• If you would like to get your account Verified, read this thread
  • The TMF is sponsored by Clips4sale - By supporting them, you're supporting us.
  • >>> If you cannot get into your account email me at [email protected] <<<
    Don't forget to include your username

The Ruthless: Issue Two tickle comic production preview

oblesklk1

TMF Master
Joined
Jul 21, 2003
Messages
930
Points
0
Hi all!

It's been awhile since I've done a true production preview. I just did one with Yelena, but that was right when the comic was ready to release. I kind of shied away from these, because I would invariably predict a release date that wasn't met. So to keep myself out of trouble, I'll just say the comic is set to release in the year 4035. Anything earlier than that will be good news 🙂

The other thing I wanted to mention is for all that have kept the faith, writing emails, posting about Ruthless #2, thank you for keeping on this and still following the comic. In short, this issue has been a trainwreck of epic proportions. It feels like a Clinton was in the White House when I actually wrote this script. Ok, it hasn't been that long ago, but wow, it's been a long ass time. So sincerely, I apologize to you guys. It's certainly not my intention to have issues comes out this far apart. Quite the opposite, I would like to have the book released the day after I finish each script. But the artists' tend to complain about that a bit, so we need to wait some time, let them recover from carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.

This is a production preview, and I want to use this time to talk about where the book has been, where it's going, what it's looking like, and what it means to you. Then obviously answer any follow up questions you guys have.

So anyway, back on my initial topic, this production for issue #2 was a trainwreck. We initially went with the art team that completed Issue #1. Then they had some turnover in their company. The artist that penciled/inked/colored issue #1 got married, fell off the planet for a bit, got sick (then I think diverted an intergalactic war somewhere, I don't know, he was out of touch for like a year). After constant conversations going something like "we're really sorry, we don't normally conduct business this way, we'll have something to you asap" and hearing that about 10 times, I eventually decided to go with another provider.

So yes, the art style will change in issue #2. But before you groan too much, I will say I actually like this vision and potential more than before. And I thought it was pretty good before.

Dave2112 (whose latest work involves an amazing serial that can be found here http://www.ticklingforum.com/showthread.php?t=138695) is on point to steer me in the right direction, give the new art team feedback, and just add his wonderful insight on the project. Dave was not an official member of production for issue #1, but he gave a lot of great advise and feedback nonetheless. It was because of his germane insight on issue one that I decided to bring him on in a more official capacity for both our The Agencies and The Ruthless storylines.

And man, I'm really happy with things are going so far. Sometimes I'm not, and I voice that fairly often during production. But these guys are professionals, like most of the artists I work with. Like the others, they've worked for the biggest names out there in the comic world. And it shows.

We're very early in the production process still. We've gone through character design, now we're doing the storyboarding/pencils.

As for the script itself, it is very top secret at this point. There's going to be some things in there that may come as a surprise, including the direction of the storyline as a whole. The first issue was just a "hey there's a reporter on the dock...wait now she's being tickled to death by some weirdo in spandex." It was without context, random, but fun anyway. Each issue will explain more about The Ruthless. Who/What it is, what it wants, etc.

And finally, I sincerely want to thank all the fans out there again. The first issue of this book has sold incredibly well, and I'm really thankful you guys liked it. Because of this, it made me feel even worse that we're having so many delays in getting issue two out. But it will release. Dammit. If I have to quit my job, go to art school, and draw the thing myself (emulating Stick Figure Theater), I will do it.

Follow up posts will contain character images, as well as production shots as we get further into things.

Ruthless #1 can be purchased by going to our tickle torture web site at www.the-agencies.com.
 
So Dr. Collins is going to play a rather pivotal role in this comic universe. She wasn't in The Ruthless #1. However, she played a major part in the prelude to Issue #1 that can be found at:
http://www.the-agencies.com/characters/stacia_story1.htm
or here on the forum at:
http://www.ticklingforum.com/showthread.php?t=93010

Here is her character design, both inked, then one of the inks is seperated out and colored.

Ruthless02_04.jpg


Ruthless02_05.jpg


She's really got that whole "hot librarian" thing going on :shock2: She's actually Stacia's psychologist (close enough to a librarian in the intellectually hot category?). Dr. Collins, in her late 30s, is a world renowned psychologist that handles a lot of A-list, world famous people that are dealing with issues of abuse and shock. Having spent her entire childhood in the spotlight (her family is worth billions), Dr. Collins knows what it's like to cope with stressful events while constantly under public scrutiny. Her clientele has grown impressively for her in recent years.

Add Stacia to that client list.

After Stacia's abduction from The Ruthless is Issue #1, she started seeing Dr. Collins to cope with the horrors she experienced there. Stacia is the main character in this comic. Since Dr. Collins plays a pivotal role in her development, she will be showing up time and time again throughout the series.
 
So here's the final inked character concept artwork we came up with. This is Stacia, our main character.

