XaiJu
conquest_comics
conquest_comics

patreon


DINOKING -- 3RD PRINTING FIRST LOOK

CONQUEST UPDATE -- NOVEMBER 2024

Hey Teem Leem,

Hale the 12! With the holidays coming up, I wanted to give you an update on our projects and what’s happening on my end. It’s been a busy season, and I’m excited to show you everything in the works!

Current Release Schedule:

Wonder Island Update

Wonder Island is still moving forward! There have been some challenges with the project, especially around communication with Yuka, the original artist. I was planning to pitch this to a major publisher—who's very interested—but I’ve been cautious about moving forward without more stable contact with Yuka. I’m concerned about the risk of her reappearing with claims in the future, especially if Wonder Island goes through major publishing channels. This lack of stability has meant shifting focus to other projects for the time being.

That said, I’m not putting Wonder Island on hold indefinitely. In fact, I’ve recently brought in a new artist to complete the remaining backgrounds and key spreads, so we’re steadily making progress. As soon as I get a week to sit down and regroup, I’ll push forward on Wonder Island with full momentum.

Kakashi #0, Reprint of Kakashi #1, and Kakashi #2

Moving forward with KMD #0: Maat’s Measure as part of Conquest Presents... has been an ironic twist, but also exciting. One of the last things I commissioned from Yuka was a variant cover for the reprint of KMD #1. While it included some art fixes, Yuka ended up reusing some background assets, so now I’m debating whether to release it as a pinup and commission a new cover. I’d love your feedback on this—should we keep Yuka’s original for the reprint cover or bring in a fresh artist?

On KMD #2, the script is ready, and I’m actively seeking an artist to continue in Yuka’s style. Finding a stylistic match has been tough, so it’s possible we may see a more Western look for the book. I’ll keep you all in the loop as we finalize things. Kakashi Murder Dolls is my “Australian” project, a series I’ve poured hundreds of hours into. Recently, a Japanese mangaka praised the work, noting its “original world-building and high-level character depth” and even comparing its depth to some of Japan’s top works, which was an honor to hear. This feedback has kept me motivated to finish the Murder Dolls arc and compile it into an omnibus edition in the future.

I’ve also pitched a KMD short story to a writer who submitted to the series. If they take it on, it’ll be a great way to explore more about the world of KMD, which I think will resonate with all of you.

Dinoking #0 Update and Saiyoko Star Series

Lastly, I’m thrilled to see the Dinoking series coming together, alongside the new Saiyoko Star Series! The Dinoking saga is shaping up with a mix of thrilling sci-fi themes and intense action that should excite both new readers and longtime fans. We’re pushing to bring you a richly woven universe here, blending influences and unique storytelling you won’t find anywhere else. Saiyoko Star Series will bring another set of characters and a whole new star-studded world, adding more depth to this growing universe.

Life Update

Earlier this week, we faced a hailstorm that led to a bit of chaos. While I was out rounding up the cattle, my wife parked our car under cover but accidentally left off the handbrake, which caused it to roll away and get pretty banged up. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but this has left us without solid transportation here in the outback. We’re borrowing a car from the in-laws for now, but this is a short-term solution, and every bit of support you all provide makes a difference.

Thank you all again for your patience, support, and for being such a dedicated community. Each project would only be possible with your backing, and I can’t wait to keep sharing more.

Hale the 12, and talk soon!

4o

You said:

give this a slight edit and gramma corrections, change nothing else: Hale the 12! I hope you’re all doing well as we head into the holidays. It’s been an intense season, and while I’ve been working tirelessly on our upcoming projects, I want to make sure you know where everything stands. Current Release Schedule: Conquest Presents… (featuring Clownworld #0 and KMD #0) Xenotype #2: Instrument of Destruction Dinoking #0: From the Stars with Love (title still pending) Dinoking #2: Edge of Extinction, Part 2 Wonder Island Update Wonder Island is still in the works! I know I’ve mentioned the challenges before, but to be transparent, it’s been difficult not having reliable contact with Yuka, the original artist. I had hoped to pitch Wonder Island to a major publisher, and while it’s still a possibility, I’m cautious about moving forward without more stability on the art side. I’m worried about the risk of Yuka resurfacing with a lawsuit or claims in the future if the project proceeds without her, which is why I’ve had to prioritize other projects where I have full creative control. That said, I’m not abandoning Wonder Island or shelving it indefinitely. In fact, just today, I spoke with a new artist who’s willing to finish up some of the remaining backgrounds and key double-page spreads. So, it’s happening—it’s just moving along at a more relaxed pace until I can sit down, regroup, and give it the attention it deserves. Kakashi #0, Reprint of Kakashi #1, and Kakashi #2 In a twist of irony, I am moving forward with KMD #0: Maat’s Measure as part of Conquest Presents…. I’d commissioned a variant cover from Yuka for the reprint of KMD #1, and I’d planned to make some minor art fixes for this edition. However, since Yuka reused some background assets rather than creating an original cover illustration, I’m debating whether to release it as a pinup and produce a fresh cover for the reprint. I’d love your feedback on this: Should we keep the reprint cover as Yuka’s final contribution, or go with a new cover artist? Regarding KMD #2, I do have the script ready, and I’m actively looking for an artist with a proven track record of reliable manga-style work. Finding a stylistic match for Yuka’s art has been challenging, though, so the book might ultimately adopt a more Western style. This is still up in the air, and nothing will be finalized without running it by all of you first. You all know how hard I’ve worked on Kakashi Murder Dolls—it’s my “Australian” book, and it’s packed with hundreds of hours of development and research. I’m committed to completing the Murder Dolls arc and eventually compiling it into a single omnibus. Recently, I also pitched a KMD short story to a writer who made a submission, and if they accept, this will give us more depth into the world of KMD. It’s still in the early stages, but I have a good feeling about it! Dinoking #0 Update Earlier this week, a hailstorm hit us pretty hard, and we had a bit of a mishap. While I was rounding up the cattle, my wife parked the car under cover but forgot to set the handbrake, so it rolled away and ended up damaged. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but this leaves us without reliable transportation in the middle of the outback. We’re borrowing a vehicle temporarily from the in-laws, but it’s not a long-term fix. So, every bit of support you give truly helps as we work through this. Thanks again for your continued support and patience through all of these projects and life’s unpredictable moments. I couldn’t do any of this without you guys.

