The WaterBear - Issue #3

Where stories come alive, one page at a time.

Author

Tardigrade Press
June 01, 2023

Gripping and Intense: Sasquatch Vikings #2

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sasquatch Vikings #2, "The Great Old One," is a visually captivating and emotionally charged comic book. Darrell Sawatzky's writing and Dr. Rocke's illustrations come together to create a thrilling journey filled with action, turmoil, and conflict.

From the first page, the raw intensity hooks readers. The relentless pacing keeps them on the edge of their seats as the male sasquatch seeks revenge on the Vikings who took his mate. Dr. Rocke's artwork brilliantly captures the savage nature of the battle, with attention to detail adding realism.

Shifting perspectives and inner monologues provide insight into the characters' motivations and dilemmas, making them relatable amidst the chaos. The introduction of new characters and the blending of mythology and history add depth to the story.

The issue concludes with a powerful scene, leaving readers eager for the next installment. Sasquatch Vikings #2 is an exceptional comic book that delivers on all fronts. If you love action, complex characters, and rich world-building, don't miss this series.

Coming soon to Kickstarter.

illustration by Dr. Rocke

Whether he's creating intricate character designs or breathing life into fantastical worlds, Dr. Rocke's artistic prowess and dedication to his craft shine through in every piece he creates. His work continues to inspire and resonate with art enthusiasts and aspiring artists alike.

To experience the creativity and talent of Dr. Rocke, visit his YouTube channel @Dr.RockeART at and delve into a world of captivating art and artistic inspiration.

Panel by Panel

In the world of comics, the arrangement of panels plays a crucial role in conveying your story effectively. By using dynamic panel layouts, you can add a sense of excitement, rhythm, and visual impact to your comic book. Here are some tips on how to use dynamic panels to tell and pace your unique story:

  • Vary Panel Sizes and Shapes: Experiment with different panel sizes and shapes to create visual interest. Large panels can be used for dramatic moments or impactful scenes, while smaller panels can be used for quick actions or close-ups. Play around with irregular or diagonal panel shapes to break away from the traditional grid layout and add a sense of movement.

  • Use Dynamic Angles and Perspectives: Don't be afraid to explore different camera angles and perspectives to add dynamism to your artwork. Try incorporating bird's-eye views, low angles, or extreme close-ups to create depth and intensity. This technique can help convey emotions, emphasize important details, and draw the reader deeper into the story.

  • Convey Motion and Action: Dynamic panels are an excellent tool for showcasing motion and action sequences. Use techniques like speed lines, motion blurs, and action frames to depict movement and enhance the energy of your scenes. Experiment with panel sequences to create a sense of continuity and fluidity, allowing the reader to follow the action smoothly.

  • Break the Boundaries: Don't limit yourself to the confines of traditional panel borders. Breaking the boundaries can add a sense of chaos, freedom, or even surrealism to your storytelling. Let your imagination run wild and consider using overlapping panels, bleed panels, or panels that spill out into the gutters. This technique can symbolize transitions, dream sequences, or symbolic imagery.

  • Control the Pacing: The arrangement of panels can influence the pacing of your story. By adjusting the size, spacing, and composition of your panels, you can control the reader's experience. For slower, more introspective moments, larger panels with ample white space can create a sense of calm. Conversely, for fast-paced action, tight and overlapping panels can convey a sense of urgency and intensity.

Remember, the key to effective storytelling lies in finding the right balance between dynamic panel layouts and maintaining clarity for the reader. Experiment, take risks, and let your creativity shine through. Use dynamic panels to enhance your unique comic book narrative and captivate readers with your visual storytelling prowess.

Stay tuned for more valuable tips and insights brought to you by Tardigrade Press.

Whispers of the Wilderness: A Tale of the Lost Girl

In the vast Canadian wilderness, nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of Saskatchewan, a young girl named Lily found herself lost deep in the woods. It was the 1800s, a time when the untouched beauty of nature held both awe and danger. Lily had wandered away from her village, enticed by the allure of adventure and curiosity, only to become disoriented and separated from the familiar path.

As nightfall blanketed the forest, casting eerie shadows upon the trees, fear began to tighten its grip around Lily's heart. She could hear the distant howls of wolves, echoing through the silent night, and her imagination conjured up all sorts of lurking dangers. Desperation washed over her as she realized she was alone and lost, with no way to find her way back home.

