I got a couple of nice, supportive e-mails this week, and thought I'd share the response to one of them as it would be of general interest to any Downer fans out there:
"Thanks for the kind words. I'm currently working on #33, like right this second. Who do you like? Any questions? I know it can be hard to follow. I kinda write it for Erik and the editors, so at least I know they've seen all of them consecutively.
1.) Is there any plans of making Downer into a single volume or volumes that could be purchased?
Yeah, I've been talking to some people. I got a really positive response at Comiccon, but things move really slowly. This year has been largely about securing freelance work. Strangely, there is precious little overlap between gamers and comic fans. I wouldn't think that would be the case, but evidence and marketing info sure seem to point that way. Sean was kind enough to remix and deliver a big batch of the old digital files. I couldn't get Downer done without Sean's patience and excellent lettering. Perhaps over the holidays I will get all the back issues up on the website. I've been a busy boy lately. And web design is tedious as hell.
2.) Are there any plans to release D&D stats for the cast of the Downer comic? (im sure you've been asked before.)
Let me be coy. This way lies madness. I started statting Downer out, and stalled out when it came to trying to legitimately build his wings and weird epaulet as magic items that he could buy at his level's GP limit. It is handy to keep rack of this stuff so at least I have a sense of what could legitimately kick Downer's butt. Very roughly:
Downer: Fighter 5/ Rogue 4
Taggit: Rogue 8
Astrid: Sorcerer 7
Loops: Bard 6
Perhaps Erik will commission a Critical Threat. On the other hand, I already owe him a couple of articles. What's coming up? Neogi, Slavers, Crusaders, and death death DEATH"
Also, I'll goose y'all when I get it posted, but there will be some original Downer art going up for auction on the Ebay this week. What better holiday way to say " I want Kyle to be able to afford nice presents for his friends." Merry Xmas and be sure to watch Colbert Report.
Great! A positive Downer thread! I've thought about starting one before, but I'm largely ignored when in Fan Boy mode. So...
First: LOOPS! Please don't get rid of Loops! He's been my favorite supporting cast member!
Second: Since we've seen Downer in Zogonia, any chance we'll see Domato's Delvers make a cameo? I realize your story telling styles are quite different, but still, it'd be cool to see Kevin un-gnomed or something.
I like the Githyanki. ;)
Hey Kyle - just wanted to pipe in and say I was a hard sell on Downer but after putting in the effort to go back and read them from my oldest issue they're one of the first things that I read when I get Dungeon now.
"I've been saving up my T's to send for hurricane relief effort." Gotta love Stephen Colbert. :)
just out of curiosity,but is the gith a spy for Garokk?
That was bad writing on my part. I meant to imply that Garriok had been scrying on them when BaRoosha, the githyanki, explained the nature of the Ulolok to Downer. That lack of clarity had been bugging me. Given the chance, like before I get a book out, I'll clean up stuff like that. Maybe I can start spelling Taggit/Tagget consistantly as well.
I would just like to say that I've liked Downer since the beginning and it's the first thing I read when I'm done with Erik's editorial.
I would just like to say that I've liked Downer since the beginning and it's the first thing I read when I'm done with Erik's editorial.
It's the first thing I read when I pull the magazine out of its plastic.
a two page spread is great but one more page every issue would be better!
That's cool of you to say, but Holy Moly people would plotz if there was an extra page of Downer. Even I don't want to rattle that hornets' nest.
...Neogi Slavers...
Cool.
LG
So, I was just looking over Downer, Fool's Errand VIII (Dungeon 130), and I noticed that Astrid gets killed just after she tells Loops that he's "sick and wrong" that he loves her. Then Downer wonders "Where's our bloody ghost"...
So... do you think that Loops had anything to do with the sudden attack to make his love come back to him? Or maybe he was able to help but chose not to?
I'll own up and admit that the first time I read Downer, my exact reaction was something along the lines of "WTF is this?"... I even posted my first (and last!) snotty fanboy rant on these pages about it. Then I read a bit more, and the "WTF?" changed to "hmm...". Nowadays it's one of the first things I read when I crack open the magazine - the characters are fun, the art is gorgeous (and inspirational!), and the whole comic has the cajones to step a bit away from canonical D&D and do its own brand of weird, darker fantasy... no small feat in one of the official D&D magazines. What's not to love?
Mad props to Kyle for sticking with it despite the flak and giving those of us who aren't so good at acquired tastes (I *still* hate coffee and beer) time to come around. I'm looking forward to a TPB version...
-James
Downer #24. I would just like to say that seeing the Githyanki chick go apeshot on a bad Myconid trip made my wife and I laugh harder than we have in weeks. It made me cry with laughter.
Mr. Hunter, sir, you kick ass.
That's cool of you to say, but Holy Moly people would plotz if there was an extra page of Downer. Even I don't want to rattle that hornets' nest.
You care ENTIRELY too much about what people who don't sign your paychecks say about you. While I understand your frustration, I can barely comprehend the level of it. You're in. Stop fretting over the words of people who can't get through a post without going "YEW SUX!!!1111!!!" I'm suprised queries to you aren't bounced back at Paizo with the note "We're sorry, but Kyle Hunter has spontaneously combusted into a pile of ash."
Now, me? I think two pages in Dungeon isn't enough. While the writing remains interesting, lately, I feel like we're missing more than we're seeing. I also feel like the Obuilette storyline was partially aborted (Whatever happened to Pike, anyway?).
However, you'll never hear me utter a cross word about Downer. Being such a fan of Underdark campaigns, It would be terrible of me to insult such a series. And as I've said, should I ever run a game, Downer will get an appearance as an NPC, mark my very words.
Now uncoil and get back to drawing. ;)