crystalteacomics

[crystalteacomics]

When I sit down and record. I always think of this long post to accompany it. Never works out. I guess to summarize it. It’s just a thank you to @yvetteyoung and @davidknudson for making such great music. Listening to them has given me the inspiration and understanding of what it means to feel through my music. And to grow my pedal board lol Lastly I’m playing my 2008 @michaelkellyguitars patriot custom into a #keeleyelectronics #compressor to a @walrusaudioeffects #julia into my #vox #vm50 then into my scarlet iTrack into the #apple #ipadpro Tuning is DADF#AE Thanks for listening https://www.instagram.com/p/CDsYta2Fq6T/?igshid=grblxplqirxd

[crystalteacomics]

28 Today. Every seven years we’re a completely different person. Over the last few months I’ve been trying to figure out what that meant for me mentally and spiritually. I’ve been recently inspired to pick up and share my music with the world. It’s always been a little hard for me to show this side of myself. But I’m having a really good time with it. This will all workout for Velvet: A Love Story some how. #velvetalovestory . . . . . #music #musicproducer #audio #guitar #musicstudio #bedroomstudio #comics #makecomics #lofi #lofiedits #protools #orangeamps #soundcloud #vision #inspire #blessed #birthday https://www.instagram.com/p/B0McrD1hKPI/?igshid=cdyd510l5zjh

[crystalteacomics]

Bed Time Jams. I’ll be introducing music with Velvet: A Love Story soon. Stay tuned. So inspired and excited to share it with you all. Tomorrow is a big day! Remember to inspire and love #blessed . . . . . #audiogearz #schecter #orangeamps #homestudio #musicproducers #musicproduction #bedroomproducer #comics #makecomics #balancedlife #love #inspire #passion #donut #coffee https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Kj-l7B63Z/?igshid=1esa0ukxuf16

[crystalteacomics]

Finished the inks, getting more and more excited for #pokemonswordshield with all the new updates. Pokémon has always been a safe space game for me. A world to fall into, where nothing is to serious. Always bright and welcoming, calm and captivating. And just simple and fun. A great escape for those that need it. Anyone want to color this piece for me? Lol . . . . . #pokemon #gymleadernessa #fanart #procreate #ink #illustration #draw #manga #drednaw #pokeball #coffee #sunday https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz6Jfx9Bzet/?igshid=zz8hij5j574

[crystalteacomics]

Velvet: A Love Story will return soon! Thank you all for your support! . . . . . #velvetalovestory #procreate #kickstarter #comicstrip #tapastic #representationmatters #blackheroes #drawing #illustration #coffeeshop #coffee #crystalteacomics https://www.instagram.com/p/BzYeIyJhxMI/?igshid=1vxx2q653ecwc

[crystalteacomics]

Velvet: A Love Story 006 It takes a very nice moment to craft a fine cup of #coffee so reflect when you do. Breath, take in the moment and be grateful for every breath you take. Simple routines can be a meditation to clear our minds and start the day peacefully. I know it can be hard when life gets tough. But when it does... add a little sugar to your coffee. #velvetalovestory I want to thank @porcelainpinata for allowing me to put her in my comic! If you get the chance go buy a cup of coffee from her, you’ll love it! . . . . . #representationmatters #procreate #kickstarter #comicstrip #tapastic #webcomic #illustration #clipstudiopaint #philosophy #coffeeshop #anime #manga #mangaartist #makecomics #indieartist #creatorowned #blackheroes #importtuner #barista https://www.instagram.com/p/ByitoGsBYf9/?igshid=lxkp3znm6opy

[crystalteacomics]

Velvet: A Love Story 006 It takes a very nice moment to craft a fine cup of #coffee so reflect when you do. Breath, take in the moment and be grateful for every breath you take. Simple routines can be a meditation to clear our minds and start the day peacefully. I know it can be hard when life gets tough. But when it does... add a little sugar to your coffee. #velvetalovestory I want to thank @porcelainpinata for allowing me to put her in my comic! If you get the chance go buy a cup of coffee from her, you’ll love it! . . . . . #representationmatters #procreate #kickstarter #comicstrip #tapastic #webcomic #illustration #clipstudiopaint #philosophy #coffeeshop #anime #manga #mangaartist #makecomics #indieartist #creatorowned #blackheroes #importtuner #barista https://www.instagram.com/p/Byip8VOBU3-/?igshid=1gvundjug9gjp

[crystalteacomics]

