Lifespan
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35 years ago, faced with a collapsing world economy, fear of over population and the pending age of man-caused global warming, the United Nations proposed a controversial policy; The Rights of Balance Act. It would later be called Lifespan by the world media.
Under this policy; each person born is automatically given a credit of 77.5 years (28287.5 hours), the average human life expectancy. When the individual has spent all of their Lifespan they are terminated. If they do not willing surrender their lives they are hunted down and executed indiscriminately.
People no longer trade dollars bills for necessities and wants, but instead they trade hours and days for things money use to buy. Want a new house? It'll cost you 8 years of your life.
Laws and Policies of Lifespan are enforced by the Balance of Rights Enforcement Agency or as some call it "The Collection Agency."
This world is much like the one we live in today. There are no flying cars nor are there teleportation devices to whisk one away in hopes of finding a better place. People go to work, some for the minimum Lifespan salary, while others, like company CEO's, are paid enough Lifespan to live forever, if only nature allowed such a thing.
Beneath this current system a group is banding together to lead a resistance to Lifespan. They are slowly trying to recruit like minded people and group together for their cause. For their revolution. Are you ready to join?
Hi everyone, for the past two months I've been working my @$$ off on continuing Lifespan and developed a proposal I submitted to a few select publishers in the past week.
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If interested you can check out the electronic version of the proposal here:
http://shannoncronin.com/lifespan/2525.html
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Also, I am working on my second submission for Zuda and should have that into the staff by June or July for consideration.
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Thanks
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-Shannon
I started out thinking this would be a re-run of "Soylent Green" but this is a hugely appealing storyline and I am hoping you go far with this. Good Luck.
First and foremost, I'd like to thank the Zuda staff for allowing Christopher and I, the privilege to compete in this month’s contest. It was truly, a fun ride.
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To people who believed in Lifespan, and supported our vision with their vote, I thank you immensely. I am truly humbled by your kind words, feedback and the encouragement you showed me.
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Now that the Zuda contest is done, and I can stop whoring myself in forums for support, I can get back to writing. I will continue to work on developing this world in hopes of getting a publishing deal with some comic book company. I am very confident that this is not the last time you’ll hear about Lifespan.
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Again, I thank everyone who supported us, as well as the Zuda staff. Have a great weekend!
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-Shannon
www.shannoncronin.com
spcronin@gmail.com
Shannon and Chris, thanks for a great competition. I can't wait to see more Lifespan down the road.
i love the artwork! i wish it was longer but that will come in time :p your wife said you worked very very hard on it, i hope you get some money for your precious baby girl
BlaqueSaber - Thank you for the kind words. I agree, Lifespan may not have won this month's contest, but I have no doubt it will pop up somewhere else, sometime. Anyone who knows me, knows I put 100% into anything I believe in. I believe in Lifespan and the potential for it to grow. Thanks again.
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palmtree - Thanks for the kind words and the vote!
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saulone - Coming from a fellow creator and comic book fan, you have given me the ultimate compliment. I think it's fair to say, I've lost. With that said, I am going to take some time to re-examine the four scripts I have already written, and go from there. I'm going to focus on getting, at the very least, an outline for twelve issues and get some character artwork going to help me pitch the idea. I don't know if getting on Zuda opens any doors to the Vertigo office, but I'd love to be able to pitch it to them first. If not, I'll look into Boom!, Image, Dark Horse and numerous others. Seriously though, thank you for the vote. It means a lot.
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ROWDY STOUGHTY!!! - Man, good to hear from you! That's awesome that you came across the SGV article! Last I heard you moved to Victorville or something? Anyway, hit me up at my email: spcronin@gmail.com sometime to catch up. I don't want to post my number here.
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ty man - Thanks for the vote!!!
You got my vote! Great storyline!
Long time no talk Shannon. Hope all is well. I read your article in the Tribune and was shocked to see your name. Good luck...... you got my vote. Hope it all works out!
OK, you guys got my vote. The art grew on me and I love the high concept. While there were some execution problems, (primarily with pages 7 and 8), I think I would like to see where this one is heading more than any of the others. There are so many twists and turns you could craft from this world you've set up. It's going to be tough to pull off the win at this point, but Lifespan has a lot of potential. I would like to see you back here again, whether or not Lifespan takes the prize.
