Panel 1: As I've often mentioned before, the framed pics on the walls of Emp's apartment all have solid black mattes because they add much-needed dark values to the scene's backgrounds. (Same with the doorframe, come to think of it.)

Panel 3: Ninjette is saying "ganbare," as handwritten by me in tragically flawed imitation of the familiar hiragana font used in most manga. (Nowadays, I just scan the relevant phrase out of untranslated manga, rather than attempting to write the kana or kanji myself.)

Today’s Patreon update: In an attempt to scratch out more worktime to complete the long-gestating Empowered vol. 12, I've switched over to a Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday Patreon posting schedule that won't feature the fixed content format I previously used. So, who knows what today's post might feature? Could be Life Drawing or Distressed Damsels content (both of which are featured at least three times per month), or something in the Work Stages, Vintage Con Sketches or Design departments, or possibly something entirely new. Golly!

-Adam Warren