Velvet: A Love Story is now on Ko-Fi! Any support is greatly appreciated. This story is free and will always here on Instagram. If you enjoy what you’ve been reading please support at the price of one cup of #coffee #velvetalovestory . . . . . . #procreate #kickstarter #comicstrip #tapastic #representationmatters #illustration #chibi #webtoon #webcomic #importtuner #kofi #manga #makecomics #supportsmallbusiness #creatorowned #supportcreators #coffeeshop #donuts #crowdfunding https://www.instagram.com/p/ByTVEbsBZwL/?igshid=lg5koyyrov9b

[crystalteacomics]

Velvet: A Love Story 005. I don’t think break ups are easy for either side. I know they can be sad times. But if everything was forever, nothing would ever be special. Some relationships are made to go the distance. Some aren’t. And that’s ok. Accept where you are and open yourself up to the endless possibilities coming your way. #velvetalovestory . . . . . #tapastic #representationmatters #blackheroes #comicstrip #procreate #illustration #clipstudiopaint #makecomics #youtube #lofi #butterflies #datsun #importtuner #donuts #coffee #passion #love #breakup #pourover #pourovercoffee #webtoon #webcomic #creatorowned #magic #digitalart #kickstarter https://www.instagram.com/p/ByOMlxvBhon/?igshid=q6trguze1nfm

[crystalteacomics]

Velvet: A Love Story 004. When we’re forced to experience tragic moments in life. I’m a firm believer that’s a perfect time to recollect and set out on a path of growth. Often we move forward in such a way, incredible things are unexpectedly brought into our life. Always remain open, and move forward in a path of love. #velvetalovestory have a wonderful week everyone. . . . . . #linewebtoon #youtube #digitalmarketing #illustration #procreate #clipstudiopaint #digitalart #tapastic #artistofinstagram #draw #drawingoftheday #butterflies #datsun #importtuner #donuts #coffeeshop #coffee #barista #albuquerque #representationmatters #blackheroes #bestoftheday #webseries #comicstrip #webcomic #kickstarter https://www.instagram.com/p/ByBJAfSBTYd/?igshid=1wodyt9g2el69

[crystalteacomics]

Velvet: A Love Story 003 we’ve all had those events that make food we enjoy taste differently, colors not so vibrant, or activities unenjoyable. We can always get past it on journeys of healing and self discovery. This is Leslie Master’s path. I hope we’re all able to open up our hearts and take in all the love the world has to give us. How was your Sunday? #velvetalovestory rage a friend for a chance to win a free print! . . . . . #linewebtoon #youtube #digitalmarketing #representationmatters #blackheroes #blackleaders #healing #procreate #clipstudiopaint #illustration #comicstrip #webcomic #makecomics #draw #drawing #tapastic #donuts #datsun280z #datsun #importtuner #sundayfunday #coffee #barista https://www.instagram.com/p/BxqrPOphqBW/?igshid=s9w9f23ogjqz

[crystalteacomics]

Still trying to figure out how I’m working with this design for my character Sinay. Yesterday’s wasn’t sitting to well with me, so I took a bit more time and focused on the style of the comic. Scroll to see James Perry II OF @orange_crows original design he did for me, and compare it to my interpretation! I’ve got a long week ahead of me, I hope you’re week is going smooth! Any plans for Wednesday?! #velvetalovestory . . . . . #representationmatters #comicstrip #importtuner #diversity #donuts #coffee #coffeeshop #illustration #stress #singer #youtube #draw #drawing #procreate #importtuner #hiphop #lofi #lofihiphop #makecomics # https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxghbs4hu35/?igshid=lzd5pnjdzn5u

[crystalteacomics]

A super rough sketch of another character out of Velvet a Love Story, Sinay. Just got the design in for her, and just trying to get back to drawing and acquainted with the designs after a brutal few weeks. Here’s to a lot of art, and R&R this weekend. Check out the previous post to catch up on the story! And if you’re still reading, what are you working on this week? #velvetalovestory #representationmatters #youtube #comicstrip #importtuner #diversity #makecomics #orangecrows #digitalart #digitalmarketing #illustration #linewebtoon #webtoon https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxd-3uxBnSg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1pkrd57zw4cm3

[crystalteacomics]

Velvet: A Love Story 002 Happy Mother’s Day everyone. I hope you enjoy page two, and if you need to read page 001 look back a few posts! This is Leslie Masters at the beginning of her journey. Unfortunately it starts here. I hope you’ll all stay along for the ride. Is anyone doing anything special this #mothersday? #velvetalovestory . . . . . #comicstrip #pourovercoffee #pourover #representationmatters #nissan #manga #coffee #love #death #datsun #importtuner #fashion #webseries #procreate #clipstudiopaint #illustration #blackheroes #diversity #makecomics #rain #donuts #youtube #music #lofi (at Albuquerque, New Mexico) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxX3B_EhHVr/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1nvbalf3ej7yt