Great comic! I cannot wait to see more about Ryan and how his parent's decision affected him. The artwork was phenomenal! You guys got my vote!
I REALLY liked this. The concept is great [reminds me of a TNT movie with Eric Roberts: Race against time], the art matches perfectly as you set the stage in the seventies, leap through the eighties and land in the here and now. I really hope you make it through. If not, I'm positive that we'll see more of this story unfold...
shannon,
Good work! We really like the plot.
-Hemphills
If you're reading this and you have never been to Zuda you should register and vote now! Show your support for Lifespan!
Lifespan made the local Tribune here in So. Cal:
http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_11558093
Hi everyone,
I just posted a video about Lifespan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIRmNZyQjAc
-Shannon
JGSTYLE - Thanks for the props. I am sure Christopher will be happy to see that you enjoyed the art as well.
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Salvax - Thanks for the kind words. I am happy to see you enjoyed the story/concept.
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Hugh - Thanks. This is the 8 page version of a 96 page script. I am happy with what Chris and I were able to do.
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PS... you ALL need to FAVORITE it if you enjoy it... even if we don't get your VOTE for President... I mean comic.
The premise is pretty great and it's a good start to a story. I usually don't dig the obvious exposition, but the Zuda format doesn't really give you much room to avoid it.
I want to know what the guy in the end has to do with anything. I wish that was set up more to compell interest for further pages. Maybe I missed something? Looks good though.
I like the way the story is tell (...or told?) and the art is cool ^_^ (I like the colorful back of the backgrounds XD )
Quite the roller coaster ride this has been. Lifespan started out in 3rd, dropped to 4th, then 5th, and has now returned to 4th. Can we go full circle and edge our way back to 3rd place? I hope so. I’d rather receive the bronze over no medal at all.
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Wyldman - Having been a huge fan of the original Twilight Zone episodes since infancy, I will take that as a huge compliment. Thank you.
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Liz - Thank you for affording me opportunity to answer some questions on Zudafan. If anyone would like to read the Q&A, you can do so at: http://zudafan.blogspot.com/2009/01/creator-interview-shannon-cronin.html
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modchris - Thanks for the nice words. I absolutely agree about the characters. Sadly with an 8 page script I had to leave a lot of things out. But rest assured, the protagonists and antagonists are there. These are only four of the characters that will play pivotal roles in the world of Lifespan. Self admittedly it's a heavy concept to cram into eight pages. This "Zuda version" was adapted from a 96 page, four issue, story arc opener that I already had written out, so sadly a lot had to be edited. But in the end, I am extremely proud of this "edited for television" version and am happy you enjoyed it.
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Bryy Miller – Thanks, I’m glad you liked it.
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DShide – I hope I’ve secured your vote. I have made it point one to never let the readers down.
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Brigid, Jason and Steve over at digitalstrips.com have reviewed this month’s Zuda competitors and they had some really nice things to say about Lifespan. I almost had Steve’s vote but he appears to have maybe changed that (C’mon Steve, help a brother out!). In the end he did call Lifespan “the best concept ever” and that made me feel pretty damn good.
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I just wanted to thank everyone here who has written encouraging things and have expressed interest in this comic. I also wanted to thank people who have emailed me via my site and through facebook with nothing but great words of inspiration (publishers/developers, I got your emails. I need to hold off until after January to write you back.). If I don’t win this month’s Zuda competition I am confident Lifespan will find a home elsewhere. I plan to do nothing but pursue a goal of having this comic published as a monthly series and have already began work on plotting/outlining year one (the first twelve issues). While I know it won’t be easy, I don’t intend to give up.
I think this is phenomenal. I was pretty much hooked in right away. LIFESPAN is a great name for the concept. It doesn't have to be explainable down to the last detail, this is a STORY, and one I'm interested in seeing more of.
Also, the art is off the chains on this one. Very refreshing.
Really, really good concept. Had never thought of this or anything near it. Makes me want to read more. So far I am hooked. 4/5 stars and a fav. Should be my vote as well.
Shannon,
Just read your interview with Zuda Fan. Effin' great read. Keep on doing it.
