Okay guys, here is the first of the batch of comics Merlin made me WAYYYYYY back when. I've been so behind it's taken me ages to actually use them. I've had to edit this comic a little to get it to fit with where the comic is up to, so I changed the date on the bottom to 2012.The rest were made in 2011 so if you notice the dates are random, its fine, I've just been really rubbish getting the comics up. They WERE made in 2011...nearly 5 months ago! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the next batch of comics, now featuring a 100% more Opal!

Regards
Shauni

Once again, due to my extreme case of lack of motivation and spare time, Merlin over at DHS Comix has stepped in to fill the gaping void that is ROM updates. She's made a nice comic for me that will link in to a few others she made for me a while ago, so until the end of May ROM should update weekly. Keep an eye out on the site for updates every Friday until the tail end of May. Thanks again Merlin for helping out, as as per your comic counter part, you seem to be doing all the work for me!

Regards
Shauni

Yeah, CP24 eh! I don’t even know anything about this channel…I did a search on Google for “Canada News Channel” and this was the first page.

I know people from Canada don’t say “eh” all the time, but it’s just to stress it’s a Canadian channel.

Man, Sutra is a bad egg! We knew about the murder and fraud, but shop lifting? Um, I mean those other things from the news!

ROM is on semi-hiatus at the moment. I have literally no spare time. It’s taken 3 weeks to make this comic, bit by bit! Having a social life is awesome but you just can’t find the time for comics!

Also, Merlin! Yay!

Regards
Shauni

You ho y'all! Okay, sorry about that...I was trying to get everyone excited about the new comic, but I guess it's been that long since an update I should be apologising first!

SORRRRY!

Anyway, today's comic is the first for 2012, and as you can see, Merlin's Christmas comics were actually story comics! Sutra's own personal flash back sequence.

She is currently in her family holiday home in Boston. It may or may not be December there. I figure those cards on the selves are WAY old though myself.

Sutra needs to clean up more often!

Also, its probably obvious that Sutra is using an old phrase here, If your ears get hot, someone is talking about you. There is a similar one where if you sneeze it means someone is talking about you as well.

Hope you all have a nice weekend!

Regards
Shauni

And the Christmas/ Hanukkah / Winter Holidays invasion begins! Merlin over at DHS Comix has made this Christmas Arc this year, kinda like last year.

I know I'm bad for updates over Christmas, and for having Winter Holiday arcs running until Summer, but Josiah already has all of the comics, so it's all good!

The updates run until new year!

I hope you all have a wonderful Winter Holidays!

Merry Christmas
Shauni

And the Christmas/ Hanukkah / Winter Holidays invasion begins! Merlin over at DHS Comix has made this Christmas Arc this year, kinda like last year.

I know I'm bad for updates over Christmas, and for having Winter Holiday arcs running until Summer, but Josiah already has all of the comics, so it's all good!

The updates run until new year!

I hope you all have a wonderful Winter Holidays!

Merry Christmas
Shauni

The sad news that stopped an update last week was that my 13 year old German Sheppard, Leah, passed away on Friday two weeks ago today. German Sheppard’s have a know weakness of the hips and only have a life expectancy of 9-11 years. Leah had a long and happy life, and brought so much joy into mine.... She will be missed always.

Anyway....thanks for being so patient with me over the last couple of weeks. I did my British Sign Language Exam on Tuesday and should have a little more free time until the next exam in a few months. This comic marks the end of Silver's mini arc in this current chapter, and Sutra will be moving onto Jeff and Opal after Christmas.

Next week will see the first Christmas invasion comic by Merlin over at DHS Comix I promised I wouldn't do a Christmas Arc this year, and like last year Merlin has taken it upon herself to do one instead!

It has come out very well, and we have worked together this year on the story line, and it is relevant to the current chapter...so please don't be disappointed about the change in direction, it isn't really a different story, but a foot note to the current one that might better help flesh some of the new characters out!

Also, all the comics are all already done! This arc will be over in little over a month! The updates start next week and will run until new year!

Also, Merlin has done an awesome drawing of the Dryads. You can see it here on the site under “ROM Fan Art” or here on her DA Account! Thanks you crazy lady!

Thank you to everyone that is still sticking with ROM through the lean updating months!

Lets hope new year will be a better outlook for ROM and everyone!

Regards
Shauni

Okay, first of all sorry about the missed updates, I have my collage exam in 2 weeks and I’ve been stressing about it trying to study in my spare time, that and a few other things involving real life knocked me off my updating streak. Check out what

As for next week, something has come up for next weeks update so there won’t be a comic next Friday. I don’t really want to talk about it now, but I’ll tell you after it happens...

Anyway, after I make one more comic at some point before the end of the month, I have 3 comics that Merlin made for me a while ago that are a part of this story line, I couldn’t use them until now because they were to far done the plot line to use, but now there not. Basically after one more update, there will be 3 weeks with comics in a row, so please regularly check the site again.

Also, like last year, Merlin didn’t take the news well that I wasn’t making a Christmas story arch, so she has made her own! They will be updating in the month of December, one a week, so December is covered as well.

Comic related stuff including the famous quote “Hasta la vista, baby”

Regards
Shauni

Okay, just a reminder in case you haven’t read the news, ROM updates are random at best because I’ve got a lot on with collage. Keep an eye out on this status thread on the forums for up to date information on updates of the comic until you hear otherwise from me!

Also, I PROMISE I’m not doing a Christmas arc this year, ROM comics will update as normal over the holidays, just to stop you worrying about a bonus arc taking over a year haha.

Check out Merlin’s comic for a bit of Shauni moonlighting action as well! Also, when I FINALLY do it, there will be one more guest comic I am making for Merlin. I’ve said it now so I have to do it! HA!

Terminology!

Bluebottle: UK, an archaic derogatory term for policeman that may have derived from Cockney rhyming slang and from the action of police when responding to a serious incident, as "swarming like Bluebottles", or blowflies.

Don’t forget to “like” my entry in the competition I’ve entered! PLEASE!

Thanks!

Regards
Shauni

Hello all! Sorry there is no ROM comic yet, there will be one next week though, maybe on Wednesday so keep an eye out!

If you are on facebook, please vote for my entry in the "Ensorrowed Competition", just click that you "like" it!

Thanks in advance!

Regards
Shauni

I’m back at collage, part time, doing a British Sign Language Course. It takes up my Tuesday afternoons and a few extra hours during the week for homework, so I’m a little pushed to fit in doing ROM the comic as well as everything else that life throws at me! Updates should still be once a week, but the update day may change or the odd week skipped when things really get on top of me! That is why there was a missed update last week! Sorry!

Keep an eye out on this status thread on the forums for up to date information on updates of the comic!

Regards
Shauni

Merlin is currently travelling, so I’ve made her a few guest comics. Take a look! I’ve made 5 so it’s worth checking back a few times!

Comic related, APB is an “All-points bulletin”. It typically contains information about a wanted suspect who is to be arrested by police on site.

As you can see from the report, Sutra’s wanted status seems to have gone up a bit from “wanted in connection to” to outright “murder”…

Keep on trucking!

Regards
Shauni

I love UK slang, but some people over seas might not get it, so here is the translation!

"won't be a mo” becomes “I will not be a moment”

That is all.

Haha, sorry, I just don’t have anything to write about really.

The fire truck and ambulance were based on a Google search for “Kansas Fire Engine” and “Kansas Ambulance”. If they are wrong I’m sorry in advance, but I did try!

I even tried to get the colour of the fire fighters uniform right!

Regards

Shauni

Just a quick reference to “The Wizard of Oz” in the last panel there!

Just a nod to Merlin as well, as I’ve done a few comics for her while she’s travelling. They should be being used in the next few weeks or so, so keep an eye out for them!

If you want to help her out, why not make her a filler comic yourself?

Keep in touch
Shauni

There is no word strong enough that I can put into a comic that would go uncensored here. I get the impression Sutra swears like a coal minor when something unexpected happens.

Silver's face here is the classic depiction that anime does of “The Scream” by Edvard Munch.

I just like the face that he is pulling. Sutra is just “wide mouthing” it.

Amy just isn’t bothered…she’d give Miser a run for her money on the greed side there…

Keep watching the skies!

Shauni

I’m worried about today’s comic and its content in relation to starting fires in shops being taken the wrong way, so let me put you at ease straight away.

The timing is really terrible. This comic is in no means a reference to the UK riots currently going on and is neither a comdemnation nor support of any action taken by anyone during these events. It just so happens that this point in the story has sadly fallen on a week where it could be considered a little controversial or close to the bone to UK residents.

I am horrified by the event of the last week which I shall discuss below, and would never make a reference to them in my comic for comedic value. The events in this comic are unrelated, and as you can tell, it is actually an accident in the ROM world story that will cause the shop to catch fire.

And now to the riots.

These riots are getting ridiculous...

Just a heads up to my friends and readers that are in other countries, I'm fine. The UK riots have only hit major inner city areas at the moment. I haven't seen so much as a burnt out car.

And it seems the British Weather has come to the rescue.

"A huge police operation and heavy rain in some areas appear to have prevented a fifth night of disorder."

The looting and vandalism seems to be under control now, at least the news didn’t report any more riots yesterday, just the aftermath of the last 5 days. I send my condolences to everyone affected by this terrible event.

I’d like to direct you to this website if you want more information on were exactly the riots have been taking place, just in case you have friends here and are worried about them.

Regards
Shaun

I hope this comic makes it to the main page on Friday. I sent it to Josiah on Wednesday in the hopes he will get it before he leaves and his internet becomes “a little iffy”. It all depends on the internet in his hotel.

Either way, I’d like to direct you to the gallery to see an alternative version of this comic I have done for Merlin’s birthday. It may be late, and it may be lazy, but that is meant to be a Vauxhall Mini to replace her broken car Douglas.

Also, don’t forget you can see textless ROM comics on the gallery as well!

Regards
Shauni

I’ll get the bad bit out of the way first. I’m on holiday next week so there won’t be a ROM comic next Wednesday. Sorry! I’ve not had time to make another comic. I arranged some fillers, but I’m that slow at updating I can’t use them in the storyline yet.

Sutra’s little apology seems to have been rehashed from one she did before.

Just a note, in the real world a cigarette butt wouldn’t usually cause a fire that quick, unless the cereal was coated in petal (gas to our American readers).

I sure hope it isn’t…but still, weirder things have been added to food…

Hope to see you all not next week but the week after!

Regards
Shauni

Sutra explains it a little in the comic, but a Savant is someone that is an expert or exceptionally gifted at one thing, Silver is a savant of monster games, which will be established a bit better during these comics. I’d like to think I got the message across with the amount of info he has on Pokémon, even ones he doesn’t like, available to him straight away.

It should do him well in the monster realm of Orca.

I wonder it that is why Sutra is targeting him…or maybe she attacks random people in the street.

Regards
Shauni

Yeah…Continuity
Silver was holding 2 DS games and then suddenly he is still holding his Pidgeot Cereal…in the same comic…

I was actually done colouring when I noticed…at 23.43pm on Thursday…

I’m so lame…I just made that speech bubble and a shifty eyes Shauni head to cover my mistake…hope you guys don’t mind.

Comic side, seems Silver is a little more agile than Josiah…or just more naturally suspicious of strange women.

Either way, the Mokujin Substitution has been in two comics so far…doesn’t surprise me Sutra is mixing up one realty for another…

Hope to see you all next week

Regards
Shauni

Sutra’s little pro Swellow, anti Pidgeot speech came completely by surprise from Shadowman via a PM I read a few days ago, I was all ready to spend ages researching some facts for Sutra’s rebuttal when they were neatly provided for me. Sutra’s speech is not word for word what he wrote, but it’s basically the same thing.

Speaking of speech, finally have the transparency of the speech bubbles right, so that you can actually read what I’ve written!

Also, Flame orb relevance and why Sutra was about to mention it before she was interrupted.

This comic has caused me a lot of problems due to the text heavy content. I had to re-do the text boxes three times before I got them even a little bit right, and they still don’t look perfect.

I didn’t want to do three or four comics with this stack of information which helps establish Silver doesn’t hate Swellow just because he doesn’t like the way it looks. It establishes an intricate knowable of the mechanics behind Pokémon on Silver’s part, and it was important for his character development as a gifted monster handler in later comics.

If you are finding the comic hard to read, the below is the full content, with a few useful links.

“This Pokémon is “Pidgeot”. It’s is the most awesome flying Pokémon in the franchise, bar none. It has a solid set of stats, making it both a good attacker and defensive Pokémon. It learns some good moves like “Hurricane” levelling up and its natural abilities are some of the best. “Keen Eye” is an ability that prevents Pidgeot from getting lower accuracy. It also makes it less likely to encounter low-levelled wild Pokémon. “Tangled Feet” …not so good, but useful sometimes! Plus, it looks awesome! I mean, look at it! Its shiny form is even better; it is literally a golden Pokémon!

“Swellow” on the other hand is the WORST Pokémon ever made! Argue all you want about its speed being high and all that, but its rubbish at taking a hit and has a crappy move set…

8 moves from level up! Come on! “Guts” is a decent enough ability I guess, raises the “Attack” stat by 50% while affected by “Burn”, “Paralysis”, “Sleep” or “Poison”, but the dam thing isn’t around long enough to make a difference, and what’s the point if it’s paralysed or asleep?!

As for the ability “Scrappy” it’s picked up recently…don’t get me started! So it lets Ghost-type Pokémon be hit by “Normal” and Fighting-type moves…it only learns “Quick Attack”! Nothing else benefits from that ability! And esthetically…it’s just a rip off! Look at it; it has nothing going for it at all! No unique build, no fancy tail! It’s fail incarnate!”

Hopefully this comic finds you on Friday. Updates have been a little…unreliable this last few weeks (totally my fault becuase I keep putting off colouring them), so please refer to this updates thread until updates return to normal.

Also, Silver is totally right about the base stats of Pidgeot and Swellow. Check them out!

Regards
Shauni

To start, sorry this comic is late. The artwork was done on Thursday, but I didn’t get a chance to colour it until Saturday.

And here is the much anticipated human appearance of Silver Smith!

Most readers that have an account on the forums will know the real life Silver.

Some of you…well, all of you will know how much he hates the Pokemon Swellow.

You may also finally realise a reason that the Regal Talon and Moen look the way they do…might be giving away a future motive there LOL

Keep tuned for another comic on Friday

Regards
Shauni

A lot has happened in the world this week that I could talk about...

I understand that the issue of Osama Bin Laden's death is probably the biggest news this year, and I could talk about how I feel on the issue, speculate on the various conspiracy theories that have already started to circulate or state my opinion on the man himself...but I'd rather talk about nice things in my news post....so I'll leave it at that.

The Royal Wedding took place last Friday and went of without a hitch in my opinion. Kate Middleton look beautiful in her wedding dress, all the bride's maids were ever cute and Prince Harry (The Best Man) suddenly looked very attractive in that uniform....ahum, anyway....

I't made me very proud to be British watching the gathered crowd proceed down towards the Palace to watch The Kiss. It made me realise, that even in the current economic and social unsteadiness of the recession, a nation can still come together and find something to celebrate.

On that note, I'd like to direct anyone interested to the Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton Charitable Gift Fund

Keep safe people, and tell the ones closest to you that you love them every day.

Also, Pokemon Cereal is very much real.

Regards
Shauni

Today marks the Royal Wedding of Prince William & Kate Middleton. It marks an unexpected but very much welcome Bank Holiday for the United Kingdom. I’m currently off work and intend to watch the big event on TV.

It’s a big deal for the UK and even though I don’t personally keep up to date with the Royal’s, I’m happy that they are getting married and wish them all the best on there big day. Lets hope it doesn’t rain! It’s been beautiful weather and awful weather all at the same time!

As far as I am aware the wedding should be being broadcast in a lot of different countries, so why not catch a bit of British pomp and glory!

Regards
Shauni

Merlin is once again moonlighting here at ROM instead of making her own comics!

Here is some Australian slang for you! I may have assumed this information here is correct! Do not contradict me!

Jingoes - exclamation of surprise.
Go for broke - to risk all ones capital.

Also, Port Elgin, Ontario!

Also, it is my birthday on Saturday! Hurray! 26 already….

Regards
Shauni

It doesn’t say it in the comic yet, but the new lady riding the bus here is Merlin from DHS Comix!

In a few weeks you will see a few comics draw by Merlin for ROM. It is part of a character exchange ROM and DHS Comix have done!

Merlin is playing herself here, and in case you didn’t know, Merlin is Austrilian and currently living in Canada…wait, doesn’t another ROM character live in Canada…eh?

Terminology!

Blimey is British slang (I’m guessing that means it is Australian slang as well!) It is an exclamation of surprise or annoyance. Limey is an old slang nickname, often pejorative, for the English…which is not used in the United Kingdom at all…. 

Anyway!

Have a nice weekend!

 Regards
Shauni

Merlin is still hosting Feathey Shauni over at DHS Comix. Why not go and take a gander? Feathey Shauni has all sorts of wicked cool powers. Also, at the end of this chapter there will be some guest comics by Merlin here on ROM! If I ever get to the other characters you can look forward to seeing Opal and guest character Merlin having a similar kerfuffle like Sutra and Josiah have had!

Oh! My news post is full of English!

Hope you all have a good weekend!

Regards
Shauni

Hey! I’ve technically had 3 comic updates this week! Check out this comic and this comic over at Merlin’s Place! Seems Shauni has a new job!

Notes on today’s comic!

Yes that is THAT Sutra Éclair. 

This is the correct spelling of Éclair, not Leclair like in Project Sutra. The one in the comic is the correct spelling, like the pastry. 

Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport is apparently the biggest airport in Arizona. I can neither confirm nor deny this. I don’t even know how close it is to Tempe. I just wanted a real airport.

Also Interpol and CEO

Hope you enjoy the weekend!

Regards
Shauni

He ya’ll! I made a guest comic for Merlin over at DHS Comix! Why not go take a look? 

Quick news update today, it’s rather late as I type this and I need to go to bed! 

Just a note on “Blobby Bobby”. The slang word “bobby” is a chiefly British term for a police offer. I’m not sating this directly anywhere, but with “mobile phone” and now “bobby”, you should begin to guess Sutra’s nationality. I wasn’t originally going to give Sutra a country of origin, but I decided I liked the idea of her being from where she is, so I can have the American characters misunderstand her a lot while also understanding her....basically having her speak English but not American English

Regards
Shauni

This week is a Wednesday-Friday update to make up for the fact there wasn’t a comic on Friday.

Don’t forget to check the forums for up to date comic news!

Regards
Shauni

The expression “No skin off my nose” is a fairly common one in the UK, but I’m not sure if it is world wide. It’s basically something that you say which means you do not care about something because it will not affect you. “I don’t care because I won’t be effected”.  I tried to find the origin of the phrase but the internet wouldn’t give me a straight answer. It either stems from 19^th century theatrical circles, or boxing. If anyone if interested in looking up the origin, let me know!

Regards
Shauni

ROM updates return every Friday or Monday for as long as it takes to get this stupid bonus arch over and back to normal comic!

Keep watching the web! The comics ARE coming! The comics ARE coming!

Regards

Shauni

Keep tuned for more updates and FINALLY the fabled Origins of the main protagonists!

Also, go check out Merlin’s Cat Contest! She needs more contestants!

Regards

Shauni

Hello all my lovely readers! (The ones that are actually left!). ROMs most super-est friend Merlin has once again come to the rescue and done us a lovely little filler art! 

I'm so very sorry about update delays and not posting any news for so long...With persistent PC problems (I got one fixed then got another one!) and real life events (Easter, my Birthday and helping out family with different things, not to mention a full time job), plus a MAJOR creative flow blocking, I've decided to consed defeat and put ROM on hiatus (again...) until mid May. Now, there are a few reasons that the hiatus my last even longer that past May (my little sister is having a baby and is due in May!)but that is the date I'm setting for now.

