Hello one, hello all, and hello to whoever thinks they’re not included in that salutation. I see you.
It has been made known to me that August 4-9 is The Silver Eye Appreciation Week!!
But what, you may ask, is The Silver Eye?? And why should you care??
Oh I’m so glad you asked. Buckle in, friends.
Here’s the blurb. It sums it up better than I ever could, and leaves me brain power to write responses to the TSE Appreciation Week prompts later.
The Silver Eye began in 2009. It is an action-adventure webcomic of the Fantasy persuasion, written from a Christian worldview.
Two rival royal families are engaged in a conflict spanning centuries.
Young king Apen, broken from the strife, sacrificed himself and his country in the hopes of preventing yet another war. After living in exile in a far-off land, Apen is horrified to learn his act of altruism only served to give a malevolent conqueror the power needed to subjugate the continent.
Enel was raised in an orphanage and is desperate for any answers about his family. One day their paths intersect when Apen attacks Enel without provocation. Apen seems to know more about Enel than he lets on.
Apen may be the key for Enel to find what kin he has left, and Enel may be the key for Apen to save their homelands, but if they’re to succeed, they’ll have to overcome a history of bad blood that has torn the world apart.
Whilst idly scrolling through The Story Sponge’s archives from the dusty and bygone year of 2022, I happened across this post in which she ranted about how amazing this webcomic called The Silver Eye was. Being thus intrigued, and having nothing more important to do, I decided to investigate.
This has been one of my better life choices.
The Silver Eye is the coolest webcomic. It has yet to be completed, much to my chagrin. It has a cast of quirky characters, mysterious backstories, hidden easter eggs, the best hover-text, absolutely stunning art, and…Pigeondove!!
Origin stories aside, we are currently on day two of The Silver Eye Appreciation Week. I’ve decided I’ll go through and follow the prompts each day. (ig today I’m doing two lol since I didn’t do anything yesterday)
- August 4: Restoration OR Hook (share something about the first page you saw, what drew you in, etc.)
- August 5: Forgiveness OR Easter Egg (share something about a reference or homage you’ve enjoyed)
- August 6: Mercy OR Song (share a song that you think fits a scene, character, relationship, etc.)
- August 7: Justice OR Outfit (share an outfit you like, design a new one for a character, cosplay, etc.)
- August 8: Patience OR Adaptation (share thoughts about what you would want to see in an adaptation, casting, an adaptation concept, etc.)
- August 9: Kindness OR Free Day
Here be the prompts, and my answers. I’ll probably do mainly the “or” options, since I feel like I’m no expert in the restoration, mercy, and or patience of characters. I’m still a newbie in the grand scheme of TSE.
August 4: Restoration or Hook (share something about the first page you saw, what drew you in, etc.)
The Story Sponge mentioned a blog post about The Silver Eye by Sarah Seele, which I of course went to find. She included frame 15×07:
Color me confused. Who are these people?? Why are we on a boat?? What exactly are we debating and why?? Where is Levant and why has it been so long since we’ve seen someone from there?? Is that BLOOD on that red-headed guy’s hand?? WHAT IS HAPPENING?!??!??
I naturally then found the Archives and started at the beginning. Which was also confusing, but I was determined to find answers. Upon rereading the first few chapters, I am secure and pleased in my knowledge of plot and characters. It’s wonderful. Knowledge is indeed power.
August 5: Forgiveness or Easter Egg (share something about a reference or homage you’ve enjoyed)
Several months ago, I wandered over to the Keeper of the Lost Cities website. I browsed through the pages, including the stellar character art. I briefly noted that the artist was one Laura Hollingsworth (cool last name, Laura), and moved on with my life.
Then whilst searching through the comment section looking for hover text interpretations, I noticed that people were mentioning Alden. Alden you say?? But wait, he’s a Keeper of the Lost Cities character. What’s he doing over here?? Turns out he’s part of Avidan’s council thing. Which amused me. Then I had to go revisit that KOTLC character art page.
And whaddaya know, the same artist who brought Enel and Apen to life also drew Keefe and Fitz. A joyous day indeed.
