The first page for The Harbinger’s Path: Chapter 2 is now up!
This was the first page I finished for chapter 2. I finished it a while ago, and have been working on finalizing the rest of chapter 2’s pages since. Because of this (as I should have foresaw) – when I saw the page yesterday, I saw several things I wanted to adjust.
The main things I wanted to change were the colors, values, and contrast – because when I was previewing the page with the final page from chapter 1 yesterday, I thought the color schemes clashed. I suspect the original version might be more pleasant “illustratively,” but I’m fairly certain the revised version flows better visually when these pages are read sequentially.
I’ll post both versions below to compare:
If the images look similar, try clicking one and flipping between them a few times – this should make the differences more apparent.
As with the first chapter, I’ll also note down the updates here at the tail end of this post – primarily for myself, as it’s helpful for me to see the sorts of updates I need to plan for when handling the logistics of this type of project. It’s also kind of fun to keep a record to look back on down the line. As well, with how fast-paced (and outlandish) things are nowadays, time has a way of slipping by so quickly. If I don’t note down what I did at the time, the memories of what I was even doing at the time are so easy to pass by, or even forgotten. Pages like this post and the physical notebook are ways to help slow me down, and keep track of how much or how little I’ve been able to do – because when I don’t, it often feels like I’m doing very little,. Or that the amount I’m doing is moving along at this glacial pace. Which is still arguable, but at least when I keep track of it, it helps remind me of the small victories. Like posting this page today. :D
Further Thoughts
Adding a few more thoughts I wanted to note down here later in the day – I think I need to preview how pages look on the website earlier than when I’m ready to post them. Even though I can browse through the pages in my files, flipping through them on the website feels different.
Maybe it will only be for this chapter page – because I hadn’t yet tried paging through Chapter 1’s final page and then to Chapter 2’s first page. In retrospect, this was silly not to do. It made me immediately see a number of things I wasn’t satisfied with in the original version, and know what to change to add cohesion.
As well, I’m doing this with page 2 for Ch2 now – and it helps a lot seeing how it reads when flipping from page 1 to page 2. Maybe this is one downside to working on the pages as spreads – it doesn’t give me that “webcomic” page-by-page experience. Which is important to me that it flows properly, since it’s the primary way (I hope) the comic will be viewed.
Comic & Site Updates Log (Ch2)
June 23, 2025
- Chapter 2, page 1 posted.
- Slight UI adjustments:
- Added a “Latest Updates” anchor link to the page index.
- Added additional navigation to chapter 2’s pages.
- Reduced the footer font size for all comic pages to be less obtrusive on mobile.
June 25, 2025
- Chapter 2, page 2 posted.
June 30, 2025
- Chapter 2, page 3 posted.
- Adjusted the updates portion of the Harbinger index page layout to improve readability.
- Headers are now aligned to the left, instead of centered.
- Added “Latest Update” and “Previous Updates” sections.
- Moved the “page updates posted on…” section to below the most recent update, instead of at the bottom of the page. This is for improved visibility on mobile. I might move it back down during shorter updates – it was mainly looking a bit messy and confusing having it all the way at the bottom, above the art gallery.
Add-on Updates: June 30, 2025
- Slightly updated the art for page 3 (small touch-ups).
- Page index UI update:
- The “page updates posted on…” section now only shows on mobile! This was my preference as the desktop version has the links on the sidebar – which disappears on mobile, along with those links. Really glad this cleans up the desktop layout, while keeping the functionality on mobile. :) Hopefully I will not forget the links are there on mobile, since I still mainly use the site on desktop (phones are not ergonomic! I don’t understand how people can use them for so long comfortably).
July 7, 2025
- Slight updates to the Harbinger index page layout to improve readability.
July 9, 2025
- Slight updates to page 6’s art – touched up Malyck’s arm pose to be more correct.
July 14, 2025
- Slight updates to page 7’s art.
- Touched-up Trahearne’s pupils in panel 2 to read more clearly as intended at web resolution.
- Sharpened small detail text for improved legibility.
Add-on Update: July 14, 2025
- Slight update to page 7’s art (final panel).
July 27, 2025
- Slight typography adjustments to Harbinger’s index page.
- Aims to improve legibility.
Some additional changes will go live when the new page (Ch2, Page 11) is posted later today.Decided to make all changes live now!
- Replaced the previous “page updates posted on…” section with “Fun Stuff” section.
- Now displays on on all views, both desktop and mobile.
August 1, 2025
- Reduced top page text for individual comic pages on mobile-only, to increase screen area for certain pages.
August 18, 2025
- Slightly touched-up the title pages for both Chapters 1 and 2.
Archive for Page Index Updates (Ch2)
August 6, 2025: Chapter 2, page 14
9/20/25: Chapter 3 launches on September 29, 2025!
Page 14 now up!
This page’s final line is a callback to one of my favorite lines from the Heart of Thorns initial launch trailer – I always loved its ominous implications. My wish to explore what this line might have signified is one of the major reasons I wanted to draw this comic!
This wraps up Chapter 2! I’m sorry this chapter ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but I promise it is for a purpose. Much of this chapter sets up scenes leading directly into Chapter 3 – Trahearne can only defy Malyck for so long before there are consequences.
Chapter 3 Info
Estimated launch date: September 2025
Progress for Chapter 3 has already begun, and as with Chapter 1’s completion, I estimate being able to post Chapter 3’s pages starting sometime next month. So, please look for it sometime during this upcoming September 2025. I’ll have a more precise estimate as we approach this date.
If you haven’t yet, please also consider signing up for updates through any of the methods right below this section to know when new pages are posted. I will also likely post a few progress images and preview crops as I work on Chapter 3. So, if this might please you, they are here for you to partake in.
