lived…

Gibson Eightsix’s escape attempt this week screamed for ‘Headlong Flight’ from Rush’s 2012 album, Clockwork Angels. This is one of my favorite albums of 2012 – a Rush steampunk album? What could go wrong? It is a little heavier than some of their recent offerings, which is nice. Also, how about their long-overdue induction into the Rock y Roll Hall of Fame? About naffing time. Chris will agree with me here.

I was thinking about favorite albums from 2012. Anything stand out for you? I have a few- I’ll post them next week.

Finally, I have a rare recommendation. d.Forrest, friend of the comic, has recently loaded up the first page of his new webcomic, The Legendary Sisters of the Laughing Doggebi. It is an intriguing mix of Korean history/fantasy/mythology. It has just started, so now is probably a good time to check it out. I’ve seen a lot of concept art for the comic and it looks great.

Dave

Ashes2Ashes Page Three

Ziggy’s Nightclub, Jovian Sector, Amazonis Prime.

Happy Holidays, Marsers. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Fiscal Cliff Solstice, Saturnalia, Chanukah, Mayan End-day, or Renewal/Carousel, we here at the Free Mars clubhouse would like to wish you a great one. Travel safely and appreciate your loved ones extra this year.

I, personally, appreciate a good poker game, or poker match as our friends in Amazonis Prime say. Mr. Eightsix is sweating it out here. Vikki seems like a pretty competent card player. Or maybe it was something she said. In any case, the Headsman doesn’t bode well for drawing an inside straight, I suspect.

Nic gets mad at me when I give him 6-panel pages. But then he calms down when he realizes that their mostly close-ups and tight shots. And then he nails ‘em. The fifth panel here is beautiful. This is one of the best close-ups of Vikki yet.

When we were discussing Mr. Eightsix, we had an actor in mind. We usually do, these days. It isn’t necessarily a direct representation of that actor, but more of a starting point to get us on the same page. Any guesses?

I like Imagine Dragons’ Radioactive for the card game (the video is fantastic too). It’s kinda mellow, but has a building tension, much like the scene playing out. I actually think the whole ID album would be nice background for a poker game.

Anyway, just in case the Mayan thing does pan out I have my towel with me. And I just want to say so long. And thanks for all the fish,

Davey P.

Free Mars: Ashes2Ashes

PAGE ONE

Ziggy’s Club, Jovian Sector, Amazonis Prime

By the ice-tides of Europa, it is great to be back! Happy Friday, Marsers. It’s a very nice feeling to type “PAGE ONE” again! Thanks for sticking with us during this hiatus. I will say, we were able to accomplish quite a bit during the break. With the help of Ape Entertainment and a very successful Kickstarter, Free Mars is back, full-speed, with our second book.

Ashes2Ashes is going to be a little different that Riot Girls. First, it is considerably shorter. We’re looking at coming in around 40 pages total. Now, as a writer, it is a curse and a blessing. It is great to have a very definitive page-count. I have planned and planned, written and re-written, knowing exactly how much story-telling space I had. With the first book, we started without a solid pre-determined length and I think that lack of defined scope might’ve made for some dramatic changes in the pacing. Nothing fatal, but sometimes slightly jarring. Now, with a completely mapped-out plot and finished script, we hope to improve upon our last book.

For Nic, it means more work as I’m attempting to pack a little more into each page. But, as you know, Nic thrives on extra detail. This first page is no exception. He brings us back to Ziggy’s and the Jovian Sector of Amazonis Prime. The place is a little more posh than when we last saw it. Though I guess the last time we saw it there had been a fusion bomb blowed-up in it….

And Nic has done an amazing job here in the evening wear competition. I sent Nic a bunch of pics; I tried to identify an individual fashion-sense for each Sister. Nic translated all that to some beautifully characterful dresses. I think he won the Free Mars Challenge on Project Runway.

So here we are again. Think of this book as an episode. Riot Girls was the two-hour pilot, now we have the first installment of our show. Vikki, Sam, Vexx, and Veruca (I really did just realize that that is a lot of Vs) are back. Kessler too.

I’m gonna be a little self-indulgent with this first music-pairing. I’m really digging Green Day’s Uno! and Dos! right now. I think there’s some vintage Green Day here, but also some interesting new directions. Kill the DJ is one of the best songs from the first LP. I think it also goes nicely with the red carpet line action in this first page.

Nice to see ya again,

Dave

FREE! Final

Somewhere on Earth…

Good morning, Marsers. Today we present a little “preview” of the forthcoming Ashes2Ashes.  Here we find that our Martian Liberation front leader, Damien Kessler, is not exactly warming to his new career as wastefill miner. In fact, he’s giving management a bit of a hard time. Unfortunately for Damien, the Remnant HR department is a bit ruthless.

Backers of our Kickstarter Project can see the evolution of this piece from early pencils to the finished product on the KS site, in the Updates section.

The KS Project is going really well, and we want to thank everyone who has come onboard. We have some stretch goals that we’d love to see reached. Personally, I would be very happy to give you another Hannah Valerus installment. It’s written- just needs some art.

I’m well into the script now for Ashes2Ashes and I think you’ll all be very pleased. I know how much I’ve missed seeing their weekly adventures, so I’m really looking forward to getting back into it. This week’s illustration has a little Guy Ritchie feel to it, in my opinion. Like it’d be a cool slow-motion tussle. To that end, we’ll go with a standard- Oasis and ‘Go Let It Out’.

Thanks again. Stay tuned.

Dave

+++GOING LIVE!+++

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1851930049/free-mars-ashes2ashes

This sol, Marsers, is the launch of our Kickstarter project! We are very, very excited. Books, t-shirts, prints, original art, miniature versions of the band- it’s all here!

But we do need your help. This is, literally, a crossroads for Free Mars. Nic and I can keep this going for years, but without your help, we can no longer afford to give this to you for free. Kickstarter, like General Kenobi, is our only hope. Not to be melodramatic, but a successful KS means that the website will keep getting weekly updates (maybe more than once a week if we do well), that at least one new graphic novel will be published from that material, and that we can finally see realized all the extra stuff we’ve wanted to do- like the Sisters Grimm concert t-shirt. Unfortunately, the b-side to that is without a successful funding we just don’t have the means to continue the weekly tale of punk rock and revolution that you’ve (hopefully) come to naffing love.

This week’s pairing (goes great with Nic’s amazing piece).

So, I humbly ask again for your help here. It’s not like you’re doing it for free- check out those incentives again. And thanks in advance for your support. Being able to keep Free Mars going for you means a great deal to Nic and I.

Sincerely,

Dave

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1851930049/free-mars-ashes2ashes

The Sisters Grimm will return in ASHES 2 ASHES. October 2012.

Whataya think, Marsers? I, personally, think Nic killed it here. It draws thematically from the cover of Riot Girls, with the vid screen image of our heroines. But this time we’re faced with the vile visage of the High Theocrat of Earth (or as some have dubbed him, Evil Space Pope Elvis).

I promise to have more news shortly. More actual details as to what we have planned and how you can help. I’ll have news on a Sisters Grimm concert t-shirt, 32mm miniatures of the band, and new art prints. So stay tuned.

Of course- this week’s song.

Dave

MARSBEAT Meet Your New Sister

Happy Saturday, Marsers. While we finalize our plans for Book 2 (Ashes 2 Ashes), we thought we’d take this opportunity to give you a little more background on our enigmatic fourth Sister. Veruca’s addition was both strategic and tactical. She’s a talented pianist, to be sure, but she also knows her way around a pulser and a fusion bomb. Here’s an excerpt from the latest MarsBeat ‘cast-

The recent addition of the mononymous Veruca into the tight-knit Sisters Grimm came as a massive surprise to the fans of the controversial trio. Did the Olympus City band need a ‘boarder? Would their raw sound suddenly sound more produced? And who was this violet-haired mystery woman anyway? MarsBeat immediately got on the trail, but couldn’t uncover much. We know that she played in the Tharsis University symphony and had a short-lived stint with the band Escape Goats. We discovered that she originally hails from Curiosity, a small frontier town near Gale Crater Mining Fac. She moved to Amazonis Prime about five years ago, but the trail goes cold after that. Fan’s concerns and MarsBeat research were proven unfounded and unnecessary, however, once Veruca hit the stage for the first time. Her cool demeanor and technical proficiency give the Sisters Grimm not so much a new sound, but a more disciplined one.

Seether.

Until next week- stay tuned for more news here and on FaceBook,

Dave

Happy Friday, Marsers. Just a quick update this week. You may remember Nic’s ‘Support the Cause’ piece from a long while back, but we thought it appropriate again now that Free Mars: Riot Girls is on sale. I have it on good authority that sales are doing pretty well, which is very good news for anyone who wants to see the comic continue. I am more optimistic than ever that we’re going to see a second book start soon- sooner than I expected. So stay tuned for more info. To everyone who has bought the book- we thank you. Your support is appreciated,

Dave

EPILOGUE FOUR. Rooftop of the Cydonian Towers, Amazonis Prime.

