badspacecomics

Shark Fin Blues

Published: August 27th 2022, 11:20:48 pm

Hi team

This latest comic is proving to be a hard nut to crack - so I thought I'd give you an update while you wait! 

This is the first comic I’ve done directly inspired by a song! I was listening to Shark Fin Blues a few months ago, and it sparked such powerful images, that I decided to turn it into a story. I wrote it almost immediately (although I’ve taken it in a different direction than the song’s intended meaning), but from there I’ve spent a long time trying to polish it. 

It’s a lot more metaphorical than I’m used to, less literal, which is something my very linear brain struggles with. And equally, finding the right images to delve deeper is proving a real challenge! 

Above are a couple of the drawings I’ve abandoned, as not quite working. 

As an aside, that flower image also takes inspiration from someone else. I had this amazing book of political cartoons as a kid, by Ron Cobb, which I still have, and still blows me away today. Years later I discovered he also went on to do design for some of the most well know sci-fi films ever made. 

I included his cartoon here too. The guy is a stone cold genius. 

So, a few more days to go, and coming at you via Missy Higgins, the Drones and Ron Cobb! Thanks for your patience. 🙏

Talk soon

SB