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

Hale the 12! I hope you’re all doing well as we head into the holidays. It’s been an intense season, and while I’ve been working tirelessly on our upcoming projects, I want to make sure you know where everything stands.

Current Release Schedule:

Wonder Island Update

Wonder Island is still in the works! I know I’ve mentioned the challenges before, but to be transparent, it’s been difficult not having reliable contact with Yuka, the original artist. I had hoped to pitch Wonder Island to a major publisher, and while it’s still a possibility, I’m cautious about moving forward without more stability on the art side. I’m worried about the risk of Yuka resurfacing with a lawsuit or claims in the future if the project proceeds without her, which is why I’ve had to prioritize other projects where I have full creative control.

That said, I’m not abandoning Wonder Island or shelving it indefinitely. In fact, just today, I spoke with a new artist who’s willing to finish up some of the remaining backgrounds and key double-page spreads. So, it’s happening—it’s just moving along at a more relaxed pace until I can sit down, regroup, and give it the attention it deserves.

Kakashi #0, Reprint of Kakashi #1, and Kakashi #2

In a twist of irony, I am moving forward with KMD #0: Maat’s Measure as part of Conquest Presents…. I’d commissioned a variant cover from Yuka for the reprint of KMD #1, and I’d planned to make some minor art fixes for this edition. However, since Yuka reused some background assets rather than creating an original cover illustration, I’m debating whether to release it as a pinup and produce a fresh cover for the reprint. I’d love your feedback on this: Should we keep the reprint cover as Yuka’s final contribution, or go with a new cover artist?

Regarding KMD #2, I do have the script ready, and I’m actively looking for an artist with a proven track record of reliable manga-style work. Finding a stylistic match for Yuka’s art has been challenging, though, so the book might ultimately adopt a more Western style. This is still up in the air, and nothing will be finalized without running it by all of you first.

You all know how hard I’ve worked on Kakashi Murder Dolls—it’s my “Australian” book, and it’s packed with hundreds of hours of development and research. I’m committed to completing the Murder Dolls arc and eventually compiling it into a single omnibus. Recently, I also pitched a KMD short story to a writer who made a submission, and if they accept, this will give us more depth into the world of KMD. It’s still in the early stages, but I have a good feeling about it!

Dinoking #0 Update

Earlier this week, a hailstorm hit us pretty hard, and we had a bit of a mishap. While I was rounding up the cattle, my wife parked the car under cover but forgot to set the handbrake, so it rolled away and ended up damaged. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but this leaves us without reliable transportation in the middle of the outback. We’re borrowing a vehicle temporarily from the in-laws, but it’s not a long-term fix. So, every bit of support you give truly helps as we work through this.

Thanks again for your continued support and patience through all of these projects and life’s unpredictable moments. I couldn’t do any of this without you guys.

DINOKING -- 3RD PRINTING FIRST LOOK DINOKING -- 3RD PRINTING FIRST LOOK

Comments

It looks awesome, brother!

Felix Haas

I'm no legal expert but I don't think Yuka has much in terms of legal rights to WI. I know you said she contributed some story bits but pretty sure she can't really claim she has any right to more compensation. That plus considering how she seems to have completely cut off all her activities as "Yuka" online I think she doesn't really care about it anymore. I could be wrong, but add on top of that her complaints over how much she was being paid, plus hearing from you that she didn't have much support from her parents makes me think she couldn't keep a legal battle going for long even if she wanted to

Dalton Floyd

Thanks so much, man. It means a lot to have your continued support.

Conquest

The art looks amazing and glad you have so many interesting titles in the wings. I think WI is going to be a hit but understand the delays and reasoning behind your cautious approach. It will all work out in the end. If litigation ensues, or a yet another smear campaign, you are well stocked with evidence of all your ownership and productivity claims. You must do YOU!

John


More Creators