#mod lapis

This xenofiction comic got my attention before the first page was even uploaded. The author, ba1laurbondoc, had created a brief but utterly wonderful illustrated prose set in the same world under the name 'Dog Eat Dog - Longest Winter' following a young wolf after his pack splinters at the titular deadly season. The appearance of Longest Winter, lineless and accented with bold blues, reds and yellows, brings to mind fairy tales and tapestries and is immediately eye-catching. Shortly after the 'Longest Winter' finished, 'Dog Eat Dog' itself began.

Whilst 'Dog Eat Dog' is pure comic rather than illustrated prose, its style remains as just captivating as its predecessor with highlights including character designs striking the perfect balance between realism and stylisation, how the panelling & empty space interact with the environment, emotive expressions and the chalky texture overlaid on every page creating an iconic appearence.

I could go onto praise the art for much longer, but the main draw for a lot of people is the story and while there are only 32 pages at the time of writing, I will say (minimising spoilers) that the story is very, very promising with the prologue showcasing two fascinating canines beginning a revenge quest and the first chapter setting up mysterious disappearances.

I am excited to see what 'Dog Eat Dog' has to offer as the story develops, with twice a weekly uploads meaning there isn't long to wait. For anyone whose interest was captured by this post, it's worth keeping in mind these stories contain non-graphic animal death, violence and canabalism.

-Mod Lapis

'Snake Garden', by Fuhai8000, is self-described as a character-driven fantasy political drama as an uprising begins and two childhood friends meet again on opposite sides. It can be found on both comicfury and Tumblr!

I first came across 'Snake Garden' at its 14th page, and by the end of Chapter 1 at the 50th I am anticipating every new update, with weekly uploads starting with the second chapter at the 17th of this month. The visuals of 'Snake Garden' have much to appreciate, from excellent use of onomatopoeia to distinctive locations and detailed outfits as well perfectly paced action, with flow of energy throughout the panels of the the chase sequence from pages 17-26 living rent free in my mind.

Whilst in it's early days, the story has established itself to be potent with potential, giving the reader just enough in the prologue and first chapter to understand the world of 'Snake Garden' and leave them intrigued about what has been established and what can only come in the future!

Additionally there is a 45 page, completed one-shot comic titled 'Snake Garden: Whispers', set in the same world it follows a 13 year old boy whose mother has married into a noble family, allowing him access to a magic boon. This work grants an earlier snapshot of the worldbuilding and the magic of 'Snake Garden' and is a lovely comic by itself.

-Mod Lapis

i'm usually super cut off from my headmates, like, barely able to hear them at all, barely feel any connection to them. it's really. lonely?

but today i've heard some bits and pieces. from very different sources than mine, mind you, but still. it's someone. it's nice. i like it. i like being able to converse with headmates. hope i can start being able to do it more often.

They keep making us feel like we're bad at our job by changing the rules on us and then blaming us when we don't know the new rules already.

They wanted us to confront someone known to be physically abusive over a potentially triggering situation.

They keep telling us that our job can be done by less people than are currently employed, and every time it sounds more and more like a threat.

I'm basically counting down the days until they decide to fire me at this point.

I just. Hate to give up like this. But. We need a change before we either get hurt or crack under the pressure.

Problem is, I just don't know what to...do anymore. Eveything sounds like an awful idea. Everything feels too much either mentally or emotionally. I feel so useless.

I'm probably going to try to work tomorrow if for no other reason than I feel like I have no choice because I feel like the people above me are getting pissed with me. I don't know how much longer I can take this, though. This job has gotten so much worse so fast, and it feels like this job is going to kill me.

-Decipher / ⚠️🐉

- 🔥🎇