It’s exposition time!
Pacing is really challenging for me here, because for me, Ichiro has been naked under a blanket for over a month, and it really should be time for him to put some clothes on. For someone reading the comic all the way through, it would take a few minutes to read a month’s worth of work.
This is why I need reader feedback. Comments are open! I promise I don’t bite.
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Forward to Page 57 (forthcoming)
Image description:
A six-panel, mostly black-and-white comic page.
Panel 1: In the dark, Ichiro and Resunotek look at each other, Ichiro on the straw cloak under the blanket, and Resunotek seated to the side, facing him. They both look pensive. She has the kimono she was mending folded in her lap.
Resunotek: So you are a samurai.
You saved me from the bandits. Why?
Panel 2: Seen from the waist up, Ichiro recoils, one arm slightly raised in an instinctive, defensive posture.
Ichiro: You were alone.
Panel 3: A slightly closer shot; he returns to his upright posture and flat expression.
Ichiro: Who are you, anyway? What are you doing out here?
Panel 4: Seen from the front, Resunotek sets the kimono aside with one hand and reaches for her basket with the other, lifting the lid. Her eyes are downcast.
Resunotek: You can call me Resunotek. Everyone does. Or they did.
I’m from the northern moth temple. On Moshiri.
Panel 5: A close-up of the egg, held between her hands. The embryonic caterpillar can be seen within. The egg is rendered in translucent green.
Resunotek: There was a fire. A demon in the shape of a fox.
This egg is all that’s left.
Panel 6: Ichiro’s face, his head bowed as he looks up toward the viewer. His brows are furrowed. Something about this sounds familiar.
Ichiro: A demon?
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