Tales of the Wooden Castle: 5

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  Whether you celebrate it or not, I hope you have a lot of prosperity, and friends to share it with.

You might be able to tell that I originally wanted to post this on Halloween to sort of bookend this series, but it wasn't anywhere close to being done in time.  And Thanksgiving might be a more appropriate occasion, anyway, since it concerns family.

These last few pages were inspired by a conversation I had with my sister back in March.  I asked her what she thought of the comic where Zandra's walking with Doyenne.  I'm always worried that I tend to over-sexualize women in this comic, and Sarah remarked that Zandra seemed especially buxom, and very much constructed under a male gaze.

My sister has two wonderful little girls, and I want for them to be able to enjoy my work someday.  Objectifying women is an issue that I don't want to exacerbate.  I like to think that my writing outshines my dirty old man proclivity for drawing curvy figures, so it's disappointing when that's the first thing that springs to mind when someone sees my work.  But what can I expect?

The conversation led to this little arc, which I think wraps up this series very well.  I wanted for Zandra to demonstrate a positive message, that idealized images of beauty and power are subjective, and ultimately ephemeral compared with the value of self-worth.  Something along those lines.  I hope it works.

At any rate, this is the last original comic that will be collected in the Omnibus (yes, I am still making that), and possibly the last of these "Tales of the Wooden Castle" vignettes.  But what blooms?  The Curse of Clarity! A potential sequel to Zebra Girl, along with another concept which I'm currently developing, and which I'll advertise soon.  I have no time frame for when these projects will get off the ground, or which will take precedence, but stay tuned.

Of course, it’s daunting to consider starting another grind like Zebra Girl, and I’ll have to find healthier ways to go at it now that I have the brittle bones and back of an elderly cartoonist.  I’m hoping to learn how to draw digitally (like every other cartoonist in the 21st century).  Maybe a tablet will be easier on these withered joints.  Better for the environment, anyway.  I’ve murdered enough trees for my career.

So wish me luck, and I’ll wish you luck right back.  I hope you have a healthy, happy season ahead for you and your loved ones.  Take care, and thanks so much for being you!

- Joe