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Post by Jade on Jul 16, 2007 15:21:55 GMT -5
Oh my, my comic has gotten so many reviews I was very honored to have my comic accepted in such an important issue; granted this issue had much more entries than normal, but I'm sure that even more people than normal submitted their works as well I'll try to comment on each review; if I missed one, please let me know Thank you to everyone who gave reviews ;D Lol, I'm sure Ami's name confuses a lot of people On a random note, her name is a mixture of words that mean "beloved (kara) water (shui) friend (ami)." She used to be a blue kacheek, hence the "water" Thank you so much for your review Weewoo fans unite! I surely hoped my idea was original, or else I feared someone with the same idea and better art would get accepted instead (like my Monocerous comic that got rejected at first -__-). I wish it was easy My art is not as advanced as other NT artists I admire, but it certainly takes a lot of work for me to make them. I hope with time and more experience with my art program (Photoshop Elements 2.0), it will eventually become easier Thanks ;D It wasn't too hard with copy and paste I made several weewoos in different poses, then pasted them all randomly about the panel. Thanks, I tried my best to make them cute and huggable I'll do my best to explain. The weewoos are selling the NT for a living, and so once the one weewoo knows Ami has NP, he gets all the weewoos selling the other 299 issues (back issues). I don't know if you've ever been near street vendors, but once they see you buy something they'll follow you, trying to sell their wares T_T. I thought it would be cute if the weewoos could only speak their name (like, dare I say it, pokemon do). I'm glad you like Ami ;D Thank you, I'm glad you liked it Thanks It seems a lot of people like my use of soft colors, and so I'm glad I use them It's mostly because softer colors are brighter, and allow the lineart to be seen easier. For instance, Ami's hair is supposed to be black, but I color it as more of a dark gray instead (same as Anveda's fur, which was colored grey even though he was a shadow zafara). Sorry for such a long post, but I felt I needed to respond to everyone who took the time to comment on my comic. Thanks again, and hopefully I'll continue to be in the NT
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Post by Nebulae on Jul 16, 2007 16:04:32 GMT -5
What confused me most, though, was that they ran into the sea. During a storm, my first instinct would be to get as far from the water as possible, which, to my interpretation of this, was always a possibility. Considering that only one of them was a water pet, this was doubly confusing for me. However, once they were in the sea, the writing became intense and furious, and the suspense soared. I could hardly keep my eyes from the screen, and I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation. When it all came to a sudden halt and I was left hanging there as the three were left sinking, I lay back in my chair for a moment and took a deep breath. I am incredibly eager to see what will happen next, but you can bet that as soon as the next issue is out, I'll be there to read the next part. I should have thought of that bit about the sea--now that I reread it, it does seem a bit odd. I'm glad you enjoyed the rest, though. =3 Thanks for the review.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2007 17:34:39 GMT -5
Also, is kai_pawz a member here? I've seen the name before, but those may've only been member collabs. Kai_pawz I know for sure is an activve member. :3 In that case, there's another missing comic: NeoChaos! - Issue 300 Special by kai_pawz and crk524 neopets.com/ntimes/index.phtml?section=345858&issue=300* * * NeoChaos! - Issue 300 Special by kai_pawz and crk524This comic was funny and I liked the joke a lot, though I think it would have been better to have said just a little bit more about the *disaster* in Maraqua. (Though, having been intrigued by this one, I was compelled to know what it was, so I did go back and read your other comics, and they were funny as well.) Your art was also nice, even if it was a bit blurry in places, and I actually think the expressions on everyone's faces in the first panel were as laugh-inducing as the joke itself. ^_^ Good job.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2007 20:49:44 GMT -5
Oh wow, thank-you for the reviews of mine and Kazenkori's comic, everyone! *.* It means so much to me, especially with the vast, copious amount of entries this week! I must say it's a bit daunting... But I read all the comics, plus a few of the short stories and series and stuff, and I enjoyed them all! All the references to white weewoos were making my brain a bit weewoo-y near the end, though. XD
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Post by Kelly on Jul 16, 2007 22:17:12 GMT -5