As astute readers will know, Lilly’s mother Maple is referring to this event all the way back in chapter 2, where Lilly ran into Ivy again for the first time. Obviously “Evergreen” takes place after the Dark Edge Invasion mentioned in Chapter 4 and before the current story line. I like all the expressions the characters are showing in this comic. As depressing as they all are they were fun to draw. 

On another note, check out the guest comic I did for Merlin. As well as the sequel that hasn’t been used yet!

One more note. Here is the textless, full images from this week’s comic! 

Regards
Shauni

Just wanted to link you to a Naruto Shippoden Fan animated I found on youtube. It’s been done wonderfully, and depicts "Hinata’s Confession" in the anime style. Don’t click either of the links if you don’t want Shippoden Spoilers. Just a note for people that actually speak Japanese, the voices were taken from Naruto and Bleach episodes and do NOT match the subtitles. It’s still been done very well.

Also, on a final note, I’ve done my guest comic for Merlin. Today is the last day to submit something so be quick!

See you all next week!
Regards
Shauni

Hey ya'll. My friend Merlin over at DHS Comix is going away and needs some guest comics. I'm going to be making one for her when I get a chance, so if you read Random Encounter or New Game, why not help her out? 

I'd also like to wish my Grandma and Grandad a Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary for this Saturday!

See you all next week.

Regards
Shauni

Hello readers! I have a new ROM related e-mail address for all comments about Realm of Monsters. The address is realmofmonsters@googlemail.com. For my online friends with my old e-mail address, I ask you to keep using the one you have, as that is now my personal inbox for non-ROM related mail. Any readers that wish to contact me should use the googlemail.com address. 

Things are going well on my end, but I will warn now I’m having a few major problems with my home laptop so I’m taking it to be looked at this weekend. Hopefully ROM updates won’t be interfered with, but just to pre-warn you if I go “online silent”. 

Regards

Shauni

First real ROM comic of the year by yours truly!

Right gang! Let’s get our English to Dryad dictionary out!

“Silver Wood”: The female Dryad of Royal families turn an almost Silver colour when they turn into tree. It signifies them as important members of a group of pregnant women within a forest. The term was taken from the silverback gorilla. A silverback is an adult male gorilla, typically more than 12 years of age and named for the distinctive patch of silver hair on his back. A silverback gorilla has large canine teeth that come with maturity. Silverbacks are usually dominating males within a gorilla group.

Drift Wood: Dryad women that are not from any given family group. They move from location to location with the seasons. Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto a shore or beach of a sea or river by the action of winds, tides, waves or man. It is a form of marine debris.

Brass Wood: An unflattering nickname for Upper-class Dryad. Taken from the term “top brass”. It is an informal name for the most important or high-ranking officials or leaders in any given industry.

Barking: The process in which a Dryad’s skin hardens during the last stages of pregnancy to protect the mother.
Rooting: The process in which a Drays roots to the ground and takes in there needed substances from the ground in the last stages of pregnancy.

Well, with all that out of the way, it’s time to remind you there is no comic Friday, seeing as it is Christmas day!
If I don’t see you before New Year…
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Regards
Shauni

Azalea’s little comment here refers to the old pun “Make like a tree and leave”, obviously the actual tree lady has never heard it before.

The name Azalea was chosen due to the plant like most Dryad names are. I chose the name because all parts of the plant are poisonous and cause nausea, vomiting, depression and breathing difficulties, but it is rarely fatal. This reminded me of her personality 100% She is a…shall we say, not a very nice person. There is a word for her that I’m thinking of, but it isn’t very polite.

The next comic will be Monday, not Wednesday, so keep watching!

Regards
Shauni

Sorry for the sudden interruption in the story line, but I needed to get my Christmas story arc going, and with all the delays caused by me moving house, it interrupted the comic story line.

There will be a ROM comic Christmas special story line running from this week to New Year. This year’s bonus arc is called “Evergreen”, and is another Dryad centred arc. I love the Dryad race; they are my favourite in all of Orca, but unlike last year this story line takes place a little closer to the cast characters. It is actually a character origin story line, so in the long run is relevant to the main story.

An update every Monday and Friday every week until the Christmas comics are done, then a hiatus until after New Year. This comic was actually ready for a Monday update, as the schedule said it would be, but Josiah found himself “spending most of last night in a dangerous battle against the forces of evil” Thankfully he was victorious, but forgot to check his e-mail, he goes “now to undertake the dark and dangerous task of updating this ROM comic on Wednesday! Fear not comrades, for I shall triumph!!!” If you are reading this he did. Although, I think I’ve seen that excuse somewhere before...

I hope you like the story!

Regards
Shauni

Haku’s attack name may give away what he is about to do, but just in case you are thinking “mitosis what?”, here is a quick explanation. It’s to do with cell division!

Mitosis is the name for the way that a cell duplicates itself so that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of its genetic material. At the end of mitosis, there will be two cells instead of one. They will be identical to each other.

Just in case you still don’t understand what mitosis is, here is a little song I found on youtube

If you still don’t get it, nothing to worry about, all will be shown next week.

I remember one episode of Sabrina the teenage witch called “The True Adventures of Rudy Kazootie” were her boyfriend Harvey walked around most of the episode trying to study Mitosis.

“Mitosis is...Mitosis is...”

If I remember right, they don’t actually get any further…

Regards

Shauni

Gah...I drew and coloured this comic on Wednesday night. All I had to do was scanning it and add the text and speech bubbles...so I went to my Mum’s to enjoy Bonfire Night with my family.

That was a bad idea!

It has been raining in England on and off for 4 days now. Major floods and everything. We couldn’t get a fire going for ages, and my Mum had a ton of garden waste she needed to burn. You see, Bonfire night is very popular with younger people who enjoy a night out and some fireworks, for older people, it presents a rare opportunity to burn rubbish legally without a permit and in “smoke free zones” like the one where she lives. This means she can’t burn rubbish EXCEPT for Bonfire night, were it is perfectly okay. We spent the best part of an hour burning anything paper-ish to keep the VERY wet wood and branches burning. We even ended up burning Christmas catalogues.

In the end, we needed my Dad to use petrel (Gasoline to the rest of the world) to get it really going. Nearly lost my eyebrows but spectacular none the less.

We got most of it burned, I went inside, and promptly fell asleep on my Mum’s sofa, only to wake up at 10.30pm. I rush home and got working straight on ROM, getting finished at about 11.30pm.

I smell rather like smoke now, my cough has been rather aggravated and I’m dead tired

Also, here is me at Halloween.

Regards

Shauni

As I have hardly updated the gallery, I’ve decided I’ll start uploading textless versions of ROM comics as speech bubbles do obscure the artwork. Here is the first one.

Also, random link! Bear Nuts the comic deals with a few teen themes in a cute way with psychotic bears!

See you all next week!

Regards
Shauni

I’d like to thank Merlin  for the awesome guest comic. I liked it so much I decided to make it canon! She’s taking over! LOL

Also, I’d like to point your attention towards some familiar dudes that are doing a bit of moonlighting over at Random Encounter. I direct your attention to the middle panel down on the third row. I can make out, in order from left to right, Shauni, Silver, Jeff, Josiah and Opal!

Thanks for the wonderful presents this week Merlin!

Regards

Shauni

Hello their children, this is Shauni, live from my living room! Today we have the promised bonus comic for DoodleShark who won the Fallout 3 quote question  a few weeks ago. 

Also, as most of you may remember, Merlin over at DHS Comix was asking for guest comics. I’ve made her one, but I don’t know if and when she will use it, so for now you can see it on the gallery.  

That’s all she wrote children!

Until next time, this is Shauni, over and out!

Congratulations to Doodleshark for winning the competition last week!

Not much to report, so I’ll see you next week!

Regards

Shauni

Hey everyone! There hasn’t been an update on a Monday for a very long time!

Just three things worth mentioning today. ROM should be updating on Friday, which means that’s two comics this week.

The gallery has a new series called the Scribble Theatre. There little more than doodles really, but they are a prep work for future projects I’m working on.

Last but not least, Merlin over at DHS Comix needs some filler guest art and comics. I’m helping her out, so if you can you should too!

Regards
Shauni

I'm glad I used Silver's catch phrase here. I nearly forgot! 

Regards
Shauni

I made my first ever batch of Chocolate Rice Crispy Cakes for my friend’s birthday yesterday. I know it isn’t really cooking but I was proud of how they came out.

I started a thread to post any cooking recipes or post pictures of things you make. It is a useful and fun reference!

Regards
Shauni

I’ve found a new way to resize my images that lets me keep a better picture quality after I reduce the image size so it will fit in the frame. It isn’t much but I think it makes the comic look more standardised, giving it a slightly more professional look.

Regards

Shauni

Most of you should know by now that pop sensation Michael Jackson died last week. There is a forum thread here B.T.W if you want to comment or you can go to the official website. 

I grew up listing to this man, watching him at his height, then watching the media rip him to shreds, watched him go threw wave after wave of allegations, saw him become a media joke, descend into nothing but speculation, controversy and indecent allegations. I lost my faith in a lot of things after seeing him fall. I thought to myself I didn’t care anymore, that I’d left my fondness for him with my childhood, but when I heard he’d died, I felt like my heart had been ripped out. 

I want to remember him like this. 

Also, on a related note, the best Final Fantasy, Thriller cross over EVER.  

And just because it is cute.

Should be a comic next week.

Regards

Shauni

And……we are back!! An update. I almost forgot what those looked like!

I’ve just moved out within the last month from my parents and in with my boyfriend Rowie! There has been a lot of work gone into moving and setting up our first home together, and I’ve just not had the time to think about updates with trying to get everything sorted.

Things happened so quickly! I found a place, and within two days I had the keys! There wasn’t even time to make fillers!

Things seem to be a lot more settled now and I can get into some kind of schedule. If all goes well, we will be back to weekly updates!

Loving living with my lovely Rowie XxX

Same time next week!

Shauni

I managed another story comic on time…things are looking good for updates. Next week I have lots of time off work so I might push for two comics…maybe even an extra comic for “Orca Mystery Dungeon” as a thanks to all the readers for putting up with so many delays!

See you next week!

Regards

Shauni

FINALY! I never thought we would see the last Christmas comic! this was supposed to run over December and mid January at most, but thanks to a few different things here and there I only got it done mid April! GAH!

Just a final note for this comic series, the Winter Solstice isn’t a religious holiday here or in Orca.  The seasonal significance of the winter solstice is in the reversal of the gradually lengthening nights and shortening days. Basically, the coming of spring.

Thank you for everyone patience….I can proudly say, next week return to the Onett holy ground for the conclusion of that battle that’s been going on for years!

Regards

Shauni

I finally got "The Wild" on DVD and I'm watching it while I write the news update, so its gunna be brief…I will say this however, Nigel the English koala is awesome! 

Also, the lion is called "Sam" ^_^ 

I'll have a review of the movie next week!

Regards
Shauni

Heya there people. For a while on Deviant Art, which hosts the galley, I was reading a naruto fan comic called  “Naruto Tensei”. I’ve read a lot of Naruto fancomics since I got into the series but this one is the best. The artwork looks like its come straight from the anime and the story line is compelling and well told. The fact it has a living 4^th Hokage helps as I love that guy! Also check out their other Naruto fancomics hosted here.“Captured” is a very well told, dark look at how the Naruto series could pan out, there other work “Henge” in contrast is very light hearted, but also as good as both the other comics. A must read!

Nothing else much to add really except I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Regards
Shauni

It seems the Dryad who stole Christmas has been stolen herself by Merlin! They seem to be doing a little moon lighting! 

Nothing else much to say except I’m sorry the comic isn’t fully shaded, but I’ve been swamped since last week.

See you this time next week. Check in on Wednesday, there may be a comic!

Regards
Shauni

Today's comic comes from my old friend Merlin over at DHS Comix who sent it to me last week. I liked it so much, a decided to make it an actual part of "The Dryad who stole Christmas" story line. Keep an eye out for a gallery update for a return present to Merlin.
Have a good weekend everyone!

Regards
Shauni

Hello! As you can see, I’ve managed to update again. I’m really enjoying using this new laptop, it’s a god send! It’s so much better than my old PC. It doesn’t freeze up mid comic making, and it can run music at the same time, so I’m not bored!
See you all next week everyone!

Regards
Shauni

The two character in the bottom of the comic here are Lili and her golem. They are characters of Wriggle Nightsparrow who is a forum member I know from “The Realm of Gadigan”

It’s an RP forum that Josiah and I both play. I recommend you check it out! Next week is looking good for a comic update, so I’ll see you all then!

Regards
Shauni

I’ve been planning to do ‘The Dryad who stole Christmas’ for three years. The idea originally came to me in 2006, but it came to late in the year and I’d already done a competition for a guest writer. Last year I went with ‘The Snowbird’ because I wanted to have another competition, in which readers designed snowmen that would appear in the special comics.
This year I am in a rather ‘old sage’ mood, so I decided to tell my very carefully planed holiday special.

I hope you enjoy it, and just so you know, the story is actually one told in Orca for the ‘Winter Solstice’ that was celebrated in ‘The Season’
I’m going to try an update twice a week, but I’m out 2 days and 3 nights a week, so it may be a push.

Feedback is welcome!
 
Regards
Shauni

I’d like to wish my Mum a Happy 44^th Birthday, which is actually today! I actually got her the present as well! What? NO! Not the biro! The flowers!
 
Anyway, sorry there was no comic last week and I didn’t get two done to make up for it, but I actually have some news, as of next week, the ‘ROM Holiday special’ story arch is about to begin! Up until after Christmas, ROM is going to be doing a holiday themed story line like we have done before!

This year shall be ‘The Dryad that Stole Christmas’

Enjoy the weekend!

Regards
Shauni

This is the first time in a while I’ve actually got two comics out in one week. I admit, last Wednesdays comic was a bit of a cop out, being only one image, but it was originally going to be one last Friday, so I’m rather pleased with my effort.

The dialog….lines that refer to ‘The Forest of Death’ arch of the Naruto anime. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio http://en.narutopedia.eu/wiki/Team_Ino-Shika-Cho are trying to decided if they should risk there lives to save one of there friends, or use the fact they haven’t gotten involved yet to get away. If you think about it, Josiah, Opal, Silver and Jeff are way in over there heads. I personally don’t know what I’d do in there situation either. Wade in, run away or just stand there and watch.

Silver was originally going to refer to ‘The Battle against Gara’ from Naruto here, but it felt too forced and I wanted all of our readers that haven’t discovered anime to understand Silver’s point. There isn’t going to be much of a graveyard left after this battle.

See you all next week!
Regards

Shauni

Just a quick news update today. Since her creation, I have been planning on having Ivy be a trained Kunoichi (female ninja). Some may have noticed her costume and some of her fighting styles can be take straight from the pages of a ninja manga. In the comic linked, she replaces the Neko-te with her own poison claws. I’ve been using a lot reference material from ‘How to Draw Manga: Samurai and Ninja’ for her battling style, but over the next few comics it is going to be a…rather unique battling style, one which I fondly call ‘Wood-fu’. The weapon in her mouth is called a kunai, and you will see in a bit why she has put it in her mouth. Just in case you forgot, can’t tell, or don’t like pokemon (why are you on a site with a pokmon comic??) Silver is a pidgeot.

Regards
Shauni

You should know this if you have ever watched anime what I mean when I say an excited nose bleed It is a visual symbol for attraction and lust, generally by a male. Predominantly used as a gag.

In anime females blush prettily when they are romantically touched by the situation. What do males do? Well, one answer is that they become so aroused that they bleed from the nose. This may range from a drop to a literal gout, which certainly looks weird the first time you see it. Silver isn’t actually attracted to Shauni in this case, but as the avid anime fan he is, he concluded the situation needed an explosive nose bleed. Even if it was tomato sauce in a sashay.

Before I start today, I’d like to direct you to this news article about an earthquake in the UK. Some of our American readers my not be impressed with the 5.3 magnitude quake, but I’d like to reminded them it’s the biggest earthquake in the UK for nearly 25 years. I was awakened just before 1am by the tremor, wondering why the hell my BED was moving. It didn’t occur to me it was an earth quake as in England the GROUND isn’t SUPPOSED to MOVE. I only found out on Thursday what it was. It was all very confusing.

Okay, now that that is out of the way, I’ll return to ROM comic news.

Last weeks comic needed some explanation and I failed/ forgot to provide it, so here it is.

Firstly, the word 'valkyrie' comes from the Old Norse valkyrja (plural 'valkyrur'), from the words 'val' (slain) and 'kyrja' (choose). Literally the term means choosers of the slain. In Norse mythology the valkyries are minor female deities, who served Odin. Although he is named after warrior women, Valkyrie is very much male. His name was chosen as Moen’s life literally rest in his hands. Let him be slain, or face the wrath of the outraged crowed so he can have a trail.

Secondly, Fable in the second panel is making an obvious Phoenix Wright reference here. I’ve yet to play the Nintendo DS game myself yet, but the image and slogan have become interrogated in pop culture, and it’s kinda obvious what it’s referring to. Come on, she’s even wearing his suit!

Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about TODAYS comic!

Some of the lines spoken by Fable here are from the famous Edgar Allan Poe poem ‘The Raven’. 'The Raven' is a narrative poem first published in January 1845, by American writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe. It tells of a talking raven's mysterious visit to a distraught lover, tracing the latter's slow descent into madness. The lover is lamenting the loss of his love, Lenore. The raven, sitting on a bust of Pallas, seems to further instigate his distress with its constant repetition of the word, 'Nevermore.' Throughout the poem. If you are having trouble understanding the events in the poem due to the use of old English, it’s ‘translated’ on wikipedia.

Also, as a forewarning, I’m having internet trouble at home, and it’s is probably going to effect ROM updates. Keep a check on this thread for updates on the issue.

Regards
Shauni

Yes, I have finaly bought FF 3 for my DS from e-bay. Here is a little youtube clip that shows you the game play and also has a nice little voice over review that I mostly agree with.
Anyway, this marks an important event for your artist. As some of you know, the FF games are my second fav series (only just beaten to the post by pokemon) and the fact I finally have FF 3 in my hand marks the fact I have every FF game between 1-12. I have a few of the spin off as well, like legends 1 and 2, Dirge of Cerberus, tatics advanced ((She really need the original FF Tactics, which is getting a PSP port in a couple week. It's awesome. Way better than FFTA which was pretty good anyway. - Josiah)) and the Kingdom Heart Series (cameo's, but meh...the FF cast are in there) as well as both movies.

((If you're curious: Legends 1-3 and Adventure are all old games for the original Gameboy and actually aren't FF games. Legends 1-3 are Saga games and Adventure is a Mana game but the names got changed for the US releases in an attempt to sell more copies. Also, in addition to the movies, there are two FF anime series Legend of the Crystals (an OAV very very loosely based off FFV) and Unlimited (which has some familiar monster and music but otherwise is a little kids show) neither of which are really worth watching. In addition, there any many spin off games and cameo games that Shauni didn't mentioned. A few of them got released in the US but most never made it out of Japan. - Josiah))

To mark the occasion, lets have a little look at the future FF.
 
Please refer to this link for regular ROM news.
Regards
Shauni

Behold! The first ROM comic ever! These are the original artworks for the first ROM comic, draw back in September 2004, redone to fit with the current format. The first version of the comic used real photographic backgrounds, because at the time, I thought they looked better…but I’ve come to believe that the original hand drawn backgrounds fit in much better with the cruder artwork. The text hasn’t changed significantly in this comic. The only real difference is it’s been ‘gleamed up’ and the text ‘Of hardship and of sorrow’ has been added to reflect the true nature of the comic as it is today.
In case you didn't know, this was originally a Role Playing game on the Pebble Version forums.
The topic was originally started by a forum member called Golden_Sun, and follows the misadventures of 5 gamers after getting sucked into a computer game. ((Although, aside from the basic premis, the comic's story line is significantly different than the original RP story. - Josiah))
The title ROM actually stands for "Realm of Monsters", and the game world they have been drawn into is the magical land of Orca.
If you want to make a contribution to the comic, please use the paypal button on the left of this message.
Please refer to this link for regular ROM news.

