Oculama

WOW you knocked it out of the park with this one. i loved seeing how miserable tembel was and all these other oct members dying hahah. I really liked the static pages between the tembel and null haunt parts. the anti-union posters in heaven made me laugh.

I will admit giving a null thing a little bow to indicated it as a girl was something I had mixed feelings about but in the end it largely made me laugh. Having so many null haunt things on page was a bit confusing for me by the end because I wasn't sure who or what was dying, but that could be a me problem.

I loved bembels cute little bug outfit! Also the hamsa lives graffiti.

Molo holy fuck how dare you make me sob in the club. This was a really fantastic story and a great ending to both null haunt and tembel's arcs. I loved the way you drew the angels, and that final panel of tembel saying 'be not afraid'. I also loved the way you drew the little rat/mole guy doing data entry haha.

I really enjoyed the chase sequence! I loved the odd, sort of blocky tunnel and room shaped panels and the way null haunt jumped outside them and also how all the panels started to fall as gravity itself was compromised. This was a really creative and fun comic

You've put some great flourishes in here that help make the Ocu-verse feel full and vibrant. All of the colliding worlds here (the angels, the birds, the maze-ship) are executed such that I accept and enjoy a sense of being glimpses into a greater whole with ease. Tembel's search, and brief time with his new little charge, similarly deepen the sense of a huge universe, while helping the pacing along nicely.

If I had to put forward something the comic leaves me wanting...I think it's that the Haunt remains a bit *too* much of an enigma for my personal taste (and I acknowledge that's more a subjective takeaway than an objective criticism of the story itself). Your implementation Tembel and the side characters from previous rounds is strong as far as giving the comic well-fleshed characters to enjoy and root for, but the haunt hisself feels like a sort of...interchangeably menacing threat? A cool one, to be sure, but one that leaves me wondering how many other OCs could have taken its place here without any huge change to the story told.

Beyond that nitpick, I have to commend you for some really outstanding art throughout this one; the full-size Boviniel panel was straight-up breathtaking, and your conservative use of color helped the splashes you did include make an impact. Props also for some standout layouts; the maze panels were a particular favorite of mine here, being both fun, salient to the action, and a clever way to guide the eye through the action.

Tremendous showing all around, and thanks as always for an awesome read :)

VERY strong work here! I sure was not expecting the last round to balloon into a conflict of heavenly proportions, but you pulled off a terrific siege of the angels; I'm reminded of the high points of Green Lantern storytelling in the late aughts, like the Sinestro Corps War and Blackest Night. The fleshing out of the Haunt was a narratively bold choice that, while arguably a bit silly/goofy in some ways, works as a terrific set-up and payoff for the major beats of this story.

One thing I'm on the fence about still is the use of the static pages; on the one hand, I like them as a beat tool for the pacing of the story, on the other, I'm not quite sure HOW much they add, or if they are over-used overall. I'd have to think about it some more though; there's definitely plusses to their inclusion!

Your blending of humor into the action is smooth as ever; part of this I think is owed to the larger integration of slapstick into the sorts of worlds you portray, but it remains impressive how often you can get a genuine, hearty laugh in the middle of scenes without sacrificing the tension, or the reader's very real concern with the outcome of a situation.

I am legit almost cried reading this. The plot is a perfect redemption story for Tembel. All the character background situations are narrated just right, and the emotions, oh the emotions. Molo, you perfectly captured the intensity and the drama right on. The comic also does a very great job at how to be cinematic and stylistic on the 'chase-scene'. The additional scene where Tembel was assigned to help a harmless mole makes me giggle at how humorous the awkward situation goes. Sadly, the scene is also the weakest part of the comic, and I really feel bad for Tembel, after what his supervisor did to him, just because, Tembel complained about Charlie and the missing baby. Overall it's a very emotional and fun read comic from you. Cheerio!

What an exploding finale! Also, what a right way to set up a brand-new journey for Tembel! Tembel's whole persona has resonated anywhere and not only in your comics, Brentony! You are also able to portray depression right, along with some blank pages not only to symbolize it but also symbolize the marching army of 'Null Haunts'. AND THE HEAVEN UNDER SIEGE?! You're able to illustrate the entire scene with much going on and not too chaotic. Then the moment where Tembel is finally able to meet the baby and Charlie is really such a relief to see, and that sets up a brand-new adventure for Tembel in Oculama. My only critique is how you did not portray the "main" Null Haunt as menacing enough, and still left a plot hole on what happens to heaven after the siege. However, you have a great job filling in The Null Haunt's lore hole, with some comedic motivations. Bravo!

