Opening (new reboot of old web comic)

[Ichneumon]

Ladies, Gentlemen, Wasps and chess pieces: It's time for the Opening reboot!

So, what is Opening? Well, it's a comic I made about a year (or 2?) ago, about pawns (the chess pieces) and their battle against giant intelligent villainous wasps (from another dimension) who want to take over the world... The comic is a reboot, so you don't have to know anything about the original comic. The story has been revised, cleaned up and I've added a whole bunch of new interesting stuff. (Also, my art has improved, I hope)




http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/openingbannerpart1.png

Chapter 1: The Ghoul

Page 1 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening001.png)
Page 2 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening002.png)
Page 3 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening003.png)
Page 4 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening004.png)
Page 5 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening005.png)
page 6 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening006.png)
Page 7 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening007.png)
page 8 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening008.png)
page 9 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening009.png)
Page 10 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening010.png)


Chapter 2: Denizens of the Deep

Page 11 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening011.png)
Page 12 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening012.png)
Page 13 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening013.png)
Page 14 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening014.png)
Page 15 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening015.png)
Page 16 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening016.png)
Page 17 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening017.png)
Page 18 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening018.png)
Page 19 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening019.png)
Page 20 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening020.png)


Chapter 3: Shadows of the Past

Page 21 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening021.png)
Page 22 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening022.png)
Page 23 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening023.png)
Page 24 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening024.png)
Page 25 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening025.png)
Page 26 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening026.png)
Page 27 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening027.png)
Page 28 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening028.png)
Page 29 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening029.png)


Chapter 4: Tyrant Killers


Page 30 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening030.png)
Page 31 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening031.png)
Page 32 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening032.png)
Page 33 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening033.png)
Page 34 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening034.png)
Page 35 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening035-1.png)
Page 36 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening036.png)
Page 37 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening037.png)
Page 38 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening038.png)
Page 39 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening039.png)
Page 40 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening040.png)

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/openingbannerpart2.png

Chapter 5: Atonement
Page 41 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening041.png)
Page 42 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening042.png)

[Green-Shirt Q]

This looks really, REALLY good. I really loved the first comic in particular. There's something about this that is just so...sad, yet at the same time charming and funny. But still sad. For some strange reason, I felt like crying when I read the first comic!

This is looking really good. I am definetely going to be watching this. :smile:

[Nageto004]

interesting...

[EmeraldPhoenix]

I think this looks cool. I'll be watching.:smallsmile:

[Falgorn]

Great job!

[Ichneumon]

Thank you all for the great responses. Here are Page 4 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening004.png) AND Page 5 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening005.png).
Page 5 introduces the last of the main characters.
Tomorrow comes page 6, which will quite blatantly introduce some mayor plot element.

[EmeraldPhoenix]

Thank you all for the great responses. Here are Page 4 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening004.png) AND Page 5 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening005.png).
Page 5 introduces the last of the main characters.
Tomorrow comes page 6, which will quite blatantly introduce some mayor plot element.

"Sir, don't ask me what I CAN summon. Tell me what I SHOULD summon."

Also,
"I have won political debates with the denizens of the sea."

This is priceless stuff right here. :smallbiggrin:

[Khaeta]

Cooooooool...
Giant killer wasps tryint to take over the world, heroes turned ghouls, all pawns in this deadly game...literally.

And quotable lines. Watch this, I shall...

[The Dark Fiddler]

This art style calls to me!

I await the next installment with baited breath!

And a large arsenal or weapons that would make Burt from Tremors jealous, just in case you start ScheduleSlipping. :smallwink:

[Silverraptor]

Alright. I'm in too.

[Castaras]

\o/ You're running it again! :D

I loved this comic before, and I'm loving it now ^.^ *goes and digs out her fanart for it >:)*

[kpenguin]

Ich just keeps on producing win and awesome. Keep up the good work.

[EleventhHour]

Greater Earth Elemental!