Happy Friday once again, Marsers. There’s no way getting around this- we have come to the last page of our little epilogue and, in doing so, dot the proverbial exclamation point. The last page. It’s a little tough for Nic and I to wrap our heads around it, to be honest. There’s a solid two years of work here on this site now. And I have it on good authority that all this will be available in print format next Wednesday, July 11th. I did get a notice from Amazon that the book was shipping early.

I’ve given this post a lot of thought, but I think I should follow our cinematic theme and roll some credits.

First, without Matthias Weeks, there would be no Adepticon and there would, likewise, be no Free Mars website. The guy knows WordPress and servers and all that sort of pseudo-magical stuff. This will probably prompt him to tell me that we need to update the site.

Similarly, without Chris Borer we’d have had no one admonishing us for not doing our best possible work, whether that meant one of Nic’s designs or one of my bits of dialogue. Chris is a perfectionist in the best possible sense. He makes other people actually want to be better (mostly through the aforementioned use of admonishment). Chris almost single-handedly formatted the pages for our self-published compilation and he did it again for Ape’s OGN. He also just showed me the 32mm sculpt he just did of one of our band mates and she looks amazing. Hope to show you that soon.

David Hedgecock and Brent Erwin at Ape Entertainment have given Free Mars the opportunity to become more than just a webcomic- not that there’s anything wrong with just being a webcomic. This is just my opinion, but any webcomic creator that tells you they don’t want to be published in the traditional sense is either lying or they’re so hip that they don’t actually want you to have heard of their comic (because it sounds better on vinyl anyway). Well, David and Brent made that a reality for us.

Brigid Alverson, with one brief “Start Reading Now” on Robot 6 did more for our self-esteem than anything else that happened early on. I gotta send her a copy of the OGN. Xaviar Xerexes, of ComixTALK, was also a very early supporter who helped us get rolling.

Finally, what can I say about my partner, Nicolas R Giacondino? The guy is amazing. I don’t really have a lot of experience writing comics, but I suspect that some writers and artists were just made to work together (just ask Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons- no, wait, I take that back). Nic, from the beginning, knew exactly what Free Mars should look like; it’s almost like he had seen Vikki, Sam, and Taryn already. He never missed an update. Never. No one loves the band and Free Mars as much as me, except for Nic, who sometimes loves them even more.

I know I said something about an End Credits cover-song contest. I think I’m gonna send Bryan Bullock a book for coming up with The Alarm. Great song. End Credits songs are SO important. I asked Nic what his choice would be. I think he’s waxing a little sentimental:

“This is a milestone and no mistake. We’ve come a long way since our first page back in the day and I still stand by my assertion that FREE MARS is the best comic I’ve ever illustrated. However, and even though we’ve come to an end of sorts, my musical pairing glimpses at what is both a hope and a certainty, should we keep track of the girls’ adventures on the newly liberated Mars. ‘The Best is Yet to Come’ by Frank Sinatra sounds to me as if Taryn had plugged an old record player on a nostalgic night; it’d be curious to know what the girls would each be thinking as they listen to the old ragged recording; though I’m fairly certain whom Vikki would be missing. So, relax, take it all in, and see you when we return.”

And since Nic is going full-on nostalgia, I’m picking a brand new song. From the new Metric album. ‘Youth Without Youth’. This, to me, sounds like everything a Free Mars song should sound like. I’m ending Riot Girls with that.

So, what’s next? We’ll talk again next week. Same Coordinated Mars Time….

Dave

EPILOGUE TWO.  Vikki’s suite. Cydonian Towers, Amazonis Prime.

I remember this much
There is nothing
You shouldn’t speak of
If you got something to say
And there is no one
To be scared of
Just get them out of the way

Happy Friday, Marsers. This was a pretty good week for the comic. Zach Smith at Newsarama pens a very cool series on webcomics, with interviews by some very talented creators. Nic and I were lucky enough to be included last Friday. The interview is here if you’re interested. I’m a huge Newsarama fan from the way-way back (I gots the remember’in of a lot of things, Cap’n Walker) so this was like a big naffing deal for me. We were right there on the front page for most of the week- right next to Silk Spectre (we’re such star-fuqers). Anyway, we talk a little about where the comic might go in future books, some of the major inspirations we draw from, and a little about our deal with the mighty Ape Entertainment.

E2. This page is a little dialogue heavy, which is always fine by me. It’s been my experience that every good science fiction tale leaves a little something unanswered. Some even leave A LOT unanswered. The point is not minding that things are unanswered, Mr. Potter. But I digress. We find out this week that our beloved (and I do mean beloved) Martian Liberation Front leader, Damien Kessler is still missing. One would assume little Shade Endgame stole away with the revolutionary. We also find out that Taryn’s dad is yet to be found. And if the rumors are true, they’re someplace pretty shizzy. But that, fingers-crossed, is a tale for another day. How can you help make sure their story gets told, you ask? By clicking this link or getting your arse to the local comic shop in a couple weeks.

Week two of our Sisters Grimm cover song suggestions. To recap, I’d like to do these last few weeks of music pairings with suggestions from you ladies and gentlemen. The question is: what song would make a good SG cover? I really loved the suggestion by Bryan Bullock on our Facebook page. Bryan busted out the Welsh mod band, The Alarm. I always thought ‘Blaze of Glory’ (his choice) and ’68 Guns’ were great guerilla anthems. So, thanks Bryan. Let’s hear some more suggestions.

Next week,

Dave

PAGE NINETY TWO.  Hippolyta Stadium.  Amazonis Prime.

For Ray Bradbury, August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012

Happy Friday, once again, Marsers. Page 92 this week. Back at the main stage at the Independence Concert with the featured act, the Sisters Grimm.

We feature the lyrics to the song, Anthem this week. Some of you may remember we posted these lyrics a while back, on our ‘Free Mars’ B-Sides and Demos page. But we realized that the song wasn’t going to appear in the comic proper, so we knew we had to incorporate it into this splash. The song, written by Vikki Grimm, has now become the full-fledged hymn of the new Free Mars Confederacy. The comic has followed the evolution of this song, as much as any character. So to many readers it will be bit of a re-visitation, but I’m also sure many of you are seeing Vikki’s hit for the first time. Either way, it’s part of the book now.

So, no additional song pairing this week- Anthem is our tune.

I always love a good splash of the band and this week is no different. Compare this with Page Four and you can tell we’ve all come a long way. This page is really ‘The End’, so to speak. The next four pages form the Epilogue sequence and answer some important questions, but this is really the end of our first tale. Is it the end of ‘Free Mars’? Time will tell.

This page is for Ray Bradbury. Shizz, the whole comic is for Ray Bradbury.  Thanks, Ray. See you on Mars.

Dave

PAGE NINETY.        High above Mars…

Happy Friday, once again Marsers. 

The Jovian Guilds to the rescue this week.  The Guild-Prince leads the attack himself, aboard his flagship, giving some orbital support to the Free Mars forces below.  Seems like the work of a loyal ally, though I have to wonder what’s in it for the Jupiter crew down the road….

Now, it’s not like it’s a particularly well-disguised tribute and we’ve discussed this before when we met the Guild-Prince, but when Nic asked me about the design for the Jovian Guild fleet ships (his more organic flow for these ships sets them apart from the more utilitarian Martian designs), I said that he had free run except where their color was concerned.  They had to be yellow. 

By sheer coincidence, the re-mastered version of the Beatles’ film, Yellow Submarine arrives in a few days.  I think the gods of Pepperland are smiling down on us.  So, to honor them for their very positive omen, we’ll use, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, the title song from said film for this week’s pairing.  Did I mention the Guild-Prince’s flagship is the Eleanor Rigby?  I won’t.

If you haven’t seen Carla Wyzgala’s version of our band, check it out here.  I’m also working on our Guest Gallery to get everyone’s credit up.

Book is at the printer.  Have you pre-ordered your copy?

To everyone in the U.S., have a safe Memorial Day weekend.  Memorial Day was first known as Decoration Day and started just after the Civil War, with flowers and flags laid at the graves of the Union dead.  It soon expanded to include not just Union soldiers lost, but also Confederate.  Eventually it became a day of remembrance for all fallen U.S. soldiers from all conflicts.  So enough history lessons from me!  I’ll just say that I hope you spend some time thinking about how we’ve asked so many of our soldiers to make the greatest sacrifice and how we can avoid asking more to do the same.

Dave

PAGE EIGHTY EIGHT.          Combine siege lines, four kilometers of Amazonis Prime.
The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death ye may find him;
His father’s sword he hath girded on,
With his wild harp slung along behind him;
Land of Song, the lays of the warrior bard,
May some day sound for thee,
But his harp belongs to the brave and free
And shall never sound in slavery!”

