Panels 2 and 3- a realistic view of freelancing.
Well, that's it for this story! Hope you enjoyed it! I did, but there's a few things I wish I'd done differently here and there- I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below, if you'd like to share them. This story will be going to print soon, so look out for the next book!
Next week we'll run some fanart, some character Q and As, and various bits and pieces. After that we'll start the next story! Hooray!
Cast: Benjamin Thackerey, Heinrich Wolfe, Jack O'Malley, Nicola Barber
Comments (29)
ThoughtBubble
14 Nov 2026 – 15 Nov 2026
Harrogate Convention Centre
Manchester Megacon
31 Jul 2027 – 1 Aug 2027
Manchester Central
I really love all the facial expressions here, especially Ben's when he says, "Aren't I?" And his aura, in the last panel. Three cheers for character development! A satisfying end to the story -- I am really looking forward to the next one. (A very minor note - in panel 3, Ben's handkerchief is the colour of his coat. I'm guessing that was an oversight?)
It's a mood-kerchief! He was feeling "blue" at that moment! :D
Whoops! I'm away from my desktop at the moment, I'll fix that when I get back. Thanks!
Looks like it wasn't meant to be :)
And now to wait for the book to become available........ Is it ready yet? :)
Hehee, I really like the last panel showing their auras and what-not too. ^^ Yaay loved both stories so far, and looking forward to the next! I know you said Sidney would be back, and I have a feeling Barbers in general will be around, but as for our three fellows there, were you saying you didn't want to give too much away as to if they would be back? --Well I hope they are, even if it's in a surprising way. ^^; They're officials, right? And if it's anything like the Watch that means they have to stick their noses in every now and again, right? ; D And if Ben hears about more of these spirits being freed it certainly sounds like it would get his attention...Well I'm certainly prepared to wait and see if more can't be said. Thanks very much for a second enjoyable twisty story! I love going back and seeing how the pieces fit together in ways I never guessed, though guessing is just as fun!
It's not giving too much away to say that yeah, there's a fair amount more that I want to do with these guys. I'll have to change a few things around, though, like I wasn't especially pleased with how Ben worked out- I didn't think him through as well as the other guys, they have like, family histories going back a fair way and all sorts of stuff, he doesn't, yet, and it shows. Something to learn, anyway..!
Oh hey, really? Well glad to hear that! --I guess eventually we may get to characters that aren't coming back and we'll all have to accept the bitter disappointment..but I am glad that day is not this day! ; ) --As to Ben, I suppose he does seem a bit more isolated in the world, but even if we don't know just what his history is for now I don't think it hurts him so far-- after all we only have hints to Mal and Wolfe's, and even the fact Ben is pretty much on his own and has no dangling threads from his past could have an interesting explanation, after all. Maybe he made a clean break for some reason, or has something he's pouring all his energy and attention into proving before he can move on or what-have-you-- well, I could speculate at length, but all I mean is I'm sure he's got time to flesh out comfortably if need be. ^^; In the mean time I like their interactions, and it would be fun to see them reach some sort of comfortable-if-perhaps-snarky tolerance down the line. ^^
I think it was less to do with plot threads and more to do with personality and writing. Having a well established character, with a distinct background makes it easier to have them react to the plot rather than having them react as the plot requires. In retrospect I think can see some of that with Ben though it was never blatant, I'll know for certain when I do an all in one reread of the arc :)
Yeah, that's a valid point. And I can totally see how characters that aren't as fully formed are harder to write for. Though I still can't really say from a reader's perspective that I found Ben all that awkward from it. ; )
I have to tell you, here, that Ben is actually my favourite character so far. Fussy, neat, respects authority (well, maybe not so much now after getting suckered by it), obsessive about duty (that is, doing the right thing), splutters so beautifully, and -- hey, surprise! is that a small sense of humour he keeps hidden under there? Not to mention, courage? Maybe he was harder to write, but, you know, it doesn't show.
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If there's something strange in your neighborhood
Who ya gonna call?
An invisible man sleeping in your bed
Oh who ya gonna call?
"Louis, this looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
Love the last panel.
I wanted to see what their official uniforms/clothes would look like. There was a whole series of one-panel gags (a lot of fun to read, even with no words) so time enough was passing for them to be fitted.
It wasn't fitting for a uniform, just nicer clothes. Mallory, for instance, has been lacking the standard hobo-style gloves.
What's up next? Mayhap a murder mystery with Ji-Florrie?
I've really, really enjoyed this story arc!
Keep up the good work!
Just occurred to me: Mallory has no aura. That's why he can see others'; his isn't getting in the way.
Think about it. WITHOUT thinking about it.
Just noticed that on this page as well. Nice theory.
or it could be that as we are seeing what he sees, we can't see his aura. like you can't see your face but still have a face.
The theory is not supported by the strips. Earlier it is made quite clear that Mallory does not like looking at mirrors because he dislikes seeing his own aura.
I'm from the future. This was confirmed during a later chapter.
Rock on, trumpet duck. Rock on.
No Rest For The Wicked was amazing, just as enthralling as Sleight of Hand was to read!
I'm at the edge of my set waiting for Kate's next story!!!
...edge of my seat*
there are worse things then a steady pay check at a job no one else can do
Dear mal is smiling. SMILING! An actual smile, not one that is laced with mischeif and gambling and money. A Christmas miracle really.
Ay, the snake is bach!