(Apologies if you’ve seen this post multiple times—this comic was originally for paid subscribers only, but I wanted to open it up to everyone in honor of the Oscars this weekend.
When you first posted this I wasn’t sure what to comment…I have an odd relationship with this place having grown up here. And an odder one still as an artist who still doesn’t know exactly what and how they want to create. But your final sentiment made me think of the old Demi Lovato song “La La Land” and the part of it I always loved best: “tell me do you feel the way I feel? / cause nothing else is real / in the la la land appeal.” You say the lights are “beautiful because they’re ours, and because we say they are”…Hollywood is artificial. But we aren’t, and neither is the intent behind the art we make. At the end of the day that’s the only thing that matters and the only thing that keeps us going. And it’s the only way anything amazing gets made in this town, through all the blood, sweat, and tears. Through every fight you’ve had to have, through every fight the Nimona team had to have. We wouldn’t have She-Ra or Nimona otherwise, and we so nearly didn’t. Thank you for always being willing to have those fights, and for never letting go of what those Hollywood lights mean to you - for never compromising as an artist. For telling your stories unflinchingly in this town, and beyond.
Congrats on everything and have an AMAZING time at the Oscars, Nate!!
Wow, I actually have a really similar experience. Grew up in LA, then moved far away and quit art for awhile, slowly coming back to it now. So I appreciate you articulating all this.
Love love love the art in this post, nd, and really feeling the sentiment. In LA for about 3.5 years but haven't *quite* gotten a good grasp on it... Big love to you! Yay for everything Nimona!
I grew up in LA and have such a conflicted relationship with it. I'm glad I left but I also know many people in the industry who are genuine and make the fake feeling fade and the glory of a place where dreams are realized so lovely. It was wonderful to read your take and congrats on all your success. Nimona will always be one of my favorite graphic novels.
I love your description of Hollywood, “a moveable paradise”, like a feeling, falling in love with it but not knowing what it is. And even when you do find out what it is, you still can’t help but love it in all its flimsy, sparkly, cardboard-cutout glory.
Congratulations and good luck, and thank you so much for this beautiful post. My friend sent it to me today, and I immediately subscribed to see more of your work.
When you first posted this I wasn’t sure what to comment…I have an odd relationship with this place having grown up here. And an odder one still as an artist who still doesn’t know exactly what and how they want to create. But your final sentiment made me think of the old Demi Lovato song “La La Land” and the part of it I always loved best: “tell me do you feel the way I feel? / cause nothing else is real / in the la la land appeal.” You say the lights are “beautiful because they’re ours, and because we say they are”…Hollywood is artificial. But we aren’t, and neither is the intent behind the art we make. At the end of the day that’s the only thing that matters and the only thing that keeps us going. And it’s the only way anything amazing gets made in this town, through all the blood, sweat, and tears. Through every fight you’ve had to have, through every fight the Nimona team had to have. We wouldn’t have She-Ra or Nimona otherwise, and we so nearly didn’t. Thank you for always being willing to have those fights, and for never letting go of what those Hollywood lights mean to you - for never compromising as an artist. For telling your stories unflinchingly in this town, and beyond.
Congrats on everything and have an AMAZING time at the Oscars, Nate!!
Much love, Dee
Wow, I actually have a really similar experience. Grew up in LA, then moved far away and quit art for awhile, slowly coming back to it now. So I appreciate you articulating all this.
Congrats Nate!!
Glad you are sharing it to all, it is a great story.
Thank you for making this available to everyone; eventually I'll be able to afford the subscription option (someday) 🌻💜
I really love it, this is one of my favorites you’ve ever done.
Love love love the art in this post, nd, and really feeling the sentiment. In LA for about 3.5 years but haven't *quite* gotten a good grasp on it... Big love to you! Yay for everything Nimona!
I grew up in LA and have such a conflicted relationship with it. I'm glad I left but I also know many people in the industry who are genuine and make the fake feeling fade and the glory of a place where dreams are realized so lovely. It was wonderful to read your take and congrats on all your success. Nimona will always be one of my favorite graphic novels.
This is SO BEAUTIFUL.
I love your description of Hollywood, “a moveable paradise”, like a feeling, falling in love with it but not knowing what it is. And even when you do find out what it is, you still can’t help but love it in all its flimsy, sparkly, cardboard-cutout glory.
Happy Oscars, Nate!!! Enjoy the lights :)
IM SO EXCITED I MIGHT ACTUALLY WATCH THE OSCARS! DOES THE ACADEMY ACCEPT AMICUS BREIFS
Love this comic. Relatable and love the black and white art 💖
Thank you for that comic - it's really beautiful
You go Nate!
So beautiful <3
Beautiful.
I'm thankful that you shared the post with everyone. This was so beautiful. :)
Congratulations and good luck, and thank you so much for this beautiful post. My friend sent it to me today, and I immediately subscribed to see more of your work.
Thank you - this is so beautiful!