 Happy Friday again, Marsers.  Thanks for stopping by to check out this week’s offering: P88.  With the offensive launched and the rebels gaining ground, we find our old CSC friend Colonel Lynch in a rather bad way.  Poor old bean!  The soothing green strobe lights don’t even seem to help.

I love how the Free Mars forces are utilizing bulldozers in their desperate advance.  Not that they don’t also have some very swass looking aerospace tech.  Lynch seems intent on fusion bombing more Marsers this week, but again, he’s looking down the business end of a re-purposed mobile processing plant crawler…

I think this is an appropriate week for Joe Strummer’s cover of ‘The Minstrel Boy.’  Best remembered for ‘Black Hawk Down’, there is like a 20 minute version on the album (Global A Go-Go).  It is naffing long, really naffing long.  I like the soundtrack version.  Anyway, I love this song.  Written around 1798 by Thomas Moore to commemorate the Irish Rebellion.  It has sort of travelled down the ages but became very popular with Irishmen serving on both sides of the American Civil War.  In a strange way, I think of Vikki, Sam, and Vexx as 2339 Martian versions of warrior-bards.  And Joe Strummer is missed.

How cool is this?  From the Library Journal:

As civil war clouds gather on the Red Planet in the year 2339, a rebel girl band decides to rock the revolution. Described by the publisher as a “gritty sci-fi rock opera,” this webcomic looks the way the music is supposed to sound, no doubt: wild, punk, unconventional, and simply smashing. Just the thing for libraries where the rocker CDs circulate like crazy. Looks adultish, so heads up.

I want to take a quick opportunity, if I may, to recommend another webcomic this week.  I read as many webcomics as I can, but I sometimes fall behind on a lot of ‘em and have to catch up, which is actually a fine way to read webcomics.  However, this is one that I think I’ll be visiting each week.  Surreality by Caleb King with exceptional art by Carla Wyzgala.  It’s literally just started, so time to get in on the ground floor.  By the way, I would love to see Carla do a version of the Sisters Grimm.

Finally, have you pre-ordered your copy of ‘Free Mars: Riot Girls’?  Did I mention that it includes a prequel story?

Dave

P.S.  I can’t say much about this/them, but you should check it out.

PAGE EIGHTY SIX.                            Hippolyta Stadium, Amazonis Prime.

Ziggy played guitar, jammin’ good with Weird and Gilly
And the Spiders from Mars, he played it left hand
But made it too far
Became the special man, then we were Ziggy’s band

Last Friday in April already.  That month went by really naffing fast.  This week we’re back at Amazonis after a quick trip to Olympus City.  It’s the Independence Concert and our band is about to take the stage, which will, in turn, launch the rebel offensive- their last chance for breaking the tightening siege.

Vikki Grimm isn’t taking shizz from President Isidis.  She’s become a little more confident, I think.  I think it comes across in the dialogue, but also in Nic’s art.  The body language is great in this sequence, forceful and natural.  And the costumes are awesome…

Which brings me to the weekly pairing.  This page is a very obvious homage to one of our main inspirations: David Bowie.  I know I’ve talked about this before, but Nic and I planned, very early on, for our Mars to have a very strong glam vibe.  Amazonis Prime was always going to be very ’70′s London.’  That glam influence would come across in our fashion, as well as in our political environment.  Here the girls sport very Bowie-esque make-up.  They almost look like they’re opening for T-Rex!

So, I went back and checked and I don’t think I’ve ever used ‘Ziggy Stardust.’  In the imagined ‘Free Mars’ movie (currently the top-grossing film in my mind, just beating out Joss Whedon’s Star Wars prequel trilogy), the end credits run while the Sisters Grimm cover this song.  You can picture it too, right?

Finally- the May PREVIEWS is out and we’re on page four and 244 (full solicitation), I’m told.  That means we are now OFFICIALLY available to pre-order at your local comic shop.  You can give the comic book guy (worst character ever) this: Diamond Code: MAY120825.  Now, I’m not gonna get all sentimental, but if you’ve enjoyed the work Nic and I have been doing for almost two years now, this is the way to show your appreciation (I sound like a WTTW pledge drive person).  Seriously, the future of ‘Free Mars’ is by no means certain and this is your chance to help us keep the comic going.  Pre-ordering the book will ensure that we can continue the adventures of Vikki, Sam, and Vexx, but also potentially give us the opportunity to tell more ‘Free Mars’ tales, including stories focusing on Hannah Valerus and Damien Kessler.

So again, if you’ve been a fan, now is the time to show it.  Help us Obi Wan Kenobi, you’re our only hope….

Dave

PAGE EIGHTY FOUR.       Olympus City, Corporate Zone.  Executive Recreation Level 8.

Happy Friday the 13^th, Marsers.  We’re back in Olympus City this week, with a view of something few Marsers ever get to see:  the champagne room at the Combine Executive Recreation sub-complex.  The ExRec is an almost mythological place, an Elysium of decadence.  Only the most privileged of the Combined Systems Corporation’s elite ever get to explore the labyrinthine pleasure-chambers and sense-vaults.  Of course, Xander Thule is one of those elite.

Nic , as always, gives the environment such character that it becomes one of the “actors.”  The rich colors and detailed stonework give the pleasure-chamber a decadent atmosphere, especially compared to the generally drab/industrial tones of life on Mars.

The hot tub also looks really nice.

The delivery girl looks familiar….

I sorta lied last week- this week’s pairing isn’t from Bikini Kill- however, BK’s front woman Kathleen Hanna did form another band, le Tigre.  They are awesome.  I would recommend checking out some additional YouTubes.  But for this week’s page, let’s go with ‘TKO.’

Starting to get some promotional material ready for the big release this summer.  We won’t, unfortunately, be at C2E2 this year (back next year I hope), but I’ll be at Adepticon in Lombard, IL next weekend with some posters and the few remaining print compilations I have left (should be collector’s items come July). 

If anyone in the Chicago area knows their local comic book store owner/proprietor and thinks they might want to put up a ‘Free Mars’ poster or display some postcards, let me know and I’ll stop by.  Email me at freemarscomic@gmail.com via the Internets.

Until then,

Dave

PAGE EIGHTY TWO.   Interior, Damien Kessler’s apartment.  Cydonian Towers, Amazonis.

First off this week, a big happy birthday to everyone’s favorite Argentine artist- Nicolas R Giacondino!  I told him that, in Mars years, he’s really not very old.

Second, Ape showed us their ad for next month’s PREVIEWS (Comic Shop Catalog) and it features our forthcoming FM OGN.  It looks fantastic.  We are really lucky to be working with a company that believes in our book.  Thanks, guys.

I said, last week I’d have a quick webcomic recommendation.  This week I’ve been reading ‘My Life At War’.  By Luther Patenge with art by Matthew Materniak, MLaW is a gritty sci-fi military tale.  It has a real David Drake/John Ringo feel, with a good sense of humor.  It also deals with some ethical questions.  This week’s page is a good example- addressing the topic of battlefield looting.  Check it out if you get a chance (and like sci-fi military hardware).

This week’s music pairing has to be Garbage and their new single, ‘Blood for Poppies’.  I am so naffing jazzed for this album.  If this track is any indication, the album will sound like classic Garbage.  2012.  Garbage, Blur, and The Stone Roses.  It’s like a 90s time-portal opened up in my iPhone.

Finally, I just want to say that this page is (honestly) my favorite page to date.  I think our heroines look amazing.  I think Nic has perfected their “acting.”  Nice one, birthday boy!

Until next week,

Dave

PAGE EIGHTY ONE.  Interior.  Damien Kessler’s suite, the Cydonian Towers.  Amazonis Prime.

Something right with the world today
And everybody knows it’s wrong
But we can tell ‘em no or we could let it go
But I would rather be a hanging on

Happy Sol Veneris again, Marsers.  We are proud to once again deliver you straight to the 50^th floor of the Cydonian Towers.  Things look even bleaker for our guitar-heroine this week.  Vikki Grimm can only watch, in abject pissed-off-ness, as Shade Endgame steps off with her man.

The red strobe lighting effect continues on this page, giving a nice emphasis to Vikki’s plea in the last panel.  I think Nic’s red panels are some of his most dramatic.  Makes me think that would could potentially do some more ‘Free Mars’ tales in black and white, too.  More like the Hannah Valerus piece.  Something to think about.

Nic and I discussed all the potentially appropriate songs.  I considered ‘Jump’ by VH.  But we both agreed on Aerosmith ‘Livin’ on the Edge.’  However, if you’re looking for something slightly more indie, you have to check out The Decemberists’ ‘One Engine’ from The Hunger Games soundtrack.  In fact, the whole soundtrack is very good.  Yes, even Taylor Swift.