But just as despair threatened to engulf her, a soft rustling caught Lily's attention. Through the veil of darkness emerged a figure, tall and majestic. It was a female sasquatch, her large, gentle eyes filled with a glimmer of compassion. Lily's fear momentarily subsided as she sensed the creature's benevolence.

The sasquatch approached Lily, emitting a low, melodic sound that seemed to soothe the girl's worries. With gestures of reassurance, the sasquatch beckoned Lily to follow her. With a mix of trepidation and newfound trust, Lily complied, her small hand reaching out to grasp the sasquatch's furry, yet gentle, hand.

Guided by the wisdom of the sasquatch, Lily embarked on a journey through the dense woods. They maneuvered through hidden trails and secret clearings, as if the forest itself unveiled its secrets to the sasquatch's touch. Along the way, the sasquatch shared tender moments with Lily, conveying a sense of belonging and protection.

After what felt like an eternity, the pair emerged from the heart of the wilderness into the outskirts of Lily's village. Lily's eyes welled up with tears of relief and gratitude. She turned to thank her sasquatch companion, but to her astonishment, the creature had vanished, leaving only the whisper of the wind as a farewell.

With a newfound appreciation for the interwoven connection between humans and the untamed wilderness, Lily rushed back to her village, where her family awaited her return with bated breath.

The villagers marveled at the sight of Lily, safe and unharmed, recounting her extraordinary encounter with the enigmatic sasquatch.

Navigating Marketing: Social Media vs. The WaterBear Newsletter

Marketing in the digital age is crucial for connecting with audiences. Social media and interactive newsletters are popular strategies, but it's essential to weigh their pros and cons. In this article, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of social media and The WaterBear Newsletter, brought to you by Tardigrade Press.

Social Media Advantages:

  • Wide Reach: Tap into a large audience, increasing brand exposure and potential customer acquisition.

  • Real-Time Interaction: Foster engagement and build relationships through instant feedback and direct communication.

  • Viral Potential: Compelling social media campaigns can rapidly expand brand visibility and reach.

The WaterBear Newsletter Advantages:

  • Curated Content: Enjoy exclusive author interviews, book reviews, and sneak peeks into upcoming releases for an immersive literary experience.

  • Deeper Engagement: Subscribers indulge in a dedicated space, fostering a sense of community and loyalty.

  • Direct Connection: The newsletter establishes a direct line of communication, allowing tailored content based on subscriber preferences.

Conclusion: Choosing between social media and The WaterBear Newsletter depends on your objectives and target audience. Social media offers broad reach and real-time interaction, while The WaterBear Newsletter provides an immersive and personalized literary experience. Consider combining both strategies to maximize marketing efforts.

Subscribe to The WaterBear Newsletter for captivating stories and exclusive content.

Tardigrade Press's Top Pick of the week

A thrilling collaboration between writer Zack Kaplan, artist John Pearson, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. This horror-sci-fi mashup comic has already garnered high praise from those fortunate enough to receive an advance review copy.

In this gripping tale brought to you by Vault Comics, we follow the ambitious Ben Sharp, a Stanford undergrad student with dreams of Silicon Valley success.

As he designs a self-help app, a serendipitous turn of events leads him to unlock a powerful mind control technology.

With the app in his possession, Ben embarks on a mission to use it for good, aiming to help addicts break free from their dependencies.

However, the dark consequences of mind control quickly spiral out of control, and Ben finds himself losing grip on the manipulative Mindset app.

As one of the standout June comic releases, Mindset #1 sets a high bar for the year's competition.

From the preview pages alone, it's clear that this comic exudes an innovative atmosphere, showcasing the creative prowess of the talented team involved.

Don't miss out on this thrilling and innovative comic experience. Mindset #1 is sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats, craving more.

If you have any captivating story ideas or engaging content that you believe deserves to be shared with the world, we invite you to get in touch with us. Tardigrade Press Publishing is always on the lookout for fresh and exciting narratives that will captivate readers and leave a lasting impact.

Whether you have a completed manuscript, a story concept, or any other creative content, we would love to hear from you. Our team of passionate professionals is dedicated to discovering and nurturing talented storytellers.

To submit your ideas or learn more about the submission process, please email us at [email protected] We look forward to exploring the potential of your stories and working together to bring them to life.