Regards
Shauni

I am such a shameful fan girl. Today’s comic takes a classic quote from Ranma ½. The last panel is a blatant homage to Shampoo’s entrance into the series. I just couldn’t resist LOL. Shampoo’s influence can also be seen in Opal.
No news is good news as they say, so I have good new. I have no bad news.
Please refer to the news subject below for information and links that will effect the comics update seclude for a while.

Regards
Shauni

Hello guys.
I'm not exactly sure on how the updates for ROM are going to be effected by Josiah's move to Japan, but stay tuned to this thread for live updates about the topic. ROM comics will continue to update every Friday on that thread, when they can be uploaded by Josiah is anther issue.

One last not, take a look at Rowie_me's video over at Youtube. Rowie_me (a.k.a Paul) plays the part of 'The Fonz'. This was a video he made a while ago advertising venture scouts. Please post your comments on his web page. He really wants some feedback.

Regards
Shauni

I’ve headed off to Blackpool for the weekend with Paul (a.k.a Rowie_me if you’ve been playing The Darkness online for PS3 recently). I’ll be back in a few days. Be good kiddies.

Regards
Shauni

My kid sister is now 21. Not so much of a kid anymore LOL.

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY JOANNE!

Regards
Shauni

Anyone remember these two from WAY back when? Isn't that odd? Two of the 7 sins were at the scene were Moen went nuts. I'm thinking indirect plot implications!

Anyway, today's comic does not have typos. It's casual talking. There teens. I know, it's kinda sad to do casual text for talking, but I felt like doing it.

Also, I misspelt Stevenson in last weeks news post. Sorry about that ^_^'

Regards
Shauni

Okay peeps, from a while there may only be one comic a week on a Friday. I've been finding it hard to fit in making one comic, never mind three over the last few weeks, so I'm setting the updates back to the way they were when ROM first started for a while. I'll make a few extra comics until I have a steady buffer. Once i'm happy i'm ahead, i'll start updating twice a week.

Today's comic is the third cameo from the 'Be the mob' contest. Thid character belongs to Steveson. Those who know the ins ands outs will know that Steveson is our editor. Hi Steveson!

Now I only owe Shadowman one ^_^'

Regards
Shauni

I've been watching an Anime series called Full Metal alchemist recently because a few readers have pointed out a potent similarity with some of the idea's I've used in ROM. I was surprised myself how similar some of my ideas are to ones present within the anime and manga. Anyway, here is a link to the cutest little clip from the series. I believe it was the original ending to the Japanese version of the movie, but it was cut out from the American version. Don't watch it if you don't want to spoil the plot. I'll write more on the series later.

Regards
Shauni

Some people have been asking me what exactly Kasumi and Fable are. I’ve explained it in the comic, but I guess a more detailed explanation of the ins and outs here won’t hurt. I’ll start with Fable.

Fable is a shikigami http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikigami , much like a western familiar. In real world mythology, shikigami can take a variety of human or animal forms, possess or bewitch people. Within the world of Orca, shikigami are a type of parasitic familiar that ‘live’ within their masters. Usually dormant, they can be summoned by their host and take on a separate physical form to carry out bewitching or possessions like there real world counterparts. They take an aspect of their host's body, usually a hand or a part of their face, which is why only Kami are able to use shikigami as a live master would be killed when the parasite was brought out of hibernation. This is not to say shikigami do not dwell within living hosts, they just can’t take on a separate physical form. In these instances, they are considered a parasitic infection and are treated with medication.

Kasumi is a kami http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kami which is often mistranslated as ‘god’ or ‘deity’. The world in Japanese refers to any supernatural spirit or forces of nature. The word ‘kami’ also means ‘paper’. In the comic, Kasumi is described by Shauni as a ‘soulless paper golem’, a being reanimated. Kami are created using Necromancy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necromancer . Within the world of Orca, it is possible to call back a spirit from the realm of the dead and place it within the flesh it once inhabited. The flesh of the dead person is rapped in special magic paper in a similar fashion to the Egyptian mummification http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mummy . The spirit of the dead person sparks life back into the body, and spells written on the paper allow the spirit to attach itself back to the flesh. The process does not revive the body; it merely allows it to be moved by the spirit again. This results in Kami having dead and rotting flesh held in place by paper. Many kami sustain their body with more and more magic paper, gaining them the nick name ‘paper golems’. Not many people know that Kami were once living people, or the horrible fact that they are working corpses. The church's official line is that they are merely soulless puppets, created by priests in order to communicate with the dead. The truth is they are slaves used by the church for their former knowledge and abilities. The kami continue to serve the church as only they can provide the paper they need to stay alive. Without it, the kami would slowly rot into dust, and never be able to detach themselves from their flesh to return to the world of the dead.

Due to there undead nature, kami can sustain a shikigami symbiotic without dying when they summon it. This is a useful skill that kami employ in order to carry out their own agendas without the church finding out.

When a kami ‘regenerates’ they rebuild parts of their body using magic paper. This can result in some horrible mutations to their flesh, but it is necessary if they want to avoid rotting into nothing.

Burning a kami is the only way to kill it as it destroys the magic paper that binds their body and soul together.

I hope that clears a few things up. I’d also like to point out that Kasumi isn’t the first Kami you have seen. There are two other ‘undead’ kami that have already appeared. I’ll let you guess who these two are.

Ta ta!

Regards
Shauni

I actually had a comic made for Wednesday like I said! Let's hope I make Friday as well and thats three in one week! A normal update week! OMG!

Regards
Shauni

Yeah! I made a Monday update! Sorry there was only one comic last week. My Dad spent Thrusday afternoon on Google Maps looking at photos of our house. He spent 3 hours on the thing. It's sad but true.

There will be a comic to view on Friday this week. I'm trying to have an update for Wednesday as well, but lets just wait and see.

Regards
Shauni

As Josiah explained on Friday, he was under the impression that he would not be unable to update Pebble Version (therefore ROM) last Friday, but he was able to do so at the last minute. I only had one ROM comic ready and it was looking more and more likely I might miss Monday’s update, so I took a gamble that missing Friday wouldn’t matter as Josiah wouldn’t have been able to update anyway, but alas, it was wrong. Sorry about the missed update.

Today’s comic is paying blatant homage to Ranma ½. The reference in question is the character Genma (Ranma’s ‘cursed to turn into a panda’ father). There is no deeper reference than for the fact the two poses with Sumada mimic some of Genma’s famous scenes in the manga. The first is him charging towards Ranma with a kettle during Ranma’s first battle with Kuno. The second is when he takes a ‘sucker punch’ at his son when he was looking the other way. This comic was pure self indulgence on my part, but I hope fans of Ranma ½ will find it a fitting tribute.

See you on Wednesday.

Regards

Shauni

Welcome readers to my crappy filler rant. This will be the last update I miss. It’s because of a prolonged case of the flu that suddenly struck me last week and has only just released me from its grip. The Orca Mystery Dungeon comics for February have not even been drawn, but as no one donated after December anyway, no one has seen the comics for January, so the delay isn’t really that much of a problem. It just means two sets of three OMD comics will be made available this month. The first set on the 12th, the second set on the 26th.

I have recently perched FF12. It was finally released in the UK about a week or so ag0, and frankly, I’m very disappointed. However, I am very impressed with the HARDBACK game guide. I will review the game at a later date, as I have another review for you right now.

For the first time in Pebble Version history, I have a pokemon game before Josiah!! I perched a copy of Pokemon Diamond from e-bay last week, which has helped ease the pain of illness the last couple of days. Admittedly I have no idea what is going on in the game, being as it is all in Japanese, but I care not. The game has been a joy to play so far, and even thought it’s in another language, I am finding it really fun to play. I do not recommend that people unfamiliar with the Pokemon series start with the import, as half the reason I can even play it is by memory and guess work that playing the other games has provided me. To help you guys who opted to get the import to enjoy it to the full, I here by provide you with some links that have made the language barrier a little easier to blur.

A complete list of pokemon in the new game, what type they are and where to catch them. This site has a walkthrough that translates some of the dialog and provides tips and hints to puzzles and gym battles.

To end this spectacular rant, I will answer a few questions I have been asked recently by some of the readers.

What does baka mean? ‘

Baka’ means ‘idiot’ in Japanese. It was an appropriate response when the subject being discussed was Anime. In my opinion, the word ‘baka’ is used the most of all Japanese words in Ranma 1/2

What is that huge drop of water on this characters head?

This is what is often called a sweatdrop. This is when a large drop of sweat form on one's head. It occurs in Anime and Manga to signify that the character finds someone else's actions silly or embarrassing. It can also be used when referring to there own actions as silly or embarrassing, such as in this case when Shauni-sama’s answer is pathetic.

^_^’

Regards
Shauni *cough*

Allow me to introduce the last major player in this chapter, Kasumi. This character is almost as significant as Moen and Shauni-sama in the events which would change the future into what it is in modern Orca. She doesn’t look like much, does she? What does this mean for you? That this monster chapter will be finishing in ten to twenty comics, dependent on how I work out the last major event in Moen’s young life. That’s right! Soon I will finish the stupid battle at the Onett holy ground, which has been going on for OVER A YEAR!!

Of interest, ‘Kami’ is a Japanese word that has two meanings. It’s most commonly known to mean ‘God’ or ‘Spirits’. A title given to the celestial gods of the first mythical dynasty of Japan and extended to the demigods of the second dynasty, and then to the long line of spiritual princes still represented by the mikado.

It also means ‘paper’ when written differently. The two meanings are both used in the description of what Kasumi is. She is a spirit within a paper body. It will make more sense soon. (Notice how she has some interesting skin disorder? A little bit like the modern Sloth, don’t you think?)

Personal donations of $10 will get you access to 3 exclusive Orca Mystery Dungeon comics that will not be available to the general public. If Josiah's group donation gauge reaches $50 or more, a wallpaper will become available to everyone. $75 will get you a new chapter of Project Sutra which has been on hold due to the time involved in writing chapters that are so big! If we get a $100, the Orca Mystery Dungeon comics for January will be made available to everyone. Over $100 will get everyone a bonus mini arch involving Yomikko’s childhood.

Regards

Shauni

I am sorry for this short message, but I’ve not really got the time to chat. There won’t be a ROM comic on Monday because I’ve caught the flu. I’m very sorry.

Regards

Shauni

Personal donations of $10 will get you access to 3 exclusive Orca Mystery Dungeon comics that will not be available to the general public. If Josiah's group donation gauge reaches $50 or more, a wallpaper will become available to everyone. $75 will get you a new chapter of Project Sutra which has been on hold due to the time involved in writing chapters that are so big! If we get a $100, the Orca Mystery Dungeon comics for January will be made available to everyone. Over $100 will get everyone a bonus mini arch involving

Regards

Shauni

Get this, Merlin has actually updated DHS Comix!

I’m just kidding Merlin, I’m glad you got your new drawing tablet. I know how much it sucks making a comic with pen and mouse….wait a minute…that’s how I do ROM! I have been after a tablet myself forever, but I lack funds or student discount *grumbles*

ANYWAY, don’t forget to check out this thread for ROM comic announcements. I’m just going to throw that link on here every now an then, don’t worry, there’s not a planned delay.

Check out last Friday’s news post below for donation incentives.

I hope you all have a good week, and I’ll catch you Wednesday!

Regards

Shauni

Our good friend Celebfly has produced us some nice Poison Pyrogoth fan art! Poison Pyrogoth has not been in the comic yet, but will be before the end of the year.

Here is today’s comic, complete with a drawing of my left hand! I even included my scar on the index finger! Yeah, you guessed it; I just drew around my hand, but why not?  I don't really like Shauni's face in the third panel, and I may have overdone it with the fire. At some point in the future I may add a 'crackling' sound effect. I do really like Moen's face in this one again. I've only been drawing him with a destitute expression the last few weeks. I really enjoy drawing him wide eyed.

There are new donation incentives!!

Personal donations of $10 will get you access to 3 exclusive Orca Mystery Dungeon comics that will not be available to the general public. If Josiah's group donation gauge reaches $50 or more, a wallpaper will become available to everyone. $75 will get you a new chapter of Project Sutra which has been on hold due to the time involved in writing chapters that are so big! If we get a $100, the Orca Mystery Dungeon comics for January will be made available to everyone. Over $100 will get everyone a bonus mini arch involving

Yomikko’s childhood!

Regards

Shauni

Well, the forums http://forums.pebbleversion.com/ weren’t working for me all Tuesday, so today’s comic is the unedited version not checked by Stevenson. Apologies for any typos. Today’s comic sees the return of cameo Snatch from DHS Comix http://www.dhscomix.com/ by Merlin. Today’s news title refers to this comic

The events taking place here follow on from Merlin’s last comic. This should tell you that the current events take us back to the present and the ‘here and now’.  I love Moen’s face in the last panel, but I wasn’t so pleased with the way the ‘bang’ effect came out. It needs redoing at some point in the future.

There are new donation incentives!!

Personal donations of $10 will get you access to 3 exclusive Orca Mystery Dungeon comics that will not be available to the general public. If Josiah's group donation gage reaches $50 or more, a wallpaper will become available to everyone. $75 will get you a new chapter of Project Sutra http://www.pebbleversion.com/ROM/ROMhtml/ProjectSutra.htm  which has been on hold due to the time involved in writing chapters that are so big! If we get a $100, the Orca Mystery Dungeon comics for January will be made available to everyone. Over $100 will get everyone a bonus mini arch involving Yomikko’s childhood!

Well, that’s all from me today.

Regards

Shauni

I’m so melodramatic. I didn’t end up going to the gym on Thursday, and it’s a good thing to. My dial up at home isn’t working full stop! As you can see however, I didn’t miss an update, but I do apologies if there are any typos. I didn’t have time to get it to Stevenson, our editor, before it went out.

I hope you all had a good weekend, and I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday. For those of you interested, you can see a textless version of the bottom panel of todays comic here.

For those of you who also read DHS Comix, tune in next Wednesday for the return of Snatch

Take a look at last weeks news entry for donation incentives.

Regards

Shauni

Well, that didn't take long. I've just had a week’s hiatus and already I've broken my resolution to not miss an update. Ah, well it was a lofty goal at best. I've started to attend a gym this week. I left myself one day to do a comic for Monday, and I ended up going out with some friends. I'm going to try and get a comic out over the weekend, but my dodgy dial up connection at home might let me down. Hopefully there will be a comic, and all this is just hot air, but please be prepared for the worst.

Personal donations of $10 will get you access to 3 exclusive Orca Mystery Dungeon comics that will not be available to the general public. If Josiah's group donation gage reaches $50 or more, a wallpaper will become available to everyone.

How a nice weekend everyone.

Regards

Shauni

Hello everyone! Sorry about the lack of Shauniness this last few days. I'm finally getting back into the swing of things, but the updates maybe a little rocky until I got to were I should have been a week ago. I have about two weeks worth of artwork done, but I’m already falling behind on the coloring. I've really let slip the ROM work ethic the last couple of weeks, and as a result, I’ve completely lost my 'buffer' of comics. I haven't even had time to have Stevenson grammar check this on; it’s had to go out as is.

I promise everything will return to normal soon. I PROMISE.

Personal donations of $10 will get you access to 3 exclusive Orca Mystery Dungeon comics that will not be available to the general public. If Josiah's group donation gage reaches $50 or more, a wallpaper will become available to everyone.

Please feel free to donate. The donation button is on the left hand side of this paragraph. When you do donate, please request which group of comics you want. Currently only the January set is available. December comics can be found for free here

Regards

Shauni

I have absolutely no reason for the comic delays. I've been watching too much anime and reading too much manga, which is my only reason. I haven't had time to work on the comics over the weekend because of personal commitments, and any time during the week I've been to busy watching R.O.D The TV (for those interested, our own 'Yomikko Gothard' was inspired by 'Yomiko Readman' from this anime series). I'm really sorry everyone, but I only realized yesterday I didn't actually have any artwork done. I've been that consumed by this anime series that I actually FORGOT about the comic. Check the announcements thread here for progress reports on the comic. I'm looking to update again next Wednesday, if all goes well. I promise this will never happen again (this month ^_^')

Regards
Shauni.

Aargh. Very sorry guys. This is a pretty lame copout rant. I've had a total of 10 minutes to write this rant. I'm only bothering to type anything at all as I need to inform you the Orca Mystery Dungeon comics are now available. $10 for the new set of three comics.

Let's hope the rest of the week hits me with writing inspiration!

Also, I'm shouting out to my poor friend Connie-oneen, who has ended up in Alaska on busyness! OH NOES!
Enjoy the Aura! I here you can see it from there! I miss you!!!

Regards
Shauni

Well I'll be dammed. The last two days have seen some of the worst winds in my known life! We've had trees fall over, lights flicker out and roof tiles going missing! My company's building has been around for over two hundred years, but even it shuck a little in the wind!

For our American readers, this might seem very mild. The weather conditions over the Atlantic are bigger and more extreme (like you freakishly cars! Seriously, I have a Daewoo Matiz that's HALF the size of the average America car). The weather does not go well for the UK. We aren't prepared for extreme weather.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

Regards
Shauni

I went to the panto again this year with my Nan. It seems to be coming some what of a tradition. I've not got much else to write about really except to mention that the OMD comics aren't ready yet. The December OMD comics can be seen here

The comics will be ready by Monday, but if you donate, I'll add you to the mailing list and send them to you as soon as they are ready ($10 per three comics).

There is some more artwork available to view at the gallery, including
some production sketches of Kasumi Sanderson, Kasumi is going to be a character in the ROM comics eventually. I'm not reveling any more information about her at this point.

Have a good week everyone, and see you on Friday!

Regards
Shauni

Merlin has stolen Shauni and Chobi! Haha! Not really. The characters are still at the festival as part of there on going cameo over at Random Encounters. I love the way Shauni is just slumped over the stall, it's a mannerisms I actually have when I'm board or waiting for customers ^_^'
Also, the idea of Shauni fleecing money from Saturn for a Chobi teddy is really cute ^_^

Merlin's character Snatch will be appearing again as her cameo in ROM before the end of this chapter. Over all, this has been a beneficial and criminally fun comic exchange. I really like doing these, so if any comic artists out there are interested in doing a comic exchange, drop me an e-mail at Shauni_san@hotmail.com

I really love webcomics, and I find it is the most fun and productive way of promoting a comic!

I'd also like to give a big shout out to our editor Stevenson, who is feeling a little neglected. Due to a tight time frame recently, ROM comics have been coming out last minute, with no time for me to wait for Stevenson to check them. He hasn't worked on a comic since 2006. I also forgot to mention him in my year end summary, as I've been relying on him for so long, I thought he'd been staff since 2005. Sorry Stevenson, old buddy, old pal! I want you to feel appreciated!

Have a nice week everyone!

Regards
Shauni

Yeah.I'm out of inspiration for a news entry. Nothing much has been going on this week. I suppose I could write a review or something equally informative, but I can't really be bothered XP

There's new art on the gallery. There's one of Lilly and another of Moen-chan.

Personal donations of $10 will get you access to 3 exclusive Orca Mystery Dungeon comics that will not be available to the general public. If Josiah's group donation gage reaches $50 or more, a wallpaper will become available to everyone.

Please feel free to donate. The donation button is on the left hand side of this paragraph.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Regards
Shauni

Celebifly has left us with some lovely fan art as a fond farewell! We'll miss you sugar!

Today I'd like to add a link to a comic called Inverloch. The comic is a very well drawn and interesting adventure in a magical land filled with mythical beings. The archive spans over 600 pages and the story is well written and character beautifully portrayed.

Well worth a read!

Today's comic continues on from this comic. That's right. The 'snap' was Moen crushing Royakan's neck. Just in case you didn't get it.

