Alongside the player Tuvynia, a personification of Gray, you can now follow the Batter through each Zone panel by panel, faithfully recounting the story that has been accumulating a cult following since 2007. Here is the comic and the game side by side for comparison:
Sheldrake graciously took the time to give us a greater insight into her work with OFF.
What were your initial thoughts when Lynn Gray approached you with the idea of adapting OFF into a full-length comic?
The Batter interacts with the player much more frequently in the comic than the original game. How does Gray’s player character, Tuvynia, affect how the story is told? And how does her presence affect the Batter’s interactions with Zacharie?
Zacherie, like many merchants from other games, is able to break the 4th wall. The player is the one who needs the wares, so why bother with the middle man (Batter) when Tuvynia is right there? It’s The Batter’s job to purify the [game’s] world and seeing how Zacharie can get close to Tuvynia, he’s pretty wary of him (I personally think it’s hilarious).
In comics, we’re given snapshots linked together to tell the story. Is there a process you go through in choosing the contents of each panel?
How long do you anticipate the OFF comic to be, once completed?
Depictions of the Batter with four eyes are popular among the fandom, but have never been confirmed as canon. How did you and Gray decide on this interpretation?
Finally, do you see yourself adapting any other video games as comics in the future? Are there any you’re particularly interested in being commissioned for?
Lynn and I then both came up with a theory that the “black eyes” are able to see the paranormal activity that goes on in the world. It’s how he see’s Tuvynia and the spectres and why a lot of the natives are unable to see them. He keeps them closed when talking to the local folk not to creep them out.
The OFF Comic can be read on Tapastic or Petitecreme’s personal Tumblr. You can also find Sheldrake on Twitter, Facebook, and DeviantArt. The OFF Comic updates every first and third Sunday of each month.
I personally would LOVE to do a Bloodborne one, the aesthetics of the game are right up my alley and I’m a huge Souls fan but I sadly can’t afford a PS4. Perhaps you’ll like to help me get one by buying some of my comics or commissioning me for a project? [laughs]
Thank you again to Ms. Gemma Sheldrake for a great interview. Be sure to check out or purchase more of her work in the links provided.
