Fire Girl and The Wood Wolf | Tom Siddell | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Tom Siddell discusses the development of his comic, Gunnerkrigg Court, highlighting the importance of relationships and emotions, and the influence of personal experiences.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] TOM SIDDELL: Thanks, everyone, for coming. And thanks for inviting me. I'm Tom Siddell. I work on the comic, "Gunnerkrigg Court," which we're going to talk about today. And working on a comic is pretty solitary. You know, you work in a dark room for a few days on your own. And then every once in a while, you resurface and see what p... Read More

Key Insights

• ☄️ Tom Siddell explores the relationships between characters in his comic, Gunnerkrigg Court, emphasizing the growth and understanding that can come from differences and shared experiences.
• 👻 Siddell incorporates personal experiences and emotions into the story, allowing readers to empathize and feel understood.
• 🫠 While Siddell plans the overall story and character arcs, he gives himself flexibility to explore relationships and detour from the main plot.

Questions & Answers

Q: Did you plan out the entire story of Gunnerkrigg Court from the beginning?

Yes, Siddell knows how the story will end and has a roadmap of points he needs to hit along the way. However, the length of time to reach each point is flexible, allowing for detours and exploration.

Q: How do you develop relationships between characters in the comic?

Siddell plans out some relationships, but others evolve organically as he writes. He enjoys exploring complex relationships, such as the platonic bond between Kat and Paz.

Q: How has the artwork in Gunnerkrigg Court evolved over the years?

The artwork has improved through practice and self-teaching. Siddell gradually refined his style by working on the comic consistently. He acknowledges the differences in his early artwork but appreciates how it has developed.

Q: What inspired the industrial setting of Gunnerkrigg Court?

Siddell drew inspiration from the dilapidated factories in Birmingham, where he currently lives. The empty, technological structures represented progress that has moved on, creating an interesting backdrop for the story.

Q: How do you handle reader feedback and discussions about the moral implications of the comic?

Siddell plans certain plot elements in advance, anticipating reader questions and concerns. He acknowledges that some recent discussions among readers align with what he had in mind while writing the story.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Tom Siddell talks about his background and journey into creating Gunnerkrigg Court, a comic set in a large industrial complex with mythical creatures and a clash between technology and mysticism.

• He focuses on the relationship between two main characters, Annie and Ysengrin, and how their differences complement each other, leading to growth and deeper connections.

• Siddell shares insights into his approach to writing comics, including the importance of writing for his own interests and incorporating personal experiences into the story.