After the Fall- A message from Nick

November 14th, 2008 by Ghostfreehood!

Back in 2005 and 2006, I decided I wanted to do comics. So I just woke up one morning and started doing them. I had no real formal training or anything. I have been teaching myself drawing and art on and off throughout my life so I just jumped in. Looking back on the last couple of years, it is clear I have become a junkie of sorts.

Relationships have actually deteriorated due to update schedules and my personal growth as an artist. I even broke up with a girl because I wanted to do this. That was a fucking retarded reason and there were more forces at work, of course. Growing through to 2008 as Dead of Summer rolled on, there was so much I wanted to do with the story. In my mind the story of “Nick” could go on forever. I plan on continuing this concept at some point. Dead of Summer isn’t necessarily over but for the moment. I can’t say when it could return but before my life’s work is over, it will be done. Also, the idea of having myself in a comic was never meant to last. It creeps me out a little.

Dead of Summer has put me in a union with many new friends, inspired others to follow their dreams and placed a title upon me I have been craving for a lifetime. DoS has given me the deepest fulfillment as an artist thus far. I’ve had painting exhibits and shit like that but story telling has been it! I’ve met Mike Mignola of Hellboy fame and Steve Niles of 30 Days of Night at the convention circuit and have been able to communicate with them on the level I needed to. Conveying experience and meaningful questions to your heroes was an all time high for me.

So why did Dead of Summer end? I didn’t feel the story was going to get to where it needed to go. One day I will arrive at the junction where Dead of Summer could be the novel or screenplay it needs to be. Tito became the science zombie angle while the unnatural undead were outside. I will be exploring that in the future. No doubt. Growing into Webcomics though, it would have been really hard to get the story to go that way. Well that, and it would take for fucking ever.

My love for the horror genre is the greatest of all the genres. Back in 2005 when the concept was birthed, I never would have guessed it would really grow into what it’s become. Dead of Summer has given me the reason to travel and pursue the dreams I have. Fuck me, it worked. The experience of webcomics and the machine Marty and I created has birthed Art Fight High School which will be our refined work. It will also be the opportunity for him to shine as a writer. Horror isn’t really his bag. But hey, it got us off our asses. Shit, it even got us teh ladies.

Marty, I would not be here if it was not for you. This is a letter to you, the fans, the readers and Protomen. My service is always a debt to you. A true honor to serve. I pledge my heart to you and promise my return. Art and the crafts of the world will take you many places if you are willing to go. For a few weeks now, Dead of Summer has felt like the proverbial girlfriend I had broken up with. Sorry this took sometime to write. It’s been a few weeks. I needed some time.

You guys are amazing. With the world that’s been invited onto my doorstep, I must conquest to comeback and serve the genre I care for most. When the dragon is slayed and my beard will result the conquering of vicissitude, I hope that I shall make you proud. Until then, this comic will remain up as witness to all the dreamers. Fucking get off of your ass and do something.

All the best.

Ghostfreehood

NickBorkowicz

2 Responses to “After the Fall- A message from Nick”

  1. Brian Says:

    You guys are THE reason I’m doing what I’m doing now. I know it took me a while, and I just got started, but if it weren’t for knowing you guys, and having your support and encouragement I would have never gotten to this point. Dead of Summer is the perfect example of how shutting the fuck up, getting off your ass and just doing it can take you closer to your dreams.

    You’re thanking us, and I’m thanking you. This journey into webcomics is hellish, and hard, and demanding, but I’d never turn my back on it now that I’ve experienced how rewarding it can be. Also, this community you guys are a part of, one that you’ve introduced me to, is so tightly knit it’s like family.

    You and Marty are why I am doing this. I’d have never gotten the courage, or been bit by the bug to even try without you guys. Thanks again.

  2. Ghostfreehood! Says:

    Well it’s about time you got off your ass, Sir.
    Ha ha. Thanks dude.

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