No North QnA!

Hey guys, the QnA is finally ready! I LOVED answering your questions! I hope you enjoy it <3

G3N3515 H3R0's Questions:

1. What was your primary inspiration for No North? 

I’ve always had a taste for Westerns and adventure stories, but what kickstarted it all was when I watched Rango on a flight back home. It was 2011, and it made me binge on all westerns you can think of: The Good the Bad and the Ugly, For a Few Dollars More, Django, A Fistfull of Dollars, and so many more I don’t even recall their names (most were pretty bad, I must say, but it’s all part of it!) 

However, at this time, Steban was only a character I’d draw for fun. What really first inspired the whole theme, other characters, adventures, visuals and mood was when I came across the band Lord Huron. Their songs were charged with so much mystery, strangeness and wonder to me. That’s when I knew this story couldn’t just be a side project. I had to find a way to tell it! 

2. What would your thoughts be on a indie game adaptation or crossover of No North?

That would be absolutely incredible! I love this idea! However I know relatively little about selling rights/copyright when it comes to using an intellectual property. But that’s only a matter of negotiating, and I’d be down for this! 

Fozzy's Questions:

3. How many characters are there in total? If you want break it into how many main characters and how many side/support character?

There are a lot of characters in the first book! Most of them only appear briefly, but still, I’ll make a list of every single character who’ll take part in The Northless Compass: 

Main Characters (14)

Martin Longbark, Steban Eveler, Baltazar Austern, Delilah Morel, Chase Digger, Billy Catcher, Margaret Wagger, Hank “The Deathstalker”, Warren Wishbone, Marsha Digger, Faye Runner, Lester Lawson, One mystery character (intro) And yet another one... 

Side/Supporting Characters (27)
(I’m only including characters who have lines)

Miguelito, Leonor, Solomon, Rocco, Officer Harold, Sam Howler, Edgar Howler, Elle Wishbone, April Wishbone, Holly Wishbone, Danny Digger, Sherry Digger, Hector, Robin, Mayor Tom, Kory, Eske, Rona, Alva, Raoul, Tove, Hal the Rat, Esther, Adder, Cactus and another mystery guy!

And naturally, a few extras

Lirty Fox's Questions

4. What was the most difficult stage in the development of the story? 

There were many difficulties during the development of No North, but the lore had to be the hardest part. Connecting things and making sense of the supernatural (or not) was crazy, all while keeping true to the theme. 

At many times it felt like the lore was taking away from the story and characters, so balancing this out was also a challenge. I had a list I’d write again and again with all of the “unanswered” questions about the story, the “hows” and “whys”, and some of them would drive me crazy! I promised myself I’d only start the comic once I could properly answer all of them, and so I did, and that’s part of what took me so long. 

The second biggest challenge was a more dynamic one: trying to make the story exciting, keeping an interesting pacing and scene weave, and letting the characters lead the way through their own drive. There were a total of 8 finished drafts for the first book.

5. For about how many years originated the story? 

That depends a lot. The concept changed so much since I first came up with it! Steban was “born” in 2011, and Martin followed in the beginning of 2012, so that would make for 9 years in November since that old boy was born. 

I began working on Up and Ahead pages around June 2013, making it 7 years now. But as you know, the comic is being rebooted, and No North is completely different in mood, theme, and even setting. I started working on the new concept for the story back at the end of 2016, making it almost 4 years!

6. Will we see No North animations in the future?

Yes! I have many animatics for songs I want to make. Music is the very core of No North, and I feel like many parts of the story will only reach the emotion I’m looking for if it’s accompanied by its respective song. 

I’m not sure if that counts, but I also plan to adapt the comic for YouTube - with fun parallax versions of the panels and maybe even voice actors. We’ll see!

7. What was the UnA comic? A "pilot" comic book that is the first concept of the No North story?

That’s right! Up and Ahead was my way of testing out this concept I was so excited about - dogs living in the Wild West out looking for adventures. I realised midway the comic didn't carry the mood I was looking for, though, and it wasn't the story I was looking to tell. However, It was one of the biggest learning experiences of my life, and I even wrote a whole journal on Deviantart about it. 

Now I’m finally ready for the real deal! 

HowlinWolf99's Questions:

8. What is the estimated amount of pages? 

The script has a total of 66 pages. 1 script page equals around 2.5 pages for me, so that would make for around 165, but you can kick that number higher, since I love making 1-panel pages. Let’s go for 180!