I know I’ll probably keep saying this every week, but 15 pages left.  Naffing crazy!

I’ll have a new round of webcomic suggestions next week- I’m in the process of reading a couple that have come my way.

Oh, and check out Nic’s latest version of Vikki here.  This is for some promotional material we’re getting ready pre-release.

Dave

PAGE SEVENTY NINE.  Interior.  Damien Kessler’s apartment, Cydonian Towers.  Amazonis Prime.

Knife-fight!  P79 is a nice action page, complete with some good swearing.  Vikki Grimm seems pissed.  Kessler did warn Shade about waking her up, I guess.  But, wow, is Shade fast.

Nic nails the frenetic pace of this week’s page.  And I naffing LOVE the look on Vikki’s face in panel three.  A mix of pain and determination.

I’m gonna keep it brief this week.  I need some song suggestions.  I had a few ideas, but I need a good knife-fighting tune.  Recommendations?

Oh, when you get a chance, check out the Fan Art gallery for a new addition.  The very talented d.Forrest (Lord Dubu) has done an amazing version of Kessler.  You can check out more of his work on his deviantArt page here.  Great stuff.

Finally, does that sec override sound familiar to anyone?  Without Googling it.

Dave

PAGE SEVENTY SEVEN. Interior.  Cydonian Towers, 50th floor.

Happy Friday, Marsers.  P77 is a little gruesome, which is to be expected.  You can’t have Shade Endgame go to long without some bloodletting.  And is it me or is Damien Kessler ripped?  The Cydonian Towers must have a gym.

Nic and I agree that, for some reason, this page looks particularly animated.  I think it’s the posing, which isn’t particularly dynamic, per se, but very natural.  I think it provides a little glimpse at what a ‘Free Mars’ cartoon might look like.  Personally, I think a ‘Free Mars’ animated film/series would be a modern ‘Heavy Metal.’  But I’m possibly a little biased.  I would definitely cast Harold Ramis and Eugene Levy for some voice-work.  Any HM fans out there besides Nic and I?

I actually had this week’s song in mind when I wrote this page.  I admit it’s a little cheesy.  But I’ve had it stuck in my head since I watched an episode of Metal Evolution on L.A.’s glam band scene.  If you haven’t seen Metal Evolution (on VH1 Classic), it’s a great serialized documentary.  My wife knew way more about the history of Metal than I did, admittedly.  Anyway, for some reason, I think ‘Every Rose Has It’s Thorn‘ by Poison works nicely this week.  I was not a huge Poison fan back in the day, but this is a great song.

You might notice that we’ve added a link over there on the right to ‘Full Borer Miniatures.’  This is the website for friend of the comic, Chris Borer.  Chris has sculpted a 28mm version of smuggler Hannah Valerus and it is amazing (there’s a version painted by the beautiful and talented Jennifer Haley in our Fan Art section).  Chris is currently working on some additional ‘Free Mars’ characters.  I won’t say who specifically yet, but the plan is to do a whole range of little Marsers.  So stay tuned.

Until 78,

Dave

PAGE SEVENTY FIVE. Exterior, Hesperus Kelp Farm-Complex 1 crater H114

Maybe I will never be
All the things that I want to be
Now is not the time to cry
Now’s the time to find out why
I think you’re the same as me
We see things they’ll never see
You and I are gonna live forever

This week sees the title page for Track 5: Live Forever.  We’ve taken to calling this page Big Bada Boom, but that seems almost irreverent now that I see it in all its destructive anti-glory.  I will tell you that it is a bitter sweet milestone.  On one hand, we are happy to hit 75 this week, but it also marks the beginning of the final chapter (of Book 1, at least).  We’re certainly optimistic that this is more the “end of the beginning” rather than the “beginning of the end” for ‘Free Mars.’  But still, reaching the last Track has made me sentimental.  And nothing says sentimental like a massive fusion explosion.

A little perspective this week from the Europan politicast, System Pundit:

+++The Hesperus Kelp Farms will no longer be providing sustenance to Amazonis and the other rebel Hab-Pyramids.  The Combine assumes this attack will dramatically speed-up their eventual victory over the insurgent Marsers.  But it’s been almost a century since atomic weapons were banned on Mars, so there’s an element of desperation here as well.  Are there more uprisings starting in loyal Habs?  There’s very little information getting out.  Have the CSC Security forces underestimated the resolve and capability (and off-world support) of the rebels?  In any case, the deployment of a fusion weapon by the corporate government against its own people marks an inarguable sea change in the revolutionary conflict…+++

And, of course, this week’s Title track is ‘Live Forever’ by those Mancunian siblings, Oasis.  I gave a lot of thought to the final Track title, but it all kept coming back to this rock anthem.  From my own lifetime, Oasis is my favorite band.  I won’t bore you with all the “whys” here.  Suffice to say that I think they’re one of the last of a dying breed of rock ‘n roll stars.  I remember first seeing them at the Vic Theater, here in Chicago.  It was 1995.  I actually found the Tribune’s review of that show- in case you’re interested.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-03-21/news/9503210187_1_guitar-noel-gallagher-band

If you get a chance, and love the film A L I E N S like I do, I totally recommend visiting Nic’s deviantArt page for his latest offering.

Finally, Nic and I might have some news soon about a potential new/original project.  When we have details, we will let you know.  A lot is up in the air, so no promises.  But I can give you this small hint: steampunk.

Until 76,

Davey P.

PAGE  SEVENTY THREE. Building One, Combine Corporate Headquarters, Olympus City.

Good morning, Marsers.  We’re still celebrating over here; the deal with Ape Entertainment is really exciting.  It means that our little space rock opera gets the exposure we always hoped for.  Ape puts out some very high quality books and are also known for their swass digital offerings.  So, again, we are really happy to be onboard with such a great publisher.

But, back to our story.  We return this week to Olympus City.  We find Xander Thule in the middle of a presentation to the (nearly) complete Board of Directors.  His plan certainly doesn’t bode well for the residents of the Hesperus Kelp Farms, the vast hydroponics complex that has gone over to the Free Mars side.  It also doesn’t seem to sit well with Executive-Countess Ako.

I’m gonna keep it short this week.  Later today I’ll update with the winner of the reader art competition.  That talented person will be getting an exclusive t-shirt (in the works) AND a copy of the OGN (this July).  So I hope they’re patient.  Though everyone that participated is going to get a limited edition poster.  If you haven’t checked out the entries, I recommend you take a look.  Also, just because the competition is over, it doesn’t mean that it’s too late to submit “fan art.”  If you send us something, we will post it.

I’ll leave you for now with a Bowie classic.  If you haven’t noticed, the Thin White Duke is a major inspiration for the comic- for both Nic and I.  This song goes along with Thule’s suggested course of action.  ’Ashes to Ashes.’

Dave

INTERLUDE FOUR. The Burden of Command.

All the soldiers say
“It’ll be alright,
We may make it through the war
If we make it through the night.”
All the people, they say:
“What a lovely day, yeah, we won the war.
May have lost a million men, but we’ve got a million more.”
All the people, they say.

Welcome once again to Friday, Marsers.  Hope your week is ending well.  Here in Chicago, we find that Eddard Stark was right.

We are proud to bring you a new Interlude piece this week.  We’ve previously gotten candid views of our three bandmates in repose, so we thought it would be appropriate to do something similar with their “benefactor.”  Here we get a glimpse of our revolutionary commander post-battle.  The skirmish is over, wounds are tended to, and Kessler lights one up.

The text also gives a hint as to the storied history of our commander.  We learn something of his military experience, earned during his stint as a mercenary.  I will say, I’d personally love to hear more about the Rim Wars and Sigma Draconis….

We’ll stick with the mellow track theme of our previous Interludes.  Portugal the Man- ‘People Say’.

In other news, we got another amazing couple entries into the reader art competition today.  I think we’re ready to get the illustrations (and photo) up on Monday.  So, you have until Sunday night to get your piece in.

Until then,

Dave

PAGE SEVENTY ONE.  Andromache Skyport, Amazonis Prime.

Happy Friday, once again, Martian insurgents.  Hope your holidays were successfully executed and that much merriness was deployed.  I, personally, find it hard to believe that 2011 is setting sail on that event horizon.  It seems like just lastsol that Nic mentioned he’d like to do something “long term”, like a weekly webcomic.  Whereupon learning of this desire, I presented NRG with the synopsis of a screenplay I had written in 2000 AD.  Now, a year and a half later, we’ve got 71 plus pages.  71 plus pages that, if I may be so bold, I’m extremely proud of.