I will eventually find time to do more reviews, but I loved this story. I didn't think the author was a NTWFer, and I was very happy to find out because now I could write a review! Three Red Roses, Times A HundredThis story was very well-written, as well as being hilarious, and I loved it. So many brilliant one-liners, my favorites being "What do you mean, you don't do flowers?" and when Roxton is preparing to take a dramatic leap over the fence. You really got the sense of each character, and that's an accomplishment considering how little information we got from the plot. I really don't know what to say about this piece. It made me laugh, and I really liked it ^_^ Thanks for reviewing! I had a lot of fun writing this piece, but then, I enjoyed the plot itself a lot too. Yeah. Thanks! I'm doing reviews for half the short stories tonight and (hopefully) the other half tomorrow night... if I don't procrastinate. The Number 300Very cute. It came across with the feeling of a real Neopian family, from the baby pet to the pet obsessed with random objects. I’m pretty sure that Petpets are allowed to talk now, but that’s all right. In any case, it was a nice homage to the 300th issue. Alima's Tales: The Unlucky DayHey, I’ve done that with dropping a bowl before! Only it was a bowl of fettuccini alfredo. And I had just washed the kitchen floor that morning. Anyway, it was an interesting story. It seemed confusing when you skipped from character to character, but was otherwise very satisfying. Revenge of the Golden JubJubI burst out laughing at that coming from a JubJub. I really did. But goodness, the JubJub does look devious from that picture where he’s hiding behind the newspaper. I never noticed before. Anyway, it was a cute and original piece, though it seemed choppy at parts. Good job! The Big 300 and Other IssuesI just love how you put being plagiarized first on the list of things that happened to Mark. That’s so typical of reporters. Anyway, it was a generally lovely piece, and you made the back-and-forth transition from Mark to the others very well. Oh, and congrats on 100 trophies! The Issue 300 BreakAww, very sweet. I definitely felt the sense of a family there, everyone looking after each other. And I can sympathize with Kat; and had many failed ideas before I came up with one that worked. But it turned out all write (booooo) in the end, just like in your story. Anyway, I enjoyed the general style of the story, good job! The Eye of a NewshoundI like the pic. It reflects the character quite nicely. Anyway, though I’ve never read the Ghostchasers series, I still got a good sense of the characters in this. They all seemed well-developed and realistic. The story itself was interesting, and I enjoyed constantly guessing at what Tanya would do next. Very nice, all in all.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2007 22:43:02 GMT -5
You Made It to the Market! Now What? by otherlleft This was an incredible article. The writing was very concise and clean, very easy to read and even easier to understand. The points presented were organised in a fitting fashion and the time each was given seemed sufficient to say what you had to say and move on. You also covered everything of importance that I could think of, so I applaud your thoroughness as well.
I don't think I'll ever make my shop something as grand as could be, but simply knowing that I now know how I would go about doing such is good enough for me. Seriously, this was an incredible article, very informative and fun to read. Great job.
Welcome to Altador by jockylocky This was a fun article to read. Sometimes, things moved a bit too fast for me to follow, or I simply wasn't as attentive as I thought I was, and I had to read back a couple sentences. I enjoyed the humor sporadically added throughout this piece, especially the quarry part. Your use of the second-person was quite innovative, and I liked that aspect of this article; you did it well.
However, I found the description somewhat lacking. I have gone through the entire Altador plot twice (once for myself, and once with my younger brother) and explored the city a lot, so I know naturally what it's supposed to look like. From your writing though, the only thing that really stood out was the fountains (and I'm not sure how someone would see a fountain behind another building, as you seem to point out). A little more description, even just a few words worth here and there, describing the sights better, maybe even the sounds and scents of the city, really would have enhanced this experience quite a bit.
Why We Love the Neopian Times by ummagine3284 This was a very lovely, well-written article that was quite enjoyable to read. I've been avidly reading the Neopian Times for more than a year now, so much of what was said I knew already from personal experience, but I'm sure for those who have just started reading the NT, this article would be all that would be needed to fall in love the paper and look forward to coming back week after week after week. Good job.