...Oh. It was rhetorical...
Hee, little puppet-pawn characters.
*waits to see how this all turns out*

[Ichneumon]

And thus, here is page 6 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening006.png)

I do feel sorry for him, can you imagine how awkward it must have been, telling your archenemy you have implants...

Page 7 comes tomorrow. Also, this first major story arch, which will last like 3-4 chapters, is called "The rise of the Hymenoptera".

[V'icternus]

Ha! Implants... :smallbiggrin:

Also, the very principle of time-travelling pawns fighting evil bugs from another dimension is so ludicrously awesome that I simply must continue to read this.

[The Dark Fiddler]

"There is nothing you can do to stop me."

*Kills*

"Except that... make sure you activate your time travel ability before you tell me about it next time."

[Ichneumon]

I just want to know for sure, is it clear for everyone that the Hymenoptera and Captain Argyrum are in the future (or at least in another world/dimension than the others)? I know I haven't stated it yet directly in the comic, but is it clear as is?

[V'icternus]

I knew they were somewhere far off, I got that vibe. Deep in enemy territory and whatnot...

But no, I didn't know they were in the future and/or another dimension.

[Ichneumon]

I knew they were somewhere far off, I got that vibe. Deep in enemy territory and whatnot...

But no, I didn't know they were in the future and/or another dimension.

Well, in any case, it will all become clear at one moment, I say within 10 pages, bu I just want to make sure people understand they are somewhere far off, so that's okay, as soon as things are becoming a bit too confusing, as in not not-knowing all the details but actually not knowing what is going on, tell me.

Page 7 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening007.png), the plot thickens.

[V'icternus]

Ooh, a cool Avatar. Those are cool.

[The Gremlin]

Heh, nice. I'll be watching this.
Muahaha.

[Ichneumon]

Thanks,

and here comes page 8 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening008.png): loyalty beyond the grave I guess.

[thefinalbattle]

awesome! i'll be watching you... i mean it!

[EndlessWrath]

Great comic. I love it so far, can't wait for an update!

-Wrath

[Ichneumon]

Today was a terrible day, so this comic is late. I can do that.

Anyway, here it is page 9 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening009.png).

Tomorrow I'll post page 10 AND page 11. Page 11 will be the first page of a new chapter!

[Ichneumon]

Page 10 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening010.png) All the pieces fall in place. End of chapter 1.

Chapter 2: Denizens of the Deep

Page 11 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening011.png) We start the chapter with the creatures who were mentioned on page 5

Page 12 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening012.png) We learn something about the origin of the Hymenoptera.

Page 13 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening013.png) What can I say, but that Kratos might be right.

[Green-Shirt Q]

Shame the ghoul had to die. He seemed like a very interesting character.

And I'm finding this story structure to be quite...confusing. I hope everything is eventually tied together and explained. :smallconfused::smalleek:

[Ichneumon]

I promise you that everything will become more clear within a few pages, and we haven't seen the last of the ghoul yet, but I admit, the story might look a bit messy right now.

[The Gremlin]

Holy crap, lotta comics. :smallbiggrin:
I think I understand it. The avatar bit is back in time. That's when the wasps first came.
Ten there's some fish, somebody who made a ghoul who has a connection with Corvus...:smalleek:

[littlequietguy]

Most. Iconic. Art. On. This. Forum. Period.
The story is good and it would feel very weird and awkward if it had more humor in it. I like the sea people. They are the most interesting. Pretty vague constructive criticism but so be it.

[Mr_Saturn]

Haha, back and better than ever! Not many of the recent posters were around back when it first came around. You always have original art styles. :smallbiggrin:

[Ichneumon]

I like the sea people. They are the most interesting.

That's good, because today's update features them again.

Anyway, the sea people are not going to be hugely involved in the entire story, but they do have their important role to play in this chapter and future chapters.

Anyway this week I start with the regular updates, so 3 per week.

Today's page is Page 14 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening014.png). Yes, I introduced a new character AND the comic mentions an important artifact.

