We continue serialization of Empowered vol. 12, which proved to be the final volume of the series in this specific graphic-novel format, though I was unaware of that unfortunate reality when I started work on the book.

While I do believe that I might have figured out a viable workflow for future comics projects, one that is based on high-contrast inked artwork, the fact that I'm currently sidelined from producing any artwork due to drawing-arm pain is quite worrisome.  In truth, the level of pain at present isn't truly debilitating; in theory, I could "power through it" and keep drawing.  The problem here, though, is that the specific form of discomfort and irritation I'm experiencing seems identical to the early stages of the worst drawing-arm issues I ever experienced, which took place over 30 years ago when I was inking an issue of Dirty Pair. 

Back then, I stubbornly tried to ignore the pain, and wound up exacerbating my condition to the point that I was constantly experiencing tingling jolts shooting up and down my arm while two of my fingers were almost entirely numb and unresponsive.  So, yeah, I am loath to trigger another full dose of that long-ago repetitive-stress injury.

Continued tomorrow!

Today’s Patreon update: Originally done as a means of scratching out more worktime to complete the long-gestating Empowered vol. 12, I've switched over to a Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday Patreon posting schedule that won't feature the fixed content format I previously used. So, who knows what today's post might feature? Could be Life Drawing or Distressed Damsels content (both of which are featured at least three times per month), or something in the Work Stages, Vintage Con Sketches or Design departments, or possibly something entirely new, such as updates on fantasy test projects The Last Party and The Chaste and the Chained. Golly!