Bubble Trouble by pyrorockchik and doughnut215 This article had a good start, and that was good. I think you could have rephrased a few things in your introduction to say the same thing with fewer words, but it was alright. I liked your organization of the different types of bubbles, but, once more, I felt in places you could have reworded things for better conciseness and clarity (one place that really stands out is the nova bubble, where you told of its affect before its appearance).
Also, I took your advice and played alongside reading the article. I restarted a couple times on the earlier levels, but once I got game over at level ten, I just went along and read the article. What I noticed was that, not only was each level guide rather wordy and somewhat hard to follow unless looking at the level itself, most of them repeated the same thing: to look for combos and try to use negative ones to your advantage. I understand how it would be hard to write a guide for this otherwise, seeing as how much of the game itself is based on randomness and luck, yet a little more guiding on how to use a combo, when and when not to use them as well, would have been as appreciated, if not more so, than the level-by-level guide itself.
As for the writing, aside from the afore mentioned wordiness, the inclusion of smileys I was uncertain about. Personally, I feel leaving them out of the article would have been fine. Other than that, the writing was good.
I also enjoyed the inclusion of the link at the end to Seaniitii's petpage. The tips there, I feel, would have made an awesome addition for the guide. I also like the fact that the codes were given there (though I know they probably weren't allowed in the NT, lol). And I loved the screenshots, which certainly made things easier to understand.
With this guide and the accompanying petpage (or vice versa), I think I may at last stand a chance at getting the avatar. :) Good job.
The History of the Neopian Times by zuziafruzia This was a very interesting, informative, and entertaining article. A lot of what was said I knew from perusing Wikipedia and from recalling when the Neopian Times Star avatar was released, as that had been my first inspiration for venturing to start writing for the 'Times (though I'd already been writing before that, and I didn't achieve publication until issue 247). Though I saw a few areas where the subjunctive case could have been used, the writing itself was good and easy to read; as already said, it was fun, too.
This article jumped in how interesting I found it was when I neared the end and started reading about things I did not know before, such as the lost features specifically. Unfortunately, the paragraph after that, the article ended. It ended quite abruptly as well, and I felt as if there should have been more, or at least a more finite-sounding conclusion. I do wish there were more to this, though, as I did enjoy reading it very much, though I do understand how there is only so much that can be reaped from history to have been included for, sadly, much has already been forgotten to the wears of time. Thus said, this was good article and it shall certainly last with the 'Times, I feel.
30 Ways to Celebrate 300 by taipeiss Though simple and rather short, this article was enjoyable to read. A lot of the suggestions were quite creative, and the take-over by Dr. Sloth was a great way to add some humor to the article. Although a few more "doable" suggestions would have been welcome, this article was still well-written and quite fun to read.
Six Simple Steps to Help You Write a Story for the Neopian Times by dragonlover8560 Although I enjoy to follow a more free-spirited path of writing and would simply be struck down following such a *rigid* routine as you describe, I found that you still mentioned quite a few good strategies for writing and good questions to ask during the writing itself and even afterwards to make sure the story is tied up nicely and is the best it truly can be (that is, even I learned a few knew things :smiley:).
The way you presented your information was nicely done and organised well, although a few of the longer paragraphs probably could have been broken down just a little bit in most cases. Your grammar and spelling were nearly flawless (you missed using the subjunctive mood, although I'm the only one who ever notices this -_-), and the writing was easy to follow from beginning to end. Although I didn't quite find the "humor" funny, it helped to lighten this article, which certainly made it easier, and more fun, to read.
Overall, if I were just starting out in my pursuit of writing, I would find this article very helpful. Granted, I'd probably ditch the proposed schedule entirely (xD), but it'd have given me a starting point, and that would be what matters. It's very clear the effort that was put into this, and it turned out great. Wonderful job.
