Oculama

Good stuff!
All of your comics together have been masterful, but the intermission comics have a special energy to them.
Comfy but tense in a very unique and interesting way.
This one is especially interesting.
More info on the Ko'taian civilization, and Tio's role as this Star Trek type travelling problem solver, is very welcome and fun. There's also a sense of dread in that sequence, especially with the Torlaxian. A portent of the end their whole civilization.
Raven's interaction with Zholo is endearing. The "and you are too ugly" was quite funny, and the history of the Arreticho was interesting.

Ah! Another dream!

The conceit of Raven learning more (and then, I presume, still immediately forgetting?) about Tio through their psychic connection continues to be an engaging one. It's been an effective method for building up reader sympathy for both, and deepen our resonance with what motivates them.

This comic gave me a greater appreciation too for the interior of the Arreticho craft. The sunset colors of the interior suit both the sci-fi and horror-esque vibes of its pilots, and the glowing microchip lines do a nice job of giving the walls a feeling of solidness while still letting the walls create a feeling of undefined, potentially limitless space. I like how the strokes become a little rougher, and the walls less defined with the removal of the lines toward the end of the conversation; it gives the comic a cozier mood, like light from a fireplace.

Another great interlude for the tournament; thank you for sharing!

I love how you two aren't breaking your backs on this, but still managing to show off some really rich context and backstory. I'm laughing because these are the very things I critiqued about in your semifinal round, so having this comic waiting for me as a response is such a great "so there" moment. We see Raven's motivations still front and center but with less of the moustache twirling veneer I was getting once we turned to round 2. she is doing the MOST to get to her wish and I was just left wondering why these poo hijacked aliens were going along with it. The answer is that they are outer spaces outliers. The persona non grata's who the universe has decided they suck. I think the sentiment is one part good reason, but another part the result of choices made by others. That spiderwebbing effect having such far reaching effects is a subtle nod to this pursuit of Jericho. The muddying waters between Raven and Tio deepen with this dream dive, and oough, that struggling alien species seeking life saving technology only to be given the brush off is a foreboding bit of "ooh what's gonna happen there?" that's not over- not by a long shot.
You two are crafting such a rich universe here, with history and events I am looking forward to getting peeks of each time raven has a bit of REM sleep. This was a much needed dose of sympathy for Raven which is a tall order considering what she got up to in the second round. We've reached such staggering stakes, I can't say what wilI happen next. I seriously cant wait to see what you two cook up for the finals.

It's always a great time to catch up with these brief intermissions between the rounds and get a better understanding of what's going on between Raven and Tio'Naia! I love how the use of the sepia exaggerates R'Lee's lurking presence and speaks to the greater throughline being presented. The dialogue throughout is also compelling even over the brief few pages we get. I'm excited seeing how things manifest further down the line with comics like these!