I think there may be a few more Keeper references…but I was too busy trying to figure out what was happening and why to catch them.
Also I just saw someone mention Lord of the Rings references (one of which, unfortunately, was lost due to redone art 😭) and there’s Anduril??
Also also (yes I know I was probably supposed to choose just one Easter egg but I physically cannot. Let’s just say I can’t count or something) I enjoyed seeing cameos of the two books written by Alyssa Hollingsworth, Laura’s sister. The Eleventh Trade and The Invisible Boy. I just read them and man are they good. Marcus is a big fan apparently 😉 For those of us who don’t know him (and let’s be real, that’s probably all but one of you. You know who you are), Marcus Lanum is our resident librarian who has for some reason tagged along on this mission…quest…thing. He’s a librarian, not a doctor.
August 6: Mercy or Song (share a song that you think fits a scene, character, relationship, etc.)
I haven’t known about The Silver Eye for very long, so I haven’t had time to allow the character to create mental playlists in my head (like some other characters I know; here’s looking at you, Peter 😉).
*consults playlist*
Ok, how about Place In This World (the for King and Country version 😊)?? I think it applies to both Enel and Apen, to be quite honest. Apen is trying to figure out where he belongs in the grand scheme of kingdoms, and Enel is just trying to discover whether or not he has any family at all. It’s been a confusing time for both of them.
The dark-haired, unamused guy is Apen, and the red-headed character is Enel. He’s currently very disappointed that the ocean doesn’t look like the dramatic, crashing blue painting he’s seen. We understand, Enel. The ocean is just moody today. Like Apen.
August 7: Justice or Outfit (share an outfit you like, design a new one for a character, cosplay, etc.)
I don’t really remember any specific outfits that stood out to me…but I love Idony’s dresses. They’re so pretty and still functional. And I kinda wonder who chose them for her, since she can’t see them…but she still has such an elegant style…and I can’t imagine Noah going shopping for Idony’s clothes.
And then you gotta love Velvare’s extravagant outfits. Specifically the capes. Don’t let Edna Mode anywhere near his wardrobe 😬
August 8: Patience or Adaptation (share thoughts about what you would want to see in an adaptation, casting, an adaptation concept, etc.)
Oooohhh…now there’s a question. Should an adaptation be live-action, or animated?? I wouldn’t object to either. Quality animation though, that’s key. But if it’s to be live-action, it better be high-budget.
Basically I don’t even care, I have no dream cast, I just want it to be the very definition of all that is quality in cinema.
And since that’s kind of a lame response, here’s my answer to the other half of the prompt.
Patience. I think literally everyone who encounters Enel on a daily basis must have immense patience. He can be such a goof and such a klutz, and I’m sure that gets on people’s nerves. It’s just kind of who he is though, and what he uses as a cover for how…untethered he must feel. No family for as long as he can remember. Adoptions that kept falling through. Not even Velvare would adopt him. And how he’s got murky family relations to figure out. poor guy. So I suppose Enel also has had to have patience…he’s been waiting on an adoption, waiting on information…no one has ever just straight out given him anything. Not even when Apen first met him. Murder the book first, answer Enel’s questions later.
August 9: Kindness or Free Day
I don’t really know what to do with a free day, so here’s my results from the Character Quiz. Most of the time I’ve gotten Chara. Not a bad thing, but I didn’t even realize she’d be an option lol. I can see some parallels, but we’re not excessively similar…I will doodle on your stuff though. Consider yourself warned. I do not dance. I do not cheer (I realize that’s kinda out of the blue, but I’m comparing myself to the paragraph by the image by Chara down there in case you wondered). That would require lifting my head out of my book. Inconceivable.
Actually, with that attitude, I think I should be Marcus. I wonder if he’s an option…??
BUT ONCE I GOT ENEL AND IT WAS THE BEST FEELING EVER. I’m even less similar to Enel than Chara. Except we’re both redheads. It’s an exclusive club of cool people, sorry for all you who can’t join. Enel is a total goof, but he needs hugs. Desperately. We love him so much.
