Hey fellow comic enthusiasts! Today, I’m diving into the exhilarating journey behind my collaboration with Curt Pires on Simulation Theory. Let me tell you, it’s been a blast traversing the realms of virtual reality and artistic collaboration. So strap in and let’s take a trip down the digital rabbit hole!
As I bid adieu to Simulation Theory, I’m eagerly looking forward to Curt’s next ventures.
Simulation Theory kicked off its digital adventure in July 2023. While The Immortal Resurrected is technically my latest series (with a November 2023 release), Simulation Theory is actually the comic I worked on last. I just finished drawing the last issue, and the last page, today actually—yes, during my ‘break’ from drawing comics. Talk about living on the edge of my own advice! But hey, that’s the life of a comic artist, right—you work when you got the work. So let’s take a look a this little big adventure – Simulation Theory.
Simulation Theory - The Comic
Our story unfolds in the near future, where resources are scarce, inflation runs rampant, and an environmental catastrophe looms on the horizon. But fear not! There’s a way out – The Verse, a one-to-one digital simulation of reality. Our protagonist, Ash, takes the plunge into this virtual abyss, only to stumble upon a secret that catapults her across various virtual realms, unraveling a sinister truth. Exciting, huh? You can catch the virtual wave on Amazon, and if you’re a Prime member, dive into it for free.
A Writer on a Mission
Now, let’s talk about the mastermind behind the words – Curt Pires, a comic maestro hustling his way through the industry. With hits like Wyrd, Olympia, and Youth, some of his creations are even making their way onto the small screen. Money, another series released on the same day as Simulation Theory, is already in development at Amazon as a TV show (yes, he’s releasing 2 series at the same time!). Yowza! He’s making it happen! That’s the kind of hard worker I like to work with!
Curt and I have been scheming to create a comic together for a while. Despite being from different corners of the world and never having physically met, our love for comics brought us together. Amazing what these little picture books can do. It all started when he reached out, liking my art a few years ago. We then put together a pitch package for a series. You can see some of the art on the right. Unfortunately, that series never landed at a publisher. That’s a bummer, because I thought the opening was super exciting.
Fast forward a year or two, and Curt strikes a deal with Amazon for a slew of Comixology Originals. Lucky for me, he carved out a spot for Simulation Theory, and for me. Cue eternal gratitude from my end.
13th Comic, but so Many Firsts!
Now, here’s the twist – Simulation Theory is my 13th comic, but it brought forth a slew of firsts. Drawing commenced in May 2022, and I was pumped! It was my first gig with a page rate. Finally! A comic I was going to make money from! Shoutout to Curt for that! Plus, it promised a wild virtual reality adventure, and as a line-drawing aficionado, I was all in.
Also, for the first time I was stepping away from coloring. I also wasn’t going to be involved in writing in any part. On my own projects I always wrote, and with The Argus, I edited a bit and co-wrote Feeder with Mark. That’s how I wanted it actually. I like line drawing. That’s what I specialize in and want to do.
Simulation Theory was also the first time I didn’t know what was going to happen story-wise as I drew. I drew as I got the scripts. And because Curt is a busy guy, writing many other series other than Simulation Theory (and Money), I got the scripts once the pages were done. Issues 1-4 were done one after the other, but there was a 6 month gap in the last issue. That was actually lucky for me, because that break allowed me to conjure up The Immortal Resurrected and tackle the stress that had been brewing (see 2023 in Review).
The A Team
Simulation Theory was the largest team I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Curt Pires took the reins as the writer and ring leader, orchestrating the symphony of storytelling. Mark Dale added a burst of vibrant hues with his colors, Micah Myers worked his lettering magic, and then there’s me, the humble chicken scratch artist. Fun fact, I didn’t have much direct contact with the others on the team, but hey, we still cooked up a visual feast.
Mark Dale, took on the daunting task of coloring. I think it’s pretty tough to color this kind of art style because there are no black patches/shading in the line work, leaving a lot more work for the colorist. Mark colored up a storm here! Also, Micah Myers, the lettering virtuoso who seemingly works on more comics than humanly possible, did his usual stellar job. This was actually our second dance together; he was briefly slated to letter The Argus before I had to take over.
Production Problems?
Now, let’s dive into the juicy behind-the-scenes secrets. Unfortunately, I can’t spill all the beans because, well, Curt might have some surprises up his sleeve. But here’s a teaser – Ash wasn’t initially envisioned as a woman in the pitch (what was she then?? The intrigue!!). The comic also had a different working title at some point. But other than that, it’s all hush hush.
Actually, no. There’s nothing to be hush-hush about. This was the first comic I’ve been a part of that there were no hitches in production or horror stories with publishing. It was all smooth, nice and wonderfully boring. Sorry, that makes for boring stories like these, but great working conditions
Inspiration Behind the Art
Now, let’s talk about the artistic inspirations that fueled the creation of Simulation Theory. While I didn’t draw on specific influences, my art inherently carries shades of Moebius, Geof Darrow, and manga master Katsuhiro Otomo. Works like Nonplayer, Akira, The Incal, The Long Tomorrow, and other sci-fi gems are always lingering in the background. They influenced me and are what I aspire to make, so you’ll probably see bits of them in there.
I think my detailed, almost engineer-drawing style works well for this kind of techno sci-fi story. It’s the kind of story I enjoy reading and seeing on the silver screen most the most, so stuff like Neuromancer and Ready Player One are in there. I love really detailed, intricate work, so what I make turns out like that. The problem is, I’m not the most patient person in the world. So it’s ironic that I’ve chosen to do a style that takes so much time to draw (or maybe it’s EXACTLY why I can’t help but draw like this? Let’s not open that psychological can of worms!)
I think the images themselves are very influenced by anime and manga. Lots of action shots, over-the-top stuff, and experimenting with angles and the like. And the framing is more like a movie than old school comics. I plan out the frame the same way I storyboarded films. I guess I’m still a film maker at heart. I’m not sure if the American comics crowd likes it (especially from some of the reviews I’ve seen that DON’T like the art). But hey, that’s what I do. Sorry, but not sorry.
Simulation Theory was a fun one. But I’m glad it’s done. Those mechs were a pain in the butt to draw. And let’s be honest, I still need to up my game when it comes to drawing women. Ash turned out nicely, but there’s always room for improvement.
As I bid adieu to Simulation Theory, I’m eagerly looking forward to Curt’s next ventures. Who knows, maybe I’ll be part of another wild ride in the future! Until then, keep your pencils sharp and your imaginations boundless. Cheers to the next comic adventure!
Get future posts of Drawn to Japan emailed directly to you!
Sign up for the Drawn to Japan Substack today!
*I don’t use AI for my artwork. All artwork on this page I drew myself. No AI was used.
