@jade: not that i wouldn't add one in there, because the thought had briefly crossed my mind, but i am honestly perplexed what in this comic you thought was a columbo reference?? you're almost certainly right that i'm not really utilizing spot blacks to their full potential, but i don't think i can for this tournament. for one, if i simplified backgrounds... well then, what would i even be drawing? with the way i've been composing these pages, there are like five unique backgrounds. if you're gonna see it that many times, it better be well-realized. i'm also realizing i don't think the dramatic hard light look actually suits the tone for a few reasons i shan't divulge in this comment box - i pulled away from it already since round 1. maybe the BnW was a poor choice for this tournament in whole, but whatever the best utilization of it is, i don't feel like it's in that direction. thanks for the comments everyone else as well! and for those wondering: the mystery movie was Klute (1971). again, the mystery movie was Klute (1971).

REECER- It felt like MEGRE and Croi were made to be in this battle. Both have such a particular way with their words. And I must say, I'm a sucker for this cinematic noir world you envelope every battle in. Such a great atmosphere and every conversation feels like a game of chess. HEAVENBAT- This snowy, cold atmosphere was a GREAT addition to these two icy personalities. Croi's mannerisms in this battle we're also fantastic (page 3 was my favorite!)

those were two really subtle exchanges, you guys. I haven't been able to follow what megre's detecting on, or why he'd go on dates while also investigating, but it's a very unusual character. reeceer, very quiet, noir vibes, once again. batty, it's nice to see Croi getting along so well with someone. just two very stately men, being genteel. what's better than that?

[spoiler=Cro/Reecer]So into the neo noir thing you're doing here! The Columbo reference was also a great inclusion. Couldn't help but read that part in his voice XD One thing that really struck me after giving this comic a few looks over is your use of spot blacks. They really add a lot to the vibe, but I think they could be utilized better. I wanna see some Milleresque spot blacks, and some attention to composition over literal interpretations of everything. It's obviously a big ask, because spot blacks like that are really hard to get right, but I think you can do it! It seems like the general approach is to simplify, making each panel either mostly black or mostly white, and carving out shapes in the contrasting color to imitate shadows or small details that are relevant to the scene. Don't be afraid to just leave out details that don't matter, or draw things in a way that bends the rules on where light should or shouldn't be. Or just research artists who are actually good at this kind of thing instead of listening to me grasping in the dark XD Red is really good at spot blacks as well, if you wanna check out some of her work! Anyways, overall impression of this comic is that it's well-written, has a great vibe, and is keeping me in suspense about this whole investigation and the mystery behind it. And the art is looking spiffy, with loving care given to those beautiful backgrounds! 😊 Looking forward to more!!![/spoiler] BattyDAMMIT BATTY. You sucked me in with all of the flirting and the observations about Croi's... preferences. I felt just as annoyed at the bell as Croi and MEGRE themselves haha! In terms of stuff to improve on, I think your backgrounds are a little sparse. I wanna see more cracks, wrinkles, textures, etc. Add some warping to wooden floors, maybe add just a little hint of the rings in the slats. Show brick that has crumbled, that's out of place, that has jagged edges. Show dirt, show scratches, etc. It doesn't have to be a lot; even a few details here and there can make a big difference. Just add some entropy to your scenes 👌 I really loved this comic. It was fun, it was engaging. You captured the dance between detective and crime lord both metaphorically and literally. Just a very cute comic all around, and the joke at the end was well earned. Your art is nice to look at. I love how you managed to make two very deadpan actors feel so expressive despite being stone-faced 99% of the time. Awesome work, and I can't wait for round 3!

REECER- The dialogue and pacing was incredible, I was hooked from the first page. The attention to detail from the way they sit accross from each other to the body language. Loved it!! HEAVENBAT- It's always super impressive to me how artists are able to submit a fully colored comic in such a short time. The gradients look stylish and lovely, the dance sequence was pretty sweet. The abrupt ending was funny too Great job, you two

Reecer: I am so ridiculously hooked on this story you have going, wow wow wow. The way you've been writing it is so interesting and I can't wait to see what comes next! Batty: Another super strong showing from you here! I got a little lost in the speech bubbles at the bottom of page 2 and 4 but was back on track pretty quick. Poor Croi in the end getting cut off right at the good part!! I can sympathize hahaha

My heart breaks for Croi in yours, Cro (no idea on the reference, sorry)! And I loved the tease at the end of yours, Batty! These were both lovely reads!!

batty, this was absolutely wonderful! a super nice and sweet buildup, i love it <3 <3