You are Chara, you sweet summer child. With all the charm of spring personified, you bring light to everyone who knows you. When you get any excuse to dance, you’re dancing. Any excuse to cheer, you’re cheering. Any excuse to playfully doodle on your friend’s stuff, you’re doodling. Keep it up, kid.
You are Enel, also known as bubbly carrot or weeping leprechaun, depending on the day. You have boundless energy for whatever catches your fancy—a friend, a project, a candy cane. And no one can make you lift a finger for the things that seem boring. Please leave some candy canes for the others, we should all share—Well, you’re already gone. I tried.
Have I intrigued you into reading The Silver Eye? Isn’t that art gorgeous? Were you properly confused by that one page out of context? Have you read Keeper of the Lost Cities? Do you match songs to fictional characters? Has the ocean ever disappointed you? Do tell…
Always,
Ava 🔭
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22 Responses
I want to read this now!!!!! I just kind of started writing a graphic novel, (new territory for me!) And I think it could offer great inspiration. It looks simply marvelous! Thank you for sharing!!
(Also, ANDURIL!!!!! EEEEH!!)
Oh that’s so cool!! I hope it goes well!! Very glad to have brought it to your attention 😊
YES ANDURIL!!!!! ⚔️I hear there was a bigger LotR reference in one of the early chapters before they were redone, but alas, tis lost now to the sands of time.
And now I realize I already said that *facepalm* I think it was the end of the poem inscribed on the Ring, “One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them”, etc. and so forth.
Oh yes!!! I am now on Chapter. . . Seven? Eight? And I think I’m a bit obsessed now. . . (Thr characters! The art! Everything!!!!)
Awww. She took it out? So sad!!
I KNOW RIGHT???? IT’S THE BEST THING SINCE CORDLESS MICE!!! (I’m currently using one with a cord and I need to upgrade pronto) To begin reading is to become obsessed. There is no other option.
I suppose?? *shrugs* I haven’t been around the Silver Eye fandom for very long, so this is hearsay from a TSE Appreciation Week post.
Yay!! Someone who understands!! (And is also the cause. . . Which I very much appreciate!)
Ooh, I should take the character quiz. . .
Who’s your favorite character? (I feel like you may have said this in the post, actually. Only I didn’t know who any of them were when I read it so I can’t remember!)
Oh yes, do take the character quiz. I’m curious as to who you’d get!! I got my mom to take it, and she ended up with Apen lol. Sidenote here: how do you mentally pronounce “Apen”??
I’m not sure I ever straight-out picked a favorite character in the post, so you’re good 😉 You gotta love Enel and Apen. But I also really like Delaney (a side-ish character who doesn’t appear much but is really cool; not sure if you’ve met her yet). Totally with you; after reading through all the Silver Eye archives I went back and read The Story Sponge’s post again and WOW it was mind-blowing because I actually knew who and what she was talking about 😂
Arrgh! I got VELVARE!!! I mean, he’s fine, but. . . Why? Why him? (I might have to retake it. . .)
I haven’t settled on one way yet. I was thinking of it Ape-In, but then I read in the comments that is not how you say it so. . . Now I’ve been going with ‘a pen’
Ah yes. And Melly!! I like Idony too. She reminds me of one of my characters.
Delaney just got introduced!! Aaaand now Noah is going phsyco on her, so I’m a little concerned for her wellbeing. . .
I know!! I got to the panel on the ship and IT MADE SENSE!!! *cheers*
I’ve got to go retake the quiz. There is no way I am Velvare!!!
Aww! I got him again!!
I feel you. It’s not like I disklike Chara, but….there were other options…Velvare is a layered individual. Honestly I thought he was the villain, but he’s really not. He’s more…misguided. Has no idea how to parent. Or apologize. But not evil!
I started out with Ape-in but apparently that’s not proper…but it’s ingrained in my mind now and I CAN’T SAY IT THE OTHER WAY. HELP. I’VE BRAINWASHED MYSELF.