You two served up an epic end to a bloody battle to the top of the card- or diamond in this sense! It's not easy to write for a character whose lore, background and even dialogue is shrouded in mystery. We as readers get no satisfaction, much less answers, but battle to battle that doesn't seem to be the point. Much like their name sake, the Null haunt's personality really is null and void. They are there to simply end you and its you, the opponent who is showcased through the Nulls (and the artists!) eyes.
Its been great to see how much care and study you put into reading up on Tembels journey and putting your own spin on it. That job guarding that mole rat programmer had me in stitches. XD Your work has also super inspired me to really push my own panel composition and design since I especially enjoyed the way you interpreted the interior of the Null ship during the chase scene on page 18.
You had some great narrative set ups here- such as the Chekovs gun of the booby trap security system that ultimately does our haunt in being shown off on page 12, to Tembels iconic words framing their ultimate sacrifice. There could've been so many self aggrandizing ways for Null to dispatch Tembel and come out looking like a bad ass- and plenty of death matches before you have taken that gambit unable to help themselves. Its narratively its clear you know how to compete and know how to grab hold of your readers with a sympathetic tale. Adding your own spin to Tembels storyline and lore and ultimately giving this hard earned victory to what is literally an angelic character is a super smart move.

You've both made this an incredibly difficult vote, but honestly, that's what makes tournaments like these so thrilling. Thanks for making it this far and showing us some incredible comics!

I hoped for a comedic culmination of Tembels saga and you did not disappoint. I think between you and your opponent, on paper I didn't know how an angel and faceless alien scourge were going to captivate us through the Black Diamond tourney, but you two pulled it out in spades. I'm pleasantly surprised to see you take the time to show off Tembels grief over their loss of baby. It was tongue in cheek, but it really drove home how affecting Tembels perceived failure was- down to being so disillusioned with future guardian angel contracts.
Comedy is NOT easy- especially when you have to conjure it out of thin air for an opponent who is nothing but serious. But Null haunts recovery, the reveal there's a missus Null haunt and the hairbow had me snorting. A whole live, home and adoptive child! The concept is so ridiculous and yet you ran with it in epic style. To have all this build up come to an all out battle and rescue of the freakin BABY you introduced in your battles prior?? I'm still floored by that. Way to subvert expectations knowing most readers wouldn't of batted an eye assuming Null haunt sent that kid to baby heaven.
And speaking of heaven- it was neat to see a comedic take on the bureaucracy of the heavenly host. Not to mention that huge splash page battle. I can't get over the clever inclusion of the Black Diamond logo on the encroaching null horde. That's so big brained. Honestly, this comic was just plain fun from start to finish and Tembels has unexpectedly fluttered into my heart. I really don't know which way these votes will tip, but I love that you two have made this incredibly difficult with a pair of fantastic stories.

Brilliant comic, which in truth is nothing you haven't heard before.
The artwork never disappoints, at that wide shot at the start is worthy of hanging on my wall (it won't, but it deserves to). It's always those, and panels like the last that surprise me on how you are doing this for free for a passion project. And in such a length too? Astounding.
I also really enjoyed the writing, making great use of Tembel's previously shown ability, foreshadowing the trap that catches Null. I also LOVED your explanation on how the baby is not a middle aged by now. Charlie's nametag in her backstory also explaining how she knew its name is fantastic.
Suffice to say I really enjoyed this murder; every single entry of yours in this tournament felt just right for Null and his predator nature.

I'm not saying you should change your Discord nick to Deathmatch Tembel BUT
The artwork in every comic of yours in this tournament was very charming, something that was very felt with Tembel, and just goofy enough that the gore felt comical instead of grievous. Quite the feat no doubt. The panel with the big brawl reminds me a lot of those find Waldo puzzles with all the wacky things going on, and is also worthy of hanging on my wall (It won't, but it deserves to).
The writing itself was a great mockery of Null's murderous character as he's humanized in a comically cliche way. I SAY THAT IN A GOOD WAY JUST TO BE CLEAR. Gags didn't disappoint.
When he was submitted, I saw Tembel and did not think such great things would come out of him, however you rocked it through and through.