9. How long did you have the the idea for the story?

The “soul” and general idea of No North was present since 2012. I remember when it stroke me, it was around the time I drew this (If you read my comment you’ll see what I mean) but I was unable to portray it in Up and Ahead. So I’ve had the idea and the feeling I wanted for 8 years now!

Lunahlua's Questions

10. If you could live as a No North character for a day, who would that be?

My, I’d probably be Steban. Wandering around, hopping trains, sharing stories with strangers and always being on the move, out chasing my next adventure, not bothering with rules or keeping up with what others expect. That would be wild, and I do plan to taste some of that at some point (just not the train hopping part)!

Right now I feel more like Old Joe, the Old Ghost of the Woods, especially with the quarantine, haha!

11. Were any characters based off real people/or do they remind you of people you know?

Yes! I’d say more than half of my characters are based off people I’ve met during my life and experiences I’ve had, but I've only used selected parts of their personalities. Of course, most of them are exaggerated, but you’d be surprised at how much I’m taking from my own life. And yes, I have a few characters who also really remind of people I know and hold dear!

12. What was the first thing that gave the idea to write No North?

I’ve answered something similar to G3N3515 H3R0, so I’ll tell you what kickstarted me to change Up and Ahead’s concept into what No North is today. It was a feeling I had one day, while I was working at an animation studio in 2016. I was still making Up and Ahead at the time, and feeling trapped by the story, and like it wasn’t what I was looking to tell. That’s when this random song came up on my Spotify (I never knew about this wolf cover art before today. WOW!)
It stroke me so strongly because that was exactly what I was looking for. The feeling of being forever a stranger, a traveler from someplace far away in a hostile land, but also in search of something wonderful. And at that moment I knew what to chase after. I listened to this song in loop for days after that, and sometimes still do. 

13. How did you come up with the name No North? Is the northless compass relevant to the story? 

Coming up with the name was a journey of its own! It took me months and lots of discarded ideas, like “The Ballad of the Renegades”, “Open Road” and so many others. My method to come up with the name was to write down everything I wanted to transmit with the title, such as “adventure” and “strangeness”, then later focusing on my theme, “make your own way”. I strongly believe that the best way to live is to follow your own purpose and align your actions through it. It’s easier said then done, and many times we end up having to act like we know where we’re going, when in fact we’re pretty much north-less. But that’s how you create your own north. Then I felt a shiver running though me when the name “No North” popped into my head. And better yet, it has everything to do with the story’s plot itself. 

The northless compass is at the core of the story. Everything goes around it, and everything happens because of it, if that makes sense. You’ll soon see what I mean!

14. How can you make such an amazing story?

Thank you, you’re too sweet! I really hope you enjoy the comic when it’s finally started! 

If you like the way I come up with stories, I might have some small tips! 

1- I believe having something to say is the best way to start. Not to preach, but something you want to advocate. It can even be something bad (many great stories come from that), just make sure you can write it down in a single phrase. That way your story will have a spine and will be sure to leave an impression.

2- Look for what you feel strongly about. Look into your personal experiences, your influences, the things you love and hate. The more the story means to you, the more uncomfortable it can get to write it - but don’t back down, this is a sign you’re going in the right path. Make it personal!

3- Be honest with yourself. Don’t write something just because you think people will like it. This can make you feel disconnected to your work and will kill the story’s strength. Write what means a lot to you. 

4- Remember to have fun. I mean it! Letting go is also a very important part of the creative process. We might get so hyper focused on making everything perfect we forget stories are living, breathing things. 

5- I joke that planning a story is like planning a road trip. You can plan every little part of it, but when you’re actually on the road, you’ll come across surprise holes, fog, storms or even an amazing rainbow or a hidden field of flowers. The road might be blocked, too, and you’ll have to find a way around it. Planning is great, but you must learn to adapt and to enjoy the ride. Knowing what you want your final destination to be is what matters most. The rest is a journey! 

Connor's Questions

15. As a newcomer to your patreon (and, indeed, to your art in general!), I was quite surprised to see that your posts for No North go back over three years! How much has the story changed since you first came up with the idea?

Welcome to the pack and thank you for becoming my Patron, Connor! 

No North changed a lot over the years. I shared literally 1/3 of my life with these characters.

