DarkChibiShadow
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The Big 1,700 Q+A -- All Questions Answered!
🕑 Added 2022-09-14 04:41:46 +0000 UTC((*Yearly reminder that the world of Mmian is rough. If they were exposed to society at large, they would probably both go to prison! I don’t have very much fun with the world because I think it’s heavier than I’m able to handle thoughtfully, which is the biggest reason the story wrapped up!))
Heyo everyone! It's finally time for my answers to all your burning questions-- thanks for your patience with this, and I hope you'll enjoy! (This post is also available on the Secret Club site, in an easier to read format.)
As a heads-up, some of the answers are a little personal or revealing about myself or certain stories: specifically My Master is a Naga. So, if you'd like to preserve your image of either of those things in your head, I've marked off those sections so you can more easily avoid them.
I'll have the questions I answered with pictures to start, and then it'll lead into text only. Hope you enjoy and thanks again for your support and curiosity!
Malik, Tomai, and Burdoc: what are things you find endearing about each other?
M: I’ve known these two for so long it’s almost hard to remember.
B: H-Hey!
M: Heh Heh…
T: I appreciate Malik’s sense of humor and Burdoc’s honesty.
M: Ah! Very straight forward.
B: …I like Malik’s confidence and Tomai’s kindness…
M: Ah! You too?!
(They both look at Malik)
M: Hm?
M: Oh, I was serious. I’ll never tell!
(They glomp him)
Sal, what are 3 things you love about Battam?
Sal: His honesty, his confidence, and his determination. Battam is just so, vivacious and hungry, I can’t help but get excited for stuff when he is. It’s honestly just so nice to have someone in my life who has goals and wants to do stuff because it helps me figure out what I wanna do and I wanna support him in his own things and – ah! Being with him just makes me feel really fulfilled and good. Like I finally have a home and purpose. Also, I love that big fat d*ck… (I can’t help it!)
Why is Satine is closeted about being trans?
As a warning: I got into some personal details here and if you’re sensitive to dysphoria talks or things like that, please read with caution if you choose to do so.
Mainstream witch covens don’t condemn people who are trans, but it’s one of the many “don’t ask, don’t tell” policies. It’s the same thing for being gay or being with multiple partners or really anything like that– even stuff like child birth is often behind thick walls because it involves a lot of “high emotions”. Weddings are a really somber affair as well as most anything else of that nature you can imagine.
So, something so personal is simply something they don’t want to see you express too much. For example: a character like Nãm or Lia have been out and transitioned for a long time now, but they had to do it very hush hush with each similar witches inside the coven walls, almost like a secret society within a secret society. There are often groups of trans witches who help each other out, but it’s understood that you don’t ask higher ups for help about this and you don’t draw attention to it. Coven witches should act and look a certain way– so sure, be trans, but you must still be emotionless, stoic and presentable.
But, that’s all besides the point that sometimes knowing you’re trans, coming out, and then transitioning is just hard even when you’re in a good environment. I personally only started taking my transition more seriously within recent years because I had so much body dysphoria and depression around being trans (honestly, I still do, it’s a daily struggle but getting better) even though I already knew I was trans from a VERY young age. It’s just hard. Which is why I’ve started to try and embrace more and more trans characters in my work in recent years because there is healing in that. I’m actually quite afraid to write out “being trans is hard for me” and have anyone read that thought because I think that makes certain types of folks mad, but it’s still my truth and I don’t think I’m alone in that. It’s difficult, I struggle. Things are getting better but it’s still hard.
So, if Gummy and The Doctor is trans euphoria and wish fulfillment for me, Satine is a reflection of my struggles in that area– the trying to make it work as cis, the trying to make it work non-transitioned, and then finally, acceptance and transitioning– moving on to try and live your best life and love your body, the way it changes, and the way it interacts with others. I cried when I wrote Satine’s coming out scene because it was really, really personal. My sprite assistant cried too. It’sjust great to see someone like Satine FINALLY be past so much bullshit and to a better place and to write that all out.