Ruthless02_02.jpg


OK, so here's where I get all geeky on everyone. With this post, I'm also attaching five different wallpapers (all the same artwork, just different resolutions) you can download and set up as your background if you desire. I have it up as my wallpaper right now, and really dig it. So I guess that means I'm pretty happy with how Stacia is looking in the character design phase right now. :love

From left to right, the size of the attached pictures are:
800x600
1024x768
1280x960
1280x1024
1600x1200

Stacia is a well known celebrity around Bay City (ficticious modern day city). Most people know her as "the" local reporter. She started on the trial of a mysterious villain known as "The Ruthless." After her stories began airing, she was abducted from the docks in the middle of a broadcast, and not heard from again for three weeks. Issue One deals with some of that harrowing ordeal at the mercy of The Ruthless.
 

Attachments

  • Stacia_800_600.jpg
    Stacia_800_600.jpg
    128 KB · Views: 203
  • Stacia_1024_768.jpg
    Stacia_1024_768.jpg
    187.5 KB · Views: 105
  • Stacia_1280_960.jpg
    Stacia_1280_960.jpg
    228.7 KB · Views: 70
  • Stacia_1280_1024.jpg
    Stacia_1280_1024.jpg
    230.6 KB · Views: 223
  • Stacia_1600_1200.jpg
    Stacia_1600_1200.jpg
    223.4 KB · Views: 123
Last edited:
Here's a lovely penciled panel that depicts some of the art team's chops when it comes to tickling.

Just love the evil expression on The Ruthless's face (the villain truly is a vicious bastard, as will be explored as the series continues), and the body language/expression of the ticklee.

More to follow, as it becomes available. I'll post more pencils, then on to inks and colors when we get to that point.

Ruthless02_01.jpg


[no damsels in distress were harmed in the making of this comic]
 
I might have another heart attack... eeeeeekkk!!! beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.....
 
Production Update 1/1/09

Here's a production update for everyone. Ruthless #2 is 11 pages long, and we're received the pencils through page 9 as of today. So we're going at a good pace. There have been very, very few revisions to the artwork so far, which is pretty rare for me. I generally have something to say to improve on the pages. But these guys are just good, so I have a strong sense that production is in good hands.

These guys are not ticklers, but they have an immediate sense of what erotic content is, and making it sexy without making it too crazy.

Case in point, there's some nude tickling that takes place in this story. There are many paths to execute that idea, and I didn't want to take the nasty way of conveying the story. So the artwork is all tastefully done, and done "right" It's done in a way that I really like. It's sensual, but not crass. It's a fine line sometimes, no?

I still can't guess to a release date. Or rather, I don't want to commit myself to a date I can't keep 🙂 Production is moving along though. I'm excited. Stacia's never looked so good. I'm hoping this sequel will be the "Empire Strikes Back" to our "Star Wars" (cut open Tauntauns not included).

Again, I want to thank the Harbinger of Twisted Metal and Broken Dreams himself, Dave2112, for his input on this issue. I know there's some behind the scenes facepalms he's doing when I give my revision notes. Along with revisions, I also comment on things I really like in the pages. And one of the things I commented on was the crown molding in the panels. I just know Dave is thinking 'ok, there's semi nude woman getting close to climaxing and being tickled to death, and you're commenting about the f'ing crown molding??' So ya, I know it was weird when I was typing it. I mean it's an adult comic FFS. But hey, I like details as much as the next person, and I think they gave the room a great ambience. So I commented. But besides the architectural details that no one really gives a damn about, the core aspect of the story is all present. So don't worry, it's not really a home improvement fetish comic. I kept with the tickling roots 🙂

In the end, I'm glad these guys pay so much attention to details. Often times in production, the way I saw something when I wrote it is completely different than how it turns out. Natural outcome of working in satelite offices. And usually those differences are not good "No, she needs to be barefoot...how is the feather supposed to tickle her with shoes on???"

But with these guys, I've said a couple of times "Wow, that isn't what I envisioned at all...it's so much better. Jesus, guys. I know you can't see me through the computer screen, but this is the sound of my jaw dropping" :bouncy:


Without further ado, here's three new panels from the production:

Ruthless02_08.jpg

This one isn't terribly exciting. The story begins explaining some of Dr. Collins' background. Before she became a world famous psychiatrist, she hailed from a billionaire industry family, and spent much of her teens and early 20s as a party girl, before she cleaned up her act. This shot is a panel from her biography as shown on a TV show. It's from her late teens.

It's challenging showing panels that aren't going to give away too much of the story. I definitely like to keep everything a surprise. That way, there's no spoilers, and everyone gets a chance to read everything fresh.

Moving on...

Ruthless02_06.jpg


The Ruthless gettng ready for play time.


Ruthless02_07.jpg


Oh my... :nycountdown:

This diabolical device is explained more fully in the comic. But whose on it? And why? The first question is easy enough to answer. The second question...not as easy.
 