Here are some of the main changes since the story’s first concept (Up and Ahead): Martin is still a pessimist, but no longer an entitled prick. Steban is still an adventurer, but with much more to hide about himself. The story’s theme used to be something like “Always look up and make the best out of situations”, and now it’s about “creating your own fate and facing the unknown”. The settings changed a lot, too! It was originally 100% set in the desert, and now there’s a wide range of environments our characters must go through during their journey, including The Howling Peaks, the Far Woods, lakes and rivers, and of course, the Lonesome Deserts. 

BurningWolfPromise's Questions

16. Is the world of No North the same as our own? If so, where and what time period does it take place? (I guess that's two questions...)

The world of No North is a whole different one. In it, there are no humans, only animals (kind of like in most fables). But you can definitely trace parallels between our world and theirs! Their country is called Verdera (but it probably won’t be mentioned during the whole story) and it geographically looks like Argentina. The deserts look a lot like the ones you’d find in Utah, though! 

It takes place in the equivalent of the1920’s, when electricity has already been spread through half the country and dogs have little cars (I should show you someday what they look like!). Mechanic vehicles were invented faster in their world, since other animals would hardly agree to play mule.

17. Will there be cameos from other characters from your works in this story?

Yes, there will! Keep them eyes sharp to spot them, hehe!

Kajlilaro's Questions

18. Since I am relatively new to your story, I am quite interested in that image you posted a few days ago with dogs with skeleton markings. What’s going on there? 

That painting was a concept I did to illustrate a scene from Delilah’s journey during No North. I really wished I could tell you more about it, but I don’t want to spoil anything! She’ll have quite an arc, though.

19. Have you ever thought about what you will be doing after No North? If the story over for good, or will you make more (either it being short stories or a long one)? Do you wanna make a new fresh story with new characters?

Yes, I’ve thought about it, but I know this comic will be a big and long project, so a lot can change along the way. I have some spin offs I fantasise about being able to make, though! One of them would be a prequel-sequel about Steban’s early life, about his strict upbringing and recluse family life, his love for his brothers and all the turbulent relationship with his father. And then, how he’d come back home after years and try to mend things with them after No North. We’ll see if I’ll ever get to this, even if it’s only in written form.

Not No North related, I have a few smaller projects in mind: I’ve always wanted to illustrate my own edition of Don Quixote and make more people fall in love with this incredible book. I always think about turning Darktide into my next big project, too. But again, this can all change!

Gustavo Bulgarelli's Questions

20. What impact does magic and the supernatural have on the world/story. are people aware of them and do they care about it? 

It’s always left ambiguous, but the unknown plays a big role in this story and it impacts the characters a lot, especially emotionally. There are the realists, who think everything has a logical explanation, and there are the superstitious, who are sure supernatural forces are at play. One thing is for sure: strange things are happening around Oddwind and no one seems to know why. 

21. Are dogs and cats the only intelligent animals as in having humanlike intellect 

No, most other animals are just as intelligent, but chose to live differently and preserve their own cultures. Most mammals, like bears, horses, bison, wolves, cougars and rats are all equally capable. Birds have a strange way of talking, fast and repetitive, but they’re also intelligent. Fishes act like our own fishes, though. Most dogs choose to eat them as meat. But perhaps they too have a secret society much more evolved hidden underwater, who knows (jk <3) 

22. Are there any themes you want to express in your story or with specific characters?  

No North’s main theme is about trusting your own north when facing the unknown. Each character’s arc will be a sub-theme of that, and each will struggle with their own trials before reaching (or not) their ideal self. All of them start off at the “wrong” place and must learn and grow to trust their own intuition and personal truth. 

Streetfair's Questions

23. Is there two characters that you ship but you think people won't necessarily ship them or it will be an uncommon ship?

Yes, I actually do! It’ll probably be unpopular, but I ship Medora (a member of the Enders) with another member… I feel like I can’t reveal their name without making it spoilerish, though :( same goes for another character called Neya, who’s a wolf. I also ship her with someone else, hehe. 

24. Is there a character you find very hard to draw? (And one you find very easy?)

Oh, yes! Getting Martin’s beagle muzzle right was hard for me at the beginning. Same went for Billy. Hank’s face proportions are also challenging, since he has a shorter muzzle and my hand insists on drawing it longer. Steban is the easiest to draw, probably because I draw him too much!

25. What is the song that you associate most to No North? 

That would be Ends of the Earth by Lord Huron. The very song that started this whole mess <3 

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Thank you again for all of you support and questions! I had such a blast answering them! 

Have a wonderful week y'all!