Regards
Shauni

Personal donations of $10 will get you access to 3 exclusive Orca Mystery Dungeon comics that will not be available to the general public. If Josiah's group donation gauge reaches $50 or more, a wallpaper will become available to everyone!

On to the subject of donations, I'd like to thank everyone who donated this past month...and heck...for this past year. A part of me feels guilty that I never seem to have anything to offer as a thanks other than three small Mystery Dungeon comics while Josiah is slugging his guts out with extras. Last months donations were very impressive, and for one month only I have decided to give Mystery Dungeon comics to everyone. The Mystery Dungeon comics for December will be available to view for free after the 15th of January. After that, only donators of $10 or more will have access to the comics. However, as of the 15th of January, if the donation gage reaches $50 or more, I will make some ROM wallpapers available to everyone! This is my group donation incentive for 2007!

Let's review. Personal donations of $10 will get you access to 3 exclusive Orca Mystery Dungeon comics that will not be available to the general public. If Josiah's group donation guage reaches $50 or more, a wallpaper will become available to everyone!

Please feel free to donate. The donation button is on the left hand side of this paragraph.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Regards
Shauni

Happy New Year everyone! 2006 has come and gone, and here we are, finally in 2007. As my first New Years resolution, I vow to update every week.... no more Crappy Filler comic. Please, no angry emails if I do though. After all, aren't New Years' resolutions meant to be broken?

Thanks, everyone, for supporting Realm of Monsters and Pebble Version in 2006, I look forward to a good 2007.

Just so everyone knows, the ROM part of the comic exchange with Random Encounter went up over Christmas. It also seems that Shauni's cameo is an on going one ^_^

I forgot to mention last year that Silver, Ivy and Rose also had a cameo appearance as well. Please go and enjoy Merlin's comics. Merlin equals win.

On a final note, more Orca Mystery Dungeon bonus comics will be available with a $10 donation after the 15th of January. Until then, only the first three comics are available.

Here is hoping we have a successful 2007!
Regards
Shauni

I will now return to my personal feelings of 2006.

As most of you know I am a catholic which means soon I will be celebrating Christmas, but I am fully aware of many other holidays taking place within the month, so I just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays, what ever you are celebrating.

It is a tradition amongst my family to reflect on the year previous at this time of year. 2006 was one of the most memorable years of my life. I turned 21, got my first decent car, finally got to go to America and gained and lost an important person in my life. I've not mentioned this fact to anyone yet, but Andy-ku and I broke up just after Halloween. I wish Andy-ku and his family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

ROM itself has under gone many changes this year. The comic seems to have settled into a nice place, and the ideas aren't forced. I finally found what type of comic ROM was meant to be. It isn't a shinny; upbeat romp threw an imaginary world. After reviewing the original source martial, and relating the characters back stories with there destined paths, I realized that this world I have created is a dark one, and tails of people braking threw this darkness are what are told. No matter what trials I set before my creations, I know they will find a way thought it. Each and every character I have created for ROM has much potential for development, and thus that didn't have had major reworking. The New Year will bring the conclusion of the first real challenged Josiah and his new friends must face. Can they work together? There is also the issue of Moen. What made the innocent child we have seen this year become the twisted, obsessed megalomaniac we see before us today?
What is Simeon's true purpose? What does he mean when he says he was once human? Why can't Shauni remember her past now all the hero's have been summand? Is Yomikko dead? Will the Onett battle EVER end? When will Neo actually have a part?

All these question will be answer next year.

Make sure you check this sub forum regularly over Christmas for ROM updates.

I thank you all for reading my comic. I wish you all the best for your new year.
This is Shauni, signing off for 2006.

A big thanks goes out for Merlin for agreeing to the exchange.

I'd also like to welcome any of Merlin's readers who have visited ROM because of her generous front page think. Please enjoy ROM the Comic, and also Josiah's Pebble Version comic.

Today I'd like to shout out to some readers. The first being Yakko Warner who generously linked ROM the comic and Pebble Version on there Deviant Art Gallery. Secondly I'd like to shout out Simeon, the winner of the Holiday script competition. I'd like to let you all know that the regular ROM comics now stop over Christmas and the New Year, replaced by the bonus Chapter written by Simeon.

Don't forget! People who donate $10 will receive 3 bonus comics from ROM. The comics are inspired by Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. The cast of ROM the comic suddenly find themselves turned into Pokemon...watch there misadventures unfold. When you donate $10 to Josiah, mention you also want the three ROM comics. Provide an e-mail address, and I will send them to you.
There is currently only one set of comics available. Midway threw January, three more will become available for donation.

Make sure you check this sub forum regularly over Christmas for ROM updates.

Final thought: Merlin = Win

Regards
Shauni

Today's comic is the second of three by Merlin Missingham. She is the creator of DHS Comix and this is her part of a Comic exchange! Please go over to Merlin's comic to see the ROM part of the exchange. The recent "Random Encounter" comics' story line indicates they will be available soon. The next comic after this one will also be Merlin's.

Don't forget! People who donate $10 will receive 3 bonus comics from ROM. The comics are inspired by Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. The cast of ROM the comic suddenly find themselves turned into Pokemon...watch there misadventures unfold. When you donate $10 to Josiah, mention you also want the three ROM comics. Provide an e-mail address, and I will send them to you when the first batch is done ^_^

Regards
Shauni

Yes, I do realize the comic above me contains Moen snapping someone's neck, but it's also off screen. I'd rather not draw the actual image if you don't mind ^_^

Anyway, enough dithering.

Today I have a link to add to the link page for an online comic/manga called Red String

The story revolves around the lives of a few young Japanese teenagers and there romantical relationships. The story follows the standard plot devices of manga including arranged marriages, bullying, sexuality and fate. The story and characters are well portrayed, and it is obvious the artist and writer have put a lot of love into this project, as it radiates atmosphere and personality. This story my be a bore for male readers or fans of action and drama, but if you enjoy reading about young love and finding your place in a world, even when it seems your path is chosen for you, this is the comic for you. It also helps that the writer has added nice little comments about the individual comic to help people understand what's going on if there not familiar with the Japanese culture. There is also a HUGE archive of comics!

I give it 100% of my recommendation.

Regards
Shauni.

The winner of the 2006 ROM Holiday Script contest is.. "The Season" by Ryan Antonio (a.k.a Simeon) The comics will start taking the place of regular ROM comics on the 20th of December, and run on into the New Year until the scripts completion in January.

Congratulations Simeon, and commiserations to everyone else that entered a script.

Don't forget! People who donate $10 will receive 3 bonus comics from ROM. The comics are inspired by Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. The cast of ROM the comic suddenly find themselves turned into Pokemon...watch there misadventures unfold. When you donate $10 to Josiah, mention you also want the three ROM comics. Provide an e-mail address, and I will send them to you when the first batch is done ^_^

Regards
Shauni

Don't forget! People who donate $10 will receive 3 bonus comics from ROM. The comics are inspired by Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. The cast of ROM the comic suddenly find themselves turned into Pokemon...watch there misadventures unfold. When you donate $10 to Josiah, mention you also want the three ROM comics. Provide an e-mail address, and I will send them to you when the first batch is done ^_^

As I am boring and have nothing else to say, here are a few random links! DNS Comix, Fox's Shadow, The Very First Haibane and Zap in Space

Have a great week everyone!

Regards
Shauni

Today is a fine day. People who donate $10 as of today will receive 3 bonus comics from ROM. The comics are inspired by Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. The cast of ROM the comic suddenly find themselves turned into Pokemon...watch there misadventures unfold. When you donate $10 to Josiah, mention you also want the three ROM comics. Provide an e-mail address, and I will send them to you when the first batch is done ^_^

Please enjoy your weekend everyone, and happy December!

w00t! 25 days to Christmas!

Regards

Instead, I will simply remind you about the Holiday contest I am running. Theirs still 6 days to enter a Holiday inspired script for the ROM cast to perform. The winner will have theirs made into a series of comics over December. PM me on the forum or e-mail me at shauni_san@hotmail.com.

Entries must be submitted by the 4th of December.

Don't forget the new donation incentive. $10 will get you three bonus comics inspired by Pokemon Mystery Dungeon starting at the beginning of December.

Regards
Shauni

I went to the Christmas party this weekend (25th of November is a little early for a Christmas party, but I can't complain as we had free beer and food). I'll write more about it on Wednesday. I ended up spending £70+ on a new outfit ((Money I don't really have)), and I personally think I looked nice. I looked like a walking bar of Cadburys Caramel chocolate. I feel sorry for America; you don't really have Cadburys do you? It's the best chocolate in the WHOLE world. Far nicer than what was available when I was in America. Isn't it funny what thoughts suddenly pop into your head?

Anyway, I've rambled on enough.

Just a reminder about the Holiday contest I am running. There's still 9 days to enter a Holiday inspired script for the ROM cast to perform. The winner will have theirs made into a series of comics over December. PM me on the forum or e-mail me at shauni_san@hotmail.com.

Entries must be submitted by the 4th of December.

Don't forget the new donation incentive. $10 will get you three bonus comics inspired by Pokemon Mystery Dungeon starting at the beginning of December.

Regards
Shauni

I love winter. Driving in the dark is a whole different experience than daytime driving. It feels a little exciting as you drive into the dark void in your craft...or maybe that is just my over active imagination trying to keep me from driving my car of the road and into a street sign because I fell asleep from boredom. When I think about it, driving really is overrated, but necessary.

The main reason I love winter is because of the holidays taking place, though I have to admit, by Christmas day the endless loop of 'Jingle Bells' from our companies Christmas lights has become grating.

The office looks fantastic when we finally get the decorations up, and I absolutely adore putting them up with my friends at work. There are some miserable sods that think Christmas can be offensive, and we shouldn't put to much empathies on the Holiday....but it is a very important holiday to the Christian faith, and the same people complaining about OUR holiday, wouldn't DREAM of telling other religions NOT to celebration there holidays.

It's this kind of double standard I can't stand. Everyone should be allowed to celebrate there religious holidays in the way they want to. I won't be told NOT to sing Silent Night if I want to. I would never dream of telling someone not to sing a song from there faith.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the love between families and friends (as apposed to getting presents, which is what most people think it's about). I for one will not hold back on my celebrations this year, and neither will I think about restraining anyone celebrating any other holiday that is not Christian in origin. This time of year is important to almost every faith, and I hope that you will all celebration your holidays with pride, as I will.

Please look in the rant below this one for information regarding the current ROM competition, and a new donation incentive.

Regards
Shauni

Entries must be submitted by the 4th of December.

Don't forget the new donation incentive. $10 will get you three bonus comics inspired by Pokemon Mystery Dungeon starting at the beginning of December.

We're just giving it way this year!

Also, Happy Birthday to my Mum! She's 42 years old as of yesterday!
Happy Birthday!!!

Regards
Shauni

Please read the rants below for resent donation incentives and competitions.

Regards
Shauni

After his reign with the A's had ended, he told reporters about a reward system he used to motivate the players and spur friendly competition. It went something like this: Each player had a jar marked with his name on it. Every time a player went over and above the call of duty-for example, running from first to third base on a single or legging out a single into a double-money went into his jar.

As the year progressed and certain jars filled up and others didn't, a rivalry developed that goaded players into making more of their opportunities. This was the management strategy of Art Howe.

I am now employing strategy 'Art Howe Honey Pot'

Anyone who donates $10 will receive three comics from a ROM mini series called ' Orca Mystery Dungeon'. I probably don't need to tell you that this is a donation incentive inspired by Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. I won't go into details yet, but when you donate $10 to Josiah, request the 'Art Howe Honey Pot' incentive, and provide an e-mail address. I will then e-mail you the three comics. Every month, 3 more comics will become available.

This series will start in December onwards. Donations before this date will go towards existing donation incentives offered by Josiah.

Also, don't forget the Holiday Competition (details in the last rant below)

Have a nice weekend everyone!
Shauni

Now I've got the waffle out of the way, let's get started with my review of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon.

Below is a summary of the games main concept from IGN

"Based off he long-running series of Mysterious Dungeon games by Chunsoft, this multi-title release (Red Rescue Force for the GBA, Blue Rescue Force for the DS) is an adventure game with semi-turnbased exploration of dungeons featuring characters from the Pokemon universe. It's up to the Rescue Force to save Pokemon who've found themselves in trouble. While one of your goals is to figure out what exactly turned you into a Pokemon, you've also got to help Pokemon as part of the Rescue Force. You start off serving your duties with your original partner Pokemon at your side, but as you progress, more Pokemon join the Rescue Force and become selectable."

The game is entertaining and the vast number of dungeons provides a longer life span, but after a few hours of play the game play soon becomes repetitive. The idea of Mystery dungeon seems to focus on short spans of play as apposed to longer periods that some avid gamers such as me prefer. Goals are given for each mission, and the completion of these goals unlocks new things. The concept is more focused on short bursts of play and players looking for anything deeper will be disappointed. The novelty of playing a pokemon also quickly wares of as you only have direct control over one of your crew, and the team member A.I is laughable.

The graphics, from the GBA point of view are quite nice, but when you take into account the same graphics are used on the DS with very few noticeable changes, one becomes a little annoyed that more development was not put in for the DS version.

Over all P:MD is an enjoyable if flawed addition to the Pokemon universe, and at least tries to do something different with the series. I give it 3 out of 5.

ANYWAY! I found out Final Fantasy 7: Degree of Cerberus is out on the 17th of November, so I'm excited. Two decent games in two weeks. I'm spoilt.
Also, don't forget our Holiday Contest.

Submit a Holiday inspired script for the ROM cast to perform over the holidays. The winner will get there script made into a series of comics.

Submit entries via e-mail to Shauni_san@hotmail.com or PM me on the forums when they are working again. Contest ends early December, so get cracking!

Sayonara
Shauni

I'll do a full review on Wednesday when I've played it a little more.

Also, congratulations to Josiah for reaching 500 comics. I forgot to mention it in my last rant! Well done!

Specking of my last rant, don't forget the Holiday competition I'm running! The details are below!

Sayonara
Shauni

Whatever you celebrate this time of the year, its set to take place in the next few weeks, and the shops and television seem to be getting ready for it earlier every year.

So in the spirit of our 'lets draw it out as long as possible' culture, I've decided to run a little Holiday contest. Last year Matrix Kirby won the right to chose which comic characters appeared in the Holiday Special 2005 in the archives

This year I'm running things a little different. The person to come up with the best season inspired mini plot involving the ROM comic cast will win there script being used for a 'Holiday Special' type story arch.

Entries must be submitted by December the 4th. Please e-mail all entries to Shauni_san@hotmail.com Alternatively, PM me on the forums when we get them working again.

Regards
Shauni

Here's hoping I fall down an inspiration well

Regards Shauni

This movie wasn't so scary, but it left me with a very paranoid feeling after it. The movie is the direct sequel to The Grudge (obviously) and vaguely follows the events of the first. The Grudge is synonymous for not leaving survivors so most of the cast in the second movie weren't in the first one.

The movie seems to take heavy influences from 'The Shinning'. Allot of the famous 'corridor shots' are reflected in The Grudge 2 as well as the general unease of the music score, as well as forcing a small boy to face horrors alone. I also saw allot of what made 'Gothica' and 'The Ring' great in this movie as well (creepy dead girls haunting the living in very terrifying and intrusive manners).

Some of the scenes are laughable horror which remind me of very old movies such as Psycho and Scream. I don't know if this implies these parts aren't scary or the rest of it is just that dame creepy you acutely relax at these parts of 'classic horror'.

The move plays an interesting technique I have not seen in allot of movies before. Allot of the shots show the ghost/ monster so close it's only there eyes or a part of there body, but at the cinema, on such a big screen, these scenes are very intense. It's almost like the ghost is look AT YOU, and there's nothing else to look at but those...eyes.

Let it be said I was looking over my shoulder for about a day afterwards. The movies images really burn into your mind...and you can't help but see them...in the corner of your eye.

Regards
Shauni

Tenki is an uninspired rip off. It's based on the old stories from Japan about a creature called a Tanuki

At the time of ROM 134 I had just watched Pom Poko for the first time, and really wanted a Tanuki in my comic. I stuck Tenki in ROM 134 but dropped his supposed involvement in chapter four for a different approach. I had quite a few e-mails asking me about the unidentified raccoon dog, and just decided to use him somewhere else, to answer all the questions. It seemed appropriate that he would really louse Moen up, like he did with a few of our more inquisitive readers.

Regards
Shauni

Regards
Shauni

I love this anime and I think the drawnings and charcterisation of its cast is well thought out and original. There are lots of humarus moments that are also follwed with sad and touching ones. You can see all the episodes for free on youtube which is how I've manged to watch 14 of the episodes already.

There is a very interesting twist at the end of the first episdoe. Did I mention Haruhi was a girl?

I hope you take the time to watch the anime, its well worth a look.

Have a nice weekend!

Regards
Shauni

Here's hoping the forum will be up and running in no time, if it already isn�t when you read this.

Regards
Shauni

Regards
Shauni

I managed to send Josiah a comic yesterday, but it was very touch and go for a moment if he would get it or not....

Here's hoping my work computer has a quick recovery...

There is also a bonus 4am comic with Shadowman in it. Feel free to take a look.

Regards
Shauni

Comics are looking to be kept updated on time, and your 4am comic will be available on Friday.

Currently Playing: Kingdom Hearts 2 on the PS2
Currently Reading: Vulnerable By Kyokukou
Currently Watching: Desperado
Currently Drawing: Simeon production sketches
Currently Hearing: My Chemical Romance

Next week will see a 4am comic starting Shadowman. I promise!

Regards and gummy bears
Shauni

Regards
Shauni

BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *cough*

Regards
Shauni

You all know Simeon, but why he is in this timeline, I'm not going to tell you here! Please also give a nice hello to our new Dryad friend Rose. Her name and hair style are designed to reflect an over looked manga/anime character from Full Metal Alchemist. Obviously her name is 'Rose' <.<'

Anyway, I'm having allot of fun with the game, but I've been going to bed at a ridicules hour each night because I can't put the controller down...I'm starting to feel a little tired...

On another note, I went to Wales over the weekend and had some fun with my parents who are up there until Friday. I actually WON a go cart race for the first time ever! I'm so proud ^_^

I'd like to link to Fan Fiction.net http://www.fanfiction.net/ today. I've had a few good Fan fics of here, and its a good source of well written stories. Admittedly, some of them are lame, but most of the ones I've read are pretty good. Go check it out.

Below is a list of characters that were not originally created by me, and a link to the original members profile on the forum. Please note that the monsters these characters have are also their original creations as well.
Josiah Lebowitz (c) Josiah
Jeffery Gallo (c) Ibun
Silver Smith (c) Silver
Opal Grey (c) Celebilfy
Neo Zanther (c) Neo Zanther
Simeon (c) Simeon
Mahri (c) Simeon

Later People
Shauni

I'll write more on Wednesday, as for now, please enjoy the first comic of the new chapter.

Steveson, our typo checker said something really funny about this comic, which I feel I should share with you

"Yay for crazy villain font."

Regards
Shauni

I also found this clip and this clip and THIS clip from the Ranma 1/2 fighting game (which I am yet to own <.<) which was rather suggestive of a little kiss between our two fav mismatched pair!

There are more clips below,
Ranma and his rivals
Akane's concert
Girl Ranma alone
Another vid with all the cast
The Golden Pair (very funny!)
Happy!
And last but not least, if you can handle it, 'The Black Rose'

I found these clips on youtube after typing in 'Ranma' in the search engine. If you like what you hear in the clips, the groups music can be found on Amazon. If I find anymore clips you'd be interest to see, I'll let you know. Also, I'm
sorry ROM was the 'Red x of doom' most of the day on Wednesday for you European readers...^_^'

Also, I found out Kingdom Hearts Two is out on the 29th of September! YAY! FINALLY! A
realise date!