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Post by jockylocky on Jul 16, 2007 23:06:52 GMT -5
Fountains, oh you mean this part? Ah, a little tidbit i gathered from Neopets: The Darkest Faerie videogame I really must try to leave those things out, as it may cause some confusion. Sorry about that, there are 4 waterfalls around the Hall of Heroes. There are a total of 4 sections to Altador, and to each section, there is a waterfall and a staircase. But behind the HoH, you can't see the 4th waterfall/staircase. The another behind it part, and "it" being Hall of Heroes. And there's some more facts about Altador Thanks for the review!
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Post by Tashni on Jul 16, 2007 23:19:17 GMT -5
Revenge of the Golden JubJubI burst out laughing at that coming from a JubJub. I really did. But goodness, the JubJub does look devious from that picture where he’s hiding behind the newspaper. I never noticed before. Anyway, it was a cute and original piece, though it seemed choppy at parts. Good job! Thank you very much for the review! People really seem to like the 6-pack abs bit. xD
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Post by peri on Jul 17, 2007 2:55:28 GMT -5
PRICELESS! - PATJADE AND PERI0NEOlol, I like the spoof of the Mastercard commercials. I think it's odd it made it through - I'm a little disappointed they wouldn't accept it with Droplet in it. It would have fit better, I think, but the Usul works just as well. The only problem is that I didn't realize the Usul was supposed to be the editor of the 'Times until the ending, and I don't know if that was your intent. Thank you for the review! Since I had to throw in the Usul at the last moment, had you seen "Droplet" in her human form, it would've made more sense that she was the NT editor. No other way to show the Usul as the editor except in the first panel she is checking in to her hotel. Thank you for the review, Wolf! Glad you liked it and I'm glad it was finally accepted I do hope Droplet liked the storyline, I know how I feel when I'm on vacation and still get the phone calls and emails Priceless! - by: patjade and peri0neoNice take off of the Mastercard adverts - I'm surprised you got away with the art on that second panel though - eye replacements are a bit gory aren't they?! Thank you for the review! Well, we thought since it's a virtual world, anything goes. And I tried to draw it in a non-gory way. It was a way of playing on the fact that Droplet has to read so many entries her eyes must feel like they are falling out
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Post by Dimi on Jul 17, 2007 7:16:50 GMT -5
Comic Reviews! Pointless Nonsense - Crossover - by: pokemon_lunatic and u_uzzzzzPotion+Negg+Rock = Cake... Do I want to know? Nice comic. Thanks and shush! It's a secret recipe, passed from generation to generation... COMICSPointless Nonsense - Crossover - by: pokemon_lunatic and u_uzzzzz^_^ Cute. The joke itself was okay, but I did enjoy seeing the Wocky running around. I wasn't expecting the end result - I kind of felt bad for that Wocky xDDD Thanks! Wocky? It was supposed to be a Kacheek... Pointless Nonsense - Crossover by pokemon_lunatic and u_uzzzzzI have no idea why any of that would be needed for a cake, but at least it stayed true to the title. *grins* The art was very nice, although the Kacheek's posture sometimes seemed a bit...strange. Overall, a very nice comic. Thanks! :3 Pointless Nonsense - Crossover - by: pokemon_lunatic and u_uzzzzzI like the point of this pointless nonsense Nice cake - did you make extra to share? Sure! *offers, then runs*
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2007 13:24:04 GMT -5
cricket -- Thanks for the review! ^^ Wolf -- Added it. rose_396 -- Sorry it's late, but here is your review: [glow=green,2,300]A Birthday at Sea[/glow] - by: costa_rican_girl I love how it begins with Mistique in a very excited mood. You describe the anxiousness of her very well; it reminds of me an older kid trying to get his or her way! :] I love the fluidity of how Issa speaks vs the way Mistiques talks more excitedly and in smaller sentences -- it is a nice contrast between the two. "And... Why are you so exuberant?” Issa asked angrily. “We are on a pirate ship." I laughed at that one. xD I caught one tiny thing when Cole is talking to Mystique and Issa. He says, "...it’s okay, b’cause now you two can become cabin girls..." Good regionalism with 'b'cause', but shouldn't 'become' be spelled like 'b'come'?" Idk, maybe not! Just a little something I caught. With traveling on a flying ship to Shenkuu, being captured and then evading pirates, and managing to make it back home, this was a great story! I am glad you were able to get it finished in time for 300, too. Good job, Rose!