A lot of folks have pre-maturely condemned Satine just based on their actions in the prologue and uh, I think a lot of folks are going to grow to regret that because of information like this. Battam, Sal, and Satine are all not perfect by any means, but I think because Satine is on the “outside” of the romantic relationship Battam and Sal share, so it’s easier for people to dislike them. But, I’ve personally loved writing a messy person like them. Someone who changes their beliefs and eventually embraces themselves, finding a close friend who is trans and just, making it all work. I love Satine!
Er, this became a bit of a tangent but, hopefully it was insightful on why I’ve written Satine like I have, and how some of witch society functions. Thanks for the question!
Does Sal’s father know about him and would he care?
Sal’s “father” is an amalgamation of spirits so I don’t think they can care? They are aware of him as much as any animal would be: they know they created spawn, but have totally moved on to the usual eating and sleeping. It’s rough!
But, I still think Battam’s Dad who has basically always been absent is worse. Because, he could be around but just chose not to! Battam barely wastes a breath on him.
Where did Sal’s mother go?
*THE HUGE SPOILER ALARM BLARES, ABSOLUTELY BLASTING YOUR EAR DRUMS AND BLOWING YOUR HAIR BACK*
Sorry, can’t tell you this one! You’re gonna have to play the upcoming game!
Does using/giving his magic dehydrate Battam?
Yes, but it takes a while. I’ve never decided exactly how magic is stored inside a witch body, but we can imagine it uses a lot of the same fluids anyone has in their body as a base. The magics are inspired by the humors, so just imagine a bunch of yucky stuff in there that comes out pretty. He needs to use a pretty GOOD amount of magic to hurt himself though, but he does have a lot of water and liquids on deck to replenish himself. Certain potions can make him produce a lot though, or just feeling real excited.
Gummy and Edwin, would y’all ever find each other in a romantic relationship or is it just s*xual?
*the huge spoiler alarm blares YET AGAIN*
Boy howdy, why, the show still has at least 7 episodes left! I wonder how things could go or change during that? Looks like you’ll just have to write some juicy fan fiction until then. Thanks for your patience! I’m serious, the wait and seeing it all play out within the show is gonna be way more satisfying than an answer from me. Give us some time, I don’t think we will disappoint you.
For Kabocha and Pumpkin: What are things you find endearing about each other?
I think Kabocha likes Pumpkin’s earnestness and honesty, and Pumpkin thinks Kabocha is very elegant, smart and refined. These two have a whole back story I’ve just never written down or drawn because I haven’t had time– and I don’t think I’ll be making another comic with them? Maybe a fic or general post about how they met might be fun? I have no idea.
For Telen and Buck: What are things you find endearing about each other?
This was kind of answered up above? Telen likes that Buck is nice, strong, and soft– his love is very simple but strong. And Buck likes that Telen is confident, protective and sweet. Generally they have a very fluffy and cozy relationship! Very committed to each other!
For Sal and Battam: What are things you find endearing about each other?
Again, sort of answered above. Sal likes Battam’s honesty, confidence, and determination, while Battam likes Sal’s sense of humor, gentleness, and think he’s really smart and likes hearing Sal’s thoughts and opinions on stuff. The two are really peas in a pod and compliment each other nicely– they fall into a rhythm where they really know what the other wants. It’s so cute! Also, they are hopelessly attracted to each other’s bodies. Their physical compatibility is off the charts!
For Yarrow and Havi: What are things you find endearing about each other?
For this, I’m not sure! I was not the writer for Yarrow Valley– Arcade Party. It’s part of why asking questions for the Tomai gang is tough too. I still don’t consider Havi and Yarrow “my” characters because I made them with AP. (Though, the Tomai boys I made before meeting AP, so it’s a little easier to have fun with them.) So, sorry, not sure I can answer this one! I’m sure you can come up with something fun just by playing the game and thinking on it though.
