Before we continue....
Amelius on June 12, 2007
My deepest apologies to all, but this seems to be needed. I want this off my chest and if I type it in my notes, the people who need to read it, WON'T. That, is abundantly clear. I have the next page in progress, expect that very soon. This isn't really filler, just a badly needed announcement that happens to be interrupting the story I want to tell. If people listen this time, I promise it won't happen again. Now, on to my rant.
That's right, read my notes before you put your foot in your mouth my friends. I've said it…COUNTLESS times. I mean come on, have I not been honest with you all? Was I not baring my very soul, this same time last year, over my heartbreak? I have nothing to hide from you, and why would I lie to you anyway, especially about this?
Do I have to post that truly embarrassing collage I did before DD crashed just to show you that picture of Hex's hair on another character that belonged to me, that I drew when I was 11?
I'm really frustrated that I am having this issue STILL! I mean, it's truly, really obvious that some people refuse to read these notes! I know it seems that these aren't important most of the time, but if I didn't feel that communicating with you was important for our relationship, I wouldn't write anything there at all. You're missing all the links I put up to other great comics (not to mention the crossover links, I have seen a lot of befuddled “why is this arc so weird?” comments, It's because you're missing the other half completely!) Part of the reason I'm doing these cameos is to not only thank people who have been there for me, but to show you there are other fantastic comics on this site, and you shouldn't miss out on them.
And you're missing answers to questions that I'm sure you will undoubtedly ask, and have asked I have an FAQ for that in the forum now too though) and most important of all, you're missing every instance I have typed out that I don't take being accused of style-copying as a compliment. Yes, I realize to some of you, being compared to a popular, successful comic is a compliment. But I've said it before: I'm trying to make a name for myself, not Jhonen. And please realize there are OTHER styles of art out there, other dark humored stories, other curly grins that were there before JTHM, Squee, Zim or any of his other works came to be known. He is not the progenitor of all things slightly resembling “goth”, nor did he invent dark humor, revenge, gore, even random humor (CTV is NOT a “random humor” comic anyway)
And look at what I drew here…his style is a major pain to draw! I could hardly keep it up! Why would I want to copy that? I'm NOT dissing his style, so don't get defensive. I didn't put it down last time either. I like his works but golly geez people would you listen to me for once? I can draw as many vague comparisons to Star Trek to CTV as I could to JTHM. And need I post all 300 or more Beck the Ferret pages, in their tattered horror, all done in the ‘90s, to show you that I didn’t need Jhonen's help to draw something violent and twisted involving a cute character?
And I'll repeat what I said in a recent rant too: Show me more than 2 curly-grins in all of JV's work and I'll eat my hat. Find some bloody curly capes there whilst you're at it too!
Really, I'm not trying to yell at anyone here. I just feel very hurt that some people can't take my word for something. Even when I explain myself, I get this “Maybe you were subconsciously influenced” nonsense. I believe that can happen yes, when you actually have SEEN the thing to be influenced by. But I didn't.
And I am obsessively cognizant of my art, sorry to say. I let the things I want to influence me do just that, and I am rather selective, honestly. If you ask me who influences me, I will tell you. If you say “this reminds me of Calvin and Hobbes” or “Chuck Jones” or “Dr. Suess” or what have you, I'll take that as a compliment, and it attests to your keen observation.
But “This looks like JTHM” only comes off as “JTHM is the only gothy comic I've ever read, therefore all gothy comics look the same to me” or that you love that comic so much, you're projecting that onto mine to find connections where there aren't any.
Sorry to pop your balloon, but he is not one of my influences.
He's a unique artist and I'll give him credit for doing good work, but he is just not one of the people I've found to make an impact on the way I draw or write my comic. I know other people who're sick of getting this treatment too.
To give you an idea, I'd just rather hear you say you think the comic stinks than accuse me of taking ideas from other people. At least I can be original and fail, instead of succeed at being someone else.
Just a word of advice for the future, some artists may well bite your head off if you say the same thing to them. While this does top my list of pet peeves, I hope you can see I'm not blowing up at you and yelling in anger. I'm just frustrated.
(And it's giving me Freudian nightmares so cut it out!)