[crystalteacomics]

#velvetalovestory 001. It’s May 5th! And here it is, page 1! I know it’s a super super slow start but I hope you can enjoy the art! I’ve worked really hard and am incredibly happy with how this is coming out! I hope you enjoy. Tag a friend in the comments for a chance to win a free print of The main character Leslie! I’m giving out 3! Any shares or reposts are welcome and appreciated, just make sure to tag me! Have a safe Cinco De Mayo! Anybody doing anything fun?! . . . . . #webseries #blackheroes #illustration #procreate #fashion #comicstrips #comicstrip #instagramcomics #digitalart #webtoon #makecomics #datsun #datsun280z #coffeeshop #donut #donuts #emotions #blackfemale #creatorsofcolor #barista https://www.instagram.com/p/BxGNZB4l_kT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1o8s9xulmyudy

[crystalteacomics]

Warning

It feels like I'm being engulfed in fire.  My skin wants to melt as I scream as loud as I can inside my own head.  

The color red is making me feel uneasy this evening, every time I see it.

It's a dark evening and we're in a large field of grass, with crowds swarming around us.  Penelope and I came to Albuquerque's International Balloon Fiesta on this drizzly October night.  

Tonight's event is what's called the Glowdeo.  Fires roar as they fill the hot air balloons, illuminating this massive field with warm colors.  

Some of them are red and I can seem to find every damn one.  I want to enjoy this night with her, but I'm suffocating in this sea of fire.  

“What is wrong?” Penelope asks, as she lightly massages the inside of my palm.  Finally feeling grounded I'm able to answer, “Master Yang taught me to recognize the significant colors surrounding me.”

“And what do these colors mean tonight?”

“The red balloons invoke anxiety and fear, but I don’t feel any immediate danger.”

Penelope clenches onto my arm and we begin to walk through the crowd.  I think she can feel this too.  It's a cold night, but this presence is even more chilling.  We’ve been together now for three weeks.  I've actually been able to sleep at night and train during the day.  She keeps my mind at peace, and I'm able to function the way I should.  

I think my mother would be happy.

“Are you alright?” I ask her.

“I'm scared,” I can hear her unease present itself, “I think this is an invitation from him.  Your demon.”

“Yeah, I can see him now.”

The sky now plagued with a trail of beetles and moths.  They cut fluently through the sky, as if to be a map.

“Don't let him scare you, Penelope,” I explain.  

“It is not him that I fear.”

“Then what frightens you?”

“I fear the demon that you may have to become in order to over come yours.”

Obeah

Tonights air is thick with iron, and it feels as though I'm driving through pools of mud.  As I follow the trail of insects, the sky fills with crows guiding me through the city.  This is the first night I decided to bring out my bo staff, and the further I get into the city, the more certain I get that I am going to need it for the bloodlust at the end of this trail.  

Penelope stayed behind tonight.  Wanted me to stay focused.

I'm ready for this.  

I park my car and realize that the building I'm about to scale is the same one Penelope and I fought atop the first night we met.  “This isn't coincidence, is it, Dorothy?” I ask. 

“I can't imagine so, sir.”

“Got my back?”

“You know I do.”

I step out of my Integra and climb the fire escape the same way I did that night. When I get to the top I notice that the sky is absent of the moon, yet I can clearly make out the figure at the other end of the rooftop.  

As he brushes the hair of a rag doll, he sits with his feet hanging off the ledge.  Thick dread locks fall from his head.  His suit is a shimmering black, and carries dual Dao swords on his back.  Protective armor covers his torso, and forearms.  I've only been up here for a few short seconds, but my body already begins to tremor from the dark essence emanating from this shadowy presence.  

He slowly turns his head to once he notices me and reveals a  charred mask made of hemp.  Bright white light peers through the misshapen eye holes. “I’ve been waiting,” he says, “Yuh, ah finally ready?.  

“I wouldn't say so.”

He slowly makes his way to his feet and dusts himself off.  He then secures the rag doll to a front pocket on his vest as he states,“You seem bex”.   (Editor note- Bex is the Jamaican word for upset)

“You killed my mother!”

His ice white eyes, peer into my soul, and his silence is suffocating.

“You had no right!” My anger elevates as I speak of her.  

“Yuh were nah strong enough.  Nah strong enough to kill me.”

As he walks closer, every step seems become heavier for him.  Until a brief pause in his stride caused the entire sky to turn red.  Something new made the air almost thick to breathe. As Obeah begins to walk again, his demeanor seems to lighten up.  He stands up straighter, confidence and excitement feel his stride.