Regards
Shauni

Tune in next time for a longer blog!

Regards
Shauni

Today's comic is basically the pivotal moment for the Holy Ground battle. The Other worldly maiden leading the hero's from another world into the battle

ALSO! Don't forget Opal doesn't know Haku is really a guy. Hence her "Guy...?" comment. ^_^

The whole point of this was to show why Yomikko lost confidence in Shauni after her expectations of a 'hero' were dashed by the reality. This ultimately lead to Shauni doubting herself and inevitable staying out of the battle

Have a nice weekend everyone, especially Andy-ku who is in Blackpool! I miss youuuu!

I've just found out a firm called Vervata is selling spy software for mobiles called 'Flexispy'. It security records every SMS message, call history and much more on the bugged phone. I was appalled when I found this out.

There promotional martial even has a testimonial from a man who caught out his cheating wife using this software.

This invasion of privacy is amoral, intrusive and above all an insult.

I also found out recently my local council has been bugging our bins...the microchips is supposedly there to weight how much rubbish we are dumping and if we are throwing away what we shouldn't. I am enraged by the fact I'm living in a crappy version of The Truman Show!

I leave you with this question. "Can anyone tell me what 'trust' means?" It seems that the definition has become a little...distorted over the last 10 years.

An anonymous poster on the Yang Child website wrote this sentence that I find powerful and well describing of my feelings. "He will be deeply missed all over the world. May his spirit continue to inspire us and protect animal kind."

Today's filler was born out of a random idea I got in Blackpool of me faking a big reason there was no ROM while Blackpool Tower was in the background.

I have false nails on and its hard to type, so please bear with me on typos.

Like the title says, ROM will be on hiatus from Wednesday until Friday. I'm going/ went on holiday for the weekend but only remembered on Thursday I hadn't done any artwork for the comic to work on the Monday I got back. I'll be doing the artwork during the week and making the comics on Wednesday, so you should have a comic on Friday. Basically I will be missing one update, but the blog and gallery (which has some photographs of me from a resent photo shot in there) won't be updated at all

If anyone wants to make a filler, I'd appreciate the thought. Either send it me on the forum via PM, or you can e-mail me.

Enjoy your week.
Your absent friend.
Shauni

I decided to have the filler up today because the other comics still need typo checking. Sorry folks, please hold on until Friday.

For you keen eyed readers, you'll see the first 5 panels of this comic are from old ROM comics in the archive. See them here and here.

The last panel is an original I drew for then comic. The pokemon in question can be found here.

That is all, see you Friday.
Shauni

WASN'T THAT ANTICLIMACTIC!?

Yea, its a bank holiday today and I have no intentions of using a computer today. This means the SLIGHT chance of a filler on Wednesday as I work on the comics one night a week (which is usually Monday, but I can't stand the though of staying inside on a bank holiday). I'm going to be working on the comics on Tuesday night if I have time, and my dial up connection actually lets me send a comic. But fear not, I won't leave you with a Crap 'Crappy Filler comic'. I will actually put some work into it.

Well, that's my lot for today. Please enjoy the comic and please don't hesitate to visit the gallery (link on the left navigation bar).

Toddles peeps
Shauni

I was first introduced to the series by Megatokyo's Omake comic at the end of volume 4 which was a fan work by the author based on the Haibane Renmei world. I was so fascinated to find out more about this world Piro had given me a glimpse into, I bough the first volume when I could finally spare the cash.

Volume one of the anime contains 4 episodes and only runs for about a 100 minutes, but its enough to set you up with the series and makes you want to find out what happens to the characters.

My favourite character so far is Kana. She's sharp tongued and likes to tease people, but you can tell by her behaviour in the very last episode of the DVD she is actually kind hearted, just a little rough around the edges. My second favourite character is Kuu. She's honest and likeable, but tom boyish to the extent her boss at the cafe actually thinks she's a boy until he is correct by Rakka.

Ah Rakka. The main protagonist of the story. She wakes up from a dream of falling from the sky to find herself inside a cocoon. After braking out from the cocoon she is introduced to the Haibane. The haibane are a group of angelic people with short, charcoal grey wings and halos. Its not long before Rakka (meaning falling) is named by the Haibane after her dream before she awake inside the cocoon, as all the Haibane are. She is given a halo (which wont stick so it needs a 'halo holder' which is a bandanna around her head with a metal wire) and that night her wings sprout. None of the Haibane remember there life before they where born inside the cocoon. The story so far is Rakka's adapting to her new environment. The Haibane live inside a walled city, which for some reason they are not aloud to leave. I am enthralled by the story and am desperate to find out what happens.

The gallery has my fan art on it, a drawing I did of Rakka

If you go here you can find out more about the series and even read some manga relating to the Haigane Renmei world.

Today I'd like to link to a web comic called Two Kinds The comic is basically about a love that shouldn't be and self discovery in a magical land filled with anthro races. Also, a delightful surprise, in the newest chapters, there seems to be a gender confused wolf. It all makes for a Shauniness approved webcomic indeed.

As of today I have had my hair done for a photo shoot I have next Wednesday. I'll show you the pictures on the gallery once I have them back.

This is the Shauniness, signing off.

Then I remember he is a grown man (but still my baby!). Hearing from him everyday via text messages and phone calls keeps me happy but I'm tending to mope around and respond to my parents with inaudible grunts. Work is proving even less stimulating than normal as I know I wont be seeing him at the end of the day.

I even find myself less creative. I don't have the urge or the will to work on artwork that isn't gothic and depressing in nature (take a look at the resent gallery works and you will see what I mean). The only reason your getting ROM comics this week is because I made them last Thursday while I was in a good mood. Andy-ku was coming home for two days so I was excited.

Also, just so your guys know, the Japanese phrases in last Friday's filler came from a phrase book, which now that I know was incorrect, has been filed in the bin.

Anyway, come this Friday I'll be fine as Andy-ku is back for good. Just ignore me while I'm waffling angst.

Your temporally socially reclusive friend
Shauni

I haven't just been sitting on my butt doing nothing though. If you look at the gallery (link on the left) you'll see a shed load of new artwork has gone up. So no rotten vegetables are aloud to be lobed at me today.

Today's Crappy filler was inspired by an anime magazine I buy called Neo. I just wanted to make the point that just because you know a few Japanese phrases from Anime, you can't speck Japanese. Just so you know, I didn't actually hire a Manga-ka. It was a joke.

Also, those are real Japanese phrases, so why not learn them. They might come in handy if your suddenly stranded in Japan and need the bathroom. ((Note: Unless you've had a lesson or two on Japanese pronounciation, they're most likely not pronounced the way you think they are. And a few of the words aren't done with the correct romanji (Japanese translit) spelling anyway... But that's just me nitpicking. Sorry Shauni :-P - Josiah))

Have a nice weekend everyone and I'll see you on Monday.

Regards
Shauni

Also, Andy-ku is away again, so i'm depressed. Be warned, I may be angst.

Also, please have a look at the gallery (the link is on the left hand navigation bar). There is more art up there today.

Here, why no take your characters and have a look if there a Mary-Sue?

Today's comic seems Moen's first official appearance. He has appeared in two flash back stories but this is the first time he has been seen during current events. Look at him, isn't he bad ass!

Currently Playing: Lost in Blue on the Game Boy DS
Currently Reading: Any non-Hentai Rumiko Takahashi Doujinshis (I've found like tow <.<' )
Currently Watching: Inuyahsa >.>'
Currently Drawing: A Ranma 1/2 Doujinshi that isn't Hentai
Currently Hearing: Now 64

And yes we do have an art forum! Pebble Version has an art forum on our message board http://forums.pebbleversion.com/ which no one seems to be visiting recently, which is a shame when we have great artists posting all the time. Ones like Mandi, Opal and Marty. Don't forget I also have my own Dumpbox there as well. It just seems a shame that people go to the effort of making the art and putting it online, and no one comments on it. Go and take a look at the art forum and pat all the great artists on the head. They deserve the praise.

Also I have a few webcomics I would like to one-off link. They won't be added to the links page but I feel a mention is in order.

The first is Black Tapestries which is an interesting work set in a fantasy world with magic, weres and monsters. Its well drawn and the characters are portrayed excellently. However, this might not be for younger readers as it contains scenes of violence and other adult themes.

Next is Strange Candy. This is a very interesting webcomic that is themed around 6 mix matched people getting sucked into different manga themed worlds. So far is proven to be a bucket of laughs, but people who don't like manga or anime won't find much humour here as it plays on the cliché of the whole manga world. It also has Dom from Megatokyo in crossplay (yes, that's is GENDER switching costume play). What more can you ask for?

I'm currently reading Tsuanmi Channel which makes allot of jokes about the works of my fav Manga creator, Rumico Takahashi.

Lastly we have SGVY which is an anagram for a mouth full of words. Just check it out if you like your Magical girls to have a twist.

Later people
Shauni

Last Wednesday we bought a new dining room table. A four seater glass table with REALLY squishy seats. Excellent for eating and dining, not so great for drawing...actually I'm not aloud to draw on the table in case I 'damage the glass'.

I used to have a desk in my room but not its covered in nit knacks and anime stuff, so I only had one hard surface left....my computer desk.

This in itself is not a solution. There is hardly any room to draw in the corner unit so I had to implement a little 'office organisation'. It was a radical plan made up by my mother to clear space. By removing the PC from the desk, I would free up the space taken by the base unit, the keyboard, mouse pad and speakers, as well as gaining an electrical socket for a desk lamp!

However! I need the computer to MAKE the art into a comic.

There goes that idea...thanks anyway Mum.

Your blatantly lying about the last paragraph of that rant pal
Shauni

As well as a temporary fun fair right on our door step, we where treated to stunt shows, pop concerts, local bands, lots of children's entertainment, circus skills, a land train, the brand new beach attraction, a classic car show, a equestrian shows, military displays plus much more besides. The show finished with a Fireworks Event.

In local tradition, it also rained buckets, which for once was welcomed as it took the 'burn' out of the freakish heat-wave England had recently experienced.

It seems St.Helens has allot to offer ((I LIVE NEAR THERE! W00T!))

I also won a freakishly large Tiger teddy Its as big as a German Shepherd

"The Travellers' Guide to Hell: Don't Leave This World Without It" by Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls defines pride as "the mother of all sins... the thin line between righteousness and self-righteousness." In essence, Ivy's personality is based on two different interpretations of pride. 'Virtues Pride' and 'Vainglory'

'Vainglory' is taken from the Christian understanding of Pride as excessive vanity in one's own performances. It is empty pride, undue elation or boastfulness.

These negative traits are seen within Ivy pretty strongly. She has shown a refusal to except defeat or humiliation and violently reacts to anything that 'tarnishes her pride'. Ivy's unwillingness to attack weakling is a reflection on her own unwillingness to follow orders that go against her ego.

Ivy sees herself as a warrior of honourable standing. Any act that goes against this self image (her vain view of herself) is almost sacrilegious and is dealt with harshly.

Now enter Lilly.
Lilly conflicts Ivy core beliefs of herself. Ivy sees herself as a warrior, and her pride and vanity have been born from this core belief. Her original ideals, or Virtues Pride, have been distorted over time by her own lack of self control, and are even more sewed by Moen's dark magic.

Ivy's Virtues pride reflects the Eastern understanding of pride within Bushido. Bushido, meaning "way of the warrior," is a Japanese code of conduct and a way of life, loosely analogous to the European concept of chivalry. Bushido expanded and formulised the earlier code of the samurai, and stressed frugality, loyalty, mastery of martial arts, and honour to the death.

Ivy still holds these principles true, but does not know who to direct these traits to. Does she stay loyal to her sister and forsake Moen, or does she forsake her sister and remain true to Moen? The issue here is how strong Ivy's own will is compared to that imposed on her. Its quite clear to see from her actions that she is ashamed that she has become a captive and slave, which to her is the worse loss of honour...however, if she where to fight against Moen she would also compromise her loyalty.

The inner conflict can be summered to this. Is Ivy strong enough to pull threw the Darkness of Moen's vanity to fight for the light of her own honour?

As the characters are based on real people on the forum I found it hard to flesh them out as I was afraid they would contradict the creators original ideals, so I decided to wait a while and see where the characters themselves in the comic took me. The portrayal of Josiah, Jeff, Opal and Silver is taken from my interpretation of them during the ROM RP, not there real life selves. This source of information is some what limited to gaining insight into the inner workings of the characters, so I made up a little background history using what I knew of the real people to give them a life before ROM, therefore a 3D personality I could develop in this media.

As for Josiah's karate, I figured I'd have Jeff teach a bit to all the gamers at a later date. That's why I didn't mention it ^_^

As for Bagpuss, I didn't realise this popular children's show from my youth wasn't an international one. Bagpuss is an old, saggy cloth cat that comes to life magically as part of the TV show of the same name.
Josiah's first impression of Jeff and Silver was that they looked like Bagpuss and Bigbird. After looking into American TV broadcasting it seems Bagpuss hasn't made a dint. I guess the misunderstanding was a cultural clash. You may find a few of my jokes a regional restrictive, but I guess that's what I guess from being British.

Later all
Shauni

I noticed the pattern Random TG Fanboy pointed out today about a week ago and had the great idea for the joke, but I didn't know how I could implement it until yesterday.

Today's filler was partly due to my new DS distracting me from drawing last week, and partly due to the current heat wave. I find it VERY difficult to sit at a computer for a few hours when the sun is baiting me to go outside and frolic.

Also, TG Fanboy's face is what we call 'henohenomoheji'. It commonly used in manga as a quick way to draw unimportant characters. Find out more here.

From your friendly neighbourhood TG Fangirl.
Shauni

Enjoy your week
Shauni

Your boiling British oddball
Shauni

I was intrigued to spot in last weeks Computer Weekly Jobs pages that the security boys and girls at Mi5 are on the lookout for a bunch of IT security specialists. After being fed a diet of James Bond down the years, I fondly imagined that a more covert and mysterious recruitment process would be the order of the day... I imagined a team of maverick genius programmers are brought together by some dauntingly clever specialists, that kind of thing...but clearly not.

Disappointing really.

Your slightly disappointed Author
Shauni

I've spent the last few days playing Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker. Playing Zelda games has always inspired me for ROM and whatever other projects I want to try. When I have inspiration, I work my ass off. Upon doing so, I've managed to create a chapter of my Ranma 1/2 fancomic page, and three ROMs in a single night. If this keeps up, I shouldn't have a problem maintaining my comic schedule.

Of course, now I'm dying for Twilight Princess... Being a zelda fan, the reason should be obvious.

As for Nintendogs, its a good game in hour spurts...just lacks...hardcore play. That's why I've had time for Zelda.

One very important question was raised in the scientific community last weekend.

How can we make best use of the benefits of nanotechnology to make society a better place?

Sadly, another question was also raised as well

What will we do with no footie on the telly?

The Physicists at Kaiserslautern University has created the world's smallest Football/ Soccer pitch. It measures 500 by 380 nanometers and has all the markings of a real pitch. To give you a real idea of how small that is, 20,000 of these pitches could be marked out on the tip of a human hair.

Once again, University's making good use of there funding <.<

Please read my rant from 9th December 2005 where I complain about other stupid research by Universities

Currently Playing: Nintendogs on my new DS
Currently Reading: GuruGuru Ponchan volume two
Currently Watching: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Currently Drawing: Product sketches for may Ranma 1/2 Fancomic
Currently Hearing: Linken Park

Your rather annoyed Collage Graduate
Shauni

I also wanted to point out some of the ROM Production sketches are also on the forum here for you to look at. On this thread there is also some news about upcoming ROM wallpapers as donation incentives.

I also wanted to link my Art Dumpbox where I keep non-ROM related art.

Theirs a link to New World Comic on the links page today as well.

Also, keep and eye out for a possible gallery as well. I'm currently setting up a Deviant Art account.

Regards from the Takahashi Fan-girl
Shauni

It basically summaries the resent finding of a HP-commissioned research into "cyber-socialising". Cyber-socialising is the common name for the phenomenon that has swept office workers in the last three years. HP's research has discovered that 40% of office workers spend more time e-mail friends and instant messaging than actually working. Similar number admit to prioritising personal tasks above business responsibilities.

HP concluded that this is not actually 'blatant skiving', but "Workers finding a way to correcting the work/life balance" Apparently "socialising in business hours was used by workers to compensate for a reduction in face-to-face socialising due to long hours at work"

You see, to me, it does just look like skiving. The term 'A rose by any other name' seems to fit here.

Also, theres a link to VG Cats on the links page.

Your blatantly skiving friend

Shauni

Also DMFA. I know this is linked on the main page but I thought I'd link all my favourite comics, and I so do love DMFA.

Currently Playing: Forbidden Siren on PS2
Currently Reading: Mother by Dave Harper
Currently Watching: Friends Reruns on E4
Currently Drawing: A Ranma 1/2 Doujinshi (Still)
Currently Hearing: System of a Down

Finally, part two of my holiday summary! As you know, two weeks ago I was in Florida. I've already dealt with the first week of my holiday, and now here is the second.

We spent the whole of the second week at Andy-ku's uncle's house. While we where there we ventured to some local tourist attractions which included a full scale Japanese gardens. The Roji-en Japanese Gardens, also known as the George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Gardens, are Japanese gardens and botanical gardens located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, Florida, USA. The gardens are open to the public, but closed Mondays and major holidays.

"Today's gardens form one of the largest Japanese gardens in the world. They were designed by Hoichi Kurisu and constructed between 1999 and 2001 in Morikami Park, a 200 acre (80 hectare) site donated by George Morikami to Palm Beach County and Florida in 1973. The Roji-en gardens are part of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, reported to be the only museum in the United States dedicated to the living culture of Japan. A mile-long path leads through six different Japanese gardens, representing six periods of Japanese garden design between the eighth and 20th centuries. The grounds feature pine trees, bamboo groves, waterfalls and large granite boulders, and also include Yamato-Kan, a replica Japanese farm house containing historical exhibits of South Florida's Japanese Yamato Colony almost 100 years ago."--Wikipedia
For more information on this beautiful sight, click here

Our second destination was The Kennedy Space Centre. Most people will be fully aware of all the fascinating features available here, so I wont list all of them. The highlight of this day out for me was the chance to watch the 3D IMAX movies. Those where a blast!

An unexpected trip took us to a local Butterfly sanctuary. I forget the name, but at a guess I would say it's called 'Butterfly World'. This was a wonderful experience. You entered large enclosures with butterflies flying around freely. Other features included a hummingbird enclosure of the same description. The highlight of this day out was the ability to feed some of the larger birds directly. They used you as a perch while they drank nectar out of a cup!

One of our last days out was to a water park called 'The Rapids'. This was a fun day out and some of the water slides where...scary. I had allot of fun swimming in the wave pools and ridding on some of the...safer looking rides.

One of our spare days lead to a rather nice surprise. Andy-ku's uncle took us up for a helicopter ride over Florida! He's the owner of Ocean Helicopters If your looking for a flight training school, theirs none better and more fun than his!

I think that sums everything up nicely. We went shopping a few times, relaxed in our privet pool, played video games and the like. Over all it was a really cool holiday and I'd love to go again.

Thanks to Andy-ku's family for putting up with me for two hole weeks!

Currently Playing: Devil May Cry Three on PS2
Currently Reading: Ranma Ichibunnoni by Dave Harper
Currently Watching: Ranma 1/2 <.<'
Currently Drawing: A Ranma 1/2 Doujinshi (Super secret project!)
Currently Hearing: Linkin Park

Nothing new to report at my end, I've finally gotten back into the swing of things and should be able to get ROM updates done so there won't be a delay.

Later
Shauni

We arrived after a 9 and a half hour flight. An hour drive followed to our three day hotel room. The room was beautiful and the whole resort was well equipped and shinny. The first trip we made was an all day excursion to SeaWorld. We saw several brilliant shows, including the whale show, the dolphin show and sea lion show. We got to feed dolphins, ride an virtual reality helicopter ride over Antarctica and have our portraits done by cartoonists (a photo of the drawing of me will be available soon!)

