This page represents a rare attempt on my part to convey the idea that this bedroom scene is taking place with the lights off, or at least in a dimly lit setting. (Hence the deeper shadows and edge-lighting on Thugboy and Emp.) For some reason, though, I can’t seem to pull this off with pencil tones in the manner that I once would have done with dot-pattern screen tones, back when I worked in an inked, manga-style medium. So, for the most part, their sex—I mean, love—scenes take place with, it seems, the bedroom’s lights left on. Luckily, though, I’ve established previously that the otherwise self-conscious and insecure Emp has no objections to fu—I mean, making love with the lights on. Your Mileage May Vary, however, as to whether this represents an interesting character idiosyncrasy on her part, or something I did for my own convenience as an artist. (I’m honestly not sure, gotta say.)

For some reason, I often feel like I’m short-changing the Empowered webcomic reader if I include only a single paragraph of commentary with each page. I might have to go that route for a few weeks, though, as I’m falling behind on cranking out these commentaries as a bajillion other Empowered-related responsibilities impinge upon my worktime. Main problem: Now that my area is blanketed in snow, I’m able to engage in my beloved if arduous snowshoeing, aka “the Icy King of Wintertime Cardio,” rather than trudging away on the treadmill, which is where I normally write most of this text.

Well, at least this commentary has three paragraphs, huh? Well, enjoy, I guess?

-Adam Warren