17 - Farewell
Previous Chapter: 16 - Missed Opportunity
After all the suffering, I thought Keith would need someone who actually cheers him up a bit. Since Jurji is too cold - and for personal reasons, prefers to keep a certain distance to Keith - I used Elaine for that, just like she helped him in the old version, too. This whole theme is still very personal and emotionally difficult for me, but I also tried to cope with it by drawing it. Loss is a delicate, difficult theme, I just chose a way to deal with it that I personally know.
Something a little more random: Keith always goes for long walks when he feels bad - it distracts him, and he likes the city noises that make him feel like they swallow his thoughts. He did that as a teen already. I don't know if I'll manage to put this into the story directly later, but I planned to draw a short extra story about his childhood/past before he met Jurji.
Also, I don't know if someone noticed it: The outfit he wears isn't very typical for him. It's something he'd probably wear at home, but when he's going to work or outside at all, he usually dresses up. The fact that he didn't do that here is also an indicator for his condition.
And very, very random: I really love Cem. XD He's a bit of a sunnyboy, but I really enjoy drawing him. :'D
Darkenaz
ReplyDeleteOct 03
This chapter touched me deeply, and I felt every single frame of it. Maybe because almost 2 months ago I lost one of the most important people in my life, so the grief is still fresh—and that’s exactly why I admire how well you can capture such a complex feeling through your drawings and writing (the chapter didn’t affect me negatively, it actually gave me a kind of cathartic release). The way Keith tries to bury himself in work so he won’t think about it… but he simply can’t. And the fact that Jurji knew all along and kept it from him—something Keith obviously won’t be able to let go of—yet he still tries to stay rational, even though something inside him has broken deeply. It feels so real and relatable that Keith blames himself. I’m really curious what effect the ritual will have on all this; on Kaz’s spirit and on Keith.
Lorian
ReplyDeleteOct 05
A truly impactful chapter. I lost someone too during last months... and even if I have never felt that close with her... I blamed myself because exactly that - like my emotions made her die. I feel Keith a lot then. You are a master of putting strong emotions in few panels - it's a rare gift. I feel like I know him better, deeper and I can relate more.
I'm so glad to see Keith has someone who he can talk to about the situation. Even if he can't say it all, Elaine seems genuine in her attempt to help him. And she is right that we are never granted enough time. I really liked them together. And what a great coffee shop she has!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, you're right. I've noticed that he didn't change his clothes when he went to the bar, but because I like him so much in that v-neck and a cardigan, I didn't think it might be an additional tell of his emotional state.
Thank you! I thought after all that suffering, Keith would need a friend. XD And yes, she's genuine. I'm happy you like her little restaurant, designing it was a lot of fun. 🖤
DeleteYes, usually he doens't wear such casual clothes in public. 🙈