Here's an opening shot that takes the production process from pencils to coloring, for those curious.

This scene depicts Doctor Collins being followed by the paparazzi into a local salon, where she is harassed about her ticklish feet. The inset panel has little to do with this scene, I just left it intact because it made the image easier to copy/paste.

This issue will focus more on Doctor Collins, Stacia's psychologist. The beginning of the book focuses on her background, and then cuts to this scene, which is the current day. Then shortly after that, the main story of issue two begins in earnest.

Like the first issue, there isn't much lead in time to the story. There's a little bit of exposition, then follows right into the action, and doesn't really end from there.

Now that we're starting to get the coloring process underway, I'm really liking how this one is turning out. I'm cracking that whip to get this one ready for publishing soon.
 

Attachments

  • Ruthless02_09.jpg
    Ruthless02_09.jpg
    314.4 KB · Views: 714
Quality artwork, can't believe I missed this thread! It must have been when I was sick. Thank you for the new background too. 🙂
 
:shock: Oh. My goodness. These illustrations are AMAZING!!!!!!
 
Quality artwork, can't believe I missed this thread! It must have been when I was sick. Thank you for the new background too. 🙂

Glad you like it 🙂

I already told you this in PM, but it still should be said publicly: the site changes truly look incredible, you guys deserve a lot of credit for what you've been doing to this place. Well done.

:shock: Oh. My goodness. These illustrations are AMAZING!!!!!!

Thanks. We're about a fourth of the way through the coloring stage. Another couple weeks, then onto lettering. Then release. Yayy! This is going to be one of the top 3 publications we've ever put out. I'm quite pleased with this one, and the new art team. They kick ass. If only I could clone them to bring these out every week lol
 
Here's another comparison panel, showing pencils, inks, then colors. The face has been hidden to protect the innocent 😛issed (I don't want to give too many spoilers away).

This panel is nice for a few reasons. I like the coloring, how the fire lights up the rest of the room, gives it a nice, comfy glow.

Second, there's a partially nude hottie on the bed. That's never a bad thing. Is it Stacia, the banker from issue one, Doctor Collins, or someone not yet introduced yet?

Third, The Ruthless is just waiting. It approaches, it waits, it savors the moment, just before it forces insanity upon its victims.

Tasty!
 

Attachments

  • Ruthless02_10 copy.jpg
    Ruthless02_10 copy.jpg
    275.6 KB · Views: 392
Production is wrapping up very soon for The Ruthless #2. We've officially finished up coloring, and now lettering will take a few days. After that, we need to finish the cover and we're pretty much good to go.

After the colors were applied, this whole book looks incredible. I'm just really happy with this new art team, I can't even begin to thank them enough for bringing this thing to life.

But before all that, here's another panel (colorized hair color edited to protect against spoilers) showing start to finish with pencils, then inks, then the colorized stage. There's so much of this book I want to post but every panel is a spoiler. Oh well. And yes, the final product looks like a mainstream comic book. It's just crazy how good these guys are.

Enjoy the sample. It's coming soon.
 
Last edited:
It's almost finished!

Elation, trepidation, tinges of excitement. I usually get this way when some of our larger releases are close to finishing up. Today we received the last of the pages. So all pages are now officially penciled, inked, colored, and lettered. What a journey.

We still have the cover and the pinup piece yet to do. They should be completed by week's end, which is tentatively when I plan on releasing Issue #2.

I went back and read the story today. You get so lost in the details of the artwork, it's hard to take a step back and really see if everything makes sense. This is much easier to do when the lettering is finished. I'm really pleased with how this one came out. People that purchased Ruthless #1 are going to be happy.

I'm attaching a finished copy of the first page of the book. This is the first place you'll see it. It's not on any other website, not even our own. The story begins by explaining the life of Mae Collins. Mae Collins, or Doctor Collins, is Stacia's psychologist. She was a British child star turned notorious party girl who eventually settled down and obtained psych degrees in the United States. It's a quick recap of her life, then and now. Then the real story begins.

Enjoy.
 
I can't possibly have another heart attack... too many... wait... here comes another!!
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkk................. beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepp!
 
Wooo, can't wait!

Neither can we! It's getting close now. We're advised we'll receive the cover by Monday, so the book will probably go on sale Tuesday, absent anything silly going on.

I can't possibly have another heart attack... too many... wait... here comes another!!
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkk................. beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepp!

We'll include a set of defribulators with the selling of the issue 😉
 
What's New
9/29/25
Visit our Chat Room, free to all members, and always busy.

Door 44
Live Camgirls!
Live Camgirls
Streaming Videos
Pic of the Week
Pic of the Week
Congratulations to
*** brad1704 ***
The winner of our weekly Trivia, held every Sunday night at 11PM EST in our Chat Room
Top