Who is this man?

“Are you familiar with the legend of the koi fish Danny?” The absence of his accent and change in his dialect throw me off.   “The koi fish swim upstream while demons taunt them from the top of the waterfall.  Only a certain few overcome their demon and make it up the waterfall.  That's when they are granted the gift of becoming dragons, “he explains, “my other half was trying to explain that, your mother's passing was merely your waterfall.  And us, your demon.”  His voice becomes stark and stiff, “my younger brother was our waterfall, and we killed our demon.”

“But that's enough of story time, Danny,” he states as he quickly unsheathes his swords and takes the offensive.  He's quick, but I'm able to keep up.  I dodge a flurry of attacks, with just enough time in between each one to take out my bo staff.  

I see an opening and steal the offense.  I get him to the point where he's backing up.  I think I've got him!  I take a mighty swing, but instinct tells my body to slow down.  

I'm going to kill him?

The end of my bo staff meets with his temple, and he skids across the ground.  

Is it over?

“You held back! Hahahahahahahaha” He yells.

Obeah makes it quickly back to his feet and charges at me so fast, I loose track of him.  I catch his dual bladed attack with my staff, and I’m not sure if that was more luck or pure reaction.  There's no way this is the same man.  He's fighting like a demon now.  

In the midsts of these exchanging blows, I feel the air thin and the sky turns back to normal.  I do the best I can, and I have to detach my weapon in the middle, and parry his attacks as if I were fighting with the Dao swords myself.  I can't keep up!

Shit

One of the two swords rips through my abdomen.  I fall to the floor, spilling blood on this concrete roof.  The wound is deep, but not life threatening.  I can't seem to find the strength to get up.  My body is in shock.

“Ou disappointing,”  Obeah says as he crouches next to me.  His accent is back, “nah strong enough” he cuts off his own words as if something caught his attention.  He gently picks up the the labradorite hanging off my neck, “...”  His words are filled with anger.  “Find strenght, inna hate, Danny... while I'm off  hunting fa… Ah witch.”

Before Obeah walks off, he makes sure to drop the rag doll from earlier next to me, set on fire.  Through the flames, I can see the doll is wearing a mask.  Just like...

Penelope's.

A Prophet Returns

It's been about two weeks since my encounter with Obeah. This is the first night I’ve been able to get out of bed since Dorothy dragged me home and bandaged me up.  I haven't been able to get ahold of Penelope. Although I haven't exactly been able to go out and look for her, either.  But I'm finally healed enough to get into town.  

The first thing I notice is that the papers all have numerous stories about a man running around in a silver suit saving women, and others of him fighting off the resurrected dead.  Someone must have seen Penelope and me fighting on the rooftop that night.  What concerns me most, though, is what people are calling a new player in this game of masks.  

The Gunman in Black

That is what the media is calling this man.  He only seems to be going after women with small children every night for the past few weeks.  It doesn't sound like Obeah, but I need to make certain.  

With all the commotion of masked people in this city, someone thought it a good idea to cash in. A shady night club at the edge of town decided to throw a party tonight with the theme: Masks at the Masquerade.  People are going to be attending dressed like Penelope and me, so I figured this would be the perfect time to hide in plain sight.  I should be able to get some intel on the gunman, and hopefully find something out about Penelope.  

I'm able to wait in line at the club without garnering suspicion. I can smell the booze already beginning to sweat off of this drunk crowd.  There are cracks in the walls, and one of the three lights outside is burnt out.  This place could pass for an abandoned building if it weren't for the bright neon sign with the club's name declared at the top.  Mantis.

I make it in without a hassle.  This almost seems too easy.  Black cats lead me to the back of the club where a steep dark stair case creates my path.  I've heard rumors that the man who runs this joint was a kid from the streets I used to run around with.  Falkov Prorok. The last time he was seen, he had been  picked up in a black Lincoln Town Car, by men dressed in suits.  We never saw him again. 

Atop the stair case stands a tall metal door.  I knock three times, and a rectangular peak hole slides open.  “Got any bloody marys?” I ask.  “We only got tomato juice,” the large voice behind the door replies as he shuts the peak hole.  If Falkov is still the same, he should open the door to our old greeting.  I hear tumblers of multiple locks begin to shift.  

I'm in.  

The door opens and this rooms seems blinding after being in that dreary hallway.  I take a step inside and am greeted by the sound of a revolver cock and rotate right next to my ear.  