Next update will be on wednesday and depending on how I feel it might include 2 pages instead of 1.

[Ichneumon]

And thus I update again, with Page 15 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening015.png) and Page 16 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening016.png)...

No comments?:smallconfused:

[Khaeta]

The plot thickens. Also, I spy potential mind control on the order leader...

[The Dark Fiddler]

No comments?:smallconfused:

If I comment too often, they will become same-y and boring.

[Mr_Saturn]

For some reason the wasp eggs reminded me of the old Godzilla cartoons, when godzilla layed a WHOLE bunch of little dino-eggs on this one area. And the heroes were trying to blow them up. :smalltongue:

[Ichneumon]

It's going to be a hard week, very bussy with school stuff. I will get the updates done though.

Page 17 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening017.png)

[Etcetera]

I like it. I want to know more. You have, to an extend succeeded.
Also, darn wasps.

[Ichneumon]

And thus the masked vigilante known as Ichneumon strikes again with another unexpected update. Who could have known?:smallamused:

Page 18 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening018.png)

This update explains it all (well not everything but still an awefull lot of the stuff that's important right now for you to know) and puts things in perspective.

[Mr_Saturn]

Hahaha, I've watched too much Terminator movies...

[The Dark Fiddler]

They're mankind? I thought they were pawns!

This is an interesting development... :smalltongue:

[Ichneumon]

I did for a moment consider writing "pawnkind"...

[Silverraptor]

I did for a moment consider writing "pawnkind"...

You should have. It would've been funny.:smallbiggrin:

[Mr_Saturn]

You should have. It would've been funny.:smallbiggrin:

That would have been too pawn-y. (Get it? Pun, pawn?)

Fine, pawn-ish me. :smallfrown:

[Ichneumon]

That would have been too pawn-y. (Get it? Pun, pawn?)

:smallsigh: Facepawn

[SinisterPenguin]

Hm...well, I've finished reading through the archives of this comic, and it seems quite good so far. However...something about the dialogue seems...off to me. I don't quite know how else to explain, it just seems odd to me.

And another thing...the pacing of the plot so far seems strange. I think perhaps you should slow down a little, spend more time introducing the characters and the setting, that sort of thing.

Despite that, however, I'll keep following this comic. The art is fantastic and the plot--if a little confusing at the moment--is very compelling. Keep it up!

[Ichneumon]

Despite that, however, I'll keep following this comic. The art is fantastic and the plot--if a little confusing at the moment--is very compelling. Keep it up!

Thanks! It's really good to know that eveb though the comic isn't perfect, people are "compelled" to read it.:smalltongue:


And another thing...the pacing of the plot so far seems strange. I think perhaps you should slow down a little, spend more time introducing the characters and the setting, that sort of thing.

I find all criticism helpful, but this most of all. You see, with the original Opening, I used to have pages and pages of characters just talking and sometimes nothing really happened for 4-5 pages/updates. One of my goals with this reboot was to make almost all of the pages "plot-significant", meaning that all the pages would include either a piece of information or event that was vital for the plot. This means however that there is much less "screen time" for the reader to just get to know the characters and all. I might, in my desire to improve on the faults of the first Opening, have overdone the whole "need to advance the plot"-urge. I'll try to improve on it, starting with chapter III (which starts on page 21) which will add much more depth to the characters.

About some of the dialogues being "odd", I am trying to improve on it.

Alright, another update. :smallbiggrin:

Page 19 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening019.png)

[Khaeta]

Thanks! It's really good to know that eveb though the comic isn't perfect, people are "compelled" to read it.:smalltongue:

"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled."

...

Well, and also 'cause it's cool and awesome :smalltongue:

[Ichneumon]

I'm sorry, no update today, tomorrow I hope to give you one, but I sort of have a problem, as my main computer almost somewhat caught fire... Everything is fine, but it does make it a bit more difficult to find time and place to create my webcomic.

[Ichneumon]

Okey, I update with Page 20 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening020.png).

And thus ends chapter II, believe it or not, this almost made be cry drawing it. Chapter III will be called "Shadows of the Past".