Aww, Melly 🥰 And Pigeondove. An unstoppable duo of cuteness. Idony is a great character too…they’re just all great characters lol. Maybe that’s why it’s so hard to choose a favorite. I’m concerned for Delaney’s wellbeing pretty much 100% of the time, soooo…
😂 The joy of clarity. I saw various other pages before I read the whole thing, so I had so many “aha!!” moments.
Hmm. I’m Chara 75% of the time and Enel 25% (afraid to retake it for fear of demoting him to 20% 😬); maybe you have a secondary character in there somewhere?? maybe??
I know. I actually did really like Velvare. Then I disliked him and now I am back to liking him again. (This seems to happen with me. . .) He’s not evil though for sure!
I sort of did the same thing. Now I just think of it that way. . .
ALL THE CHARACTERS ARE SO MARVELOUS!!!! I can’t help but love them all.
Perhaps I shall try again and see if I get someone else. . .
*Goes off to do this*
(Also, I’m almost caught up! And I want to be, but I feel I’m going to be sad when I am, because I’ll have to wait for more along with everyone else. . .)
I retook it! And got. . .Noah. . .. . . . .
*cackles* I’m not sure whether to be happy that you got a different character or commiserate with you…
SAME THO. I went in prepared to dislike him but just couldn’t. Then I was like hmmm??? then more like ahhh. *repeats x7*
I can’t help but feel like if I wrote a webcomic/book/what have you, over half the characters would be flat. Sketchy motivation. Personalities would change halfway through. There would be characters popping in and out with no apparent reason. The locale would be iffy at best. It would be an unforgettable experience, to be sure. So I’m rather impressed by Laura’s characters. In the one work of fiction I wrote when I was twelve, I used the word “turned” in three consecutive sentences. Not pretty 😂
I’ve been so happy every Saturday when I remember a new page has been posted. But it keeps focusing on Nathan!! I don’t understand the hype about him…He’s like Enel’s evil twin. I also don’t understand most of what he’s doing…that could be my problem, actually.
What I really want is for the whole thing to be printed. I would absolutely buy it. I would buy multiple copies. Then I would spring them on unsuspecting civilians, thus enslaving them to the Silver Eye fandom for the rest of their earthly travelings. Another benefit of a printed edition would be the ease of flipping back. It was so hard to find the one page that started me down this most welcome rabbit hole!! I couldn’t remember where it was!! And ofc the internet wasn’t cooperating and refused to load things at the desired pace (which was INSTANTLY).
Supporting evidence of uncooperative internet: the fact that our internet has been down for the last day. Explains my late response. I had written all of this out, but couldn’t send it bc, well, no internet. My apologies. I haven’t died, never fear.
Well, I’ve gotten Velvare three out of four times now, so I think I’m just stuck with him at this point. . . Although I actually kind of like him now, so. . .🤷♀️
(And feel free to do either. My cousin, who I recently enslaved to the TSE fandom, has decided to gleefully and ruthlessly mock me for it. And she got Berlyne, which was the character I think I ought to be. (She was showing off her scars! Which proves she should be me.))
Indeed. Well, I actually do write books, but it took me a loooooooong time to actually get good at it. (Lots of first drafts have piled up!) I wish I could draw well, but. . . My results are iffy at best. TSE is very impressive though!! I could never keep so much straight.
It’s Saturday now? Drat. Now I have to wait an extra day. *Sulks* Nathan is. . . eeeeenteresting. I keep getting him and Enel mixed up!!
I know!!!!! I WANT A PRINTED VERSION SO BADLY!!!! I would buy it immediately.
😆😆😅 YESSS!! WE MUST TAKE OVER THE WORLD WITH TSE!!! And get EEEVERYONE to love it. (By that I mean read it, because the two are one and the same.) I don’t usually have steady internet, so I NEEEEEED to be able to read it constantly.
Aww! Well, I’m certainly glad you haven’t!!!
