This is the first drawing I ever did of the hero of my webcomic The Dreamer. His name is Alan Warren, and this is only the second drawing I ever did for The Dreamer. (The first was from when I was thinking of setting the story in the early 19th century! So it's Bea wearing a pre-Civil war style dress, much like Jane Austin's characters).

I actually had to go back months later and fix the flint lock mechanics on the musket in this piece because when I initially made the drawing, I had lousy, blurry photo reference. Two trips to Williamsburg and a trip to Yorktown later and I had all the pictures I needed to get it right! (A soldier at Yorktown even taught me to load and fire a musket. Too fun. And... they're heavy!!)

Some things have changed since I did this inital drawing, but I still love it. At the time I was contemplating simple backgrounds with washed out pastel colors that would bring the characters forward. But... after reading Scott McCloud's Making Comics I decided to put the time and energy into detailed backgrounds that really set the stage of the world I'm trying to create. Which I think has very much worked in my favor. You can compare this drawing to the webcomic and decide for yourself which you like better.

I also think Alan looks a bit old in this drawing. I've drawn him a little bit younger in my story... He's supposed to be in his late 20's. Anyways... muskets rock, 18th century guys rock, and I still love this piece.