Amelius at 12:14AM, June 14, 2007
@ Tim the Enchanter: Ah, no it does not sound childish at all! I just have a hard time letting these things roll off my back I guess. I try not to let it get to me, but it's been an accumulative thing...last time I complained about it, I thought it would be the last time someone would bring it up... magickmaker: Actually, I should have been a little more clear (my mistake really) I was referring to my style as whole...my old stuff is what predates my knowledge of Vasquez, which is why it's got my knickers in a twist. My old style is more Kricfalusi-Watterson, actually. And even if they have big eyes, they've never been hyoooge like JV's. I could go on about proportions and actual gothy comics that make a better comparison...but I'll spare ye for now ^_^ @Grater: To be honest, this is probably the only time I really defend myself, where my integrity as an artist is concerned. I'd probably protest vehemently against any other artist I wasn't inspired by, but JV seems to pop up every time to spite and vex me. Plus, I can't take the notion that people think me way too dense to come up with a concept all on my lonesome. They think I needed JV to show me the way or something, which is preposterous. It was Harry Graham. ^_^ (Seriously, look up his poetry, it's hilarious) *to be continued....*
sylver at 10:53PM, June 13, 2007
CTV is awesome on its own right, and quite unique amongst all the comics I have read - a few. Thanks a lot for you work... speaking of which...what's happening next? You got so many storylines and characters I can't figure out how you manage to keep track of 'em all. Is that all in your head or do you have story plans and profiles and ... How do you do it?
Preatori0us at 10:39PM, June 13, 2007
I agree with Awakened1, it sounds like a troll just trying to get your back up.Your comic is so much different than JTHM.
Foxy at 9:44PM, June 13, 2007
Longtastic author comment of doooom. *reads comments* Longtastic author comments on her own comic of dooom. Your eyebrows... Look thick, really thick in the second to last pannel. Here's to hopes of better, non-random-acussing days.
Sea_Cow at 8:45PM, June 13, 2007
Oh, thank God, Jesus, Allah, Prophet Mohammed, Buddha, all those Hindu Gods, and Mr. T, that wasn't about me... Just some "Wolfer" guy who apparently thought you were copying. My sincerest apologies anyways if it sounded bad. I meant to say that that some of the OLD pages looked slightly similar on a very low level to JTHM/Zim/Squee/whatever... Actually, just JTHM.
Awakened1 at 8:39PM, June 13, 2007
Grrr... Spelling errors! *sighs*
Awakened1 at 8:38PM, June 13, 2007
Aemlius: If you say so, but when somebody says that your comic looks JTHM I smell troll, and if he can get your dander up while still making it look like a compliment so much the better, right? Just don't let anyone get to you. You've beaten this dead horse into the ground already and I am finding it hard to believe there are that many sincerely senseless and blind people out there.
Netoow at 8:31PM, June 13, 2007
I can't beleve anyone would mistake your style for someone elses. Especially, as you demonstrate, they don't have any similarities at all. Kudos for standing up for your originality!
TheTim at 7:43PM, June 13, 2007
I can't believe that you just changed your comic like that!! It's like you've completely given up trying to have your own style!! Haven't you ever tried to do your own work instead of copying someone else's?! If you couldn't tell, that was sarcasm. I know it never comes across the same when I'm tying, but trust me, I was typing VERY sarcastically. Maybe it's horrible of me, but I really like this page. Maybe it's because it's (mostly) black and white, maybe because it's so obviously a parody of itself. But it's funny, and I like funny comics. And sometimes it's just good to get the cheap, quick laugh. CTV forum link, far to subtle. I can't help but think it should be much more obvious. I wouldn't have found it if I weren't looking. Black on dark red?! Your comic has definitely reminded me of the Grinch many times. In fact, when it has, I'm pretty sure I've made it a point to comment on it. Lastly, I'm definitely for some tattered horror from the 90, especially the kind of tattered horror which includes ferrets! As a general rule, I think that mustelidae should make for good comics.