This week’s page is no exception.  After a brief meeting with President Isidis and Taryn “not a morning person” Vexx, we are introduced to Guild Prince Phalen Moor and blockade-running Captain Hannah Valerus.  If you haven’t heard of Captain Valerus, I suggest you take a look at the VALERUS CHRONICLES page on our site.  She’s sort of a “spin-off” character that Nic and I both really liked from the beginning.  This is her first official appearance in the comic proper.  So a special shout-out to Bobby C in Detroit- Hannah’s most ardent supporter.

If the Guild-Prince looks familiar, you’re correct- there’s nobody there.  Seriously though, I have added a few “cameos” in the script, of famous musicians/rock stars.  When we needed a smart-looking chap in a uniform, there was no real choice.  So say hello (goodbye) to our Jovian emissary.  Maybe Free Mars will be able to get by…with a little help from their friends (from the Guild Stations of Jupiter).

Which brings me to the musical pairing this week.  Since Hannah has been away from her homeworld for some time, I thought this might be appropriate.  I also think it goes well with Mikhail Gorbachev’s interesting piece in this week’s The Nation magazine.  

Finally, Nic and I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year.  I can unequivocally promise that 2012 will be a great year for ‘Free Mars’ and, as always, it is due to your support, ladies and gentlemen.  So thanks.

Dave

PAGE SIXTY NINE.  Exterior.  Over the desert, three kilometers south of Amazonis Prime.

Happy Sol Veneris, Terrans.  Can’t believe it is already mid-December.  I also can’t believe we’re already about two thirds through “Book One” of Free Mars.

I’ll keep it short this week.  We’ve got one of those rare pages that I love: lots of dialogue.  Those big bubbles are awesome.  In this case, we get some serious exposition.  Kessler brings Vikki into his “circle of trust”, while Ms. Grimm remains skeptical of her lover’s motivations.  We also learn, as does Vikki, that things aren’t going terribly well for the rebels.  Finally, we discover that Martians love kelp.  Who doesn’t?

Oh, I really dig Nic’s flight helmet design.

This week’s music pairing is actually kind of a request.  We don’t usually do requests, but how could I deny the simple plea to “…include some Iron Maiden.”  To that end, this week is ‘Aces High.’  Makes sense, don’t you think?

Finally, we are running a little “fan art” competition and exhibit over the next few weeks.  The details are up now on the (appropriately enough) ‘Fan Art Exhibit’ page.  We’re still working out the details as far as prizes go, but I will say that I’ve been working on doing a very small run of Sisters Grimm and/or Kitty Porn concert shirts.  These probably won’t be for sale for a while (if ever), but I’ll be using them for promotional purposes.  The winner will definitely get one as soon as they’re printed up.  By the way, the “art” doesn’t have to be traditional illustration, it can be anything.  Even sculpts.

Until next week,

Dave

PAGE SIXTY SEVEN.  Interior, Kessler’s apartment at the Cydonian Towers.

That’s right, look down here.  Thanks.  Happy Friday (late Thursday night), Earthers.  We are once again very proud to bring you a new installment of our rock opera.  We’ve had some drugs and we’ve a lot of rock ‘n roll.  So, without further ado, here’s the sex.  I asked Nic to actually write this week’s blog post because I think he is, understandably, eager to talk about our comic this week:

“So. Sex. It’s a very important thing. It’s so important that we spent most of our lives trying to find someone to have it with and share it passionately. And since comics are a reflection of life, it’s only natural that sex should come up at some point.

As a kid, I grew up on European comics, which almost invariably contained sex (explicit or not) and/or eroticism. And our Argentine culture is very accustomed to erotic imagery, so it came out very naturally to me. But working in American comics, I had to learn to tone that down to a tease. It was another culture and had some strict rules about it! Plus, it seemed almost irrational for me to see, say, Superman shagging Lois Lane (with all due respect). All this time, then, the sex was just in the back of my head.

Until FREE MARS came along.

Dave and I shared a common interest in stories and were both very clear on what we thought was fun to write/draw/read. And sex was never an issue. It was a part of it. Thus, this page shouldn’t be something unexpected to our readers. It should be something reassuring of the direction we’re taking with the project and the rules we want to break. Because even if our Mars is reminiscent of great classics and has a lot of influences, it still breaks the mold in many ways.

I firmly believe this is one of my best pages to date. The flow of the scene, the composition, the atmosphere, the anatomy. Everything conspires to bring Damien and Vikki’s passion to life. This is very intimate, but for some reason it doesn’t feel weird or stiff. It feels natural and tasteful. It is, thankfully, another testament to the richness and open-mindedness of FREE MARS. Enjoy it.”  – NRG

For my own part, I have had this love scene written for weeks, but I was on the fence about the specifics.  Most pages are fully constructed by the time I send them south and, though Nic fills in so many details, the main action is described in depth.  This page was a little different.  I had a clear image of the first two panels, but I wanted Nic to “take it away” in the third.  He did.

To me, the question always had to be: does this scene further the story?  If the answer was “no”, then it was just going to be a gratuitous display; unnecessary.  But if I sincerely believed that the scene did move forward the relationship of these two characters, then it was appropriate.  I think that criteria was met.  The page is a triumph of Nic’s skill.  Nic isn’t exactly subtle here, but our Mars is not a subtle place.  Our Martians don’t have time for subtle.

Anyway, look at all our rambling!  What do you think?  Oh, and, of course: Lovesong.

Dave & Nic

PAGE SIXTY FIVE.   Interior, Free Mars Netcast Studio 7B.  Amazonis Prime.  Mars.

Meanwhile, back on Mars…

Happy Friday again, Earthers.  Here we are back home on the Red Planet.  It’s two weeks later and in that time it appears our trio has finally gotten some notice from someone other than corporate assassins and shock troops.  The Hippolyta show has resulted in some actual good publicity.  It comes in the form of ‘MarsTalk with Finn Syrtis.’  Syrtis, a veteran ‘caster, has thrown his lot in with the fledgling Free Mars Netcast and produces their flagship ‘cast.  The Sisters Grimm are appearing as one of his first guests.

Nic and I wanted a new-ish look for Vikki, Sam, and Vexx.  We wanted something slightly more militant, reflecting their connection with Kessler and the MLF.  Nic nailed it; integral armor is VERY fashion forward.  Equally impressive to both Tim Gunn and Tony Stark.

This week’s song pairing works on a few levels.  First, Hole’s ‘Celebrity Skin‘ makes sense with the girl’s new found recognition.  It’ll also make even more sense over the next couple pages.  Plus, Hole naffing rocks.

Finally, Hannah Valerus update.  The notes are finished and the actual writing has started.  It’s looking like maybe 100 pages, with maybe 12-15 illustrations.  One thing I can tell you (spoiler alert!) is that it takes place predominantly on Io.  But here’s a question:  would you rather see it serialized or have it all at once?

Talk to you in one System Standard week,

Dave

PAGE SIXTY THREE.         Interior, green room of the Leviathan Club. Prometheus City, Io.

Well, that was a long week.  Nice to see Friday again.  Not so much if you’re club owner and manager Emeric Belasco.  This is definitely not his sol.

Behold Shade Endgame in action (implied)!  Our little glamgoth psychopath displays her skill with the dagger.  She’s very fond of her knife, which she’s actually named Scorn.

The backing members of Kitty Porn became a source of some discussion between Nic and I.  I had described them as almost marionette-like; puppety.  I think Nic took that basic concept and fused it with a cool skeletal design.  The cyclopean visage became the finishing touch.  They ‘bots have a slightly manic look- almost shocked.  And based on what they’re clearly privy to, I’m not surprised.  But as I’ve said before, Nic’s talent lies in his ability to fill the page with amazing details and the design of these robots illustrates this perfectly.

I was wondering though, do these three back-up-bots have names?  IDs?  OU812?  Thoughts?

Finally, Nic has the honor of presenting this week’s music pairing.  For a few reasons, it’s the ideal choice.  First, Nic describes the song as a tune he could draw violent murder scenes to all day.  So there’s that.  Then there’s the group’s name.  Get the irony?  And we both agree that Florence Welch’s voice could be Shade Endgame-esque.  So, without further ado, ‘Seven Devils‘.

Until next week.  We’ve got some big news coming up soon, so stay tuned.

Dave

PAGE SIXTY ONE.       Io.  Prometheus City.  Leviathan Club.

Once again we meet on this Friday morn!  This week’s page features the Leviathan Club, exterior and interior.  I kinda like that ‘Free Mars’ is sort of a tour of the Sol-system’s hotspots; we do get to see a lot of the colonized world’s bars, nightclubs, and music venues.  But such is the nature of our tale, no?

As a writer, I find that I have two modes when dealing with design.  Sometimes I find that I am very specific, while other times I just inherently trust that Nic knows what I’m talking about.  The Leviathan Club probably falls into the former category.  I had some very specific descriptions of biomechanical design and theme.   Though Nic has filled in any gaps with his usual flair.  The result, which I am really stunned by, is an industrial club straight out of a nightmare.  A perfect part of a pretty dark sequence, leading up to Halloween!