This is a really big question I need to ask…. Would Battam be part of the covens if it wasn’t for what happened to his mom? Or would he still have that call to action? Would he ever have noticed the dangers and torture covens put their witches through if he thought everything was normal and accidents were simply “something that happens to those who aren’t careful”?
This is a really big question– and very tough! I honestly think if Battam’s Mom hadn’t died, he would have taken a very similar route to Satine’s. Continue in the coven schools, graduate into the Rowan Coven and then sell his wares for them. Maybe Satine and Battam would have traveled together? Maybe they would be a lot closer, earlier?
But, I think just like with Satine coming out, Battam’s own nature of well, being sexual, would eventually get him in some kind of trouble. And, I think it’s hard for him not to notice people suffering too– I think eventually he would still defect, but it would take a LOT longer– maybe even until he’s 30. Though, would he still even meet Sal in this route, I’m not sure?
I think with Violana, she would still have some kind of accident– no matter what. Even if she didn’t die from an overload, she would have absolutely lost a hand, arm, or leg which is an unfortunately common thing to happen to Coven Witches. (Thank god for Satine’s “activities” with Coven members, it helps them blow off steam.) But, Violana was a very repressed person and no matter what, this would catch up to her.
I believe this could have happened to Battam too– because he is so naturally emotional and has a lot of magic. It’s tough out there!
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Now begins the section where folks asked me more personal questions, or about my process in general. If you wanna preserve the image you have of me in your head, proceed with caution.
How does your work day function? (Like – do you have a set time period each day for work? Do you have a special work area?)
I work out of a planner and many notes/lists (I think everyone should use a planner, they rule) and I work every day but Monday and Friday. I usually work about 8 to 12+ hours a day (yes, I work too much but I also have many bills and not a ton of cash flow) while juggling personal life stuff. I am taking more days off lately though because it’s summer, but I often have long stretches of doing basically nothing BUT work all day and night. I do love my work so I don’t really consider it a bad thing most of the time, aha.
I get up, I eat breakfast, I do “paperwork” stuff like e-mails, social media, and anything else that isn’t drawing, then I cook dinner, then I sit back down and work until I go to sleep. Rinse and repeat. Sometimes I’ll take time off between that dinner time and sleep time, but most of the time I’m just sitting there working, widdling away at my ever HUGE list of things to do.
How about a photo of your work desk?
Decided this one was just a little too personal to share, but I can give you some highlights. It’s a big standing/sitting desk that goes up and down as I need it. I have a single monitor and my tablet to my left, it’s all very utilitarian. Up above, my computer is pink as well as my keyboard. On top of that, are 4 peepy dolls that me and my partner co-own. Behind that is prints of my own work (mostly Alkaline from Space School, my beloved) and a wall of The Search for Henry Jekyll prints and a prized original from Midori. On the other side, a pin-up calendar of Lexual. Scattered around are important medical papers, tax filings, and my trusty planner and pen. Sitting at the desk is a tired, but excited looking grub with funky hair– hey, that’s me!
What inspires you?
This one is ALWAYS very, very hard for me to answer. I guess the simple one is other comics, life, people, music, the world? Everything? I have a general passion for life even though I’m a low confidence, self loathing, filled to the brim with anxiety bug– I still love the world and see so much good and humanity, and I just want to like, create stuff that gives folks a little break from the bullshit. It’s part of why I let my work just earnestly be happy and why I try to update so often.
So yeah, this is tough. This answer changes all the time. The world is full of good stuff and folks making good things. NEVER let anyone tell you “art isn’t good anymore” – it just means they are lame and don’t seek out indie work or do any kind of fucking googling or hunting– if you go looking, you’re GONNA find good indie stuff and even good TV shows and movies right now. PEOPLE ARE STILL TRYING TO MAKE GOOD STUFF, PUT IN THE WORK AND FIND IT. ASK YOUR FRIENDS, LOOK UP REVIEWS– GET THAT STUFF!!! DON’T GROW BORING.
What do you do to relax?