[Ichneumon]

Alright, it's time for a tripple double post, does that bring luck? (Or bad luck?)
Anyway, here is another update, Page 21 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening021.png). Enjoy.

[Green-Shirt Q]

MacGuffin search: check. :smalltongue:

This is all really looking good. Keep up the good work! :smallbiggrin:

[Ichneumon]

MacGuffin search: check. :smalltongue:

This is all really looking good. Keep up the good work! :smallbiggrin:

Thanks.

Also, today another update. Not another page, but sort of an overview of all the characters you've seen thus far. It is not meant to be read before you read comic as the comic really introduces the characters, however, because people don't read the entire comic in one go and have to wait for updates etc, things can be confusing so if you're not sure about who's a certain character, you can check here to remember.

Characters (Warning: may contain spoilers if you haven't read the first 2 chapters yet)
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/openingcharacters.png

[Astrella]

This is looking very nice, I'm liking the art style.
Still, a few points of criticism.

The Art

1. I'd like to see some more 'action' in the comic. Seeing as the characters lack limbs I can see that this might not be the easiest thing to do, but for now it's mostly been static characters talking I feel.

2. Try to include some more facial expressions, since the faces are pretty static as well. For example in page 20, when Kratos gets attacked from the back, his two allies are obviously jumped, but, the art doesn't really show this.

The Story

1. On this I have to agree with SinisterPenguin, namely, the prevalence of plot. It feels a bit forced. For example, you could show the friendship that grows between Kratos and Avitus, rather then just mentioning it in an off remark, etc.

Still, great job so far, and hoping to see more!

[Ichneumon]

Okay, I'm like extremely tired and the week has been like "never ending" and I'm behind scedule. Or I was....

Thanks for the critic, I'll try to improve in this chapter and in the last one. I agree some of the plot points feel a bit forced and I can tell you that the second half of Opening, contains much more action.

Anyway, here are the next 4 pages, to compensate.:smallamused:

Page 22 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening022.png), explains why things are in grey and why Kratos looks alive in page 21.

Page 23 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening023.png), shows us more of the history of the ghoul, (and reveals his real name!)

Page 24 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening024.png) and

Page 25 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening025.png) introduce us to both a new very important character AND give us more information about the history of Kratos and who he was AND give us more information about the Marks!

[Ichneumon]

So, here comes an update, Page 26 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening026.png), which shows how Lucius the Ghoul was driven over the edge, mimicking the story events of the first page.

[Ichneumon]

Triple double post...

Page 27 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening027.png)

If only you knew the things to come...

[Green-Shirt Q]

I am starting to get confused about who everyone is. I suppose I'll go read the character list again.

I highly suggest that the storyline becomes a lot more focused and clear in the next couple of comics. I understand that you had to set up a lot of different characters due to time travel and whatnot, but your audience can only jump around for so long. Please try and focus mainly on one group of characters, please.

[EDIT] You should put the cast list on the first page and you could probably update it to include the new characters.

[Ichneumon]

Okay, I'm sorry for the late update, I had some thinking to do, as I take the advice of the Q seriously and realise I've made things maybe somewhat a tiny bit too complicated for some people (namely, my audience) to follow. :smallsigh:

Okay, I'm going to shorten this chapter and we'll get back to the main story with a lot more focus on the characters. This means that Chapter III will not contain mayor new story arcs, but only feature small "flash backs" to elaborate on what happened to already known characters, (which is basically what you've seen thus far). Also, I'll start Chapter IV, which will have a lot more focus on a few characters and hopefully be less confusing.

Hopefully, I still have readers left at the end of Chapter IV when I can end everything the way I wanted to end it.

Okay, the last 2 pages of Chapter 3:

Page 28 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening028.png)

Page 29 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening029.png)

Chapter 4: Tyrant Killers


Page 30 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening030.png)

Page 31 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening031.png)

Page 32 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening032.png)

[Silverraptor]

Interesting. Let the extermination begin.:smallamused:

[Starbuck_II]

This is a pretty good tale. I kinda like the art even.