Owned and managed by Emeric Belasco, the Leviathan Club is Io’s largest music venue.    The club has an interesting, if somewhat ghoulish history, but we can save all the grizzly details for another time….

This week’s music pairing demands some atmosphere, but since I’m also feeling slightly sentimental, I’m going with this remix of Depeche Mode’s ‘Enjoy the Silence.’

Next week we finally get to meet the band behind the chanting.  Kitty Porn, whose front-woman, Shade Endgame, will no doubt prove to be an important addition to our cast.  Until then,

Dave

PAGE 59.  Amazonis Prime.  Hippolyta Stadium, Independence Sol.

I get very excited every time we get to do a Track title page and this week is no exception.  Not since Track 1 have we gotten a cool splash of the band playing.  In fact, I think there’s a nice parallel with PAGE 4.  On that page, the girls were playing for a less-than-enthusiastic collection of Medusa’s patrons.  This week we see just how far three musicians can go in 59 pages.  It does seem like a long time ago….

The other difference between that title page and this is the presence here of Damien Kessler.  He’s really the reason they’re here, right?  For better or worse has yet to be seen.

This week’s musical pairing should be fairly obvious.  The Bowie classic sounds at home in a stadium, I think.  The only more obvious song would be Anthem itself, but we haven’t quite put that together…yet.  But I say too much!  For those interested, the lyrics to Anthem are here.

On the next Free Mars, we take our first step off-world.  We get a quick look at another colonized world (one of my personal favorites): Io.

Finally, I want to just make a quick dedication this week.  PAGE 59 is dedicated, with respect, to Steve Jobs.  As I load tonight’s page on my Mac, I can’t help but wax sentimental about my mom’s IIE.  Thanks, Mr. Jobs.  You will be missed.

See you gremmies next week,

Dave

PAGE FIFTY SEVEN.   Backstage…

Happy Friday, Earthers.  We are proud to present another page from our tale of rock and revolution.  This week finds our heroines backstage at the Independence Sol celebration.  As newly elected President Jareth Isidis addresses his fellow Amazonians, Kessler presents the band with a pretty interesting proposition/opportunity.

This week is pretty dialogue-heavy, which after a pretty crazy action sequence, is actually kinda soothing.  But, as always, Nic has filled these panels with some amazing details.  I especially like the frenetic action as the backstage crew scrambles to keep the show going.

This weekend marks the anniversary of one of the greatest rock albums of all time: Nirvana’s Nevermind.  I don’t know about you guys, but I personally can’t believe it’s been naffing 20 years!  Produced by one of the best- Butch Vig.  To commemorate the anniversary, I’m going with ‘Come As You Are.’  It kinda makes sense with what’s going on in the comic this week.

Until next week,

Dave

PAGE FIFTY FIVE.  Exterior Hippolyta Stadium, Amazonis Prime.

Okay, enough Interludes and “deleted scenes!”  Back to our story.  For anyone just tuning in, this is the first page of Track 4.  Our heroines, directed by Veruca, arrive at Hippolyta Stadium, home of the Amazonis Hoplites bladeball team.  The Independence Sol celebration is in full swing.  Amazonis, along with a handful of other hab-pyramids, have officially declared their secession from the CSC.  No one expects the CSC to take this sitting down, so to speak, but tonight is about raising the morale of a city faced with the prospect of a prolonged blockade and possible direct attack.

Nic captures the celebratory nature of the event in typical spectacular fashion.  It actually reminds me of a huge event we had here in Chicago back in 2008.  Without the ‘bots.

Now, I admit my musical pairings can occasionally be a little cheesy, but I want everyone to know that I am not choosing any Black Eyed Peas songs.  Instead, I’m going back to one of my favorite Canadian bands, Metric.  ’Stadium Love‘ seemed appropriate.

Until next week,

Dave

INTERLUDE III.  Homesick

Friday again, Marsers.  This week we follow our tradition of between-chapter Interludes, showing our main characters in moments of repose.  These are little solitary vignettes set away from the frenetic world of the comic.  The idea being that comics (webcomics especially) can be very face-paced with every week propelling the story forward.  These pieces let us step outside this high-burn trajectory and change up the perspective.  We’ve seen Vikki Grimm writing, Sam reading a political treatise, and now we get to glimpse our sardonic glamgoth bassist in a moment of vulnerability.

Homesick is a true collaboration between Nic and I.  He had the concept for a scene of Taryn Vexx going through some old holos.  I loved the visual potential and wanted to join it with some material from Vexx’s character bio, namely that, for all her sarcasm and coolness under pressure, she is really just a “daddy’s girl.”  She’s tough, but she’s also been sheltered in a way money and privilege can shelter someone.  There’s a lot of interesting stuff in this character’s past and I hope we get to show it you at some point.

Plus, she’s stuck in a war zone now.  Amazonis is blockaded and with its declaration of autonomy, a Combine attack is imminent.  It is a city under siege and that’s not something even the cynical and pugnacious Vexx is prepared to cope with.

So we present a very melancholy scene (hence the music pairing-Melancholy Hill by the Gorillaz).  We hope you dig it.  Track 4 starts in two weeks.  Next week we have an unusual offering that we think you’ll like.  Sort of a “deleted scene” kinda thing.

Until then,

Dave

PAGE FIFTY THREE.  Exterior.  High above the Jovian Quarter, Amazonis Prime.

“You said this was a convertible, yeah?”

Raff Vrill, soldier of fortune and hit-squad commando, has finally run out of luck, I suspect.  Barely surviving Veruca’s micro-fusion cocktail, our assassin still didn’t give up the chase.  We have to give him that much- he was no a naffing quitter!

This week’s page gives us a good view of the traffic above Amazonis.  It’s busy.  Maybe not 101 or ‘Fifth Element’  busy, but definitely congested.  I think Nic did a particularly nice job with the weathering on the older vehicles.

This week’s music pairing is a slight departure.  I’m picking the song this week mostly because it’s been stuck in my head since last weekend.  I kinda want to pass on the experience to you.  Now, it also has a cool irony factor; it actually goes well with this scene.  I won’t give it away, but I would suggest you grab a Heineken…SONG.

In other FM news, we posted a concept/character sketch of Shade Endgame on FaceBook and Twitter a while ago.  If you haven’t seen it, check it out.  We should have the color version up shortly.  Shade is already very popular amongst the small group of people that’ve read the script.  I can not wait to introduce you properly.

Finally, Nic and I had an interesting discussion tonight and there was one topic I figured I’d share, to get your opinion.  We were trying to define ‘Free Mars’ in terms of genre.  It’s sci-fi, obviously, but it’s not really “hard” sci-fi.  Not quite epic enough yet to qualify as space opera either.  It has some grittiness and some dark themes, but isn’t particularly grim.  We finally decided that, to us, this comic is very much a product of our love of the 1980s.  Basically, we decided that ‘Free Mars’ is a comic version of an 80′s movie.  Dystopian fun.

Dave

PAGE FIFTY ONE.  Exterior Ziggy’s Café.  Jovian Quarter, Amazonis Prime.

Happy Sol Veneris*, Earthers!  Looks like it was a great SDCC.  I’ve been going through some photo blogs and it looks like that place was lousy with Slave Leias!  No Vikki Grimms or Vexxii this year, though.  Maybe 2012?

I’m naffing bananas about this week’s page.  Nic has taken almost every cool sci-fi car and created this great amalgamation.  There’s a little Spinner from Blade Runner with a pinch of Minority Report’s Lexus Concept.  And maybe this is just me, but the color scheme of the LV-426 reminds me of House Harkonnen.  The holo-displays are always sweet.

So, at least one member of Orbital Burn has survived.  Were the others as lucky?  Vrill is definitely a motivated guy.

We gotta go with a Garbage song this week: ‘Run Baby Run.’  I definitely think this song would be on the FM soundtrack.  I am including an alternate choice, though.  Because he’s coming to Wrigley this Sunday, I think we’ll also include Paul McCartney and Wings and ‘Helen Wheels.’  Two great driving songs.

Until next week.  Probably live update from GenCon in Indianapolis.  Anyone go to GenCon?

Dave

PAGE FORTY NINE.  Interior Ziggy’s Cafe.

Good sol, gremmies.  We’re very happy to bring you this week’s installment of ‘Free Mars.’  For your consideration: a micro-fusion explosion!  Typically used in mining excavations and other industrial projects, this powerful explosive can carve out an ice shaft in seconds.  Used in a popular Jovian Quarter club, however, the results become somewhat more dramatic.  The micro-fusion reaction is very controllable though, so one assumes Veruca kept collateral damage down to a minimum.

