At no point in working on HEAT, until about five seconds ago, did I ever think I would have a Dead Poets Society joke in the comic in any context. Mostly because I typically forget that movie exists until it gets brought up in classes.
I use a lot of photo reference to help me draw the moves, and sometimes finding the right reference for what I’m trying to draw is a huge pain in the ass. For example, any time I want reference for somebody standing on the top rope, I pretty much have to try to take those photos myself at live shows, because finding them online is more hassle than it’s worth. Back suplexes, on the other hand, take roughly ten seconds looking at a Japanese wrestling magazine to find references from 17 different angles. I’m pretty sure it would take less effort to find a picture of a back suplex where somebody was on fire in a Japanese wrestling mag than it took me to find reference for the Bossman Slam on WWE.com. And that’s keeping in mind that Wade Barrett’s new finisher is the Bossman Slam. Madness.
Also, if you’re in Edmonton, check out the Edmonton Collectible Toy and Comic Show on April 1st at the Shaw Conference Centre, where I’ll be hanging out with the Open Door Comics crew. Bring money and buy books.
Next Saturday: I fought the Law and I’m seriously running out of Law puns, you guys. Johnny Law is involved.
Another great strip; I particularly love the power and energy in the “off the ropes” panel. Interesting to read of your hunt for photo reference; I’m trying to learn how to draw (with vain hopes of someday doing my own wrestling strip!–vain in both senses of the word) and never thought to pull out all my old wrestling magazines and try to draw what I see. I’ll take that as a tip!
Question for you: I wanted to buy the collection of the first 100 strips. I went to the store link to buy the physical version, and saw there were two books available: a V1 and V2. I think there’s only one out now, correct? But then I notice that you’re getting close to strip #200…will there be a second volume? If there is going to be another book soon, I’ll just wait and order the both of them. Otherwise, I’ll just spring for the #1. Thanks!
Thanks Ted, I’m glad you’re digging the comic and getting some useful tips out of it to boot.
The V1/2 check boxes are actually for the locations of the store which handles the sales and shipping for my print books. Check the V1 box. Volume 2 is on the way, but it’s going to be longer than Volume 1 and probably won’t come out until late Fall at the earliest. I’m glad you’re interested in picking up the book!
*sniffles* Vincey no…