Neat! :D
And sleep well~

Thanks for that. =)

This is a very interesting turn of events! I'm sorry for only posting this one comment, but I hope you'll know that I read and appreciated every page, not just this one.

I do wonder who that would-be-Radiant Knight is. I had a feeling that he couldn't be a "real" thief right away; if he'd been, why would he attack a dragon, something he'd surely have to expect would get him killed? He actually reminds me a of Sapphire in his desire to do what he thinks is right, so who knows, maybe it'll turn out they're brothers separated at birth, or something along those lines. *s*

I also love how this last page ended. Screw fate, I'll do what's right indeed! That's a defining moment for Sapphire's character, and it shows why instead of continuing the cycle of hatred and conflict, he'll bring reconciliation, understanding, and coexistence, perhaps even peace and friendship. (Or maybe I'm totally mistaken there and the comic will go in an entirely different direction, but this is the vibe I'm getting so far.)

You're really very good at portraying emotion, too. The guard's grim determination on page 7, his emotionality on page 9, his genuine confusion on page 11 as Sapphire turns out to be entirely unlike he was always taught, and expected; and of course Sapphire's expressions, too, from surprise to sadness to quick-rising anger to melancholy introspection.

That's something that gives all your drawings an emotional quality that really makes them appeal, too, and while you're still at the beginning of your journey as far as technique is concerned, there's a lot of artistic merit to your work. Treasure that; the tools of the trade can be learned, but the inspiration and vision that makes pictures come alive and give them soul is something that one either has or doesn't have - and you have it. And you're willing to work hard and practice and keep on drawing; I think you have a long and exciting journey as an artist ahead of you. *smiles*

Oh, and one more thing - I really liked the beginning of this chapter with its flashback/dream sequence, too. One can't help but wonder what exactly happened there, and it's things like these that add depth to a story and a world.

Looking forward to the next chapter! :)

Thank you very, very much for this wonderful, extremely detailed comment! I feel as though you noticed all of the things I wanted to convey, perfectly!

I have to admit, I'm... not sure if that "beginning of my journey" line was a backhanded compliment or not. I admit that the comics don't employ the detail or shading of my other pictures, but I'm a little uncomfortable being called a beginner just because of that, and I tend to find it discouraging rather than inspiring. Sorry if I'm misinterpreting that, because I'm extremely grateful for the spirit in which it was intended. I just have some self-esteem issues, I admit... But moving along!

I feel as though I gave myself a major advantage at conveying emotion when it comes to Sapphire's design. The muzzle, teeth, and eyes are all well-suited to conveying complex emotions without a word.

By contrast, that blasted helmet on the fighter REALLY slowed me up! I chose that design for a couple of reasons: first, because it's just open enough to show expressions, giving more interest to the scene, second, because it's closed enough so I'm not just saying everything there is to say about the character with a single panel, and third, because it looks like a loose-fitting, inappropriate helmet for the person wearing it, and that's what I was going for. However, I found that drawing the bloody thing at an angle took a lot of retries before I was satisfied, and it tended to be awkward to fit in a lot of scenes. Oh well. Hindsight is 20-20! Don't worry, it's not really TOO big of a deal, just an annoyance to draw.

I really LOVE hearing when people theorize about these stories, because it makes me feel like they're engaging and fun for other people, too. I'm happy to say that your questions and theories all have direct answers that will be addressed in the story. =)

I actually felt rather sad writing out the dialogue for the first page. It's just very sad scene, when it comes down to it. But that's part of what I feel makes it so worthwhile to tell, and for Sapphire to know.

Thanks for your very wonderful remarks. I assure you that I'm also very much looking forward to episode 4. =)

I'm sorry about the "beginning of your journey" bit; it wasn't intended to be disparaging.

Other than that, you're very welcome! :)

OMG awesomeness
I want to know who the knight was so bad x.x;;;
And I want to know what they were going to SAY before that hut was on fire! >8C
GARGH

THis is more addictive than the TV shows I watch XD lmaaoo
POST MOAR. I want to know what happens! 8\
/impatiently kasplodes

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I really like your usage of perspective throughout the different panels =) I also really like the emotion and expression you convey through the characters.
Your drawing style is just so perfectly suited for this kind of work, I'm really enjoying this comic =D
This was worth waiting for.

