We continue serialization of Empowered vol. 12, which proved to be the final volume of the series in this specific graphic-novel format, though I was unaware of that unfortunate reality when I started work on the book.

Wellp, as we head into the final stretch of the series (in its OGN format, anyway), I feel a wee bit of nostalgia as I look at the last major work I would ever draw (mostly) in pencil. 'Twas a good medium while it lasted—for most of 20 years, or perhaps 30+ years if you count the pencil-based con sketches I did in the late 90s and early 2000s. After years of experimentation, I seem to have discovered a viable new(-ish) art workflow that should carry me through the next few projects and, presumably, the rest of my career and existence; but that technique will never be as speedy and satisfying as pencil-based artwork used to be for me. Adieu, my beloved 2mm 5B pencil leads!

Today’s Patreon update: Originally done as a means of scratching out more worktime to complete the long-gestating Empowered vol. 12, I've switched over to a Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday Patreon posting schedule that won't feature the fixed content format I previously used. However, my vast archive of years of Patreon posts—extensive Empowered previews, work-in-progress updates on developmental projects such as fantasy comics Crazy Witch, The Chaste and the Chained and The Last Party, vintage con sketches, work stages on covers, "damsel in distress" commissions, life drawings & much, much more—remains available for Patrons' perusal.