Boy OH BOY. What an amazing comic and end for the Null Haunt. I just know you've been holding on to that 1 success escape attempts since you made the character and that is just such a satisfying long play right there. Your paneling this round is sooo good at showing the Maze like nature of the ship and lowkey I'm going to steal these lil puzzle piece like panels in the future haha. If this comic ends up winning I do wonder what the future will hold for the Null Haunt. How would they handle their first actual defeat. All in all you had a superhouse comic this round, the build up and continuation of the story Brentony built up last round hit nice and hard and was such an amazing way to end the tournament. Amazing job molo.

Let me tell you I screamed multiple times this comic. This is such a hilarious comic, you continue creating such hilarious comics and Tremble is such a joy. I lost it when the Null Haunt with the lil bow showed up, Hilarious and then AND THEN CATGIRL???? Tembel going back and being the failed guardian angel of all the characters who were killed the first round was such a genius move. Just seeing Tembel be so sad while I'm sitting here pogging off my gourd was a great little moment. I really love what you've been doing with Tembel this entire tournament. It really gives a reallly strong Oculama vibe, like its an amazing way to end the first death tournament, life continues moving forward, more weirdos are around and the impact that they have had really left on the junction. Hamsa lives, greetings from Hell. Amazing job Brentony. I wish both you and Molo the absolute best, you guys have been powerhouses.

This was a really tough one to judge like hot dam both of them where really goood.

I love the build up! I love how their was a continuation from tremble's prevouis comic! The ending was really! Like chief kiss on that front!

Overall there was a nice balanace of humour and emotinal parts like! I really enjoyed the chase scene as well as the part where trembled died, it was a real nice send off for the character. A very bitty sweet ending

This whole comic makes me want to see more of Null and what else he's doing Like hot dam your comic making skills are to die for man.

I really love how in both comics chairle the bug lives. Like good for that guy!

This was a funny round but also hot dam I felt sorry for tremble. It was nice to see how the last round effected him deeply. I also really loved how you worked in everyone's character to add to trembles story. Some very strong cameo's on your part!

I was a bit confused with Null's wife? But I also get why it was done and made a pretty good punchline at the end of it. Overall this was a hard round to judge though I was a bit confused with the pages with gradients? I'm guessing that was the telaporting zone.

Molo - I got teary-eyed from this! The way you drew Tembel's face, you really captured the innocence and his angelic (excuse the pun) features! The beginning was so funny and laid back and very reminiscent of a Rick and Morty episode (with all the multiversal travel stuff) then you hit us with the heavy storytelling and I haven't recovered. Gosh, this whole comic reads like a movie. Edge of my seat excitement during the time when The Null Haunt was chasing them! I love how you connected everything and this whole tournament just feels like one giant story for all the characters involved. No notes really except that of course, some pages could use some polish but again, it does not take away from my absolute enjoyment of this comic.

What a dramatic end to this one-of-a-kind roller coaster ride. IDK how to feel. I am so sad but also such a beautiful beautiful tale! BRAVO!

Brentony - Your side is such a whiplash from reading Molo's side in the most amazing and best possible way at that! The cameos from the previous Black Diamond combatants were such a great nod to the entire tourney. I loved all of Tembel's' 'tired' expressions. It's honestly impressive how you were able to draw so many variations of that. Incorporating a large-scale battle between the Heavens and Null Haunt's species is such an ambitious feat and the scale you illustrated it on page 16 was really cool! The only crit I could think of is that I am not sure how "in character" for Null Haunt to adopt the baby but nevertheless, the way you directed its story in unexpected directions was very entertaining to see! Love love LOVE these little Easter eggs you incorporated into your pages. I find myself looking back to revisit and look for them. Amazing job as always! What a great end to this wonderful journey!!!

Molo got to flex all kinds of chops here; great art (particularly Big Boy Boviniel), great comedy (Little Mole Guy 2024), the action we've come to expect, and an ending that was equal parts triumphant and heartbreaking.

Everyone's end felt satisfying; Tembel's sacrifice hit hard and Null gave a great account of itself en route to its first, last, and only defeat. Really not a whole lot to complain about. I do still have some words left in the quota, though, so I'll use them to shill for another really good scifi: Outer Wilds. Play it! It'll mess you up! In a good way!