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Post by kittygirl on Jul 17, 2007 18:32:20 GMT -5
The Number 300Very cute. It came across with the feeling of a real Neopian family, from the baby pet to the pet obsessed with random objects. I’m pretty sure that Petpets are allowed to talk now, but that’s all right. In any case, it was a nice homage to the 300th issue. Thanks for reviewing. I thought they still weren't allow to talk, other than to each other. But for that particular character, Squishy, I decided that he was incapable of movement or speech of any type. It made the whole teaching it how to count more ludicrous because Squishy has never even made a noise.
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Post by Psycho on Jul 17, 2007 19:47:59 GMT -5
I know I haven't finished comics yet - Sort of just wandering around and trying to finish everything >< The Number Three Hundred - Kitty
I am a traditional NT writer in that I don't think petpets should ever talk. Ever. So thank you for that line :3 Overall a cute story. The baby ogrin is adorable ^_^ and I do like the narrating voice you have. It's motherly in a way. The idea of collecting all 300 issues is unique - though I started wondering why Issue 3 was the only one ever made into an item... A few things, though - It seems unrealistic that it would only take a week to track down all those issues. Granted, the more recent copies would take a fraction of the time - but for antiques like Issue 1? I just thought it would have taken longer. A month, at least. Maybe trading in an arm and a leg, something like that You were a little redundant at times - particularly in that one paragraph where you repeated "easy to find" while listing the ones that were "easy to find". Lorliss seemed a little less baby-ish at the end, also. Her voice lost the childishness to it - she said things I didn't think a child would say. I do like the resolution of the story, even though I knew it was coming xD
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Post by Psycho on Jul 17, 2007 20:43:52 GMT -5
Revenge of the Golden JubJub - Tashni
Thanks for the comic review, Tashni, and congratulations for being QotW!!! That is such a great honor, and you certainly deserve it What Nokura said should be a universal excuse. "Your shoes don't match." "I'm an artist." Hmmm I get the feeling that these characters have been used previously and that the reader should be familiar with them. HOWEVER, whether they were used previously or not, I (as a first time reader) felt comfortable knowing who they were and what they were like. My one gripe about this story is that while it is PERFECTLY suited for the 300th Anniversary Issue, it seemed you used the excuse of a short story to write what maybe should have been an editorial-type article. I did appreciate your use of the "original NT mascot", but while he was the subject of your title, he was not hte subject of your short story. The action was over and done with in a matter of paragraphs, it seemed to me, as opposed to being spread and discussed over the course of the article. But I did appreciate what you had to say about the Neopian Times, Tashni. Though the plot was not the forte of this story, it was good to have the anti-NT character and the pro-NT character and then a little excitement to bring everyone together. It was very well written, and there was a little warm fuzzy feeling in my heart reading and thinking about the Neopian Times and what it embodies. <3
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Post by Tashni on Jul 17, 2007 21:27:08 GMT -5
PSYCHO - Thank you so very much for that review! I thought about it, and you're right that my theme was a little choppy. I'm glad you liked it, though. Um, isn't blackcairn NTWF? She has "I Heart You Too" in the short story section. The Issue 300 Break by precious_katuch14 - This was a cute piece. You gave the reader a real tour of your family's characters. I think all of us NT writers identify with the sleepless days and nights of prep for 50th issues. ^_^ The piece was a little slow-moving, however. I couldn't really see much of a plot to it. The characters were all there, they just didn't have a whole lot to do. I Heart You Too by blackcairn - This isn't on the NTWFer list, but this is an AMAZING story! If you have the time, you all should read it. This is really an exceptional story. The emotions run so very deep! Even though I had no idea what was really going on, I found myself completely absorbed.
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