Donatello: Dark Energy

[Donnie]

Greetings, everyone!

I've received the green light from Krang to post this in the Comics section.

Here's the backstory...

Not too long ago I made a thread asking artists around the 'Drome if they would like to collaborate on comic style shorts based on the TMNT. I was delighted to see many talented members on the forum respond with interest! I found a kindred spirit in pl212 (Pedro) and we began work on our first short immediately. We decided to release the Shorts online and in PDF format.

So, introducing...

Lajud & Montelione's "BETWEEN THE LINES" - an ongoing fan made collection of short comics based on the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, characters created by the great duo of Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird.

Story, Script: Matthew Montelione

Artwork, Inking, Layouts: Pedro Lajud

Our stories are set within Mirage continuity and in the original veins of Eastman & Laird. We have worked carefully to not conflict with what has transpired in the world of Mirage's TMNT - rather, we seek to offer glimpses of what might have went on "between the lines" of their universe. Concerning the artwork, Pedro is by far the best choice for such a task - his natural skills speak for themselves, and his originality in drawing the characters is, in my opinion, brilliant. We have worked incredibly hard to deliver an engaging TMNT product steeped in the original darkness of Mirage while adding some of our own unique spices. We hope that we have succeeded.

We are proud to introduce our first short...

DONATELLO: DARK ENERGY (PART I)

Behind "Dark Energy" (Part I):

"Dark Energy (Part I)" is the first of a series of shorts centered around Donatello. Part I of "Dark Energy" takes place during Mirage Volume 1, issue #2, during the "several weeks" that pass (pg. 7) - much before the TMNT first met and rescued April O'Neil.

"Dark Energy" will focus on Donatello's inner turmoil as he grows up knowing the vision that Splinter explained to him - and what he will ultimately attempt to do in light of an uncertain future. Spanning a series of shorts, "Dark Energy" will also briefly explore (amongst other character aspects) Donatello's burden of being the unofficial "second-in-command" to his brothers, his love of science over martial arts, and his relationships with individual family members. We have paid homage to other future Donatello stories in our own, and some of you might be able to point them out.

Here's a preview from page 1...



TO DOWNLOAD "DARK ENERGY (PART I)" VISIT OUR WEBSITE -

Lajud & Montelione's BETWEEN THE LINES (Fan Made TMNT Shorts)

Well, I think that's it. On behalf of Pedro & I, thanks for viewing our work and we really hope that you enjoy our first short...

Sincerely,
Matthew

- Special thanks to Master Splinter for hooking us up with a website.
- The legal disclaimer, etc. along with most of what you have just read is available to see on page 6 of "Dark Energy".

[oldmanwinters]

Hmm... interesting...

It's definitely short but...

Spoiler:

I like it!

[Powder]

Very cool. Though I expected it to be good it was better than I thought it would be. I like where y'all are going with it.
That said, I still wanna do one with ya, haha.

[oldmanwinters]

My favorite part is Donatello's sequence of facial expressions on Page 5. It struck me as perhaps a bit too over-the-top, almost anime-ish, but it was more than effective enough to convey the emotion of the moment.

pl212 has got some skillz with the pencil and the pen!

[Donnie]

Originally Posted by Powder

Very cool. Though I expected it to be good it was better than I thought it would be. I like where y'all are going with it.
That said, I still wanna do one with ya, haha.

Originally Posted by oldmanwinters

My favorite part is Donatello's sequence of facial expressions on Page 5. It struck me as perhaps a bit too over-the-top, almost anime-ish, but it was more than effective enough to convey the emotion of the moment.

pl212 has got some skillz with the pencil and the pen!

Thanks guys!

Yes, Pedro is the man! His art is breathtaking, in my opinion.

Powder, the invite is still there.

[Powder]

Yes, I forgot to mention that. Pedro is a goddamn beast.
When I met up with him at NYCC I had him do a turtle bust in my sketchbook alongside Dooney & the rest, haha.
& my man, if you have something written I'd happily start on it this week.

[Jester]

[marcelangelo]

great job done, compadres!keep on producing them and I keep on reading them...I especially liked the little moment splinter and his pupil have after he mentioned his affection for machines....sweet stopping of time there...
once again, it brought a smile on my face and that is a nice thing to accomplish..
wishin you the best!
marcel

[oldmanwinters]

Originally Posted by marcelangelo

I especially liked the little moment splinter and his pupil have after he mentioned his affection for machines....sweet stopping of time there...

I liked that bit too. It was so subtle, I wondered if it was intentional. But seeing as how much attention Pedro seems to pay to facial expressions, I will assume that was indeed the intended effect.

[LeoNerdo]

Very cool dudes!

[Nelson]

WOW! Great work, guys! Both the writing and art are really cool! Sure it's short, but I'll be lying if I said that this story didn't catch my complete attention since the first page and left me wanting more!

The story has heart, and it was encapsulated in only five pages. IDW could use some tips from you, guys.

[Donnie]

Thank you all so much! Your warm comments are extremely appreciated.

I'm glad you want more, Nelson, and thanks again for those very mighty compliments! Our continuation of this series, "Dark Energy (Part II)", is now officially in the works.

Concerning that little moment between Donny & Splinter, that was indeed intentional, both in the writing and in the art. Glad you guys picked up on that!

[Jester]

I call for a rename to "Montelione & Lajud's" just because it invokes another comic duo of note...

[pl212]

Thank you all for the kind words

Glad you guys picked up on that panel, it was intentional.
There are smaller details in some panels that I havent seen anyone mention yet, I guess they arent as easy to spot.lol

[oldmanwinters]

You should let us know if Peter Laird ever gets back to you with his thoughts on the subject!

(I saw your comment on his blog.)

[Donnie]

Originally Posted by oldmanwinters

You should let us know if Peter Laird ever gets back to you with his thoughts on the subject!

(I saw your comment on his blog.)

Will do - I really hope he checks it out!

[pl212]

Originally Posted by oldmanwinters

You should let us know if Peter Laird ever gets back to you with his thoughts on the subject!

(I saw your comment on his blog.)

It would be awesome to hear some feedback from one of the creators

[Luzmagica]

Awesome!!!!

Spoiler:

....Last Don´s face is scary for me!!!!! ....

[Donnie]

Originally Posted by Luzmagica

Awesome!!!!

Spoiler:

....Last Don´s face is scary for me!!!!! ....

Thanks Luz!

[Andrew NDB]

Brilliant. Less can be more. I found the piece to be quite effective, well done.