Finally. After a missed comic on Monday and about 30-40 hours logged on this project, I present a special, 200th Edition of Reclaimer. This is my maiden voyage with Flash, and I spent most of the weekend poring over reference manuals in an attempt to learn how to bend Flash to my will. I’m relatively pleased with the final product, and I hope that you’ll enjoy this format, as well. A number of webcomics writers out there are experimenting with Flash as a presentation model, and I wanted to see what a Reclaimer comic would look and feel like in this format. Please let me know your thoughts and opinions, as well.
What I love about this format is the way the canvas opens up a new mode of presentation. I gave myself a 750px by 500px canvas, and as you can see, I let the story sort of wander all over it. I like the pacing, as each button click allows the reader to experience the story at his or her leisure. I do apologize for the lack of a ‘Back’ button, however. I never was able to get that part working, and by the time I got done putting together the story, I was tired, sore, and out of time. Maybe next time (if there is a next time), I’ll figure out how create a deeper level of navigation. For now, a simple refresh of the page should start the Flash file over.
On the downside, this was an extremely time-consuming project—and not just because I devoted quite a bit of time to figuring out how Flash CS4 works. The mere act of setting up the various layers, buttons, transitions, animations, and Actionscript 3.0 code, plus setting up the images in Photoshop the way I wanted and putting all the dialogue in, well, there’s just no way I can devote that kind of time to this three times a week. Friday’s comic will show a return back to the regular image format. I will, however, include my original Flash file here for download. I am, by no means, convinced that the way I built this file is the best or most efficient way. If someone more Flash-savvy than I wants to download it and take a look and provide me with some tips and pointers for making this process easier—and faster—then I’ll be more than happy to consider a return trip to Reclaimer comics in Flash format.
In the meantime, however, enjoy this edition, and thanks for making this so much fun to do. I’m looking forward a long and continuing ride with our favorite hero.
Reclaimer 200 .fla file
EDIT: I’ve just uploaded a new version of the SWF file with typo corrections, a Restart button at the end, and strategically placed Back buttons along the way. It’s still perhaps not quite perfect, but it’s definitely closer to what I’d originally visualized.
↓ TranscriptZoomed in on the Reclaimer at the top of the ramp.
CAVALCADE
We are not familiar with this term. What is a 'mimic AI'?
RECLAIMER
Tran started out as a 'dumb' AI -- one of our artificial constructs designed to do just a few basic things.
TRAN
In my case, I was created to do nothing more than manage a single suit of MJOLNIR armor.
RECLAIMER
The UNSC assigned Tran to me early on in the Reclaimer program.
Two-part panel of the Reclaimer running across the upper level of the Narrrows.
RECLAIMER
She was particularly gifted at anticipating my needs and managing various aspects of my armor almost before I realized I needed them.
TRAN
Quit it, sir. You're making me blush.
RECLAIMER
My background is in computer hardware and programming, and the UNSC often made use of my special skillset on missions to hack into enemy data networks and extract critical information.
Inset of the Reclaimer's face.
RECLAIMER
Insurrectionists. Covenant. Rogue human governments. You name it, I cracked it.
TRAN
And that was when I started to help.
The Reclaimer standing behind the central barrier on the upper level of the Narrows.
RECLAIMER
I realized pretty quickly just how talented Tran was -- so I started 'adjusting' her programming. Covertly, of course.
CAVALCADE
You did not want your superiors to know what you were doing?
RECLAIMER
Exactly so. I didn't trust them even then.
TRAN
It didn't matter, of course. They still ended up separating us.
The Reclaimer moving along the upper level.
RECLAIMER
Infiltration missions started to go a lot more smoothly and efficiently, as I upgraded Tran's programming. She got smarter, eventually ending up a upper-mid-level AI.
TRAN
The UNSC authorities eventually caught on to the fact that I was responsible for the Commander's higher levels of efficiency...
TRAN
...and they got scared.
Camera slightly below and in front of the Reclaimer, looking up at him.
RECLAIMER
The UNSC's always had a bit of a "Act now; ask questions later" policy when it comes to acting against perceived threats within the organization.
RECLAIMER
They yanked Tran from my custody and placed me on severe restrictions with constant supervision.
TRAN
They never did find out why I was such a boon to the Commaner, though.
The Reclaimer, just visible behind the barrier.
TRAN
If they had, they would certainly have destroyed me rather than tucking me away in storage all this time.
RECLAIMER
Their oversight is our gain.
CAVALCADE
What would you have us do, Reclaimer?
RECLAIMER
You say Portent has cut off all communication, correct?
CAVALCADE
That is so.
The Reclaimer crouched next to the barrier.
RECLAIMER
There's one mode of communication that it hasn't cut off.
CAVALCADE
We assure you that Portent has cut off every mode of contact.
RECLAIMER
Portent's still monitoring us, isn't it?
CAVALCADE
Yes...
RECLAIMER
Then we have access. We have a visual data stream directly to Portent's core.
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