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.

Panels 2-4: Achieving an even gray tone for supposedly "blue" skies with pencils was always a problem for me. The technique I used here was to lay down a fairly uneven base tone with HB pencils, then smooth out the pencilwork with a blending stump or tortillon before adding a final layer of fine, overlaying lines to even things out. (Gotta say, just slapping down a sheet of screentone would've been quicker.)