Feeding the Backs...

A BIG thank-you to Melinda Reed, a long-time supporter of the DM series, for her feedback. Thanks Mel!

The Feedback is as Follows:

Pros: -I like the idea that it's in instalments, it keep the story interesting and the reader intrigued. -The main character is relatable to an audience. A sort of well mannered Batman/superman, without the costume, has an endless bag of tricks, talents and smarts to get him out of the trouble that seems to follow him. But he is quirky and isn't bullet proof which is refreshing, and different.

Yesss! That's what I was going for!!! Well okay, I didn't really intend for Drake to be relatable, so that's a bonus!

I'm glad this is coming across. Drake is an amalgam of many action heroes, and Batman & Superman were two of the big ones. Probably leaning a bit more towards Batman though, with the whole Billionaire crime-fighter with a loyal British Butler, but has better P.R. like Supes. 

Another character I drew heavily on is The Phantom (NOT of the opera) who despite using guns a LOT, he doesn't kill anyone and has such accurate aim, he can shoot the guns out of the bad guys' hands.

- I like that there is a comedic aspect to the writing and it's not so serious you can't have fun with the story.

Again, I'm glad this is coming across. I wanted this series to be fun, which I think I've achieved by creating a character who enjoys what he does and revels in the all the danger that comes his way. His life is exciting and he LOVES it. I guess in this way, I've been subconsciously channelling The Doctor into Drake, particularly David Tennant. That's not to say that I don't like the Dark 'n' Gritty stuff, but more on that later
- the "side" characters are just as intriguing as Drake. As an avid reader of the series I would love to see some more of these guys, like Jake, his younger brother. It could also be interesting to write an episode from their point of view but still based on DM and Nickleby, just to give the reader a different perspective on Drake and his trusty butler Nickleby.

One of the things I've liked the most about writing this series is creating a host of colourful characters to interact with Drake Mandible. We've had European Spies,  a gang-leader with delusions of grandeur, werewolves and hunters of mystical menaces and oddball scientists, with MORE to come. That said, most of these characters have only appeared briefly, for a few instalments at most. I'm planning to rectify this, however, because I really want to bring ALL of those characters back in the future.

There were actually a couple of early chapters where I DID focus on a supporting or minor character, though I haven't done since. I think that's something worth looking into implementing again. And art, I should do some more art.

Cons -I was going to say lack of strong, female characters but the intro of DM's big sister has rectified this.

Mmm. Yes. As a male myself, I'm most comfortable writing male characters. I'm reluctant write many female characters,because I feel I'll just end up with one-dimensional sterotypes or coming across as sexist. Then again, by not having many female characters at all, I kinda am and run the risk of alienating my female audience. It's not that I hate women or think their inferior, I just tend to write what I know.

This last piece of feedback from Mel, however, reminded that I know REAL LIFE females, who I can look to for advice or inspiration for my female characters. Derp.

Quick one, ain't I?

I initially thought I'd had a decent female character in the Scandinavian Spy, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that she's less a character and more of a recurring problem, just another situation for my male protagonist to solve. Heck, I didn't even give her a name.

Hopefully, Blake will give me a good starting point for introducing some solid, female characters. And YES I am aware of the irony in giving her a name that is also a boy's name, but I wanted one that rhymed with Drake and Jake. 

- although I do like the quirky, comic style it is written in, I would like to see a vulnerable side to Drake. What is his weakness?

Ah yes, this is the big 'un.

I've previously stated that my intention behind this series was to have a hyper-competent character and just put him in all of these ridiculous scenarios and get him out of them in equally, if not more ridiculous ways. Moral dilemmas, angst, doubt, confusion, grief, fear and just about anything else that could be used for character development, is practically non-existent in this series.

This was completely intentional on my part, I actively went out of my way to avoid any of these things, saving them for my other writing. The Adventures of Drake Mandible were meant to be the textual equivalent of a popcorn flick and I think I've achieved this. Drake has a solution to everything, so there's never any real sense of danger.

So maybe it's time to change things up.

I've keep the tone the same for 55 issues, so I've done what I originally set out to do. However, if I don't do something new, I run the risk of DM becoming stale. If it hasn't done so already. It may only be gradual at first and it may not be permanent, but I think I should try it out. I've got a few ideas, the time to implement them is nigh at hand.

I'm thinking flashbacks.


Stay Tuned, Ladies and Gents ;)

Nate.

P.S.: Thanks again Mel!

AND DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

http://www.wepolls.com/p/32395016/What-would-you-like-to-see-more-of-in-Drake-Mandible