Oh! And the title for Chapter 3 is: “Mordremoth’s Favor”
August 4, 2025: Chapter 2, page 13
Page 13 now up!
I always loved the notion of the Pale Tree – and Caladbolg, by extension – being infused with the ideals of Ventari’s (and Ronan’s) vision. It’s such a beautiful part of Guild Wars 1 & 2’s lore.
This is another theme I wish Heart of Thorns had explored – I imagine Mordremoth had many thoughts about it!
Next page on Wednesday! Chapter 2 is almost finished. I’ll have news about Chapter 3 soon!
July 30, 2025: Chapter 2, page 12
Page 12 now up!
Malyck’s upset Trahearne now.
Next page on Monday! We’re nearing this chapter’s conclusion.
July 28, 2025: Chapter 2, page 11
Page 11 now up!
This is another sylvari theme I wish Heart of Thorns had explored more – the bond between Trahearne and Caladbolg. This mythical, legendary blade. It’s easy to imagine how the Mind Dragon might have manipulated this connection, in seeking to weaken Trahearne’s will.
I loved this part of sylvari lore, and Trahearne’s relation with it. One of my favorite parts of the core story is when it hints at his struggle to live up to this legacy, thrust upon him by the Pale Tree, and which he accepted reluctantly. I always loved thinking about how Trahearne ruminated on this from his perspective.
Next page on Wednesday!
July 23, 2025: Chapter 2, page 10
Page 10 now up!
Trahearne’s building up his strength, awaiting his next available opening – little does he know that’s what Mordremoth is anticipating!
Next page on Monday!
July 21, 2025: Chapter 2, page 9
Page 9 now up!
Mordremoth won’t allow Malyck’s resolve to falter, or doubts to fester. Such is the considerate hand of an Elder Dragon sire.
Next page on Wednesday!
July 16, 2025: Chapter 2, page 8
Page 8 now up!
I think Malyck is simply offended by Trahearne’s dismissal of his mushroom foraging efforts.
Next page updates on Monday!
July 14, 2025: Chapter 2, page 7
Page 7 now up!
Look at the plentiful mushrooms Malyck thoughtfully foraged for Trahearne! Surely, he has only the firstborn’s best interests at heart.
New page on Wednesday!
July 9, 2025: Chapter 2, page 6
Page 6 now up!
I believe this is the second time Mordremoth refers to Malyck as his “Lieutenant” in the comic. For a long time – in my mind – I referred to this project and general headcanon as, “The Mordrem Lieutenant and the Pact Marshal.”
Next page updates Monday, starting with a new scene! Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend!
July 7, 2025: Chapter 2, page 5
Page 5 now up!
Why is corrupted Malyck so compelling? Ah! How I wish we could have seen a version of him like this in Heart of Thorns!
Next page updates on Wednesday!
July 2, 2025: Chapter 2, page 4
Page 4 now up!
I ended up wanting to add a bit more to this page when I saw it again tonight. Hopefully it was worth it! Next page updates on Monday, enjoy your weekend!
June 30, 2025: Chapter 2, page 3
Page 3 now up!
I’m posting this page a little earlier than the previous two pages (~11:30 pm local time the night before 6/29, instead of day-of 6/30 during daytime hours). I’d like to see if I can post new pages to this site the night before, and update the RSS and email list the same night. And then, socials the next day.
Doing most of these admin tasks the night before should save some time, mainly with catching last-minute things I end up wanting to adjust. Ideally, it’ll help with having the pages up a bit earlier during the planned update day.
Next update is on Wednesday!
June 25, 2025: Chapter 2, page 2
Page 2 now up!
I’ll have a sketchblog post with some process shots for this page later today (will add the link here when it’s up) Edit June 26: Process post now up!(Took an extra day for the process post, I ended up adding more to it than I thought I would – hopefully some of it is interesting!)
Next page updates on Monday, take care in the meantime!
June 23, 2025: Chapter 2, page 2
Page 2 now up!
I’ll have a sketchblog post with some process shots for this page later today (will add the link here when it’s up) Edit June 26: Process post now up!(Took an extra day for the process post, I ended up adding more to it than I thought I would – hopefully some of it is interesting!)
Next page updates on Monday, take care in the meantime!
June 23, 2025: Chapter 2 Launch
Chapter 2: Visions of a Harbinger begins updating today, with Page 1 now up!
The accompanying launch post has an alternate version of the page with some background info behind it.
I also cleaned up this updates section here to make way for chapter 2’s updates. I kept the launch update from chapter 1 here for now (mostly for myself, to help remind me of how this project’s timeline is going). I also archived the full version for chapter 1’s updates in the launch blog post, and linked it below (again, mostly for myself to keep track of what I’m doing this year).
I’m thinking I’ll keep the 3 latest updates for chapter here from now.
Email Updates (Mailing List)
Want to stay updated, but wish there was an easier way to keep up with this site? I've set up an "email updates" or "mailing list" for this very reason. Check it out below!
New sign-ups currently receive a free PDF for The Harbinger's Path Chapter 1, from my Trahearne & Malyck GW2 fan comic. This version is exclusive to this email list, containing bonus art not currently available anywhere else.
I might change the sign-up bonus in the future, so if you're interested in seeing this PDF, consider joining soon!
You can unsubscribe anytime. Your inbox, your rules!
Or, perhaps RSS is more your style? There exists an RSS for this sketchblog, as well as an RSS for comic projects (currently page updates).
My aim is setting up ways to connect that's more stable than the whims of social platforms. If this interests you, consider signing-up.
Either way, take care and I hope to see you again!
No Comments