I stand completely still so as not to cause any reactions, and from the other side of the room comes a thick Russian accent, “It's been a long time, my friend

[crystalteacomics]

Dance the Night Away

Right jab, right jab.  The masked woman plants her left foot forward and follows through with a mean left hook.  She's fast and I can hardly dodge, but she just left herself open!  I go to knock her off balance, and she pivots on the foot she had previously planted only to swoop her right foot round and kick me in the ass.  I'm then sent flying through the air behind her. “You're going to have to be quicker than that,” she taunts. She welcomes me to follow with a simple hand gesture before she bolts down the sidewalk.  I make it to my feet and begin the chase.  A short ways into the run, a large eagle catches my attention as it  soars in the direction we're heading.  This woman's moves are becoming charmingly more fluent with each step, and I can't catch up.   “Dorothy, I’ve heard rumors of a vigilante dressed in a dark pea coat, and sugar skull mask a few days after I saved that lady and her child.  You think this could be her?” I ask. “That's as it appears, Sir.” “Is this to teach me how I crossed my boundaries?” “No.  Look closer, Danny.” “What do you mean?” “This woman is calm and surrounded by signs of good fortune.  The greatness should be apparent to you.” I try to regain focus on the woman as she quickly turns into an alley.  By the time I make it to the alley, she is already half way up a fire escape to the top of the building.  I maneuver up the ladders as quick as I can.  The closer I get to the top, feathers of an eagle lightly shower down. Finally atop the roof, the masked woman stands stern.  Her silhouette in front of the large harvest moon is all I can make out.  I drop my fists, and for the first time in a long time; I feel calm.  “Remove your boots”, the woman instructs.  I can pick out a Spanish accent of some kind in her voice.  I feel safe, so I oblige. As I do, a large two headed eagle lands on her back. I can hear the music in the sky. I take my stance, and the eagles cry.  My opponent advances, and the deity soars off from her back into the night.  “Tonight we dance”, she instructs.   Her movements are beautiful, attacks are solid, and smile is true.  This is just a friendly fight, on a warm summer night. She’s right.  It’s a dance.  Our hearts are the metronome, perfectly synced.  While our feet follow the rhythm.   Before I know it, sweat drips from us both and we're in just enough clothes to train.  I haven't let go like this in a long time, and I enjoy every second of it.   Unfortunately, the sun breaks the skyline, and the masked woman grabs her coat and tells me to go and get some rest.   “You're dealing with great demons.  Later in this day I will be at the tea shop, where I had first found you.  I can help with these demons, but only if you let me.” She explains as she jumped down the fire escape.

Protection

It's about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and I'm actually walking around this city in the daylight.  Still slightly groggy from the night before, I make my way to the tea shop the masked woman said to meet at.   Just a short way down the street I can it.  Silly enough, the closer I get, the more anxious I get to meet her.  I realize I've never seen her without her mask.  “Should I really be meeting this girl today?” I ask. “You are only doing what feels right to you, Danny. Don't question it.” “Yeah, you're right. As usual. Do you think we'll know when we see her?” “I'm sure she will be apparent,” Dorothy finishes her sentence as I walk through the door of the shop. At first glance, every table is filled.  So I take another look, and on the west end of the shop, next to the windows sits a woman at a table set for two.  This is the only table in the shop decorated with marigolds, and the late noon sun, glimmers upon her.  The woman sitting at the table looks up and invites me to come and sit. I sit down and she pours me a cup of tea.  “It is only polite to know the name of the company that shares one's tea,” she quips with a smile.  “Danny, Danny Flint,” I say as I chuckle, “and what name belongs to my hostess?”  She smiles, this time very warm, “ you can call me Penelope Piedra.  I hope you like Bai Hao Oolong.” “It's actually my favorite,” I say as I'm taken off guard.  Every nerve in my body begins to tingle. After the formalities we just sat and spoke.  As the hours flew by we became enchantingly comfortable in front of one another.  I explained everything from my training with Master Yang, to the man who killed my mother.  She told me stories for an organization she works for named Plain Sight.  She was sent here after reports of a man in a silver suit had been seen masquerading around the city.  Her orders were to eliminate if needed.   The time passed so quickly as we sat.  The closers practically push us out the door.   Now standing under a street light on the corner of the street as we say our goodbyes.  Before parting, Penelope takes off her necklace. The unique stone at the end of it has a brilliant green and blue fire lit inside of it.  She leans in to hug me and wraps the necklace around my neck.  “This stone is called labrodorite, Danny, do not remove it.  I sense a demon looming in your shadow, and this can protect you,” she whispers into my ear.   “Don't you need it?” “This demon is close, and you're going to need all the protection you can get.” She then kisses me on the cheek and walks off into the night.

To be Continued...