Started as my personal zine during Inktober 2020 it growth up to complete tale at 64 pages. Published with UA Comix late 2021 it is now avaliable for everyone. I tried to connect different topics of Inktober into a one consistent story. I belive this strange combination of silentbook and comics could embody the right form for such surreal and extensive idea.

It was an interesting challenge to use some new materials and techniques, mix chaotic factures and strict drawing. Small dimensions of comics allow me to preserve the chamberness of the story.

The main hero Gaze travels through the world of dreams and meets its inhabitants, reveals its secrets and overcomes dangers. My goal was to leave maximum space for the reader’s imagination, so this story could be told in many ways, according to one’s own fantasy.

First I tried to imagine all the story as spread illustrations in my sketches. But looking for the right decigion at least I get to alternation of spread, page and spot illustrations. So final version looks more like a wordless komics, probably the best format for such story.

Main part of work was drawn with brushpen and black indian ink. Craft factures made with ink, watercolor, salt, crumpled paper and soap (new experiments always brings a fresh breath to the work isn't it?). Later I put it all together in Photoshop and made some changes in final illustrations. And of course vector lettering for varnishing on the cover.

For zine the illustrations were printed on a home printer and glued into a block, cover made of thick black cardboard. Book jacket made of plywood using lasercut technology. Hope we will also publish some limited editions with same jackets soon ;)

PAPER FIGURE:

As one of additional experimental ideas I decide to create a paper figure of Gaze to give a chanse to each reader to glue it for themselves. I think this could be some kind of additional interaction with the story and character and also good challenge to improve your skill of accuracy. At the last pages of comics you can find QR and download four files for printing. Two of them are actually parts of figure and two others are the instruction.

PRESENTATION:

Working with UA Comix we try to direct all efforts to implement the project before the Comic Con Ukraine 2021. And we succeed in this challenge! So presentation took place and our fans get their comics.

This project was an experiment and an attempt to build a coherent story from the disparate themes of Inktober. It also became an occasion for reflection and soul-searching. I hope everyone will find something important for themselves in this chaotic story...