Good evening, Steemians and artists! First and fore mostly, I have to apologize for the delay in rolling out the winner of the inaugural Steemit Comic Trials and new theme. Shortly after announcing the contest, I had to ready myself for ten days in LA and Palm Springs. I’ve had two shoots a day since I landed last Wednesday and passing out by 10:00p.m. because I’m still on midwest time.

I’ve been amazed by the participation of the first comics challenge. I designed this thing around what I’d want to do draw and participate in each week […and the themes are going to continue to be ones I can’t wait to sketch] and I was thrilled to see zombie portraits resonated with most of the Steemit comics community.

Here’s what I learned in the first week. I do not want to judge this thing for a long, long time. I’m looking for guest judges for upcoming weeks. Naturally, guest judges aren’t eligible to participate, but if you’re interested, please DM me on the Steemit chat.

Winner of Week 1

No more foreplay. This was an arduous decision and I still debate over a few entries for Week 1. I wish we had the rewards to break up in to a 2nd, 3rd place with honorable mentions, but I until we gain regular sponsors, it’s going to stay one winner each week.

Congratulations @ghostcode! You’re the winner of the Zombie Portrait trial for his entry, "Zombie Ghost". You’ll be receiving your 50.000SBD shortly. Big, big thanks to @customnature for generously matching the reward bounty and @steem-comic-con for contributing to the prize. I have to admit, when I thought of this contest, I was thinking illustration, pencils, inks or paintings. @ghostcode’s entry was a crazy hybrid of 3D modeling, texture mapping and Photoshop. My first thought was questioning how this approach fits with the challenge […which sheds light on the unexpected considerations that’ll arise with a weekly contest going forward]. Then I reflected on one of my favorite legacy comics, Sandman, who regularly used the same techniques for telling stories. Even Spawn went through phases where all the art was composite photos and renderings.

Here are some of the other entries from incredible Steemit comic artists that all deserve a follow if you’re looking to fill your feed with brilliant creators.

@bryan-imhoff @yusaymon @jnart @jrej @cryptlectibles @helloluis @catapanoart

“Trail by Comics”, is the new name and tag

This is super important. There’s a name change for the contest. Going forward, #trialbycomics will be the official name and tag used to be eligible to win. I realized after I began the contest, it was very easy to confuse “trials” with the many “trails” happening within various Steemit communities. I saw a clip of Tyrion Lanister demanding a “Trial by Combat”, and “Trial by Comics” just came to me. That “should” distinguish the competition from the Steemit “trail” initiatives, and it just sounds badass.

“Game of Thrones” is our theme for Week 2!

Speaking of Tyrion Lanister, I couldn’t imagine a more fitting theme for this week then Game of Thrones, considering tonight is the season finale. Any season, and character, and medium. Give us your best Jon Snow mutiny stabbing by the Night’s Watch. Embellish your fantasy art muscles with a detailed drawing of Daenerys atop Drogon, or if the zombie theme still has you inspired, an army of white walkers lead by the Night King! It’s up to you!

Deadline is Sunday, September 3rd 5:00UTC 12:00a.m. CTS

Rules

• Up to three entries per trial round [weekly].

• Original artwork only

• Winners will be chosen based on quality of work, submitted before deadline and ability to adhere to the weekly trial theme

• Must resteem the contest post you’re participating in!

• Must include #trialbycomics hashtag [please note the change because this is how we will find your entry]

The winner will receive 25.000SBD. If you’d like to contribute to the prize or match my own, please contact me as a sponsor, but note that sponsors cannot participate in that weeks #trialbycomics!

Your guest judge for Week 2 is our own Cryptkeeper of comics past, present and future, @cryptlectibles!

Thank you for everyone that participated last week and I can’t wait to see your best Game of Thrones entries! Resteem this post, help get the word out and make comics!