I really dig the concept driving this story! Great stuff! I seriously could go on about how much I dig the idea but I'm not a fluffer. Kudos to the artist as well, the artwork fits my aesthitic perfectly. However, I'm new to this community and don't know what the average zuda reader intellect is; but it seems that the reader is underestimated in this comic (i.e., page 2, panel 1). It seems that so much time was developed creating the concept and world that the characters didn't get the attention they deserved. I was left not really caring about the characters that were introduced towards the end and more interested in the world that they lived in. Would it be possible to have the world described through the characters actions in it, creating more of a balance between the brilliant concept of the world and the creation of characters that are more personal?
Dear Zuda Competitors/Creators,
I’m the creator of the Zuda fan blog, and I would love to interview all of this month’s creators. If you would be willing to answer 5-10 questions, to be posted on the Zudafan blog, please contact me at: zudafan@gmail.com.
Feel free to check out the blog: zudafan.blogspot.com
Thanks!
~Liz
Thought Provoking stuff, I find it reminicent of Outer Limits or Twilight Zone. Great job.
Shandree - Thanks so much for the kind words of support!
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For anyone who may be interested. Nearly 23 years ago I wrote and illustrated my first comic book. I have posted it on my personal site http://shannoncronin.com/ Check it out when you have a minute. It demonstrates my life long passion for the comic medium (as well as horror).
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Less than two weeks left. Tell your friends to check out Lifespan. If they like it, tell them to support it! Have a great weekend!
Er I meant to say good concept *wishes there was an edit button*
I like this because I think it has quite an original plot and the narrative intrigues me and doesn't seem too over-done. The dialogue is good too. The one thing I noticed on page 6 were the red streaks- They just look a little out of place to me but other than that I really like the art as well it sets the mood just right.
You have my vote and I hope you guys win. :)
Albatross - Thanks for taking the time to read it and comment on it. I have to admit I am not too keen on Vin Diesel in film version. When Christopher asked me to "cast" the comic I used the following people in the following roles... Ronny Cox as Fred Haggard (See: Robocop). Chino Moreno, lead singer of the band the Deftones as the Man in the Alley. Rob Lowe as Terrance Haggard (a younger rob lowe). Jermaine Crawford as Ryan Brown (See: The Wire Season 4). Those were the people I asked Chris to base the character designs on.
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MPD57 - The Rights of Balance Act will work to develop all of America’s domestic energy resources, reduce taxes and government regulation, preserve property rights, provide a sustainable, market-driven risk management system for farmers and ranchers,improve incentives to invest in technology and rural infrastructure, reduce trade barriers,
secure our borders while providing a fair and practical temporary labor program, and strengthen the American economy by eliminating wasteful government spending... In all seriousness, you should vote for the comic you like the best. It all comes down to personal taste. If you'd like to see "Safe Inside" continue on Zuda, you should vote for them. If you prefer "Lifespan" you should vote for it. I have a friend who loves Metallica. I prefer Otis Redding. It comes down to taste (and how many friends one may have).
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mancokochan - You're very welcome.
REALLY cool concept. i could see a movie being made out of that idea (probably done wrong and starring Vin Diesel, but that's nothing against the plot or that actor) for sure. i could see the story following a larger cast and how they're effected by the world they live in, but your approach is interesting. i'm not exactly crazy about the execution, but i'm interested to see where it goes.
Why should you vote for this comic?
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http://mpd57.wordpress.com
I really love your concept. I know it's not a horror comic, but the first 4 pages literally gave me a chill when I read them. Good luck in the competition and thank you for your kind words about Dango. ^^
hamax1 – I wanted to thank you for all of your kind words. Reading them really helped me with starting out this day. I will try and respond to each point. If I miss anything let me know. I may also make another youtube video this weekend if time permits. Point A- I couldn't agree more. I love the art Christopher did. I think it's unique and really represents the world I have written. Point B- You're preaching to the choir. I agree and am glad that I am not alone in my thinking. Point C- Logan's Run, from what I understand, has to do with age. My story really has to do with an economic system run amok. Corrupt politicians, angry citizens, greed, special interest groups, desire for happiness and the desire for freedom. All of which lead up to a boiling point. Point E- I have mixed feelings about promoting Lifespan for the sake of votes. Sure I have told family and friends about it. I have linked to it from my various comic book forum profiles. I even tried to advertise it on a comic art site. But what I don't want people to do is vote for it because they know me. (Don' voto di t per me perché you' con riferimento al mio amico.) I want people to vote for it because they believe in the concept. I want them to vote because they like the art and story and because this is something they enjoy. I don’t want this to become a myspace like popularity contest of how many “friends” one has. I would rather 10 people love my comic and enjoy it than have 1000 friends, who could care less, vote for it. Don’t get me wrong. When I can, I tell people to read this comic. I ask them to vote for it, only if they enjoyed it. But with all those things aside, it’s people like you, who I created this for. I created this for all of my fellow comic fans who love the medium and want something different. Jason Aaron’s “Scalped”, Sam Keith’s “The Maxx” and Garth Ennis’ “Preacher” heavily influenced my decision with moving forward with this story and giving it a shot. Those books showed me that not all comics have to include superheroes or zombies (Although I love the Walking Dead). Again, I cannot thank you enough for your positive, encouraging words.
