Happy Labor Day! While we’re taking a break between chapters, here’s a quick trip back in time. I started drawing a lot of these characters in middle school and high school, and since then, they’ve changed a lot. Here’s a look at how Vlad’s design has evolved over the years… or sometimes months.

Chapter 5 comes out in three weeks, so stay tuned!

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Vlad and Lu make a reluctant team as they slowly but steadily head toward the castle. But after clearing the maze, they find themselves in a strange, misty forest, and they’re definitely not alone.

Meanwhile, Simona and the other trapped kids weigh their options.

Check out Chapter 4: The Fearful Dead under Book I.

Until then, here’s a sneak peek at the cover art. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more!

Hey there! Thanks to everyone who’s been reading. In case you’re curious, here’s a glimpse at the step-by-step process I used to make Chapter 3, and the rest of the book.

I start out everything longhand. The entirety of the story has already been written out in narrative form – albeit with some edits and departures.

Next, the layout. I use graph paper and a regular old mechanical pencil to sketch my characters and plan out my panels.

Finally, it’s off to Photoshop for final edits, color, and captions. Voila — a page.

Chapter 4 is three weeks out, so I’ll be hard at work in the meantime. See you then!