Just to let y’all know that I’ve posted a sample page of the graphic novel script–so you can see what one looks like–and a page of Hoang’s layout sketches. Layout sketches are rough drawings, made so that we can be sure Hoang and I have the same vision of what the page looks like; that he has the composition and perspective I was envisioning, and whether there are any small details that I forgot to include that should be present (or that he’s added, but that oughtn’t to be there for historical or plot reasons).
Yes, that _is_ Jamie in the third panel. And yes, he is young [g]–remember, he’s only 22 here.
As always, I’m fascinated to hear what y’all think!
Diana:
(I am moving my comment from your previous post. The only reason I’m awake right now is because the damn cat had to go out and woke me up.)
Just saw your new post at your website and the sketches are FABULOUS!!!! I can feel the movement of the horses in the first and last frames, and Jamie is beautiful. Ah! I am in love all over again, and YES! I’m gushing. Forgive me.
Midge
This is a PS to my comment above –
I check out Hoang’s website and I am quite impressed. You have been saying, over and over, what a prodigious talent he has — well, you’re right. I especially love the image of the young woman with the chin strap and tattooing. It’s beautiful. His CGI stuff is awesome. I wish he was doing the graphics for the Sims2!!
Midge
I’m glad you put up the website of Hoang Nguyen. This should give people a better concept the type of art a graphic novels requires. His work is beautiful.
Maybe if we had the preliminary sketchs and not the portrait of Claire first, people wouldn’t have had such strong opinion’s on her hair. Quite pleased with the drawing of Jamie. If the backside looks as promising as the front, you will have my full attention.
Now… on to the Ode To the Penis. I may or may not leave a comment on that one. I have a feeling the ode will say it all.
Dear Diana,
I think the sketch is great!! Nguyen (I looked at his website) is VERY talented and has got beautiful drawings.
Will see some more sketches on your website in the future?
Oh man..I can’t wait to see the drawings where Jamie and Claire are together (who knows how often you heard that until now [g])
Sarah
The sketches were fantastic as is Nguyen’s other art. I’m so looking forward to this project being completed, yet it’s so much fun to get some of the day to day along the way!
Love the sketches, Diana. I posted this question on Compuserve, but in case you didn’t see it, am reposting it here. Which style of Hoang’s art will be represented in the GN? Will it be in the style of his CG characters, paintings or comics?
Wonderful graphics. Even in preliminary, he’s caught the mood. I think, when all is said and done, you will all be very proud of this collaborative work.
The sketches are great! Even in this quick sketch, the eyes are unmistakably Jamie’s. And I like the action scenes with the horses too.
I am really intrigued by that line about Jamie swearing an oath not to kill. My mind has been buzzing with all sorts of speculations, regarding the implications this would have for later events (such as Jamie killing the guard on his way to rescue Claire from BJR). It definitely adds a new twist (or several!) to the story.
Karen
Dear Diana: The sketches are marvelous. What a great way to expand on your story. I can’t believe I’m writing this but I’m almost more excited about reading the graphic novel than Echo. Of course I’m looking forward to both. Have you come up with a title for the graphic novel? This is very exciting. Celia
Dear Diana,
I think it’s great! The drawings are exciting, even in their primitive state, and makes me think that when it’s done it will REALLY be exciting! I didn’t think I’d like to see a graphic novel, or even a movie, but this all looks very interesting, and I will certainly buy the graphic novel when it comes out. It’s a different way to look at a familiar story, and that’s got me intrigued right about now. Good luck and I can’t wait to see it.
amy
What a tease! The drawings are simply fantastic! Merrymags was right, I can feel the movement of the horses and I swear I can actually hear the clansman talk! Of course, I’ve no idea what he’s saying but I hear him nonetheless. This collaboration is such a wonderful idea – best of luck!
(PS – A million scenes I’m looking forward to seeing but for some reason, I really want to see Claire trying to patch up Jaime on the side of the road after that first skirmish with the dragoons. Fighting to keep those linen strips in place, cursing up a storm, shouting orders to the Scots and finally coming close to breaking down. I couldn’t put the book down after that!)
I love the rendition of young Jamie. He’s just as gorgeous as I imagined him to be. I can’t wait to see the GN!
Beautiful! Love the sketch of Jamie. Looking forward to more glimpses of the GN!
Diana,
Thank you for posting these sketches. They are amazing. This is truly very exciting! What I love the most is the opportunity to go back to the time of Outlander but get new scenes from different perspectives. Thank you, and thanks to Hoang, for ahring this with us!
Diane
Diana,
Your graphic novel has left me breathless. I am so anxious to see more!
Cheese on Rice I am excited! Wow. This book is number one on my wish list. Any idea on pub dates?
Thank you so much for giving everyone a peek – despite the curly hair saga, it’s an amazing process from script to page.
Jen (not Peter)
I wish I could draw horses as good as Hoang does in his fast sketches. Jamie looks great.I like his eyes.
Dear Diana,
I love, love, love the sketches! Very exciting to finally see Jamie, and just that tiny glimpse leaves me craving more, of course.
How brilliant to have the GN show a different side to the story, instead of just a graphic re-telling (not that I’d mind that, either).
Thanks for always keeping things fresh, always surprising, and never disappointing.
teddie
ok so. i just have to say that i had already googled Hoang as soon as i saw the pic of Claire as well as that I checked your website several times a day everyday since you mentioned the update. I think I may be borderline obsessed. The sketches are wonderful! The pic of Jamie is so exciting! i cant wait to see more!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing these sketches. The process is fascinating and I anticipate a great story from Murtagh’s POV. Regarding the hint of Jamie shown…a few of us opined (tongue firmly in cheek) that in light of the comments after Claire’s portrait was shown, the GN when showing Jamie might adopt the QUO VADIS or BEN HUR method of showing Christ….a mere shadow, a hint of a figure, an arm, maybe. Since so many fans think of Jamie as next to God Almighty already, this would have distinct advantages….cough and grin. However, no sooner had we began that delightful speculation, we were quickly brought to heel by several others who with great pomposity informed us that the hero must be shown in the GN in order for the story to work. (oh?!) Never mind, carry on and I’m sure the end results will be delightful. Janice