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Illinist – Thank you for the write up and endorsement.
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Biggiesmalls- I couldn’t have said it better myself. Good luck with the biopic this weekend.
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Vinil – I appreciate the support and thank you for taking the time to read the comic. The fact that people enjoy and believe in the story means the world to me.
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Coffeehouse – I think the other comic you’re speaking of is “Love the Dango!”? Had I not voted for myself, I would have voted for Dango (Although I gave Dango a high rating and a favorite). Thanks for the great words of encouragement.
everyone needs some sort of super-explanation for reality within a fictional story here.
it's really getting old, maybe why the zuda-fandom can't handle anything outside of "chibi" or "anime" where the stylization of the eyes allow them to IMAGINE a FICTIONAL world for a second.
A. the art is great, if not anything, respectable for its hand-painted approach.
B. why? why? why? why does superman have powers? why do alchemist have magic? why do zombies have to exist? why the F does anything have to matter? if it is explained well, why can't you buy it?
C. Logan's run is not the same thing, sorry. similar, but not the same.
D. innovation is not a sin. claiming originality is, the writer does not claim either, therefore do not hate for an expansion on a previous idea or ideas that were not thought out as well, or completely, or even with such great illustration.
E. please promote more, deserve so many more votes, views, counts whatever
http://zudafollower.blogspot.com/
Th' streets told me you was in need, suttercain. This is whats up, I feel your comic and support your smooth chocolate remedy to the worlds crisis. The arts got style and doesnt leave anyone out from diggin the story; I can get down with that. Biggie feels like you've been robbed, y'know? 8 screens aint enough to lay down your masterplan to the masses. Maybe you need a bigger launch pad to rock'it, knowwhatImsayin? Still, LIFESPANS prolly got the richest story of the bunch this month, an I hope you invest in it no matter the outcome.
it'a a great concept, very scary...my vote for this month
This is a good one, top two in the entire comp for me! 5/5 stars, and I'm sure DC will be letting you two take an artistic crack at the Bat in no time.
RKB - Thanks again for the kind words. Also, thanks for the panel by panel review. I am happy to hear that I am one of your top three contenders this month.
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Sophia - I am happy to hear that not only you, but your husband enjoyed the comic. Thank you for the support.
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JFx - As a big fan of Re-Evolution, I am honored to have your support!
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AlexKS - Again, I am humbled to learn that another writer enjoys Lifespan. Your support is greatly appreciated.
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SilntAngl5 - If me saying thank you sounds redundant, I apologize, but again, I thank you for the kind words. PS. I have huge plans for Lifespan. It's just the matter of convincing the people with decision making power to go along with these plans.
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quasilucid - Thanks for the nice words. The soundtrack I used when writing this was a song by the Deftones entitled "Anniversary of an Uninteresting Event." I had it on repeat and just typed away.
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troylbowen - Thanks for the support! I love the fact that other creators seem to enjoy this comic!!! Anyone know if Jason Aaron, Garth Ennis or Grant Morrison read the Zuda comics? That would leave me star struck!!
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famished - Me too. Me too.
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grizzlywilliam - I appreciate you taking the time to give me constructive criticism. I won't make excuses, but I'll just say this product is a condensed version of a 96 page (four issue) story arc. In the long run I would like to have this published as a monthly. I have enough ideas for for a three year run envisioned. 36 issues of this world is what I'd like to see ultimately happen. I like to dream big. It always makes the failures hurt worse.
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BiggieSmalls - You have no idea how hurt I am that I have not received a comment from you.
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My own personal rant.... I'll think of something. Really I will... right after I get done watching Flight of the Conchords.
first off glad to hear things are looking better for you and your family. 4/5 stars, a fav, and your fighting it out with 3 other comics for my vote.
