Penny Arcade have done three strips that have nothing to do with their usual output, and their readers can vote for which one they should expand on.
My vote is definitely for Automata. The art is far more to my taste than either of the other two options and in my opinion, the writing’s quite a bit better too. Plus, it’s about robots in an alternate world prohibition! It’s all hard-boiled! How can you not want to read more of that?
Go and read the strips, then vote for Automata, please.
Actually, I’ve surprised myself by being inspired by it. (Not that I think I’m too good to be inspired by Penny Arcade, but it’s surprising because nothing I’m working on is remotely similar to Automata. I think it’s Tycho and Gabe’s obvious enthusiasm for doing these new, fresh strips)
I want to do lots more stuff of my own now (far more than I have time to do, especially with a baby due in five weeks). I’ve got several ideas banging on the inside of my skull, desperate to get out. They’ve been noted down in my ideas folder, and hopefully at some point they’ll be brought blinking into the light of existence. I’m also hard at work on a novel, called Secrets In The Green that I’m writing for my wife. I’m about half way through it, and I’ve got detailed chapter notes for around two thirds of the rest of it, and less-detailed notes for the final chapters. I’m currently back in research mode for it though, so actual writing progress has slowed. I’m really excited about it though.
I’m also doing a rewrite on a short story called The House Always Wins.
That reminds me. I really must update the site to reflect what’s going on!
Here are some good recommendations:
Smodcast – Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier waffling on for anything up to two hours. Hilarious. Honestly, some of the funniest stuff I’ve ever heard. If you’re a fan of their films, you must listen to this. If you’re not a fan of their films, I don’t want to know you.
Transmissions From Beyond – TTA Press’s podcast. Every week, hear a story taken from one of their magazines (usually Interzone or Black Static). Normally read by the author. Good stories, but you have to put up with a fair bit of variation in the sound quality. Hopefully you’ll hear me on there some day. I’ll try and source a decent microphone for the occasion.
Co Op – Games podcast (‘vod’ cast, I suppose, since it’s actually a video show) by a bunch of ex-1Up staff. The spiritual continuation of The 1Up Show, really. I can’t say I share their opinions on all subjects, but it’s about the only games show around that looks halfway professional (and they look all-the-way professional, to give them their due).
Giant Bombcast – More games. Only audio this time, but it’s worth listening to. Jeff Gerstmann (link added because you should read about the Gamespot firing controversy) and Ryan Davis started it, and about a year ago Vinny Caravella and Brad Shoemaker (all ex-Gamespot) talk. About games, mostly, but also films and general natter.
So there you go. Listen! Enjoy!
Well, my last post also had links to Twitter and Ninja Theory, and did indeed get me more views than yesterday (when I didn’t blog). The question still remains as to whether that was because of the links or simply because of the post.
So this one has no links. I guess we’ll find out whether that makes a difference.
