~R-Zion

For those of you who have been following me for any amount of time or taken interest in my gallery, you've seen I've been developing this galaxy of mine under the title of 'XVIII.' I've already added a good many entries to the site, have about five or six more in my sketch book and a host of others still to do on my list.

Well, to those I've talked to on here or on IM, I had consider trying to pitch this as an animated series. However, seeing that as perhaps to big of a hurdle, I downgraded it to try to pitch it as a comic book but later decided that perhaps more realistically I might try to execute this project as a web comic. With this latter idea, I planned to watch to see if it gained any popularity online, and, if it did, seek to get in published in trade paperback form. That's about where I had made my last decision.

Before I go on, let me give you all a quick pitch for 'XVIII': "For over a thousand years, the dynasty of Autos has ruled the planet, preaching peace and benevolence while at the same time establishing a division and preference between its two species: the Florans and the Avians. Tired of this, the dominantly Avian military, led by General Skraw, leads a coup d'etat against Lord High Chancellor Autos XVII and seeks to expel him from his throne. In a last ditch effort, the Chancellor tasks his attendant, Carr, to flee Pailos with Autos XVIII, the Crowned Prince, so that their line may continue. Thus begins the tale of Jad, Prince Autos XVIII, as he experiences life for the first time and is left to choose between the two options before him: Leave Pailos behind forever and live as the man HE wants to be in the wider galaxy, or to accept his destiny and return to liberate the throne and bring peace to his people once again. Situations become complicated, however, as life often does, and young Jad must decide if perhaps becoming his own man and accepting his destiny are not mutually exclusive options. This is the tale of Jad, of 'XVIII' itself, and in his decision lies the fates of both those he left behind and those he still has yet to meet."

As it is thus far, I have mapped out years 15-17 of the story (it follow Jad from age 15 to 18, which each year being a new 'season' of the show) though I still need to get my books to study comic scripting. My main conundrum is this... I want to keep this as an intellectual property in my name, similar to Lucas and Star Wars, but I don't think my art skills are up the level to make a pleasing comic. Therefore, if I go the web comic route, I need to start recruiting people who are enthusiastic about the project and would be willing to contribute with their free time and the possibility of payment should we make it to TPBs (or if I ever add advertising when I make the XVIII website). I've prayed about this, full knowing that without God's help I'll never find willing, cooperative people. At the same time, though, I also consider that if I tried to pitch it to a small comic company, they'd already have a staff of artists that could help, but I don't know if they'll want to claim ownership of the property to publish it.

Anyway, I turn to you, my friends here on DA, for help....ideas, suggestions, questions, encouragement, criticism, leads, whatever you might be able to offer, I'll gladly take it. Likewise, if you have any friends that might be able to help, I'll gladly hear from them, as well. None the less, I just wanted to get this all out there, introduce you all to the project formally, and see what you might be able to suggest to help or what ideas you might have. As always, anything would be appreciated.

Hope this all made sense...