PAGE TWENTY SEVEN. Exterior. Night. Martian desert.
I know the whole “best page yet” mantra is probably getting a little old. But I think I’m safe in declaring this our best page yet. To think I was worried that the script for this page tried to pack too much into one week. In fact, this is why I don’t generally feel that bad that we’re a weekly comic; you definitely get a lot each week.
Vikki Grimm takes the lead here in an attempt to find some cover from the battle that rages around them. We find that Sam, like Vexx, has an interesting past (or at least she says she does). Finally, we’re left with a nice cliff-hanger. The page is so dynamic, almost frenetic, that I think Nic has outdone himself.
The music pairing this week is by a similarly amazing artist. Rachid Taha is an Algerian singer/DJ whose song ‘Barra Barra’ (Out! Out!) was used in the film Blackhawk Down. And though I’m copping out a little and choosing that song (it is naffing awesome), I totally recommend checking out more of his stuff, particularly the album Made in Medina. He also does a cool cover of The Clash’s ‘Rock the Casbah’ (used in the Joe Strummer movie). So fire up the Rhapsody or iTunes and check this guy out if you are currently unfamiliar. Here’s ‘Barra Barra’:
http://www.last.fm/music/Rachid+Taha/_/Barra+Barra
Housekeeping-wise, I’m doing a links page this week, so look for the ‘Off-World Comms.’ I’m trying to collect links to FM reviews and mentions, but also list some of the other science-fiction webcomics we look at on a regular basis. As well as some generally cool sci-fi and comic websites (and maybe some miniatures sites for painters/gamers).
The end of Track 2 grows near, which means we’ll be taking the first two chapters and some new bonus material, and putting together a print compilation for C2E2. We’ve also been thinking about the cover. We sort of decided we’d like to see our printed comic covers become tributes to some of our favorite album covers. We think we’ve narrowed down this first cover, but we’re considering future options. Which leads me to this week’s two-part question for you Earthers: First, would you be interested in a printed version of the webcomic that included exclusive material? Second, what iconic album cover would look cool ‘Free Mars’-ified?
Dave
Beatles – Abbey Road, with our girls and perhaps Kessler crossing the street.
Ramones – Ramones. Or, Led Zepplin – 1, with an extra sol.
Rob Zombie : Mars needs women !
I’m more of a death metal fan, so I doubt I’d have any suggestions on album covers that would be any good. As for the first question, I’d love to get my hands on a printed version with bonus content.
On to the page, I like how Vexx seems almost giddy in the second to last panel where she says “Viva la Revolution”, and I have a feeling Sam’s propensity for firearms will come in handy later on down the road, especially after they ID Vikki. I think it’s safe to say they’ve been marked.
Is Miss Grimm the only one to not off a guy or guys in their short life? but i supose sam and vexx have lead a bit harder life the vickky or at least thats hoe it seems so far interesting tho the who ever is taking aim at our heroine’s thinks vikky is the rebel leader must be cause she projects and aura of command and respect *sighs* the life of a rocker is tough indeed
but as music choices go i instanlly get the song band on the run by paul mccartney and wings
I adore the last panel. Orange is so hard to work with if you aren’t prepared. Nicely done, Nic.
MILF? MILF? Heh.
Apparently no one has “stumbled” this site before, so I gave it a thumbs up and a “safe” for work. I have a pretty open mind on that so keep it coming lol.
And I wonder how an Eagles album would look “free-mars”-ified?
Just found this through another webcomic (Multiplex) seems to be pretty good thus far and looks like it can get much better expecially with the music references. I’d recommend either Eagles – Band on the Run cover or the Radio Free Europe Single Album artwork. I’m sure Nic can work with either of those covers fairly easily.
Kind of an unfortunate acronym, there.
Elastica – Elastica (maybe too easy, practically is the girls already!)
Great looking page, the blue of the burner and sword stands out wonderfully.
You know it just hit that the burner looks alot like a plasma pistol from Warhammer 40K which is a good thing if thats what nic was shooting for even if it wasnt i want one along with Vexx’s Vibro and im suddenly reminded that vibro blade from the starwars universe was able to with stand strikes from lightsabers jesus im a nerd
Nic out did himself on this page and that’s saying something. The hand drawn “sensor” in the last panel is brilliant. Great work guys, enjoying the hell out of this.
Only just discovered Free Mars and it’s made my day. I love the story, and I love Nic’s art! Honestly, I just spent like five minutes staring at everything that was going on on page 26. I enjoy the music selections too (I usually find myself associating comics with different songs, so it’s great to have more recommendations).
As for an album cover, I was thinking Bat Out Of Hell, maybe with the giant bat replaced with a starship.