Chameleon at 7:33PM, June 13, 2007
oh... and I LOVE the Transmogrifier ;) lol I LOVE calvin & hobbes, and Dr. Suess, so it's no wonder the LOVE Charby the vampirate :)
Chameleon at 7:32PM, June 13, 2007
that was awesome, the comic page and your note... way to stand up for yourself, I love it.. and I love that your work is so clean, colorful and interesting... that other stuff up there is far to 'noisy' it has way too much going on, with the words in the boarders and the oddly shaped panels... I like your work and can tell that your comic is not like that comic *nods*
deleted-byrequest-03 at 6:55PM, June 13, 2007
Huh? Your style looks nothing like JTHM... Just because Charby the Vampirate is full of children demon characters with large eyes doesn't mean it's the same as another comic book with a completely different storyline and genre. Also, I don't even see any resemblances... Sorry people have said such strange things to you. That kinda ticks me off, too. You're an extremely talented artist, and you shouldn't have to deal with people that are just jealous of your skill... I've never read JTHM, but I've seen pictures of it and some friends reading it before. Never got interested. Don't ever get discouraged by other people and what they say. You are drawing comics for the enjoyment of drawing comics. Don't let someone else ruin your fun.
Kaishi_Kyouki at 6:55PM, June 13, 2007
I love JTHM, but I wasn't reminded of it by your comic. Your comic is charming in its own way, and I love it too. I love other goth comics as well, including Bizenghast, Gloom Cookie, etc... I highly enjoy your work, and I hope you continue for some time to come!
XXX_NightWing at 6:21PM, June 13, 2007
Well, with any luck this will be the LAST time this issue arises. And yay for an update soon! (P.S. I didn't rate this page because it isn't a page, it is a notice/F.Y.I./Important info.)
shaneronzio at 6:16PM, June 13, 2007
I think your art looks like that Charby the Vampirate
okuni76 at 5:48PM, June 13, 2007
aww..poor Charby looks like a gnat in that first panel he's in. XD ya know- I actually think the JTHM style is horrible. It hurts my eyes. And what's with the writing style? That's even worse! And now we know why it upsets Amy. (i've never read JTHM, but knew about it)
Arya at 5:38PM, June 13, 2007
iI' never read JTHM but I highly doubt it's anywhere nearly as awesome or unique as CTV! Never.
Generic Human at 5:29PM, June 13, 2007
....starts a slow clap. JTHM was a good comic...but really nothing like yours. It would bother me too if I was in your place.
Onasaki at 5:18PM, June 13, 2007
Tell the truth, have no idea what JTHM is. Nor would compare yours to it. Don't let'em get to you. your an original artist, and you know it.
Deraymou at 5:10PM, June 13, 2007
heheh its funny seeing all the support Amy gets. I bet she feels a whole lot better from just seeing all the posts, not even reading them And I can already see her next artist's note when she puts up the new page "Sorry for inturrupting the story, everyone. Thank you so much for all your support and kind words." And she's probably doing everything in he power to adjust everything so lots of Cameos fit in as thanks. Aawwee... she's just so sweet and thoughtful. errrr... ya, my mind is running rampant. *ADD activates* LOL! that would be too funny.. if for the next page Hex was on he still had the bald spot
Uber_Toadman at 5:05PM, June 13, 2007
oy... how could anyone compare your art style to JTHM? Yours is so much better.
The_tea_is_good at 5:01PM, June 13, 2007
ribbit... hah, ive been looking at some JTHM parodies, but this is great. Nice goin Amy.
Kilroy at 4:42PM, June 13, 2007
When I was fist looking at this comic and saw Hex's hair, I thought, "Huh, that looks kind of like JTHM." But that is where the similarity ends! The art style looks completely different. The scripting, plot, and overall tone are completely different. If people say your copying because of one little detail, they clearly aren't paying enough attention. That's some grade A lampoonery, there, by the way. I like JTHM OK, but it's certainly easy to make fun of. Incidentally, your drawing you made in '95 would probably predate JTHM anyway (depending on the date), which means Vasquez was copying you.
Nikai Nockturne at 4:28PM, June 13, 2007
HA BITCHES!!!! (maniacal laughter) Just vent honey just vent. Personally I like JTHM but I really like your style. Its so pretty. ^^ in a gory and demented way of course. O-o...
Zane Solomon at 4:19PM, June 13, 2007
i guess it happned again. when will they learn, and how can they not tell the diffrence!? sheesh seriously! i can tell the diffrence every time. try not to let it get you down amy, and remind yourself they are cultists/goths+-emos. just igore them and they will go hang out at their gas station.