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AND IM MAKING RAINBOWS IN TEH AIRS OMFG SIS I LOVE THIS DASJFHJSDF AAH! :D :D :D
<333 FFFF. you keep making there be moar questions and like no answers yet OMG WHAI.
-squirms- teeheheheeeee! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! And Sapphire's character is just AOSFASHKDHGDFGHOMGNOMMHMHDFG.
all that. like sereouzz.
I LOVE HIM
AND THE PRINCESS I WANT MOAR.
AND THE KNIGHT WHO WAS THE KNIGHT?
... Rai is plotting about it all hard nao lmao HIOMGGSDFGG XD
EEH~ 8'DD I LOVE IT. I also REALLY love your word choices in the dialogue. VERY fitting for the age the comic takes place in. All of it just comes together so well...
to make a very professional-feeling comic strip! :D Excellent job on this so far! Can't wait to see what's next! >w<

Thanks, Rai, Sheldon, Dsil... You guys are so amazing.

Rai: Trust me, I want to tell the story just as much as you want to read it. The words and scenes are just aching to come out. I'm going to try to maintain a pretty good pace at releasing these when it comes to episode 4, it's just very difficult and time-consuming for me. I'll get there, though!

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Sheldon: I feel very comfortable and happy in drawing comics. I really do. Like... they are a lot of work and come by rather slowly, but I feel as though the process is coming more and more naturally to me.

I feel like I really gave myself a major helping hand with Sapphire's design, as it lends itself very easily and smoothly to a wide range of expressiveness and reaction. I was originally very scared that such a detailed and complex character would be extremely difficult to draw, but nothing could be futher from the truth. Drawing Sapphire is actually probably the easiest part of drawing this comic. I've basically got the method down pat, and I love every second of it!

I suppose that might be why I don't like drawing backgrounds as much (though they're a necessary evil). You can't make backgrounds show emotions (well, not in the conventional sense, anyway). I feel like it's more routine to draw background imagery than with the complex and dynamic subjects.

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Dsil: *Hugs happily* Thanks, sis. You always say such perfect, wonderful things. All of you do!

I've felt that if a story keeps leaving its reader wanting to know more, then the author is doing their job properly. I'm really so very happy that you're all enjoying theorizing about this (especially Rai), and I do intend to answer all of those questions in the course of the story.

Thank you so much... your support really is the best thing anyone can ask for. You make this all worthwhile! <=)

<333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333 <3

much love.

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OHGFSDF. /rolls over
I hate how long it takes to write a comic or story... and then we readers read it in like five seconds.
SO FADSFDSSKDF. I hate waiting I'm an impatient person.

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Backgrounds can be used to show emotion in subtle ways... or moreso to amplify it alongside the character when rendered properly.
But as with all arts this only comes with time and practice. It doesn't even have to be a complex kind of background, it just has to compliment the character(s)
I'm glad that you're enjoying drawing Sapphire. Apparently characters who easily show emotions are quite fun to draw....
or so I've been told.... and also been told that I fall into that category =|

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-tacklehugs- EEEEEH! 8'D You are definately doing the job! >w<
I tries hehehehe ;w; I'm so glad you're enjoying this! I can't wait for the continuation. This is a really really good storyline you've got going.
and I LOVE the art! >w< total awesome.

you did a superb job Ryusuta :)

Thanks... I really did my best.

your doing great :) <3
and thank you for replying to me, its nice to give a comment and get a reply

It's nice to receive comments, so we're even there. =)

I usually do try to reply to most comments. I feel it's a really nice way to be.

awwww <3

I hope you continue this!

I definitely intend to. Thank you so very kindly for your favorites and your watch. I will absolutely be continuing this story, though I'm planning on working on one or two other projects as well, so it might be a little bit yet.

Don't worry, episode 4 is coming. Thank you very, very much for your comments and your support!

Ok!
And your Most welcome my fellow Dragon!

Any thing on episode 4 love the story want to hear
more
Please

Thank you so very much for your interest! Episode 4 WILL be arriving at some point, but right now I'm working on some other priority projects that are taking up time. The first is a special commission comic. And then I would like to at least get to the start of the second chapter in the Pokemorph Stories comic before starting work on sapphire again. I have some storyboards for Episode 4, but they were drawn up quite awhile ago in Gimp, and I wasn't entirely satisfied with them, so I'm very likely going to have to scrap them and start from scratch.

It WILL be released, though. Thanks for your wonderful compliments. Rest assured I have NOT forgotten about Sapphire. =)

I think this comic would be truly spectacular if you worked on it with the skill you have now. What you already have is amazing, for the sake of my own enjoyment I am disappointed there isn't more. And that is coming from someone picky about comics. I voted for the Pokemorph Stories whenever I could, And have the feeling that whatever you do next I will vote for as well.

I definitely have a big comic idea in the planning phases while I work on Iron Artist. I've really considered rebooting Sapphire as well, though I'm not sure how to approach it. We'll see what happens.

Where's episode 4? I can't find it

I'm afraid I haven't ever gotten around to working on another chapter for this. I might reboot it at some point, though. I wouldn't rule it out. Either way, I'm truly glad you enjoyed it!

*applause*