Sketch of the Day

[SirJahar]

As far as characterization,
Its hard to balance what parts you show the audience and when. A character can be deeply complex behind the scene, but if you don't show the audience enough, that depth can seem artificial or even absent.
And add to that pacing. Its extremely hard to properly show what you want to express on any kind of reasonable time scale without having to sacrifice creative control on some level. While I applaud Tom for writing and drawing, even with his recent Editor help... its kept him going slow.

ANYWAY!
I like Kat's reaction to Zen, but its a bit too subtle for my taste for a "Love" at first sight. Maybe a thought bubble? I don't know, it seems lackluster.

[TheMouse]

I love this! Zen is such a gentleman, and yeah, the cane is only going to help his roguish charm. But Kat is damn adorable here, and Ido think they'd be a really good pair.

[Hulk10]

Being a gentleman can win you a date on occasion.

[Schrodinger]

As far as characterization,
Its hard to balance what parts you show the audience and when. A character can be deeply complex behind the scene, but if you don't show the audience enough, that depth can seem artificial or even absent.
And add to that pacing. Its extremely hard to properly show what you want to express on any kind of reasonable time scale without having to sacrifice creative control on some level. While I applaud Tom for writing and drawing, even with his recent Editor help... its kept him going slow.

ANYWAY!
I like Kat's reaction to Zen, but its a bit too subtle for my taste for a "Love" at first sight. Maybe a thought bubble? I don't know, it seems lackluster.

Something that helps the characterization immensely is that, despite all the fantastical elements, it's very relatable. Sometimes it's not even something said, but something done in the background just out of focus. My favorite page will always be 450 not just because it's the one that introduced me to Twokinds but because of how deep and real the emotions are. I connect with Keith here on a personal level. I've been someone's confidant. I've carried some guilt in my life. We know exactly what is going on in Keith's mind here and it isn't explained to us; it's shown in his words, his body language, and the messages scratched into the walls as he looks into the stormy night. There's a visceral weight to it that makes the scene work so well.

Now, on the topic of the current sketch, I actually like the subtlety here. Kat's search for romance has been played for laughs; dramatic and over-the-top comedy. But this is a good contrast. No launching into some love-at-first-sight fairy tale exaggerations, just simple attraction and charm. I'm perfectly fine with this.

[Hulk10]

I agree this strip does have a lot of relatable characters in it.

[NuclearBird]

Coffee for Landen

That's not enough for even MY morning routine, let alone Landen's.

[MuonNeutrino]

Ruff Sparring

Oh. My. God. This has got to be one of the half-dozen or so cutest Twokinds things I've ever seen.

[NuclearBird]

Ruff Sparring

Oh. My. God. This has got to be one of the half-dozen or so cutest Twokinds things I've ever seen.

That would be... an interesting scenario.

[Hulk10]

Ruff Sparring

Oh. My. God. This has got to be one of the half-dozen or so cutest Twokinds things I've ever seen.

I agree it is soooo cute. I do love puppies and kittens.

[TheMouse]

I'm not exactly sure how Natani expected to win this. Also, when was "engarde" invented? Isn't it ahead of their times?

En garde is a fencing term, but since no one in the comic is actually speaking a language native to Earth, any translation is going to approximate using the best analogous example available.

[Hayate]

Little pupper Natani is the best thing I've seen all day xD
Though at this point I feel as though fetch might be safer without swords...

[tony1695]

Zuko Keith
If I only ever actually watched the show, I'd be better able to appreciate what's going on.

[NuclearBird]

Zuko Keith
If I only ever actually watched the show, I'd be better able to appreciate what's going on.

Oof. That hits hard in the childhood.

[Hayate]

Zuko Keith
If I only ever actually watched the show, I'd be better able to appreciate what's going on.

All you need to know is everything was fine, then the fire nation attacked

[Technic[Bot]]

Ruff sparring

Oh. My. God. This has got to be one of the half-dozen or so cutest Twokinds things I've ever seen.

I thought Tom couldn't draw anything cuter than Maeve. But as usual the man outdid himself with this adorable puppy natani.

Zuko Keith
If I only ever actually watched the show, I'd be better able to appreciate what's going on.

Same here...