I’m gonna keep it short this week as I’m transmitting this from the fell woods of western Michigan.  I can hear coyotes now and I know I saw a pack cougars in the wine shop earlier today….

After much discussion, I’ve decided to go with my first choice of musical pairing.  ’Cherry Bomb‘ by the Runaways.

Until next week,

Dave

PAGE FORTY SEVEN.  Interior Ziggy’s Café.

It’s naffing Friday again and we are very proud to bring you this week’s edition of ‘Free Mars.’  I know I say this a lot, but this might be one of my favorite pages to date.  I <3 this version of Samantha.  She is incredibly pissed off, and with good reason.  Orbital Burn has turned a good show into a chaotic bloodbath where not even ‘bot bartenders are safe!

This is part of an extended action sequence and I am convinced that these episodes really let our man Nicolas shine.  He does action really well.  Writing action is fun, but the burden of story-telling really falls on the artist’s shoulders.  A “chaotic scene of destruction” isn’t really very descriptive, so Nic is left with the responsibility to fill that in with actual screaming audience members, gun-toting waitresses, and plasma trails.  That said, these high-intensity moments are good times for little insights into the characters and I think Vikki might be a little sensitive to Vexx’s suggestion for a reason.

Nic and I did not agree on this week’s musical pairing, so I’ll give you both.  The Argentinean is going with Sepultura and ‘Refuse/Resist.’  It goes well with Sam’s defiance and is certainly the right tempo for the scene.  Personally, I think this is what I would call a Tarantino moment.  In my opinion, Quentin Tarantino stands alone when it comes to using popular music to enhance what you see on the screen.  So, as homage, I’m going with the 5,6,7,8s and ‘Woo Hoo.’  I love that the top comment on YouTube is:

Here are the lyrics: Woo Hoo Who Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Woo Hoo Who Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Woo Hoo Who Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Woo Hoo…

I think, as in KB, this song provides a nice juxtaposition to the chaos and violence.

Finally, to all the U.S. fans, have a safe and swass holiday weekend.  We’ll see you next Friday.

Dave

EDIT- how crazy is it to use this song as the pairing?  Freaks me out:

FRIDAY

PAGE FORTY FIVE.  Interior, Ziggy’s Café.  Entertainer’s green room.

Happy Friday (or possibly late Thursday), Terran-mutants.  This week finds our heroines watching some pre-show vid in Ziggy’s green room.  Jareth Isidis, nominal head of the Free Amazonis council, announces the Hab-pyramid’s independence.  We also find out from Samantha that there’s a celebration to mark the big occasion.  The band is also informed of some famous chaps in the audience and, lastly, we get to listen in on our drummer asking someone out.  Lot’s going on this week.

With all this stuff happening, you’d think the page might get cluttered.  But Nic works a really full script into a smooth flowing page.  As always, he packs in the detail.  In this case, it’s hard not to notice the other dancers.  And while sci-fi strippers generally deserve plenty of attention, I think the beauty of this page lie in the smaller details- the lights around the mirror or the trash on the floor or Samatha’s holo-drum gear.

To honor the costuming this week, I’m actually gonna go with a Lady Gaga song (it had to happen).  I’m still not personally sure what I think about LG.  I do think she’s incredibly talented, but is she just a postmodern Madonna?  In any case, I think this tune works well with the page.  It’s got a nice sci-fi dance club feel- ‘Bad Romance.’

A few quick pieces of news.  The print compilations are almost gone.  We did a pretty limited run on purpose and I’ve sent them across the surface third planet, from Australia to Poland, from London to Royal Oak, Michigan.  If you’re waiting to grab one, now would be a good time.  Shortly the remaining books will only be available on the Gorgon Studios web page.  I’ll let you know when they’re over there.  We’ll have all our future merchandise there as well including the Hannah Valerus miniature sculpted by Chris Borer AND the Vikki Grimm figure sculpted by Rich Sweet.  Both of these should be available soon.  Again, I’ll keep you updated here, on FB and the Twitters.

Until next week (when some very angry thrashcore assassins show up at the café and the shizz hits the air-processor unit),

Dave



PAGE FORTY THREE.  Interior Ziggy’s Café.  After the show…

These drinking sessions seem to follow every performance.  Now, I haven’t been in a band for a long, long time (see Garden Gnomes), but I do hang out with bands after their shows.  I’ve never known a band to not drink post-gig.  Never.  Either to celebrate a good show or to bitch about something.  Seems like our Sisters Grimm usually do the latter.

Nic has really given Ziggy’s Café its own unique character.  I think places need as much personality as some characters, in a comic, if they’re to be memorable.  But, speaking of characters, we get to hang out a little with Samantha’s cousin and proprietor of this nefarious establishment, Ziggy Jones.  We also get introduced his newest employee, Veruca, who strikes me as familiar…

This week’s music pairing is actually my “writer’s choice” for last week’s song contest.  We decided to do a writer’s choice, an artist’s choice, two runners-up, and an overall winner.  Like a naffing Golden Demon that.  Anyway, the writer’s choice was sent in an email from Kim: Lash and ‘Take Me Away.’  Kim had a few appropriate suggestions (Heart was another good one), but this short-lived band from Perth should’ve been a lot bigger, I think.  They had one album in 2001.  I think this single works well with this week’s after-show scene:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5NHCRsdl9M

Nic’s choice was Muse and ‘Resistance.’  That came from Saguinius on deviantArt.  Muse would definitely be on the ‘Free Mars’ soundtrack.  Which is actually the only thing ‘Free Mars’ has in common with ‘Twlight.’  Though I guess that one vampire (Ashley Greene) would make a good Shade Endgame, but I digress.

The first runner-up came in the form of an electronic mail from Major Tom.  He chose ‘In the Flesh’ by Pink Floyd.  Nic and I thought that this worked really well.  Classic song that seemed to fit in with the theatrical environs.  The second runner-up is basically an award for paying attention- Gillsing with his suggestion of Veruca Salt and ‘Volcano Girls.’

So, Kim, Saguinius and MajorTom and Gillsing all get copies of the print compilation.  Email us with your address (or we’ll get a hold of you).

But the winner, as decided by Nic and I together, was Coxy (theRedBeard) on deviantArt with ‘I Fought the Law.’  The Clash, the Dead Kennedys, Green Day, etc.  One of the most covered songs in history, I believe.  So it makes sense that punk bands are still playing it in 2339.  Thanks, Coxy.  We’ll be in touch about your original piece as done by one NRG!

Dave

PAGE 41.  Interior.  Ziggy’s Cafe.

Happy Friday, gremmies.  Last week we got to see the exterior of this Jovian Quarter landmark, so now we get to go inside.  It’s an eclectic club and attracts an interesting cliental.  Whatever your pleasure, from live music to live dancers, Ziggy’s is open for business, even during the rebellion.  Since the uprising in Amazonis, the mortality rate inside Ziggy’s has actually dropped.  Though there are still items on the drink menu that require a signed waiver (as do certain private dances).

The design for Ziggy’s interior has been a subject of much discussion.  We wanted a retro, cabaret feel.  But with a strong glam influence.  And a dash of Nagel for good measure.  I think Nic nailed it.

I’m gonna keep this week’s post short and sweet, since I’m on the road (Delta City).  Nic and I agree 100% on this week’s music pairing.  It might be slightly obvious, but it is sort of the club’s theme song.

Anyone spot Nic’s Mars-related “Easter Egg?”

Finally, it’s nice to see our girls again.  Fancy some rock ‘n roll?

Until next week,

Dave

PAGE THIRTY NINE.  MarsNet News ‘cast.

Happy Friday, Earthers.  This week we’ve got a nice split page.  You might recognize our intrepid anchor, Sophie Pettit, from some of the MarsNet background material.  This evening she’s presenting some fair and balanced reporting on the uprising in Amazonis Prime.  And then we get a nice wide shot of the hab-pyramid in question.

I love the design of Amazonis.  I described it to Nic as a far more industrial place than Olympus City.  The tech, combined with the fog (an unfortunate side-effect of sub-standard and aging enviro systems), gives the city an almost Victorian or steampunk quality.

This week’s musical pairing was a tough choice.  The violent demonstration turned battle scene from Sophie’s ‘cast seemed to be the perfect inspiration.  But do you go with a Riot Grrrl band, something from Bikini Kill?  ‘Can You Tell’ is an amazing song (by Ra Ra Riot), but didn’t quite fit the situation.  So, in the end, I had to go with Leeds’ own Kaiser Chiefs and ‘I Predict A Riot.’  It only makes sense.

If you didn’t see the extra page we posted yesterday, just go back one page (Transmission Archives).  It is an excellent (and well received) MLF recruitment poster featuring everyone’s favorite guerilla leader, Damien Kessler.

Until next week, when we’ll catch up with our girls and see what their new gig is like,

Dave

PAGE THIRTY EIGHT.  Interior, board room.  CSC Headquarters, Olympus City.

