Page Commentary No. 60 (Patreon)

Psu: Oh man, the first Smug cover! Gosh, my style changed there quite a bit to do this piece... I hadn't really drawn a lot of "man-abs" before this but it was worth the effort.

Gunwild: Rundown of my small contribution: The text (and title). I was just like, what would a magazine for space-scoundrels be like? And you'll notice also the reference there to Futurama, with the law that prevents interference with underdeveloped planets. Exactly the kind of thing a smuggler would want to get around. Yes, "Directive B10.81." Otherwise known as...

Gunwild: *coughs at Psu*

Psu: Uhhhh.... hmmm...

Psu: Beteenn...Beaten.... eight... is that a prime number joke and it's the Prime Directive?

Gunwild: *coughs louder* 

Psu: Ahh. Well it was an important law!

Psu: In any event, it was a bit of a surprise to myself how easily the design of the cover came together. I haven't done much graphic design out of school but I really like the logo and the "barcode." Using the barcode as a design element probably has some rules against it in the real world but when designing a space future thing, barcodes always make it seem more sci-fi. By the way, if anyone wants to scan that barcode and tell me if it comes up with anything, I'd sure like to know.

Gunwild: Probably not, there are some really big dark spaces in it. Also at the bottom of the page: Making fun of Han Solo for using parsecs inaccurately. Yes, I know all the explanations for why he could have been saying something that makes sense. It's still a good thing to mock.

Psu: I can't remember the inspiration for making a magazine cover. Do you recall why we made up Smug? Was it just to introduce Lefyne? Was I demanding we do something light so I could relax for one update?

Gunwild: Both. It seemed like a good way to establish his prestige without forcing you to pack a bunch of interactions into a page.

Psu: I'm glad we came up with something that could be used throughout the future of the series.

Gunwild: You're so glad about it that you're smug!

Psu: ... I wish I could come up with a follow up joke.