From the Author: Weight of Ages: Introduction
Posted: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 Now that we're a few strips in, you're beginning to see one of the story lines that will make up Westward's second episode. As I was developing the outline of "Weight of Ages," I realized that it's quite a bit more complex than "Epiphany," and is probably also longer.The story takes place roughly half in the past and half in the present. The panels rendered in normal color represent what's happening in the present, starting on February 6, 1999. Those drawn in stark black & white represent the past; specifically, the past as Lamont remembers it. Exact dates and settings will be revealed as the story progresses.
The two main story lines compliment each other in certain ways; sometimes, what's happening in the present will have a direct correlation between what Lamont is remembering in the past. Sometimes it won't. Sometimes the flashbacks will be quick glimpses in the midst of the present story, and sometimes they'll dominate the narrative for dozens of strips.
I'm particularly excited about "Weight of Ages." It's telling a story that I've had in the back of my mind for a very long time, and by the time it's over, you'll have a deeper understanding of some of Westward's central characters. I'm also really getting my feet wet on the narrative style that I believe will be a trademark of Westward: A complex tapestry made of many interconnected strands of human drama. I'm pretty sure you won't be able to read it passively. While I'm endeavoring to make the story complete and satisfying, I'm certain that readers will have to draw your own conclusions on certain elements, or go back to look for clues in earlier strips, or bite your nails waiting for the answer to one question or another.
I'll give you a head start, though: If you're not sure who Lamont is talking to in the present starting in 02:002, that's the mother of Bobby, who we met in the very beginning of "Epiphany." As you'll recall, she had very strong opinions about Lamont and didn't mind sharing them. We also saw her later, starting in Epiphany #91, when she interrupted Lamont's late-night brooding while Rosemary and the captain were stranded on the alien planet. This conversation was a bit more...mutual.
That's all for now! If you have any questions about a particular strip, just leave a comment and I'll try to explain. I'm glad you're here, and I hope you'll continue to enjoy Westward as its story progresses. I know I will!
-e
The two main story lines compliment each other in certain ways; sometimes, what's happening in the present will have a direct correlation between what Lamont is remembering in the past. Sometimes it won't. Sometimes the flashbacks will be quick glimpses in the midst of the present story, and sometimes they'll dominate the narrative for dozens of strips.
I'm particularly excited about "Weight of Ages." It's telling a story that I've had in the back of my mind for a very long time, and by the time it's over, you'll have a deeper understanding of some of Westward's central characters. I'm also really getting my feet wet on the narrative style that I believe will be a trademark of Westward: A complex tapestry made of many interconnected strands of human drama. I'm pretty sure you won't be able to read it passively. While I'm endeavoring to make the story complete and satisfying, I'm certain that readers will have to draw your own conclusions on certain elements, or go back to look for clues in earlier strips, or bite your nails waiting for the answer to one question or another.
I'll give you a head start, though: If you're not sure who Lamont is talking to in the present starting in 02:002, that's the mother of Bobby, who we met in the very beginning of "Epiphany." As you'll recall, she had very strong opinions about Lamont and didn't mind sharing them. We also saw her later, starting in Epiphany #91, when she interrupted Lamont's late-night brooding while Rosemary and the captain were stranded on the alien planet. This conversation was a bit more...mutual.
That's all for now! If you have any questions about a particular strip, just leave a comment and I'll try to explain. I'm glad you're here, and I hope you'll continue to enjoy Westward as its story progresses. I know I will!
-e