The next couple of days at the hotel manly resolved around relaxing. We swam in the pool and lived it up in the hot tub and took a few walks to the lake. We even had some time to play on the hotel complexes Playstation 2!

Day 4, and a very long car drive took us from Orlando to Palm Beach Gardens, where we would be spending the rest of our holiday with Andy-ku's uncle.

Over the remainder of the first week we where able to relax, go fishing, wonder around the largest mall I have ever seen and fill our bellies with as much food as we could hold.

Next rant, week two of my holiday in Florida!

Currently Playing: Forbidden Siren on PS2
Currently Reading: Birthright by Arthur Hansen
Currently Watching: Ranma 1/2 ^_^'
Currently Drawing: Miser in a kimono...huh?
Currently Hearing: Linkin Park

I'll write up a full run down of my holiday to America for Fridays update. I may even have some pictures for you to look at!

Currently Playing: Fire Emblem on GBA
Currently Reading: Andy McNab's 'Firewall'
Currently Watching: Some random American chat show
Currently Drawing: The Sloth Deadly Sin 'Licia' (not Shadowman's BA Licia, I'm just using her name for sloth with permission)
Currently Going: Back to the UK
Currently Hearing: 'Raining in June' by 'Andy McAllister' (A home written song by
Andy-ku's cousion. One of the people we stayed with in Florida)

Anyway, I did get alot of anime and manga stuff, as well as some disney stuff! I cant get over how much anime stuff you can get in a normal shop over here! I bought an Inuyasha bag for pete's sake! I also got a Shippo key ring and a Sango lip barm <.<There is alot a junk in these shops >.>

anyway, i gotta go.

Regular updates will resume as soon as I get back.

I'll see you all soon!

Signing off

Shauni

Regards
Shauni

Anyway, I'm not in a particularly good mood at the moment. Its constantly raining as I'm using public transport, my boyfriend is away for a second week, I've almost bankrupted myself getting a loan for a new car which I can't pick up until Friday, and worst of all, I've lost my creative buzz for ROM...
I'm lucky I have about 7 comics finished and ready to go up, because at present I can't draw to save my life...
MUSE! WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME!

Also, Andy-ku comes back today! YAY!

Anyway, there's no real ROM news today. There won't be any delays as far as I can tell, and it looks like I may have even sorted out a continues updated timeframe while I'm on Holiday.

Until Friday my e-friends
Shauni

This story seems to have been written to try out some of the plot-devices used in Ranma ?. The story is about Shiro (a common name for dogs in Japan which means "white") turns into a dog whenever his nose bleeds. On his way to school one day he comes across Momoko, the president of the Martial Arts Club being harassed to by Togakushi who constantly asks her out on dates. After saving Momoko from Togakushi, Shiro is asked to join the Martial Arts Club so he can help them compete in their upcoming match. Togakushi decides to fight Shiro, who is taking a huge risk by fighting. If he were to get a bloody nose, his secret would be revealed to everyone! Its a pretty good read, I can't wait to read 'One or Double'

Sam Grant has recently started a new webcomic, called 'Opposite Again' http://www.samgrant.com/oa/ , which follows the exploits of Michael once again when and unexpected trip to the hospital accidentally reactivates his genetic condition. The artwork is much improved from the 1980s original. This time all the artwork seems to have been coloured with photo editing software. I'm glad the story is back and its nice to see some of the lose ends from the last series being tied up. Its a nice return to the lives of interesting characters.

An article in this weeks Downtime section caught my attention.

'Nasa Scientists in a flap over high-flying vultures'

To summaries this article, NASA has recently been having problems with vultures flying into its shuttles. To counter the measure NASA, the organisation with some of the most brilliant minds in the world, has come up with....'The Roadkill Posse' They basically go around and remove dead carcasses from the area around the launch sights so the vultures wont have a food source.

According to the article they have removed 500lbs of animal carcasses since the posse began.

Plan B is to scare the vultures away with loud noises.

If these a the best of the best, it makes you wonder how we got into space in the first place.

Today I have fan art of Mu-chan by Mandi. thank you Mandi ^_^

Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Maiden, prequal to the ever popular Fushigi Yugi: Mysterious Play by Yu Watase, is the manga series I have been reading the most of lately. Three volumes of the manga have been made available in the UK to date (and I own all three XP).

I'd review it, but I'm not in deep enough to have an honest opinion. So far its been great. Check here for more details

I have friends who do have access to the sight keeping tract of the comic, so if theirs something amiss or its not updated, check here and it should enlighten you.

Also, if you want to see a pic of the real 'Shauni the dog' click here

For future reference, if the comic is not updated by means that are not my fault, you can find it on the forums temporally here ((Unless they entire site is down. - Josiah))

I FINALLY got to see Final Fantasy: Advent Children last week. O dear lord its fantastic! The film was eye candy up to the level of the ultimate gob stopper! The only quibble I have with it is Yuffie and Red 13 are not in it long enough, and it didn't answer the question that fills everyone's minds at the end of FF7. How the hell did Red 13 have kids if he was the last of his kind?

ANYWAY. Today's comic is an important event for chapters to come. I've been trying to show Ivy's indecision based on her personality being lead by Pride. Pride, in its global definition, can swing between sin and virtue, dependant on which context its taken in. The Christian faith sees Pride as a deadly sin, one which can lead to many others and is often the easiest for people to commit. On the other hand, in Japan, pride is considered a fundamental part of honour, which is a sacred bylaw.

Pride is a very interesting trait, and as I have been reading up on it from many sources for my comic, I found there are lots of conflicting ideas. Pride can be used to manipulate a person, but if one is aware of the true nature of there pride, it can actually be used as a positive thing to prevent someone being used.

All in all, it makes for a great inner conflict within Ivy, which in today's comic, shows 'The Slap' is more psychologically damaging then physically.

In other news...its Andy-ku's birthday tomorrow! There will be ANOTHER birthday comic on Wednesday instead of a ROM comic, so in actuality I have 4 updates secured, not three.

Okay, that's if for me today, Enjoy your week

One last Birthday Present from Dark Key! Yay!

Okay, that's enough of that, and no, I'm not telling how much weight I put on over Easter and my Birthday... lets just say...ouch

Anyway...we have a few gifts I need to thank forum members for today! We have a funny Birthday comic by Opal, some fan art by Roxie, a great birthday comic by blade and I also want to thank atma and shadowman for other misc gifts as well!

i'd also like to thank TheReizenderUnsegen for doing a picture of one of my RP characters over at the New World Forum (I've linked it before in 'old News')

Also, thanks to Andy-ku for letting me hijack his computer while i'm off work so I can still update ROM!

Later all!

A 21 year old Shauni

The peeps in the comic are all from the forums and include Dark Key, Shadowman, Meyou, Stevenson, Neo Zanthor, josiah, myself, Simeon, Celebifly, Matrix Kirby, Silver and Blade!

Thanks everyone for all the happy birthday wishes on the forums!

ROM comics returns to normal on Wednesday

Also, I'd like to mention Opal has done some fan art

I'd also like to mention the fact that Monday will see a birthday comic instead of a ROM comic

I'd also like to mention this is Meyou's cameo as thanks for mine in his comic.

I think I covered everything. Sunday is my 21st Birthday and its also Easter, so I wont be online much

Have a nice weekend all!

Also, don't forget this week is the last week of the comic invasion by Meyou from Fox's Shadow

Nothing much else to say really today.

Enjoy your weekend

Shauni

Today we have Another great comic by Opal and that Yomikko fan art by Dark Key I promised

Don't forget now, these are actually ligitimate ROM comics, just drawn by someone else! And dont forget to check in with Fox's Shadow for my comics either!

Later Peeps

Shauni

I also have fan art from Dark Key of Yomikko, but I'll save that for Friday's update.

Linking Fox's Shadow for Shauni's on going cameo again.

This is going to be the last standard ROM comic coming your way, theirs going to be a surprise, but we will leave it as that, a surprise ^^ Also, its my 21st birthday on the 16th of April, so I may do a special comic for that too ^^ Andy-ku's is also coming up 9 days after mine. AND ITS EASTER! YAY FOR CHOCOLATE EGGS!

Its a big month for me ^_^

Also of note is I broke my little toe

Currently Playing: The old arcade Ms. Pac Man on my Game Boy Advance
Currently Reading: Ranma 1/2 Volume 36 (the one where Ranma finally meets his mother as a man)
Currently Watching: Red Dwarf season 6
Currently Drawing: Opal owns Ryoga for Celebifly
Currently Going: To the garage
Currently Hearing: Inuyasha theme music ^^

Signing off for this week

Shauni

Later all

Shauni

Sorry for the suckie rant, but, yea...I have no excuse

Also, linking Fox's Shadow....again. What can I say? Marty is a good friend of mine.

Regards
Shauni

I think the worst day of the week is the 24 hours from Monday lunchtime to Tuesday lunchtime.

Monday morning passes in a blur, but by afternoon the full awful prospect of the time stretching out to the next weekend faces you. Also, the worst month of the year is March because it's still winter, snow becomes a hindrance instead of a novelty and the buzz of Christmas has work its way out of your system.

On that happy note, don't forget to visit Fox's Shadow for Shauni's on going cameo.

I've just bought 2 more volumes of it, as well as the first Ranma 1/2 manga on amazon.com. I just wanted to pimp up amazon for providing me with lazy shopping manga ^^

Also, go see Fox's Shadow I'll keep linking it as long as Marty keeps bugging me!

Currently Playing: Final Fantasy X 2
Currently Reading: Cheeky Angel
Currently Watching: Reruns of Friends
Currently Drawing: The Furry Army
Currently Going: In a straight line
Currently Hearing: Funeral for a Friend

Today we see the end of 'The Moen Saga' by Opal, which means there are FOUR comics, not three. And if your wondering what Celebifly is referring to in the last panel, read her guest comic called 'Celebifly/ Ranma'

Also, pimping Fox's Shadow again for Shauni's on going cameo

Currently Playing: Shadow Hearts 2
Currently Reading: Memoirs of a Geisha (still, its a thick book damn it!)
Currently Watching: Pom Poko
Currently Drawing: Samurai Tiger for Andy Ku
Currently Going: To my computer and my room
Currently Hearing: The Arctic Monkeys new album

Enjoy your week people!

Regards
Shauni

Howl's moving Castle Review
Another charming and inventive fairy tale every bit as good as Miyazaki's past offerings which include my all time favourite 'Spirited Away'. The film is one of his best, abundant in rich imagination and delightful characters set in a world of fantastical sights and sounds, Where everyone has a fly-machine and wizards walk among the common folk.

"Young Sophie Hatter is cursed by the Witch of the Waste, and turns into an old hag. Ashamed of how she looks, she flees into the hills where a moving castle roams the hills. It is said to belong to the young and handsome wizard Howl, who has a bad reputation. Within the castle, Sophie befriends the fire demon Calcifer who promises to help her become young again. One catch, she must help Calcifer to be free of Howl, and Calcifer cannot tell her how. However, Sophie agrees to stay and try and find out about the contract threw other ways. Still, Howl can see that Sophie is under a spell (like Calcifer can) and falls in love with her for who she is and not what she looks like. Sophie manages to bring life to the moving castle, and help Howl to face his former tutor, Madam Sulimen."

'Howl's Moving Castle' is riddled with classic Miyazaki: strong women characters, open landscapes, flying machines that are so fantastical you don't care whether they make sense or not, and the horridness of war. These add strength to the love story of Howl and Sofi. Miyazaki uses his wonderful power to take classic, almost mythological and fairy tale stories we all know, and archetypal characters and make them his own, until we don't even recognise the stories we have heard a thousand times, and it feels as if we are seeing and hearing them for the first time. He does this with a host of wonderful characters. More strange creatures play prominent role here then any other Miyazaki film.

On a final note: the American voice casting is brilliant, possibly the best ever on a Miyazakie film, which is saying quite a lot. Billy Crystal, Christian Bale, and others provide perfect performances. Shauni Final Though: So good that it shames virtually every animated film made since Miyazaki's last film.

I've put today's Guest Comic up instead of a ROM comic because Marty has done something wonderful for me. Shauni is moonlighting over on his comic for a while. That's right, if you go over to his comic now you will find Shauni in a reoccurring cameo role! She has one BIG sword and umbrella rocket!

Also, we have more from Opal and 'The Moen Saga' so please take a gander. ROM returns to regular comics next update with new and improved art. There will no longer be broken up lines and jagged edges. ROM has gone SMOOTH.There also the first comics to be pre-read by Stevenson for grammar mistakes.

Next Friday will also see a review of Howl's Moving Castle

Later People
Shauni

Currently Playing: With my new digital video camera.
Currently Reading: The instructions to my new digital video camera
Currently Watching: Crappy films of my garden on new digital video camera
Currently Drawing: 'BA Chester' gets kissed by Yomikko for Dark Key
Currently Going: Insane
Currently Hearing: Radio One's live lounge

In today's update we have more from Opal and the 'Moen Saga' and...that's it.

Enjoy your weekends people!

Regards
Shauni

In ROM news we have three more panels from 'The Moen Saga' by Opal.

That's about it really. Not much more to say, except I hate the fact Europe has to wait until Fall for Kingdom Hearts Two when I hear the USA got it this month ((Not yet, another three weeks or so. - Josiah)).

Currently Playing: Game Boy Advanced 'Pokemon Ruby'
Currently Reading: Memoirs of a Geisha
Currently Watching: Dusk till Dawn Two, Final Destination Three
Currently Drawing: 'BA Chester' for Dark Key, Cosplay Artwork of Jeff and ivy
Currently Going: Work and Back
Currently Hearing: Gorilla's album 'Demon Days' and the Scissors Sisters

Regards
Shauni

Regards
Shauni

In ROM news, I have recruited Stevenson (who was the person that spotted the 'Tales of Redwall' reference in my archives) as a spell checker. He won't be put into commission until next weeks ROM comics are done as the next three are already finished beyond the point of editing, so expect to see his work soon! Also, I'm trying to find the time to do a few Cosplay images I've promised as well as a few gift arts, so there won't be any bonuses next week again. Sorry people. Also, as Josiah mentioned, the cast page is finally up, so if you didn't take a gander on Wednesday, why not take a look now?

Here is an overview of my week
Currently Playing: Playstation 2 exclusive 'Shadow of The Colossus'.
Currently Reading: Ranma 1/2 Volume 22 (the one where he fights Herb for The Locking
ladle), Official Playstation 2 Magazine's 'Year of the RPG'
Currently Watching: Open All Hours Season 2 and Big Mama's House 2
Currently Drawing: Haku does Ryoga, ROM 108-111, Aviator for Shadowman, Adopt a ROM
Monster for Silver
Currently Going: Southport Beach, Liverpool Shopping Centre
Currently Hearing: System of a Down
See you all on Monday!
Shauni

To start with we have some Ivy fan art from Dark Key that you can see here. Also, here is a link to Dark Key's Deviant Art page

In today's comic we see the first mention by Silver about Monster Rancher, and last week we saw Josiah mention Pokemon. You will begin to notice threw the course of this 'boss battle' that the 'warriors' gaming skills will come into play. I'm just pointing this out so you see the subtle mentions to monster training games that will follow in this chapter. Also, the cartoon Silver is talking about is an episode I saw of Monster Rancher a long time ago. That's your lot my wonderful reader type person

Please tune in on Friday for one of my favourite comics I've done so far.

Regards
Shauni

Back to ROM news, well...I don't have any. There won't be any bonus from me for a while due to an unexpected busy month,

Also, if you have the chat messenger software 'Skype', you can catch me on there under the username Samantha_san

Regards
Shauni

I have written the legend today that reflects the permission of 'The Other Worldly Maiden and the Four warriors' story that has briefly been mentioned within the comic a few times.

Here it is for you to read if you don't want to wait another year to read it

"Hidden by the unseeing eyes of Humans and Gods alike, he lies in wait. His purpose unknown, but his goal evident. It is the choice of mortal man that he should succeed, or that he should fail. The greatest off all evil lies bound at The Gate of the Gods, staved in fragile slumber the the Priestess of the gods. The Other Worldly Maiden binds the fallen god for a time, but her strength will diminish and the barrier she holds will brake. Then upon the curse of the fallen god, she will be born again.

And Lo; the fallen god spoke onto the Priestess as she cast her conscious soul into the shield to bind him

"I curse you Priestess. I curse you from here to eternity. You will never ascend past this world. You shall be reborn time after time, each life will be as the last. You will never find happiness. You will forever be as lost as you are now, and love shall reject you."

The Priestess called back to the mockery of the god

"Once my strength has failed me I will return to mortal guise again, having lost everything that has made me who I am now...but I will be granted the gift to summon even stronger warriors from beyond the Gate of Gods using insight that only transcending threw Hell will grant me. When I return to the realm of mortal men, I will bring the gods wrath upon you as I have done before ."

The Priestess will be cast back into the guise of mortal flesh to begin the cycle again. She will summon holy warriors from beyond the Gate of Gods, and they will crush those that seek to awaken the fallen good, and destroy his ternary absolutely."

In other words, I have nothing to write about...*anime sweetdrop*
Regards
Shauni

"Have you received any of those classic Nigerian advance-fee fraud e-mails recently?

As a Computer Weekly reader you have already show yourself to be above being duped by such a poorly constructed scam, but some poor suckers are still being caught out.

Last week, a Lagos court jailed Nigerian national Harrison Odiawa for 376 years for managing to extract a mind-boggling ?1.1m from George Roberts Blake of the US.

Blake made the payment by raising cash from his company, personal assets and a considerable loan on the promise of a percentage of a bogus ?11.7M Ministry of Health contract.

The judge ordered Odiawa to pay back ?1M to his victim and noted that he hoped the rather hefty sentence would act as a deterrent to others"

As the Post master for my company's misdirected e-mail I get hundreds of these 'Nigerian advance-fee fraud' e-mails EVERY DAY. I'm just glad these spammers are getting what they deserve finally!

There is also Art Exchange on the ROM Cosplay thread from Marty over at 'Fox's Shadow'

Today we have three panels from opal as well as Porca fan art by her as well

Regards

Shauni

ROM is officially 100 comics old! To celebrate, we have fan art from Silver and a congratulations joke by Opal here!

Thanks to everyone who has been reading ROM since the beginning, and everyone who has supported and donated art and time to the comic.

I would like to give a special thanks to Josiah for hosting ROM free and for supporting me and encouraging me since day one. I'd like to thank Opal for all of the bonus art you have provided ROM over the last few months,

and for giving your time to do the art for me.

I'd also like to thanks Silver, Neo, Ibun, Simeon, David and the rest of the ROM RP cast for giving me the inspiration to make this comic.

I also want to thank Andy-ku for helping me make the comic what it is as well.

I'd like to give special thanks to Felix, wherever you are, for starting off the ROM RP in the first place

Please keep reading and enjoying this comic. I only do it to share the ROM story with everyone!

Here's hoping for another 100 comics to come!!

Shauni

Ok, now that the self flattery is over, I'll tell you about my wonderful Valentines Day with Andy-ku.

We went to our favourite restaurant, its a French restaurant called 'Le Frog', and we had a three course candle lit dinner together. Andy-ku also spoiled me with LOADS of presents! This was officially the greatest Valentines Day EVER!

In ROM news, I have sent some bio's for the Cast page to Josiah. Its just a matter of him getting some spare time to upload them for your reading pleasure. ((I've already started on it. Hoping to have it up on monday. - Josiah))

Also, on the forum I have been running a 'Adopt a ROM monster' thread, so why not give it a look. There is also a new commission uploaded on the ROM Cosplay thread as well as new Characters you can request art for.

Next Monday sees the 100th ROM comic. Theirs still time to get something to me if you would like to celebrate with use, but you'll have to be quick.