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SCREEN 1 Any one who knows me knows I hate text boxes. I also know the way certain stories are set up you need to use them. I also don't mind text boxes when they're done well, which they are in this story. I was surprised, but a nice surprised. :)
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Case in point panel 1. The year was 1973. Then we see the people in the streets. We didn't get the caption 'the year was 1973 and the people in the streets'. I can't stand when the text in captions you read in a comic could pass for the writers panel descriptions to the artist. If you can show it, there's no need to tell it. I really loved and was impressed by the aspect to aspect style relation between the text and the art. For example in panel 3 the text talks about overpopulation, but the picture is a massive commie army. In panel 4 you talk about global warming (which in real life i don't believe in, but I can suspend disbelieve for the story), and you use road congestion to illustrate the point. I love the aspect to aspect style relation between the art and words.
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I really enjoyed the art style and colors, the letters were also easy to read.
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As i said in my e-mail I followed the concept of using life as money with no problem. People could literary get paid by the hour (life that is), I also don't think it's that big of a leap, it seems like it could be a plot from a Kurt Vonnegut book. For example if some rich fat cat has a couple of extra hundred years he could use that to buy mansions, and private planes, and eliot spitzer price range hookers. Life is money, money is life. Simple but cool as hell high concept.
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SCREEN 2 i thought screen 2 did a great job of explaining things to me anyway. The text fit well and i really like the touch of having a kid cuts down on your life span, and how that ties into population control. Again the art is really well done, very easy to follow, but also good graphic storytelling, not bland.
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SCREEN 3 i was very impressed with the pace of your story, not too slow not too rushed. In 8 screens a lot of creators don't strike the right balance, but you did. The mob assembled was a very well done panel. I also admired the use of shadows in panel 2. Very moody panel their, and the colors help so much. I think you did a very good job cutting your script down to 8 screens.
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SCREEN 4 Another screen with great composition. I like the panels of sig's in different languages and the showing of world leaders. The countries that didn't sign on, if you win i hope they our their people will come up in the further continuation of the story.
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SCREEN 5 Nice intro to the villain, and nice snark for how he got the job. Nepotism is alive and well.
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SCREEN 6 I loved the art very well laid-out panels here, the text also lets you know just what's going on. You didn't over do the text box info here, just the right amount. Good call on your part, and good writing.
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SCREEN 7 Got a bit of the old 100 bullets vibe with this screen, and that's not a bad thing. i am a little tired of the rise of the revolutionary hero type story, but i'm hoping you have some twists and turns in mind for our hero here. The good guy didn't get much face time, which made him seem a bit cookie-cutter standard issue. i know you wanted to set up the world first and foremost, which i think was the right call. So i figure your going to do some things that make him different from what readers might expect and stand out as a individual character.
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SCREEN 8 Nice little cliff hanger note to end on.
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Again, a all around great read for me, thanks guys.
Very interesting comic. My husband loved it too and he's really into comics. Looking to see more stuff. All the best
revolution, I heard revolution over here :)
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Hey nice comic I love it, great concept, and well done.
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nice youtube video.
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Right now you have my vote, I have just few comics to check :) byee.
I really like the core concept.
I'm not sure if continuation of the plot will be able to include a similar level of innovation.
You have my vote
I think you have a brilliant idea here! I wish you the best and would love to see this story continue, be it in Zuda or without. Good luck!
theonetwo,
What don't you understand about it? To simply say "I just don't get it" is a broad statement. I'd be more than happy to fill you in, but I thought the synopsis would explain the world I have created, if the comic itself didn't. Also, I have been very busy with taking care of my wife. I'll try and respond when I can, but she comes first.
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Shane,
Thanks for your vote. It really means a lot to me.
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TheDood,
Thanks. It's been a hectic week with the hospital and having my wife on bed rest, but so far so good. Thanks again.
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To All,
Thanks for the support!
Man I still don't get it. I thought at least the artist would try and help me out. Way to ignore a potential fan of your comic.
Hey there,
Thanks everyone for taking the time to check out LifeSpan. Appreciate the comments.
Cheers.
You've created a really nice atmosphere. Very cinematic. I can almost hear a musical score along with the imagery. Good luck!
Im confused about this comic. I just don't get it!