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Seren has some very strange attachment issues; the guy doesn’t know the meaning of the word “platonic”, Jason doesn’t have issues: he has whole subscriptions, Liana is the most stable person in the room, and I’m hoping D’mer decides to fry Jason (and I think Liana might just agree that a good, deep tan might be just what the little butt-head needs).
To be fair, Jason’s issues have been exacerbated (I had to look up the spelling) by the Resistance’s brain-washing.
And of course, the era when this comic was written plays a huge part as well. Jason grew up in a more homophobic time, and actually, the past tense isn’t really appropriate there because he’s not grown up yet; he’s still in that teenage zone where there are no shades of grey at all. [sigh]
But yes, I agree he needs a good butt-kicking right now. :/
Angie
Jason is so ready to hurt others when he finds out the world doesn’t and hasn’t turned the way he thinks it should. I know it’s hard to realize that his father was far more complex than he imagined, but really …. He seems to think that love is a zero-sum game, and that any love Aeren gave others means his father loved him less. Twit. Of course, that doesn’t apply to Beys.
I think we still live in a homophobic age.
Remember, Jason was raised in a closed environment and has held on to an ideal image of his parents for years. He’s unsocialized and has no real life experience. I don’t think it’s realistic to expect him to be sanguine about this.
He’s not going to be thrilled to hear about his father’s premarital activities when he has grown up thinking his father is an ideal being. And that is going to conform to Jason’s ideal, not other people’s ideal.
BTW, not that it’s any big deal to anyone but me, but I spent a few satisfying hours organizing the original art files this weekend. After another week, I can get back to finishing off a few commissions.
As a reader, knowing Jason’s limited background does let me tolerate his behavior. It’s so extreme, but you make it understandable. Of course, Liana was just as sheltered, and she takes things in stride better, which is why I end up calling Jason a “twit” – the little sister he disregards handles all this new stuff better than he does.
I think you hit the perfect balance with the characters, Colleen – we can see it right there on the page what’s upsetting Jason (“you’re trying to take my father from me” — even though we can see that isn’t so). It’s always a pleasure to me to come back to pages like this and admire your skill in presenting the characters.
As for further organizing your art files – I’m happy for you (said without sarcasm). I know order sooths you. I wish I were better at it myself.
You really seem to understand where I am coming from and going with the characters.
A big difference between Liana and Jason: Jason would be the protective one who has always tried to shelter his little sister. Liana had the (slight) luxury of being more childlike for a longer time. I think she is more open.
Also, she shares a brain with Seren.
Early in the story, she snaps at Seren “I don’t want to hear any more about my father! Not from you!” But later she mellows.
Jason hasn’t had any intimate contact with Seren, and has been indoctrinated to dislike and distrust him.
Also, he’s just plain jealous of Liana’s connection with Seren.
And yes, being organized is essential for someone like me. My art has never really been in order. But since pretty much everything else, is, putting all the art in its proper place is the goal this year. It’s going to be rough. There’s so much of it, and I simply don’t know how to file some of these sketches.
Here’s hoping that Seren’s crystals are a little more durable than Jason thinks and can survive a temper tantrum.
Welcome to the board, Patricia!
Thanks Colleen! BTW, Could you edit my link to http://www.swiftriver-comics.com? There seems to bee an extra “swiftriver” in there.
It seems to be working fine, Patricia!
I think we still live in a homophobic age.
Of course we do, but there are degrees. Our society still treats its GLBT citizens abominably, but it was significantly worse 25 years ago. That doesn’t mean it’s good now, just that it was worse then.
Angie