All my love

Shauni

Opal has kindly made some celebratory art, which will go up on Monday as well as ROM 100. Specking of Opal, I have a few more frames of her fan comic to go up, but I'm waiting until she sends me some more so I can update it 3 panels an update like I have been doing.

That's all from me peeps.
Heres hoping Chapter Three will be to your liking

Regards
Shauni

Anyway, today we see the end of chapter two (Thank god) Next week the action returns to Josiah and co in the batter against Muggle. Yay...a huge battle sequence I have to draw....*crys*

Also, three more Opal comics to view, so go play with them...

Regards
Shauni

I got two Inuyasha Movies from E-bay, so yay to Ebay

I have 3 new Opal comics for you, so YAY to Opal

That's it for today, so bla to me

Regards

Shauni

Back to my rant title.

On Monday I was reading 'Piro's' rant over at Megatokyo when I came upon this little gem

"Doing a story based webcomic is a lot like writing a term paper one page at a time and having to post your rough drafts as you go - with no ability to go back and change the drafts"

He's absolutely right! The first couple of ROM comics are totally off...that's the point of the Restoration Project. A few of the old comics are ready to update. I will be sending about 5 to Josiah this month.

In Sam news, Andy-ku is back from training and I went to "A Funeral for a Friend" music concert on Tuesday. I'll review it on Friday.

Later all you wonderful, wonderful people!
Shauni

Next Wednesday some Flash Art by Matrix Kirby will find its way on the sight if its not a problem with Josiah. Its a MOVING Celebifly.

Regards
Shauni

I admit to not having a clue where the story is going most of the time, I make it up as I go.

The next few comics didn't exist until Monday night when I feverishly drew them after having a brain wave at a petrol station filling up my Citroen AX Spree (I call him 'Axle')

I had decided that Neo (who is the guy looking for 'Kassy'), would eventually be in my comic and the relevant plot lines that surround him would be reviled. Then it hit me (oww) Why not have Lilly telling her story, and slowly reviling some of Neo's? I had planed 'the attack on D-Edge 6 years ago' flashback Neo would have for months now, but why subject you to two flashbacks when one will do? It also lets me feel be big and clever to foreshadow! (and gets Neo in my comic a little quicker)

I've spent most of the weekend fleshing out my characters personalities and backstoryies. I've also decided that Lilly (who was originally just a plot device) will get her rightful place as a "supporting cast" member.

Now here is the big issue. Who's backstory gets told first? PM me your vote if you are a member of the forum for the following story lines:

Yomikko Gothard remembers her fathers words and later his death
Petra Wong gets her nickname from Haku
Neo Zanther has his village attacked by Moen, and why
Silver Smith and Opal Grey recount real word events from before ROM

I'll give the voting two weeks.

In Sam news, I finally got a copy of Pokemon: Gale of Darkness. Subsequently I'm not so impressed. The game is ok...it just seems to...similar to the other one. Hell...it IS the same game in fact. I'm also miffed at the Shadow Pokemon on offer. Most of them I have either seen to many times before or they just suck.

Not Nintendo's crowning moment...that said, I will most likely play it until I die...so it is good value for money.

Later all
Shauni

In ROM news, this week you WILL see the Omake Creak bonus comic I promised last week. I just need to make the stupid thing....*grummbles*

Today's rant title doesn't really relate to anything really, except I feel a little like Kasumi from Ranma 1/2 recently...stuck in my room, oblivious to what's going on outside as I milk a virtual cow.

Later people of Springflied
Shauni

OK, your probably a little annoyed there was no Omake Creak Comic like I promised, but there is a good reason for that...I just need to make it up first... Also, Project Sutra will update before the end of next month *insert anima sweatdrop here* That's it for ROM news. Now back to my rant tittle topic.

I've noticed recently I have weird tastes in Manga...REALLY weird. It all started when I began reading Ranma 1/2....then almost everything else by Rumico... I then moved further afield, reading Manga suggested on the net for people who like Ranma 1/2. This got me reading the likes of Kashimashi, Pretty Face (these Manga have not been released in the UK and are available translated online for free here), Your and My Secret (I have reviewed this before, check the Old News link to read the review) and Futaba-kun change (I didn't like this so much, but it was funny in parts so its worth a look). In ALL of these mangas, people change gender spontaneously and unwillingly...

I also noticed most of the webcomics I read have this main idea at least SOMEWHERE in there archives (even Megatokyo has Piro experiencing an existence on the net as Piroko and Pirogoth).

Don't get me wrong, I don't like reading about people getting used to there new body in a bad way (add all the innuendo you want, I HATE reading about THAT sort of thing in manga, if I wanted to see stuff like that, I'd look at porn *eww...icky!*). I guess I just like reading about people experiencing the ultimate change of perspective. I like it when people have to accommodate the protagonist's change, how people begin to see or treat them differently, as well as the protagonist beginning to change as well. I've noticed that Inuyasha is like this in some ways, as Inuyasha transforms into different things as well.

Despite most of the manga I have asses to being aimed at Boys, I can still read the emotions in there and I can always find a laugh as well at someone having to use the wrong locker room to change in =P

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I like it when a manga focuses on someone coming to terms with a major change, and them learning how people can be different around other people. We rarely get a chance to walk in some one else shoes...and I love reading about that.

As a little teaser, I intend to have Haku experience some of these emotions and experiences I was telling you about now that he resides with Petra's body.

If you have any Manga, storys or comics that sort of fits into my tastes and you'd like to suggest it, you can PM me on the Pebble Version Forums.

On a side note, I lost 2 and a half pounds on my Slimmers World Diet, and Andy-ku come home today! YAY!!! YAY!! I missed him TOO TOO MUCH!

Glomp*
Shauni

Yea...as sad as this might sound, I spent about four hours on Sunday night on Harvest Moon on my Gamecube. I've not fire up the old Gamecube for nearly 7 months....the poor thing seemed glad of the exercise. Anyway, I started a new game and after four hours my farm consists of a dog named Tinder (named after its burnt orange colour), a black and white cow named Geisha (look, I have an obsession which Japan okay...), a chicken named Mulan (I recently bought it on DVD...) and a rooster named Mushu (why not?)

My farm is proudly called "China Farm". I was going to name it Jusenkyo (after the cursed springs in Ranma 1/2) but the name was to long...

I am now saving up to buy a star cow at around 7000G (at the moment) and a pond to attract some ducks. Before I turned off the game I was able to harvest my first crop of tomatoes...but Van didn't pay me much for them. I think I'll concentrate on the live stock until the end of spring and splash out on some exotic fruit seeds in the summer....I also need to buy a seed mixer before the end of the season as well...and that may be a push with only milk and eggs on sale...but then I have to impregnate the new star cow so I can get some milk out of it...

There's also the case of getting Celia to marry my little farmer dude before the year is out. So far I have her on two hearts. I need at least 3 before he can make his move....I can't wait for Harvest Moon: For Girls to come out in the UK (if it does). It feels weird hitting on girls...even if it is in a computer game...

On a ROM note, I've noticed its only 10 more comics to 100! If someone wants to make something in celebration, I would love it *hint hint*

Regards
Shauni

Anyway, in Shauni news, Andy-ku is spending the next five days on a training course miles away from where we live, he comes back for the weekend, then he's off for another five days after that! This has got me really bummed out and depressed. He went for a few days to the same place before Christmas and I missed him like crazy. I know he needs to do this course so he can become a better mechanic, I just wish I could go with him or it was closer to home...I'm going to be pottering about alone wondering what the hell to do with myself... I'm going to miss him SO SO SO SO SO SO SO MUCH!

I have a few links I would like to pimp today that aren't in Josiah links page, but I think they deserve a BIG mention.

Misfile (Some mature content)
The story of how much one little misfile in heaven's admin department can screw up a young guy's life by turning him into a girl...

New World (Some mature content)
One minute your just sitting in your room on your computer, the next your dragged threw a dimensional portal to act as a bored mages door step...not to mention the whole...being turned into a fox-girl thing as well.... Also, you can find me on there forum!

Fox's Shadow (Some mature content)
Lots of guns, fox people and a grim reaper. What more could you ask for?

9th Elsewhere (Fine for all ages)
A great comic about a young female writer and her odd ball muse taking a trip threw her subconscious.
((Could have sword I had a link to that one... - Josiah))

The Wotch (Fine for ages 10+)
A girl goes to band camp and is given a magic flute...the next thing you know she's now a type of witch called "The Wotch"...

Abstract Gender (Fine for all ages)
Two guys go into a haunted house...the next thing you know there two girls...

Discordia (so far fine for all ages)
Hell hath no fury as a woman's wrath. Bitter girlfriend summons a goddess to punish her boyfriend....resulting in unexpected age reductions, gender swaps and magical powers...

El Goonish Shive (Some mature content)
I don't think there is a person out there that hasn't read this comic. It is WELL worth a read. Its one of the best webcomics out there.

Sins the comic (Fine for all ages)
While I was doing some research on the Deadly sins for my own comic, I came upon this little gem on google.com. Its the on going adventures of the manifested forms of the seven deadly sins, and who ever is unfortunate enough to be there latest "host". I find it very funny myself and think everyone should check it out!

As for Megatokyo, Bob and George, RPG World and DMFA, they can be found on Josiah's link pages.

That's it for me today
Later all
Shauni

There is no more ROM news this week, except there will be another bonus 'Omake Creak' comic about Ranma 1/2, so tune in for that as well as another Monday update.

Now, to the anime review. I recently purchased a copy of an anime called 'Grave of the Fireflies', which is from the makers of Spirited Away, Howl's moving castle and The Cat Returns. The film was first aired around 1988, but it has recently been re-mastered for DVD.

The film, in its most basic terms, is about a young boy and his little sister's struggle to survive in Japan during World War II. The story is "Brutally honest and heartbreaking".

Reading on further will revel plot elements, so be warned.

Alternately known as Tombstone for Fireflies, Grave of the Fireflies is a very sombre film. Seita and his younger sister Setsuko are left to fend for themselves when their mother passes away from severe burns inflicted by the American fire-bombing of their town. Their father is serving in the Japanese navy, but the children have not heard from him in a long time, so Seita and Setsuko try staying with a distant relative. However, Seita doesn't get along well with this relative and decides to leave, taking Setsuko with him, to live on their own. The children's luck goes from bad to worse as Setsuko become very ill, and Seita is forced to steal in order to feed her.

Most of the films I have seen from the film studio of this anime's making are full of adventure and human emotions, some of which are negative, but they all generally resolve themselves with the main protagonist learning something about themselves and moving on in life with a positive ending....except this film.

The story outlines its intentions right from the start as it shows Seita dyeing alone from starvation in a train station. This film is not full of glittering hope and magic, it is simply what it is. Two children trying there best to survive in a bleak world. This film does not glamorises war, it show the faces of those that really suffer. It shows how heartbreaking and needless it all seems. It shows the most ugly side of human nature, and the most beautiful. This film is a masterpiece and a thing of profound beauty.

I think Upperclassman Kuno from Ranma 1/2 (despite all his pomposity and nonsense) describes this film best within all his rambling with this statement: "The colour of the blossoms on the trees demonstrates that all which prospers must someday decline"

For those of you not familiar with the term in the context of which I use it, here is a brief definition from google.com "Pantomime may refer to two different types of performing arts. In the UK the word pantomime applies almost exclusively to a form of non-silent comic theatre traditionally performed at Christmas for a mixed audience of adults and children, and the word mime applies almost exclusively to silent performance. Outside of the UK pantomime generally refers to the latter meaning, though it is still commonly abbreviated to mime. "

You can find a full overview here.

The Panto I went to see this weekend with Andy-ku and my cousin Nathan-chan (he's 6, and also our excuse...errr...reason we went) was Aladdin. Despite the panto's immature nature (it is aimed at kids after all) I was very much entertained throughout. There is slapstick comedy, which most of you will know I love, innuendo (o la la), a man in a huge dress (the 'Dame' which is in EVERY panto), lots of 'Little Britain' jokes (Little Britain is a very popular TV show in the UK), special effects, a Dragon that flew and there was even fake snow. There was even a St. Bernard on the stage. Who could ask for more?

10/10

In ROM News, I am on track to meet the three comics a week target. I managed to get three done on Monday night and I already have the art done for a fourth comic. ROM is steaming ahead

That's it for today!

"O no it isn't"
"O yes it is!"

Shauni

I'm trying to make the comic a three a week update to advance the slow moving plot. Its starting to drag EVER so slightly....

Shauni signing off for this week

Diet Coke contains carbonated water, phosphoric acid, citric acid and phenylalanine.

If your wondering what the hell phenyalanine is...well, its 'an essential amino acid converted to tyrosine in the body. Used by the brain to produce dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals that promote alertness, elevate mood, decrease pain, aid in memory and learning, and reduce hunger and appetite. Caution: Phenylalanine should not be supplemented by individuals with anxiety attacks, diabetes, pigmented melanoma (skin cancer), high blood pressure, or if pregnant.'
It amazes me what manufactures are actually PUTTING in our food... ((No kidding, most processed food is total crap. - Josiah))

Anyway, as you can see there is an as of yet unseen villain at the bottom of the comic...I wonder who it is...I think its kind of obvious who it is considering Lilly is telling the story ABOUT him, but if you can't guess I'll be putting a name to him in ROM 87 (bwhahaha!) That's all people!

Regards

Shauni

Yea...sorry about this...

Like the Crappy Filler says, we will be back up and running next week so bear with me. I did have some time put away on Wednesday to make a proper ROM comic, but my Slimming World (yes, new year, new diet) meeting ran over. Looks like doing ROMs on a Wednesday from now on is out of the question. I'll just have to fit doing a comic for Friday in another day...

Also, for those of you not in the know, eggnog is a traditional holiday drink containing a combination of eggs beaten with cream or milk, sugar, and a liquor such as brandy, rum, or bourbon. Its not very nice but it does the job....and yes, I know, Shauni is holding a cocktail glass, but I had to change the punch line to eggnog because it seemed more festive, and I am not really into liquor, so eggnog fits me better.

Tune in next Wednesday...a certain villain make his first appearance!

Regards

Shauni

Like the Crappy Filler says, we will be back up and running next week so bear with me. I did have some time put away on Wednesday to make a proper ROM comic, but my Slimming World (yes, new year, new diet) meeting ran over. Looks like doing ROMs on a Wednesday from now on is out of the question. I'll just have to fit doing a comic for Friday in another day...

Also, for those of you not in the know, eggnog is a traditional holiday drink containing a combination of eggs beaten with cream or milk, sugar, and a liquor such as brandy, rum, or bourbon. Its not very nice but it does the job....and yes, I know, Shauni is holding a cocktail glass, but I had to change the punch line to eggnog because it seemed more festive, and I am not really into liquor, so eggnog fits me better.

Tune in next Wednesday...a certain villain make his first appearance!

Regards

Shauni

re need to draw new art for a few comics that will be going up before that one.

In real world news, I had a wonderful (if tiring) Christmas and New Year. I got a new, fancy digital video camera from my parents, so I may be playing around with that (you may catch a glimpse of me!). I also got a few DVDs, a Zen Garden for my desk at work and a few good books, as well as more cool stuff. One of my best presents was finally getting my hands on a dubbed version of Kung Ku Hustle. As easy as it is to follow a movie with sub titles, you miss half the action reading. Now I can enjoy all the slap stick comedy with one of the better dubbed versions of an Asian film I've come across. (Theirs no bad American accents coming out of ninjas in this moves!)

Well, that's what has been going on in my life.

I'm sorry I suck y'all

Regards
Shauni

Remember peeps, where on Hiatus till after the New Year! Shauni needs a brake too!

Holiday Wishes!
Shauni

This year has been special for me, as in April I met the love of my life, Andy-ku. We both wish you the best for the rest of the year, and every New Year after that.

Like I said this time last year.... "Happy holidays, what ever you are celebrating."

Also, I want to especially thank Josiah for his invaluable help in bringing ROM to you. Without him, we would probably be a crappy comic on Drunk Duck.

Look out for our Holiday special staring the characters Matrix Kirby selected. If everything goes to plan it should be uploaded on Friday!

Salutation to all, and to all a good night!

Shauni

I'm not really in the mood right now to write anything more, I spent ?100+ on cloths last night and I'm kind of regretting it now...

Anyway, as you can see the Pebble Version PayPal button is on the left over there, so throw a few spare coins Josiah's way if you can spare it.

Have a great weekend everyone, and please keep Simeon in your thoughts.

Signing off
Shauni

I'm not running a quest comic contest or anything like that. I'll probably leave the holiday comic over the duration of the hiatus or have a Crappy Filler ready.

Back to the real world, I'd like to start of by asking that people pay pal Josiah if you want to support Pebble Version and ROM. December is an expensive month and I'm sure he would appreciate any impute. You can find his pay pal button on the main site. I'm beginning to think it would be a good idea to have the button on this page as well ((Your wish is my command. Look over to the left. - Josiah))...maybe even some extra ROM goodies as well as Pebble Version stuff if this months target is met.

Today I would like to pimp my own sight as well. If you feel like linking to ROM, please use the link button on the left hand side of this rant and our standard URL. Alternately, just link Pebble Version. The more readers we get, the more included we are to update =P

I'd also like to wish a happy birthday to my cousin, Ross-chan. Happy birthday peep!

Signing off

Shauni

Next week, Auckland University researches the religion of the Pope.

Today we have another great 'Misadventures' comic by Opal, this time offering a cameo in a guest comic...a weird concept to me =P

Project Sutra is on hold until after Christmas as I have to work on the 'ROM Christmas Special' staring the cast members Matrix Kirby selected as his prize. If you go to the forum you will also find a preliminary scan of his other prize, 'ROM Cosplay: Petra does Jaina Proudmoore from Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos"

As for the 'ROM Restoration project', its almost done. Every salvable comic has been re-sized to the new layout, new effects added, and a bit of dialog updated. The only things left to do are the complete reworks and uploading (I expect Josiah will lynch me when I send him 30 comics =P) (No kidding. - Josiah)

Another time people, another time

Regards

Shauni

Back to topic, today we see the first of a few 'flash back' comics. I tried making the flash back images look like the old photo Lilly has from last Wednesdays comic, and I think it works pretty well. As some of you may notice, Ivy is saying the exact same thing to the rabbit monster as Opal did to Celebifly just after she got it back in ROM 59 As you can see from that comic, Ivy looked a little sad there. I'm just pointing this out as its proof I'm thinking ahead! And I can foreshadow! YAY!

Anyway, I spent another two hours on 'The ROM Restoration project' last night, and if you haven't guess by the name what that is yet I can announce it now. Its basically re-doing, re-editing, re-sizing or in some cases re-drawing all the old crappy ROM comics from 2004 (including the 'whiplash comic'). I had the urge to do it a few days ago. I don't want crappy stuff on this site. It may be a long time before the project is finished, there is a lot of work to do. That two hours fixed only two ROM comics.

Anyway, congratulations Matrix Kirby, and please let me know ASAP what prize you want. I need to get working on the Christmas stuff now.

I've noticed a pattern when it come to those who love or hate the Harry Potter films. Everyone I know who has read the books dislikes the films...everyone who hasn't read the books but seen the films ((like myself, I have only read The Order of the Phoenix)) likes them. This leads me to believe that I will hate Order of the Phoenix when they make it into a film...

Anyway, back to topic. We have updates of Mu-chan's bestiary and Races and places. We also have a contest running on the Thingy Game Forum. There is only one day left of compaction, so hurry up and play, you get to pick one of the following prizes if you win!
1) You get to chose 3 ROM: The comic characters to be in a Christmas
special for the main page with full credit for the selection going to you
2) You get to chose a Cosplay outfit for either Petra or Lilly
3) You get a one comic cameo in ROM
4) You get custom art by myself of yourself.
The last person holding the thingy 9am my time on the first of December (tomorrow!!) is the winner. The rules of the game are explained in the thread. Only forum members are eligible, so why not join and give our community a try! You won't regret it!

