Shalom chaverim,
Chapter 1 is finally ready to be read.
The first issue will be released in four-page increments once a week. Once the full book layout is complete, I will also release the entire first issue online for a reasonable price.
This first issue took about a year and a half to create, from character design and worldbuilding to writing, drawing, and lettering. There were several moments when I thought about giving up, but thanks to the encouragement of so many people, I kept going.
I am especially grateful to the Graphic Novel Pro community at SVS Learn. Even after the course ended, the forum continued to provide inspiration, thoughtful critiques, and the encouragement I needed to keep moving forward.
I am also deeply thankful to my Rabbi, who inspired me to use my artistic abilities for something greater than recreation and encouraged me to create work that reflects my values.
Thank you to my sister for believing in this project from the beginning and taking pride in my new journey into comics. Thank you as well to my best friend, Tyler, for reading early drafts, offering honest criticism, and refusing to let me wallow in self-doubt.
Finally, I want to thank Joshua, my new mentor, for generously sharing the wisdom and experience he has gained over many years as a writer. His guidance has been invaluable.
To everyone who has followed this project, liked a post, shared my work, offered feedback, or encouraged me along the way, thank you. This is only the beginning of a much larger journey, and I am excited to finally share it with you.
I hope you enjoy Chapter 1, and I look forward to hearing what you think.
Shalom,
Ari Tamani