[Ichneumon]

This is a pretty good tale. I kinda like the art even.

I'm very happy to hear that. The story is only getting better with Chapter 4 and the chapters after that.

Page 33 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening033.png) gives you somewhat the conclusion of the Sea creatures sub-plot.

They will continue to have a part in the story though.

[Ichneumon]

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Page 34 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening034.png)

[Silverraptor]

Yay! Now it gets interesting.

[Narmy]

-Waits for the end-

[Ichneumon]

So... Page 35 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening035.png)

I have surprisingly little to say...

[Mystic Muse]

one little mistake in comic 35. it says "you are just try to hide it" when it should say "you just try to hide it"

[Ichneumon]

one little mistake in comic 35. it says "you are just try to hide it" when it should say "you just try to hide it"

Thanks, I'll change it. Changed it (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening035-1.png).

Also, here is the next page. Page 36 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening036.png)

[Silverraptor]

Thank you! Finally, some self sacrifice that the bad guys go, "Wha?" at!:smallamused:

[Ichneumon]

Alright, here comes another update.

Page 37 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening037.png)

Also an important message: THIS IS NOT THE END. In fact, there are many more comics and chapters to follow.

[Ichneumon]

Ladies, Pawns, Gentlemen and Giant Wasps From Space, here come final 3 pages of Opening, part 1.

Page 38 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening038.png)
Page 39 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening039.png)
Page 40 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening040.png)

I'll begin with Part 2 in about a week or so.


http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/openingbannerpart2.png

[Mystic Muse]

I think you might want to consider laying off the philosophy a little and putting in a few more humorous parts. Webcomics need comedic relief at some point.

[Dvandemon]

Wonderful job. Great story and dialogue

[DarkCloud]

Actually, here's a vote for keeping up the philosophy- that last panel was intriguing. The overly blase' and odd-metered dialogue is more than amusing enough to balance the tension.

I found myself wondering if the sentiment was expressed elsewhere in literature. Does anyone here have any leads on that? It sounds familiar, but I can't quite place the sentiment other than in the generic "Collateral damage" questions and "caution... lest we become monsters ourselves" fashion.

[X2]

Say Ich? Would you mind if I use this "chess piece" style of art for my new avatar? I'll credit you of course...

[Ichneumon]

I'm happy people like it. The philosophy is staying, sorry about that. If you prefer to read something "funny" I suggest you read something else.


Say Ich? Would you mind if I use this "chess piece" style of art for my new avatar? I'll credit you of course...

Sure, go ahead! You made an awesome fan comic, so go ahead!

For people who haven't read the Webcomic Secret Santa thread, X2 made an awesome "fan comic" based on opening:


From X2 to ichneumon
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr33/Xartyve/openingguest.png

[Mystic Muse]

k, guess I'll see you around then.

[Ichneumon]

k, guess I'll see you around then.

I'm sorry, my comment wasn't meant so hostile.:smallconfused: You're welcome to stay of course.:smallwink:

[Ichneumon]

I'm proud to announce Part II,

Page 41 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening041.png)
Page 42 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening042.png)

I'll be updating quickly, mostly once per day.

[Green-Shirt Q]

I'm proud to announce Part II,

Page 41 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening041.png)
Page 42 (http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn290/DarkHoplite/opening042.png)

I'll be updating quickly, mostly once per day.

Great comics! I will always really like the ghoul. For some reason he is much more interesting then any of the other characters. I can't quite put my finger on why...

I think it's because he's somehow much more expressive then any of the other characters. Nobody else in this comic has interesting dialog or seems to care about what they are talking about (except the first wasp) and they have no alternate facial expressions. I highly recommend changing their facial expressions somehow once in a while. It makes a HUGE difference, trust me.

[Ichneumon]

Alright guys.

I am sorry, but I have to put Opening on a temporally hiatus for now.
The second part will need to wait until I have more time and decide on what to do with the story a bit better.