Another tough question. I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life and thusly, have always struggled to relax. It’s gotten better with therapy and age, but I still am constantly trying to be “productive” or “on the move”– but I really like movies, tv shows, video games, comics, and music. Really, I just like art! I also like nature walks, bird watching and stuff like farms or museums. Generally, stuff made by humans for humans I like– AND I LOVE EATING. Going to restaurants with friends was the best and I miss it so much, really glad I got my hot pot so I could do that at home with my partner and roomies at least. So yeah, nothing too specific or unusual. During Christmas time I do a lot of wreath making and scrap booking too. I’m a grandparent in spirit, basically, LOL.
How important is music and poetry to you?
Music is incredibly important to me and I make playlists for almost all of my stories (list here)
Poetry I’m not as familiar with, but I like scripts and other word play stuff, so maybe it’s time I read some? Not sure! Maybe I’ll start looking up some videos about this.
Any favorites?
I’m a big fan of alternative, disco, vaporwave, funk, rap, and generally anything that’s “odd” or “interesting”. I like multiple voice tracks, I like funky little sounds and instruments and I like people just talking in a song. Lately, I really like “Elastic Girl” and “Helicopter”. I think these two songs encompass my music taste pretty well, haha!
And do you like animals/pets or even have some?
Love animals, and yes, I have a cat, his name is Baby Cat and he’s a celebrity among our friends and has his own gallery on the site here.
What started the process of you creating everything?
Not sure. I was a kid when I started making comics! We simply had an assignment in 5th grade to “make a comic” so I made like, 8 pages or something overboard. Ever since, I was hooked!
How has it felt knowing that so many people love and appreciate the creations that you have worked so hard to bring to life?
It feels good!
What was the inspiration for each of your works?
This is almost impossible to answer because I have so many. Don’t forget– I’ve been drawing comics since I was in high school, so I just uh, couldn’t possibly name everything. Plus, I’ve got a bad memory (it’s kind of a problem) so, I’m just going to list what I do remember:
Cavemate – Minecraft, Dungeon Meshi, the need to see a spider boy in action! They are so rare! Also, I was originally going to make this for a bug themed zine I was running but it fell thru, but I liked the thumbnails so much I still pursued it.
Solanaceae – Someone once told me my p*rn was “too wet” so I literally made a character that could PRODUCE LUBE to smite them. Fuck you rando, people love Battam now! He’s the most popular! Also, I thought humorism was gross and interesting and wanted to explore that. It spiraled from there– I started with a very loose story but it eventually evolved into something way more complex, but I’m super happy with it so far! Really hoping people will like the game and I can work out some of the story kinks in there.
Lee’s game – Old character designs, Lee’s REALLY STRONG backstory I had randomly come up with, and the One Piece movies. One Piece has this great “stories between the lines” vibe and the movies are the best example of this. They are a slice of REALLY interesting characters and world without all the extra bullshit the long ass arcs bring (sorry, OP has become a fucking nightmare after timeskip) so I said, Okay, I will make up a story and only show 4 big slices. The 4 bigger and most important slices, and that’s it. You will never actually see how Lee and Beracus met, you will never see all of their adventures, and you will not see what happens after the endings. Those things are for you to come up with and have fun, just like I had fun with One Piece. Please embrace it!
I like to ask a few questions about you, little things I’m always interested in with people, especially the ones with whose creative work I’m fascinated with: Occupies the development of your characters much of your day – like do you always have little scenes and stories in your head in daily situations apart from when you’re working or how feels the creative process for you?
I absolutely have some kind of narrative or idea running through my head on the daily– but I’ll be honest, it’s mostly just horny stories, aha. I do brainstorm for things like Lee’s game A LOT and write down a bunch of little notes as they come to me– though it’s hard to track what helps certain elements “click” through this pre-production time. Sometimes it’s a line in a video essay or a way a song sounds, it just helps it click. I keep a long list of notes until it’s time to write an official outline.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about Renny and Edwyn from the webcomic, Woodlands. I just really like the world and relationship that comic has built, and the author’s are people I chat with here and there and do trades with– so it’s rewarding to make fanart for something where I can just like, hand that over to the creators like a little treat without guilt. Also, I’m just genuinely passionate about the dynamic and the direction for the story! That’s besides the point though.
