I really enjoy the storytelling on this page. The sparse dialogue and wide, open panels help convey the impression of the protracted silences found in the best spaghetti Westerns and samurai films. Also, I liked how the protagonists are mirroring each other in the top and bottom panels. However, my favorite part is how the panels come together to play with the sense of time. With the middle panel, we get the feeling that the two are circling one another, but this action could occur between their dialogue or simultaneously with it.
- JEP
Casting notes:
Lee Van Cleef or a young Sam Elliot with Tom Selleck’s ’stash as a stand in for the stunt work.
Sonny Chiba, because he is the only Japanese person I have ever seen holding a sword that isn’t wearing hot pants or a school girl skirt.
Nice page, Gnman vs Swordsman? I hope for Kenzo’s sake this doesn’t go all Indiana Jones on the next page
There’s something about the placement of his foot in the middle panel that shows the control and precision with which he’s moving. Well done, sir.
Nicely done again, Jay.
Love the Leone closeups and the choreography of movement on our two combatants for their final duel.
So far, so good in terms of how Kenzo looks, however, the way you have his scabbard positioned in Part 2 is incorrect. A Samurai ALWAYS draws out his katana with blade facing upwards, whether as a fast draw or to move his sword into position. A great reference book that would be of immense help to you is called Secrets of the Samurai—its widely illustrated with a ton of great art covering every thing from sword movements to different weapons and clothing.
Also Youtube has a ton of great references on samurai sword play and costumes, as well as clips from the great Samurai movies.
Other than that, Im eagerly looking fwd to where this is heading. Fun stuff indeed!
Lee Van Cleef vs. Toshiro Mifune! Hell yeah!