Also of note is a new project I have been working on called 'The ROM Restoration Project'. I will disclose more as I come closer to finishing it!

No Project Sutra update as of today, sorry people but I haven't had much spare time because of a certain fighting game... On a comic note, I'm very happy with the way Bibble came out, he looks ace!

Love you all people!

Regards
Shauni

THAT'S RIGHT BABY! I OWN SOUL CALIBUR 3! Anyway, this game is a marvel in a jewel in a chocolate bar. Saying 'I like it' is like saying Santa is 'a little over weight' Anyway, I would right a full review but I can't say any more than 'I love it all the way down to its box art'. The graphics are killer, the game pay is spotless, voice acting is excellent and music score is wonderful. There are hundreds of different game modes, millions (and I mean millions) of things to unlock, a SHED load of characters, and if you don't like the characters you can MAKE YOUR OWN!

Anyway, I'd give it 10/10. The only regret I have is they have removed Weapons Master mode, but all the aspects that made that mode great can be found in the game, just in other modes. Also, I LOVE Talim's new outfit, she looks great in them. I also love the fact that the endings of the characters can be different, dependant on a few factors during play. This game has HOURS a gaming, for single play to multi-play. Best fighting game EVER!

In today's update we have another Misadventures comic by Opal, a particularly funny one in my opinion. I would love to know where I can get a copy of 'How to cook Celebifly" Anyway, next week will see another wonderful update of Project Sutra, and possibly a bonus comic by myself if I get time.

In cast page news, I'm going to be able to start updating it after next week. I so far have inked Haku's cast art and Petra's. I have pencilled Opal's and Ivy's, and have worked out the layout for Shauni and Silver.

In other news I have been developing the plot for Chapter 3 and have everything worked out up until chapter 4. Things are steaming ahead quite well.

Regards People

Shauni

In comic news, today we just have a normal update, but next week should see another Chapter of Project Sutra. If you check on the forum you will find a new thread called 'Races and Places' pinned on the ROM: The comic forum. It has a full overview of the Dryad race (Ivy and Lilly), as well as the Chanku (Mu-chan and Ku-chan).

Also, just to share the misery, I caught a cold. YAY!

Regards People

Shauni

Regards

Shauni

Ok, in case you missed the glaring sarcasm there I spilled tea all over my hand mid-making and now my left hand is starting to blister. Anyway, it won't affect ROM updates in any way (being its my left hand, and I draw with my right). I just thought I'd share my misery with you.

Back to ROM, there is an update of Project Sutra so go check it out, and there is a bonus Omake Creak comic as well.

Later Peeps

Shauni

Anyway, back to current ROM events. I've been thinking for a while now about the cast page, you know, where the bios of the characters are SUPPOSED to be...*insert sweetdrop face here* Anyway, I've written all of the bios now, you will be happy to here, and now all I have to do is new cast art (its been that long in the making the original ones I made are already out of date...*sigh*)) I'll post previews of the cast page art on the forum as and when I get them done, so keep a look out. Next Friday will also see a new bonus comic, and Chapter Three of Project Sutra now I have my new Pre-reader.

Later People

Shauni

"She: cute but obnoxious, pretty but violent, petite but rude. He: shy and slender and secretly in love with her. When her mad scientist grandfather accidentally switches their bodies - its the start of many misadventures to come! Akira Uehara is mortified when his best buddy starts hitting on "him," and is embarrassed to look at "himself" in the mirror in her underwear! He can't wait to get back to being a boy. But Nanako Momoi has other ideas - she is starting to enjoy life in Akira's body..." ---the back of the book

As much as there is humour there is also allot of emotion behind the characters. Akira finds himself becoming home sick and missing his family, and he is mortified when he finds out they prefer Momoi because she is more manly. Theirs also his now developing love/ hate relationship with Momoi. He still loves her dearly (to the point he is even willing to have a relationship AS is with her in his body) but the way she is treating him makes him very upset and hurt. In fact, Akira seems to spend most of the manga crying...he is confused about his gender and quickly becomes depressed when several people tell him he makes a far better girl than a boy and visa versa for Momoi. Momoi on the other hand has fully embraced her new found manhood and has even started dating her female best friend, while Akira's male best friend has been trying to force Akira into a relationship (rather passionately, forcing an embrace and cornering him several times. He can even be seen holding Akira's writs in two of the scenes, and holding Akira's chin into there first kiss). Great Art and even better story, with a great translation, this book is a must have for all manga readers and a good place to start if your new to the genre. There is a great bit towards then end of the book where Akira in Momoi's body gets his first 'that time of the month' - and thinks he's dying. Very funny and very believable.

Shauni manga rating: 5 Stars

This book can be found on www.amazon.com very easily.

Bad luck number One: 28 inch TV blows up mid Devil May Cray Three-fest

Bad luck number Two: Boyfriend goes away on training for a whole week in Nottingham (*crys*)

Bad luck number Three: As a last meal before he goes, we head to a pub called the 'Black Horse', only to be told the chief was off ill and there would be no food.

Not to mention my stupid dial up at home may not be working, added the fact I feel under the weather...and I now have to pay out ?100 plus for a new tell....you can see why I had plenty of time to do my ROM comics early this week....

Later Peeps

Shauni

In sight news I'm looking for a new Pre-reader for Project Sutra. Drop me an PM on the forum if your interested in taking the job!

Later Peeps

Shauni

The British Computer Society wants students of computer technology to pick up a blank postcard and a suitable writing implement and start creating entries for its competition entitled 'The Art if I.T' I nearly split my sides laughing when I was asked to enter! I'm going to be considering the options over the weekend. To be honest, it deceivers at least 30 seconds consideration before I bluntly say no.

Also note the promised chapter of Project Sutra is ready, but it needs pre-reading, so its going to be delayed...sorry.

Later Peeps

Shauni

Later Peeps

Shauni

(Note from Josiah: Chapter covers have been added to the arhives for Chapters 0, 1, and 2.)

Later Peeps

Shauni

On site news this is the last comic of chapter one, meaning Friday's comic is going to be a summary comic. Believe me its not a filler! I'm doing some cover art for each of the chapters and should have them done for next week. I've also made a new banner and some link buttons.

Shauni

On site news this is the last comic of chapter one, meaning Friday's comic is going to be a summary comic. Believe me its not a filler! I'm doing some cover art for each of the chapters and should have them done for next week. I've also made a new banner and some link buttons.

Keep smiling everyone.

Shauni

On site news this is the last comic of chapter one, meaning Friday's comic is going to be a summary comic. Believe me its not a filler! I'm doing some cover art for each of the chapters and should have them done for next week. I've also made a new banner and some link buttons.

Keep smiling everyone.

Shauni

News on the my home internet people! Some progress has been made. BT Broadband have finally agreed to let us cancel the contract (only when we got trading standards involved) and are removing the equipment, and sending us pay as you go dial up. It sucks for downloading stuff but slow internet is better than no internet at all. At least I will be able to get on msn and e-mail at home, as well as the forum over the weekend!! HAZAR!

I apologise for the crappy filler but I did end up going away for that 4 days off after all and didn't have time. I will return you to a regular update ASAP.

Regards Peeps

Shauni

Later Peeps

Shauni

Today we have a Omake Creak Bonus comic so go check it out. Of note, that conversation actually took place between Celebifly and myself a while ago. Here response was merely O.O Its sad really that I am an expert in Rumicology...

Regards
Shauni

In other news I'm hard done to...The new Playstation PSP is now available to buy in stores in the UK and I can't afford one...*crys*

That's your lot for a rant today. I'm sorry I suck but I will write a proper rant for Friday.

Later Peeps

Shauni

Also note there are many other references in ROM. If anyone finds them they will be celebrated as a master mind as Murray has!

Later People
Shauni

Later Peeps
Shauni

There is nothing extra for you this week but I'll try to get another chapter of project sutra ready for Wednesday's update.

Later Peeps
Shauni

Ok, back to normality...ish

I've had a little longer to work this weekend due to a bank holiday. I spent the better part of Sunday working on a few side projects for ROM such as ROM Does Cosplay and Project Sutra. I've also made the first of the new type of bonus 4am Comics dubbed 'Omake Rumico Takahashi Creak'. I will revel more as they are ready but I can say right now all the jokes are based on the manga's by Takahashi, so I suggest you start reading them =P Then again I would suggest that anyway because there excellent.

Later people

Shauni

I hope your happy with the new effects in the comic, such as shading and the like. I'm trying my best to make the comics look pretty for you! BTW, thanks to Matrix Kirby for the Mu-chan sprite and Opal for the Celebifly sprite.

Bye Bye peeps!

Shauni
XX

On one note I have uploaded previews of the ROM Cosplay on the forum. Also of note is the ROM Comic announcements thread. If for some reason ROM isn't updated when you check go to this thread, theirs a good chance there's a reason or even the comic there.

Later peeps!

Shauni

So after all that scheming to get the last gamer into the comic for the 50th update, here she is, 'Miss Opal Grey' ((Not Gray as I found out just yesterday)).

In sight news we have a bonus 4am comic, a celebratory guest comic by Matrix Kirby for our 50th Update. Chapter 2 of Project Sutra...and!

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY PEBBLE VERSION!!

Ok, back to me =P

Last night I spent allot of time on 'ROM does Cosplay', a silly little project where the cast of ROM dress up as famous Anime/ Game/ Cartoon characters. So far I have done the following ((I'll upload them soon in an Omake section dependent on how much money Josiah gets this month in donations))
Shauni does Kikyo from Inuyasha
Josiah does Sora from Kingdom Hearts
Jeff does Inuyasha from Inuyasha
Opal and Mu-chan do Jesse and Meowth from Pokemon
Yomikko does Lisa from Final Fantasy Unlimited.

Later Peeps

Shauni

I sight news we reach 50 comics on Friday...and theirs going to a surprise appearance in it. Also of note is Project Sutra will be updated on Friday.

Later Peeps

Shauni
XX

Monday night was the only night to make two ROM Comics, a 4am Bonus comic, a Pulling Teeth comic for my weekly spot at Shaded Sprites Not to mention some development work for Opal who is soon to make her appearance in the comic as well as another art project I was commissioned to do yesterday by a forum member over at New World Comics To be honest I'm tired...and today I am attending my Grandmas 65 Birthday do (Happy Birthday Grandma!))

So as you might be able to tell I haven’t had much to get everything done. Doesn't help my net is STILL down at home *grumbles*

Later Peeps

Shauni

Theres a new bonus comic...and Project Sutra should be updated Friday...

Apart from that I got nothing to say really. Sorry peeps

Shauni

pastures. This has left me a little depressed if anything as I considered

her a friend.

I am going to miss her dearly and wish her all the best in her new job.

I dedicate today's comic to her!

Good Luck in your new job Connie-onne!!

Regards

Shauni

Maybe I'll come up with something for Friday.

Later Peeps,

Shauni

I have been spending my money so fast recently it hasn't even had a chance to wrinkle in my wallet....

Andy tries to stop me spending money, but I'm extremely fierce in finance.

I leave you now with this message

"Will dance for food"

Also check out the bonus Somewhere 4am Comic. It explains where most of my money DOES go!

Later Peeps

Shauni

Make sure you read the first chapter of Project Sutra now that you’re here!

Later Peeps

Shauni

Thanks to everyone who nominated and voted for me! It’s an honour! I love you all!

Also congratulations to everyone else that won categories or was nominated as well!

In comic news, I've still got problems with my broadband connection at home, but I am still able (just barely though) to get two updates for you a week as well as the first chapter of Project Sutra!

Check out the appropriate link on Friday for the first chapter, remember, there's still a lot to come!

Later Peeps!

Shauni

Now, just to get the playstation on line and I’m set....

Also reading a little Mermaid Sage by you know who Ranma fans =P

Later Peeps

Shauni

My dam internet line has stop working just as I get my act together on getting two comics done a week and other projects like the cast page images and bios, ROM does cosplay and Project Sutra.

Well, I won’t let it stop me. I made my comic for Wednesday conjoined, artwork at home, then burned to a CD, brought in work and background added on my lunch from the internet.

It’s a hassle, but to quote myself,

"I get my backgrounds from online sources, and without the line, well, we get a comic like the whiplash one, and I swore to myself then, I would not subject you to that twice."

I hate being noble....

I hope this wont stop me doing two comics next week, but its looking unlikely my net connection will be up any time soon.

O, and according to a stupid Internet quiz my ‘Gender Identity’ is 20% masculine. Fun facts

* Shoots quiz writer *

Down Gig I'm going to in manchester!

As one small note, Jeff has cat ears on his new hat and has whisker like

scars, that is all! Its to reflect his name change to Ibun on the forum!

Later peeps!

Shauni

there InuYasha, I decided to read some of Rumiko Takahashi's earlier work.

At first I wished to view some Urusei Yatsura, but could only find later

manga of the series, and I know from past experience with manga and anime

you cant just jump in 6 books later (Fruits Basket is one example of where I

did that, I had not a clue what was going on.)

As I was about to give up and just buy something that sounded interesting by

someone else I spotted one book with a familiar looking face on its spine.

I lent in closer and was greeted by the one and only copy of Maison Ikkoku

on the shelf, marked 'Book One' and the smiling face of what looked like a

classic Rumiko Takahashi leading lady.

I pulled the book from the shelf and was indeed greeted by the name Rumiko

Takahashi.

Smiling at myself for my discovery, I quickly scanned the contents and the

appendix on the back as an after thought, I'd already decided to buy this

book.

I guess you could say this is a mini review as I only have volume one, but

its one hell of a volume, thicker in content than any other manga I have

purchased.

Lets sum this up quickly.

GREAT! GREAT! GREAT! GREAT!

The artwork is a little 'basic' compared to her newer stuff (a little like

the first few volumes of Ranma 1/2) but it is a wonderful story and filled

with classic Takahashi humour! I wont tell you any plot as its only just

getting going, I’ll have more news when I have a few more volumes.

A must have!

10/10!

Three day weekend, stuffing my face with barbecue food, water fights, gorgeous weather and family, friends and significant others!

That’s why ROM was late this week, been WAY to busy with family stuff.

Not much of a rant today, crappy happy as always!

Also, Josiah has the first part of ROM the novel up, so go take a peek!

As for Project Sutra, I'm half way threw the first installment, I'm still not telling you what it is!

Laters peeps!

Shauni

Today’s comic sees the introduction of Mu-chan. He may look cute but he's an irritable skirt chaser. I'm not giving away all the details yet.

As you all know I'm a big Rumiko Takahashi fan, and almost all her manga has a loveable lecher in it. I could no longer resist adding Mu-chan, he's going to be a comic mascot with a twist!

Not much more comic related to speck of today, just that soon we will reach Onett, and Josiah group will finally meet Jeff group, in very unusual circumstances!

All's fair in love and humor!

Well, Project Sutra is underway, and I have a few pictures from Waz-chan, expect to here more on both of these projects soon!

Laters

Shauni

Robert Morgan, chief executive of Morgan Chambers

Strange how I should ponder onto this little quote while flicking threw a computer magazine at work while I've been considering an offer from a friend of mine.

This friend of mine, who shall be called 'Waz-chan' has offered to do some work on Project Sutra for me, a sort of Co-worker', however, after reading the above I'm undecided.

Look out on the forum for a voting post in subsection ROM with some of his contributions. Vote yes or no to getting his help on the project.

That's all I gotta say, look out in the next two weeks for some stuff on Project Sutra

I hope you dont mind, but it will be the same useless dribble as normal, just more of it!

Ok, first off comic related news.

'Project Sutra' is now under way, this is the super secret little tit bit I have been telling you about for a while, expect some teaser art to appear on the [URL=http://forums.pebbleversion.com/]Pebble Version Forums[/URL] in the next few weeks or so.

The project itself is the untold story off a brother and sister named Sutra and Emiel, I dont want to give to much away for non-ROM players so I wont say any more, but for those of you that do play ROM, you will know what this means!

The project as of yet is still taking shape, I'm still undecided weather or not to make this sub plot for the main comic into a text story with illustrations, or make it a full blown sub comic.

All I have so far is development images of Sutra and Emiel, as well as a few other cast. I will make links available to these images when I upload them in the next few weeks.

All you have now is the name of chapter one (be that comic or story)

Project Sutra: One Tap on the Keyboard

I'm also working on some bios and artwork for the cast page. I did almost have the last series done but when I looked back over them, they where just...lame.

Ok, enough about the comic. lets talk about me!

I've finally got a copy of Kingdom hearts: Chain of Memories as its only just come out in the UK (stupid PAL thingy)

So anyway, I'm more than a little disappointed in it. Dont get me wrong, the game is one of the prettiest Game Boy Advanced games out there, with 3D cut sequences and everything! The sound track is great and the sprites for the cast are cute...its just the game play that lets it down. I dont like the card system it forces you to use, and I dont like the fact that your expect to soufflé threw them and dodge the enemy at the same time.

In my view, a wasted opportunity, but I gotta play threw it or i'll be lost when I get Kingdom hearts Two....

On another note, Ive been interested in some more of Rumiko Takahashi work recently. If you didn't know, Rumiko Takahashi is responsible for Ranma 1/2, the anime/ manga Ive been almost obsessed with for 2 months.

The series Ive been reading and watching is one called Inu Yasha .

Inu Yasha is very much like Ranma 1/2 in its art style and humour, even though if directly compared, Inu Yasha would have to be considered the 'darker' or the two.

The manga and anime are full of demon slaying and tales of betrayal and death...but its clearly a Rumiko Takahashi creation as it has the same light hearted humour between the leading lad and lass that lead me to fall in love with Ranma 1/2.

Some other recommend reading/ watching is another Rumiko Takahashi creation called Urusei Yatsura .

The confusing story of a young male pervert engaged to an Oni princess from out of space! Its not as well written as Inu Yasha or Ranma 1/ in my opinion, but it still got all the humour and ridicules situations that make me love it as her other work!

All hail Rumiko Takahashi!

Ok, thats about it really. Except I'm band from E-bay till payday

hay, where'd you think I get all my gaming and anime junk?

Laters

Shauni

I did a few things over the weekend, went out for a few walks, watched a few movies...

Nothing worth bothering you with.

I promise I will have something witty next week!

Regards

Shauni

So lets see what I can scrape together....

Well, the new comic size today is going to be a permanent feature (hopefully) as they where getting too large to get up online with a good quality....

Apart from that...nope, that’s it.

Well, its not like anyone reads these things anyway!

Regards

Shauni

"People who know my gaming habits know that I game in what I call "itches". I'll get a gaming itch in the form of a particular genre I feel I want to play, and I'll scratch it with my favourite game. For months, or at least a few sleep-deprived weeks"

I know have a phrase to coin for myself, 'Anime Itches'

I’ve been watching so much Ranma 1/2 recently its starting to worry me, I’ve not played a computer game for more than 2 hours in one sitting for 2 months. As a hard core gamer that IS scary.

Its a good thing Ranma 1/2 is so good!

Later

Shauni

Sorry where late this week but I've been busy gettin ready for my birthday.

A friend of mine was supposed to make a birthday comic for me but they let

me down (again) so I just made a normal one for you.

Ah yes, lets return to Silver and Jeff, a little brake from all the mellow

drama from the main plotline.

Nothing else to report really!

Next time you read a rant i'll be 20! Woot!

Later

Shauni

April Fools was a big let down this year. The only pranks I was involved with where at my friends University Halls of Residence. This involved placing Whipped cream in all his flat mates slippers...but they didn’t wear them all day!

Unfortunately after 12 we had to tell them about the cream, so we weren’t the Aprils Fools, however, Matt wasn’t there! Its now been 4 days and the whip cream is still sitting...waiting

Mwhahaha!

Serves him right for not reading my comic =P

Beware the girl who be bored and cocky as vengeance is a virtue that induces fun!

Later alls!

Shauni

I now have an Easter hang over....

Pass the bucket…