Do you imagine characters in other works you like, too?
Oh, I accidentally just answered this but I will elaborate– it takes a special kind of thing for me to get into it if it’s not my own work. I can count on both hands the fan work things I’ve stopped to get really passionate about– and I often have one big “project” for them and then I move on. (Kiryu/Majima being a great example of this.) I often just enjoy stuff passively or buy merch here and there, fan work is usually left for when people request it because I just have so much of my own stuff to do and feel so passionately about my own work of course I would imagine it on the daily!
But, sometimes something really clicks and I wanna explore it in fan work or little fantasies in my head. It’s nice to let myself have that stuff as it often opens my mind/art to more, different kinds of ways of telling stories. It’s good to leap into someone else’s world for a second and dig around: think about why they make certain decisions and see if you can “match” the tone. I’m very picky with fan work because CONTEXT IS KING and I wanna see fan work that feels /in character/.
It drives me nuts to get asked to make fanart for something that doesn’t fit– and I’ve even denied folks commissions of my own characters for not being in character enough. I’ll indulge in AU or goofy ideas here and there– but I’m simply very passionate about stuff that feels “canon” or “fitting”! I’m a picky, what can I say? I did have a write up of shows I like, but I have yet to post it on the site.
What work do you wish got more love and attention?
Lee’s game, without a doubt. Folks are going to be kicking themselves when the second game comes out because I think the story has everything I usually write about, but just without the fucking. (And honestly, it’s WEIRDLY hurt the game among my usual readers that I made it not p*rn, lmao, I did not expect that)
But, I have a lot of plans to improve the gameplay, the art, and the story in general with the second game, so I really hope people will show up and give Lee and Beracus a chance. I promise they are so fucking interesting and a really different dynamic from what you’re used to me writing– shit is fucked and unhinged and you will see me write about a lot of hard things and ask hard questions but IT’S GOOD. It’s not to hurt you, it’s just to compel you and move two fucked up guys to a wild end. AND YES, THE GAME IS GAY! PLEASE! I wouldn’t make a thing that wasn’t queer or trans in some way– Beracus is a trans man who ends up torn between choosing two guys but like, not really because who could do romance in a situation like this and AAAAH PLEASE OH MY GOD HE STILL WANTS A KISS! I feel so passionately about the story but I’ve just had a lot of hang ups getting to the second game but I PROMISE it will come out and so will the others and I just hope you consider giving it a chance if you haven’t already. It’s available on PC, PS4/5, Xbox, Switch, and SOON Android!!! Thank you!
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Down here are some tougher questions, which include some thoughts about My Master is a Naga, so proceed with caution.
How much do you enjoy interacting with fans/what kind of interactions do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy interacting with fans a lot, but I tend to be a pretty grouchy and overly serious person sometimes so I don’t know how much fans like interacting with me, lol. Lots of folks say I’m nice, and I think I’m… okay? But, I am REALLY truly a grouchy person and tend to have a pretty quick tempter/jump to conclusions, so I don’t think I’m the easiest to handle if I’m having a bad day.
Even so, I still have to take every comment and question VERY literally, because people have gotten mad at me in the past for not doing that– so when I answer a question like, “Why is Sal doing x?” I’ll often give a serious answer and people will be like, “Oh, I wasn’t being serious.” and it’s like :/ It can be a very flat feeling, like, how do I know you weren’t being serious? How do I know I wasn’t supposed to respond?
I’m started talking to fans less and less because I think I’m… maybe not very good at it? And there are so many comments lately that I just can’t keep up with. But, I’m determined to at least respond to everyone here on Patreon and such! Cuz I have met a ton of fun people through them reading my work and I’m super glad for that!
