PD Smith - Tales From the Fleet 01 : Species 571

The first graphic novel to come from the virtual pen of PD Smith, his 'proof of concept' issue to test out DAZ Studio as a totally new media. A new starship captain finds herself caught in a war between sworn enemies that could destroy her command. 61p. A4

The graphic novels we are publishing, specifically Madison Bruffy's Novatrek series, are proving to be very popular and it is in no small measure due to the graphic element of the work. These are more substantial than comics - 60-80 pages each - and have been created using a variety of 2D/3D graphics programs but primarily DAZ Studio and its cousin, Poser. Essentially you are given access to a 3D graphics engine and various figures, backgrounds, lighting and props that you can assemble, "pose", take digital images of and then retouch with your 2D editing program of choice. You need to write a good story, be able to turn that into a visual plotline, grabbing the reader with your visual imagery as well as your words then package it as a pdf comic. Sounds complicated? Using the software is a skill you can learn, using it artfully is a talent you can only gain from practice and creativity.

Kirok of L'Stok
Publisher, TrekUnited Publishing