Dernwerks is going American Idol on y’all. For the next two
projects from the company, we’re looking to do a digital release,
followed by the eventual collecting of the works in a print format.
Each artist will be expected to go for a 52-strip commitment, and
will receive a full-partner contract with Dernwerks Comics.
To enter, create a main character design, sidekick character
design and background for one of the two titles. Then show us
the characters in that environment. We’ll be looking for solid
artistic skills, clean lines, bright colors and consistency.

Skelter’s Shelter
Synopsis: Think of this as a slice-of-life strip, where Anne Skelter,
our protagonist, goes through the ups and downs of single life
while juggling a career – as the caretaker at a habilitation house
for extra terrestrials.

Main Character – Anne Skelter is a cute yet nerdy lover of
animals. She’s an everywoman, but refuses to keep a boring life.
Wow me on the visuals. Give the world a character that they can
fall in love with, not a cheesecake model.

Sidekick – Anaxi Mander is one of five permanent residents at
Sketler’s Shelter. He’s very much an imp and source of comic
relief, but has a certain loveable charm. There should be a certain
element of plush squishiness about him – soft lines, and very
non-threatening.

Location – Skelter’s Shelter, the Shelter to the Stars is a constant
point of chaos. But without the aliens, it looks like a typical animal
shelter. The reception area is clean, friendly and bright.

TIKI
Synopsis: Basically, it’s the old tale of guy gets pantsed, spends
the day in the ocean, and on the way in with the tide he finds a
Tiki. And then the revenge comedy starts.
The status quo is this: People want to take Tiki from Holden,
Holden thinks about getting rid of Tiki, and Holden lets Tiki do
evil, funny things. Tiki likes to spend nights at a bar unwinding.
Even with a nigh-powerful idol, Holden still has no luck with
women.

Main Character – Holden is scrawny, pale, and uncool. Bad
haircut, funky shirts and no muscles whatsoever. All the
characters need to have a certain flatness about them with
disproportionately large heads. Holden is the smallest of all
human characters.
His body shape should be a thin rectangle.

Sidekick – Don’t call the Fire Tiki a sidekick. In fact, let’s do this.
The Real Main Character – 80 percent of Tiki’s body mass is his
head. His body (when stiff) is a simple black rod. When awake, it’
s just arms and legs (not much of a trunk, no hands).
His face needs a certain angry look to it. Large, slanted-down
eyes and big gritted teeth. Also, the top of his head is a slightly
bowed out V shape. When awake, a small, ever-changing flame
hovers above his head.

Location – The Aloha Bar. Lots of tropical fruit drinks, palm trees,
and a place that a Tiki Idol and his holder can get totally plastered
at. Expect to draw this from behind the bar and from in front of the
bar.

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