Just an absolutely pitch-perfect comedy round. From Tembel failing to guard any of the other dead competitors to the Bow Haunt to that anti-union billboard in Heaven, this was jam-packed with great details that drew a smile at worst and a genuine laugh at best. Bonus points especially for conveying Null and its brethren's feelings without the use of dialogue; I especially enjoyed Page 10's frustrated spar.

I really don't want to have to pick a winner (and I technically don't :V), but I think I'm going to shade it to Molo. Beyond also showing strong comedy chops, his use of Null just edged out Brentony's very fun interpretation. It's not that I don't love Devoted Family...Thing Null Haunt, just that it finally biting the dust on a hunt gone wrong felt a bit more of a fitting end.

Let me just say right off the bat, absolutely fantastic work. Like, just absolutely impressive Dude...

There is just so much to like about what you chose to do with this. Not only is your art a treat to look at, but your writing is top notch too. Really great balance of humor and drama. The pacing of your jokes were really spot on. How you wove previous elements from the tournament into your story was just so touching and felt rewarding to read. Your sparse use of color was used very effectively, you're experimenting with your panel formatting paid off really well. Loved how it made the Anti-Gravity feel on page 20.

Honestly, I feel like most of my Critiques would be kind of nit-picky, especially given the page count and draw time. Thank you so much, this was a delightful read.

Brentony....BRENTONY...Just. This is such A great Read and such an incredibly strong comic, Done it again dude...

You're character design choices and your linework really shine in this and your art quality is so consistent in this, I feel like you didn't lose stamina in your line work at all during this everything is so strong. That Page 16 battle scene dude? CRISP and ENERGETIC.
You're writing, how do you do it man. You're sense of humor gets me as always. The way you looped in the previous tournament OC's? "coming back every half hour?" Delightful. I also never would have thought to see that twist with the temple baby coming. Nicely done.

Feel like adding the gradient "spacer" pages was a nice touch. I think they helped your pacing overall really well.

I also kind of feel here that any critique I have, especially given the draw time and page count, would feel really nit picky. Excellent work dude, thank you so much for the awesome for the comic.

Lots of fun, creative panels and well shot action sequences! The bit where Tembel goes to heaven is so cool. Lots of fun locations and weird background aliens!
I think, as funny and good as the sequence with the mole accountant is, you could have cut that part down or removed it and put more story focus on the main conflict in the trap maze. Mostly being harsh about this because don't kill yourself doing 30 pages you goof!
Really good attention to the story/character of your opponent! I also liked how goofy and cute you made Tembel, really making use of the cartooniness of the character.

There's a lot of really visually stunning bits here, from the crazy heavenly battles to all the tiny little jokes stuck in the background. The amount of polish is crazy considering how many pages there are here.
I think "raised by null haunts" is a really funny and cool idea and it's an interesting way to tie the lore of the two characters together! However, humanizing Null Haunt and giving them a family feels a little too out of character to me?
The callbacks to other contestants are really fun! A really good balance of focus on both characters, where everyone gets cool moments and story focus.

This is a very touching story and I really like how the ending operates as both a dramatic end for Tembel and an understated conclusion for Null Haunt. It's so neat and concise and it's inspiring how you manage to fit impactful character moments into the relentless action pace.
The art is incredible as usual, I'm really impressed by the variety in the paneling here - standouts being the maze panels on p 18, the falling panels on p 20 and the beautiful vertical spread on p 21. P 27 is also just unbelievably gorgeous so there's that.
As a last word I'm completely obsessed with the world this is set in. I want to see more of the now-destroyed mole rat world and more of the Asterian maze tech.

I love how sweet this comic is and how it works as a wholesome ending to the tournament as a whole. You wrap up everyone's stories in such a nice way with the references to previous rounds and characters.
For critique, I kinda wish we saw a bit more of the Null Haunt's death, I think it feels a bit weird that such a seemingly climactic moment is "offscreen." That being said, the static pages as a way to show the offscreen time is clever and adds ambience!
In terms of comic-making, you have lovely expressions and bombastic pacing as usual. I actually really loved how this was way less wacky than your previous rounds. It's still funny (turning Null Haunt into a loving dad is peak) but in a nicely steady manner that adds to the feeling that this is a resolution, and a beautifully complete one at that! Really really love the very last panel of Tembel hanging out in Junction.