But, there are also a lot of folks (especially mobile only players) who can be very entitled and mean-spirited folks who just feel like making fun of my work, hating on it, or having a really bad faith take– that comes with the territory though. The worst is folks who get overly friendly and say they are “in love with me”— I’ve had a few borderline stalkers and folks who just REALLY cross some boundaries. I’m in a super committed relationship in my personal life (for over ten years) so anyone telling me they “love me” based on the d*ck and balls I draw is just like, could you please stop?
Mostly, I have a lot of really good interactions though! People are very creative, especially with the lore of Solanaceae and I think folks come up with better ideas about the magic than I do. It’s part of why I keep it vague, I think people should be allowed space and freedom when it comes to that stuff and it’s a kind of freedom I wanna bring into Lee’s game too. I think it uh, also makes certain folks mad that it’s “light on lore” but like, c’mon, just do a little thinking and I’m sure you’ll catch on. I don’t wanna give you a big lore dump, I really don’t– especially because I’m not great at lore! You’re better than me!
Folks who are encouraging or really thoughtful with their readings of my work are the best. I appreciate when folks have their own ideas about things or think critically on why I made a decision. Also, fanart and ESPECIALLY fanfiction fucking rule and I really like looking and engaging with that stuff– because I’m basically just an overly excited fan of my own work in the end– though I understand I also need to be at arm’s length so I don’t mess up anyone’s fun.
So, yeah, interacting with fans is complex, I won’t lie to you about that. It can be very tough, but also very rewarding. Thanks for the question!
If you could change anything about anything you created what would it be?
First and foremost, make the world of My Master is a Naga not so fucked up. It’s a really sweet, fluffy sappy story set in a REALLY dire world that makes it totally unfun (and maybe even inappropriate?) to expand on the story or lore in any serious way. I’ve even scrapped the idea of a prologue for the comic just because I dislike the world so much and don’t think I could tell that kind of story with the care it needs. I just don’t think my writing is that strong.
Could I just scrap the original comic and draw it all over again? Sure! But, would I rather spend that time on other stories I feel passionately about instead? YES!
Secondly, I might actually change the pacing for the first prologue chapter of Solanacae. I think Sal didn’t spend quite enough time hating Battam but at the same time, the comic is way way more about their relationship AFTER that initial confrontation that I wouldn’t add too much more. Maybe just another scene or two?
But, going back and fiddling with stories is a fool’s errand and will honestly cause you a lot of trouble. A lot of folks I know recommend not going back and fiddling with stuff too much– it’s a letting sleeping dogs lie, kind of thing. People like MmiaN the way it is, they have their own interpretation of how the world is and they don’t need to know what I know. They can just like the comic as it is, I’m good with that.
And, that’s the end! Let me know if you read all the way to the end, and if you’d be interested in an event like this again. Thanks so much and have an awesome day!
(Also, please forgive the censor in the words here, Patreon is kind of a mess lately.)
Comments
DCS
Heyo! Glad you could relate, and thanks so much! My work is really important to me and I love working on it, it makes me so happy when folks are interested and invested in it... I'm still so amazed and so flattered folks would even ask me stuff like this! Wow!
Kaede Hatake
I almost forgot to thank you for your detailed answers - especially to my rather personal questions...Gave me a nice glimpse into your thoughts - can really relate to a lot of things here - very much appreciated 😘 And for me also your commitment and enthusiasm is the thing which quickly drew my into your work - I can feel that you really put your heart into it like I rarely saw before
DCS
Oh, thank you! I'm trying really hard to push this idea of characters being messy in Lee's game especially and it's something I'm trying to hold on to with Solanaceae-- sometimes I don't think I do it as well with certain characters as other but I'm really glad at least some of that is coming through!
PaganPrince
Honestly, one of my favourite things about your work is how much enthusiasm you have for it. It really drags me into every story you do when I just see little drawings or descriptions because your enthusiasm is so infectious. I think also your ability to write characters who are morally grey and / or messy is so great, all of your characters have such genuine weight to them?! This is definitely making me want to read Lee too so 👀 thank you for this delicious Q&A content <3