+++Feel the Burn+++

If Xander Thule is the nefarious mastermind, then Orbital Burn is the muscle.  Some of you may remember ‘the Burn’ from MarsBeat (see MarsNet page).  Well, I am happy to welcome them into the comic proper this week.  These ex-mercenaries turned thrashcore power-trio provide a nice foil for our punk rock girls.

Nic has made these guys about as scary as mercenary/heavy metal dudes get.  I know he enjoyed working on these guys and I think he’s hidden a lot of Easter Eggs in their design.  Being something of a RUSH fan myself, I particularly like the Burn’s drummer, Ventiss Klegg.

I turned to Nic this week for the musical pairing as I wanted him to come up with a song that he felt embodied Orbital Burn’s personalities.  I can admit that my knowledge of real heavy metal is limited, whereas my Argentinean friend is pretty well-versed on the subject:

“In that vein, and since Dave asked me to come up with this week’s musical pairing (my being a bit more versed in the metal/thrash/heavy department), I suggest Type O Negative’s ‘Kill All the White People’, from their album ‘Bloody Kisses’. The lyrics, which simply amount to two phrases and the hard, violent, frantic music of the song makes it a perfect example of what Orbital Burn could deliver on stage.”

One more thing.  We released a few concept sketches of some upcoming characters on FaceBook and Twitter earlier this week.  One is now colored and in our ‘B-sides and Demos’ area (where we keep some concept and promo stuff).  She may look familiar.  And here’s another clue for you all: she may occasionally hire smugglers.

Dave

PAGE THIRTY SIX. Interior. CSC Headquarters. Building One.

This week we have the pleasure of introducing you to a few villains.  Xander Thule, head of CSC Security, and his trusty assistant, Calin Tyrell, aren’t your typical, suave corporate bad guys.  And then there’s the High Theocrat of Earth.  Nic has given him this excellent evil Pope/evil Elvis vibe that I love.

What I also dig is how the corporate environs are so clean compared with ‘Volcano Town.’  There is even naffing foliage!  It clearly pays to be on the receiving end of a kleptocracy.

We finally have the print compilation available for sale on the website (look up at the menu).  We’re including the mini-prints with any order, until they eventually run out.  Besides being a quality piece of comic, it’s also a good way to show your support for ‘Free Mars.’  All proceeds go right back into future FM projects.

Thanks for checking out The Valerus Chronicles.  I appreciate the feedback and we’re definitely going to continue the adventures of our smuggler slash binge drinker soon.  Until next week,

Dave

Oh, I almost forgot.  I couldn’t come up with a good “villain song.”  Any ideas?

PAGE THIRTY FOUR.  Exterior.  Landing balcony 7.  Mobile atmospheric processor.

Coming to you LIVE from Harry Caray’s bar at ADEPTICON.  Just met Dan Abnett a few hours ago- couldn’t be a nicer guy.

I’ll keep it short this week, for a change.  Nic has suggested CCR’s ‘Fortunate Son’ for his musical pairing this week.  I’m gonna go with the obvious John Denver classic, ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane.’

See you gremmies next week.  A few things in the works, including a FM game.  Stay tuned.

Dave

PAGE THIRTY TWO.  Interior Mobile Atmospheric Processor.  Medical Bay.

Live from C2E2!  I’ll post more later, but this is a great show already.  Great venue.

Musical pairing- has to be Elastica, ‘Waking Up.’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlOje4ly4hg

Real quick, we were talking the other night about who would play our band members in the movie.  The strangest, yet kinda intriguing suggestion was Miley Cyrus as Vikki Grimm.  What do you ladies and gentlemen think?

DP

PAGE THIRTY.  Exterior, Martian desert (?)

Welcome to the first page of Track 3 of ‘Free Mars.’  This week is a little surreal for a few reasons.  First, the page itself is kinda trippy.  I think you’ll agree.  Nic has done some amazing stylized versions of our girls; they almost look like children’s book versions of Vikki, Taryn, and Sam.

Second, I just realized that we’ve hit 30 pages and over 230,000 hits on the website.  Pretty big milestones for a humble webcomic.  I know I say this a lot, but I don’t think we’d have gotten this far without you ladies and gentlemen.

Lastly, C2E2 is just over the horizon and that means our print edition will arrive in a few weeks.  I still don’t know how we managed a Dan Abnett foreword. 

There is a musical pairing this week, but we’ve hid it within the page itself.  It might be a little esoteric, but this scene should seem familiar to at least some of you.  Let’s do this, the first person that gives me the correct song, based on this week’s page, gets a free set of mini-prints sent to them.  You can post your guess here or email us at freemarscomic@gmail.com.  I’ll check the time-stamps if there’s multiple correct answers.  Good luck,

Dave

Interlude 2.0

With a couple weeks off between Tracks 2 and 3, we decided to post a few extra pages of work.  First, we have a companion piece to our Vikki Grimm Interlude.  In this piece, we get to see Samantha enjoying some downtime; relaxing in her micro-hab with a good “book”.  I think the specs give her a new look, very academic, if a little hipsteresque.  She’s probably smarter than Vexx gives her credit for, in any case.

The text this week is not written by me, but by none other than Nicolas R. Giacondino, the noted Argentinean artist.  Nic asked me if he could write a short excerpt from a book by a famed Martian revolutionary and I thought it was an excellent idea.   We agreed that Sam, of the three, was most likely to be reading something like this.  It wasn’t lost on me that the subject matter becomes a little more poignant coming from an Argentinean.  We had to edit the text quite a bit to fit on this page, so we’re including Nic’s full excerpt in the FM-verse section.  It’ll be up this weekend and I encourage you to check it out.

I think Sam is listening to something suitably chill.  So I’m going with Cut Copy and ‘Take Me Over’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6-jejUJpGQ

Speaking of music, I put together an iTunes Playlist where I’m collecting some of the songs mentioned in these posts, as well as songs/artists that inspired The Sisters Grimm.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/imix/free-mars/id419980217

So, after Track 2, expect to see a study of Vexx in repose.  We’re already calling the piece ‘Casual Vexx.’

Next week we’ll post the cover to our print compilation, which will be released at C2E2 in Chicago, then available via the website.  I might post the cover sooner on FB and Twitter if you can’t wait.  The book is coming to 44 pages, which is pretty substantial.  I think the average monthly comic is like 24 pages with ads.  It’s all of the weekly pages along with some extra material.  The big news is that we’ve somehow managed to get an actual living legend to write a foreword for the book, but we’ll talk more about that next week….

Dave



PAGE TWENTY EIGHT.  Exterior.  Martian desert.

Happy Friday, Marsers.  I write to you now from the ruins of Chicago; me and the other snowmeggedon survivors have banded together to find food and update our webcomics.  I don’t want to alarm anyone, but is that our Vikki Grimm flying through the air?  I can gauge the success of Nic’s action sequence here by the fact that, even though I wrote the script, I’m still cringing.  Poor girl even lost her boot.  Naff.

We’re gonna go a little industrial this week, I think.  Front 242′s Headhunter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPpUFBVSyWs

We are gearing up for c2E2.  Hope you can make it to the Expo.  We’ll be debuting our printed edition there, if everything goes according to schedule.  Might have a couple additional surprises, so stay tuned.  Then two weeks after the C to the E, is Adepticon.  Adepticon is primarily a miniature gaming convention, but this year’s Guest of Honour is none other than Dan Abnett himself.  He kinda spans the comic/miniature gaming worlds and has even written some Dr. Who radio dramas.  Triple threat.  He’s almost like the nerd J-Lo.

www.adepticon.org

See you gremmies next week.  Stay warm.

Dave

PAGE TWENTY SIX.  Exterior.  Martian desert.  Night.

In retrospect, Vikki’s reaction last week seems relatively subdued.  The scene outside the crashed ‘lifter seems, at least, somewhat problematic for our heroines.

To think that Nic was worried about designing all the vehicles: tanks, VTOLs, and MLF converted mining haulers all make an appearance.  I think he gave everything a unique look, design-wise, but you can see a common “evolutionary” thread.  The vehicles all have their own character, but they all look Martian.

Again, as usual, the page warrants a few close looks.  The detail here reaches a new level.  It’s tantamount to a Free Mars ‘Where’s Waldo?’

Nic’s music pairing this week is Prodigy.  ”Anything from Fat of the Land,” said the Argentinian artist.  I concur that the technophonic pulse works for the frenetic chaos of the battle.  For my own part, I have to go with one of my favorite bands.  ’Know Your Enemy’ by Green Day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN0UZ1EM-Jk

Our Volcano City Merch Table is open, by the way.  It wouldn’t be a rock show without a merch table.  So if you feel like acquiring some new art (and soon a printed version of the comic with bonus pages), check it out.

Dave