Velvare’s pretty all right. He’s trying. (I think I’ll do both 😂 AAAHHHH YOU’VE ENSLAVED ANOTHER UNSUSPECTING INDIVIDUAL THE FANDOM GROWS!!! I think maybe I should be Marcus; he’s always got his nose in a book and doesn’t really want to go adventuring. Which, realistically, is where I’d be at if I lived in the TSE universe.)
I like the idea of writing books, but I haven’t practiced very much. Maybe I’ll be an editor. The world needs more Oxford commas. And drawing is a whole different story 😬 I can doodle. That’s kinda it. I’m not the author, but I still can’t keep TSE straight 😂 I spent a lot of time confused about, well, everything.
Never fear!! It’s still Friday, but I never remember ON Friday. I’m inevitably sitting at work on Saturday before I recall the significance of Friday. Not only is it the last day of the week before the blessed weekend and the day Release Radar on Spotify updates, but also the day of new TSE pages!!
We’re doing pretty good with our takeover so far. I’ve made three converts, including you. I expected people to skim this post, briefly acknowledge my clumsy fangirling over something they neither know nor care about, and move on with their lives. But lo and behold!! You were the exception!! *cheers*
I do like him more now. (And have gotten him 3/4 times. I think I’m stuck with him at this point. . .)
MWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
I got my other friend to read it. She saaaiiiid she liked it, but I’m not sure she’s fully committed. (Yet)
I definitely share his love of books!! (But I do like adventuring. . .)
Yes!! Editors are good. (I struggle with the revision thing myself.)
Yeah, that’s about where I’m at. I’ve been practicing though. (So maybe in 17 years I’ll be able to draw hands!)
Me neither. I feel I’m going to need another read through. (Or seven)
Something to do while waiting for the next page!!
That makes sense. Actually I might be busy tomorrow. . . I have to preform violin. . .
BUT I SHALL MAKE TIME FOR TSE!!!
Indeed. And I have in turn converted. . . One/two people? And I’m going to make a post on my website about it too, even though TSE week is over, so maybe I can ensnare some other unsuspecting citizens.
(TSE: 5
People who scoff and move on: 0)
Same same, it’s me and Chara for life now 👍 But just a h i n t of Enel.
Hmmm. Inform your friend that there are only two options: complete obsession or ignorance of TSE’s existence. There is no mere “like” option available.
ikr; hands are the worst…in my doodles I always just put them in pockets or behind their back or something to avoid butchering them 😂 I’m considering a future post on doodling at work, thoughts?? Ofc, first I need help setting up google photos so I can use pictures I’ve taken on my phone. Details details…
I started reading through again almost immediately after finishing 😂 The clarification was real. I haven’t gotten very far, only a few chapters, but it’s been good 😉
THERE’S ALWAYS TIME FOR TSE
Yessss, more TSE promotion. Also considering formulating end-of-the-month-wrap-up posts. I should include TSE convert stats. I sent the link to my two cousins in OK, but I’m not sure they’ve been properly intrigued yet…*shrugs*
Well, Chara is nice. I like Chara. (Short for Charlotte, I have just discovered.) And who doesn’t love Enel? (Actually quite a few in-world people, now I think about it. . .)
I will do so. She actually did say she was obsessed now, but she has not been properly going on about it, so I am somewhat skeptical.
I know!! Me too. (This is cheating though. I do it anyway.)
That would be a nice post!! And you could. . . Email them to yourself maybe??
I feel like I need to, just so I can fully grasp everything. Perhaps I shall start again once the new page comes out.
Truer words have never been spoken. *nods vigorously*
Oh yes. I shall be sure to link to your post. (And give you credit for converting me!)
That is a good idea.
It can be hard to get people to actually read things you suggest. (My brothers have defaulted to dislike merely because I like it. Which I get, but is sad. . .)
She really is. I can only hope to be as adventurous as she. Ooh, really?? My esteem for Chara has gone up a few pegs. I’m a fan of the name Charlotte (due in whole to Sara Ella’s Curious Realities, ofc 😉). Honestly tho 😂 He’s a lot easier to love as a reader, not as someone who actually has to interact with him.
Curious. She’s breaking the mold of instant obsession.
Idk, I’ll figure it out. Hopefully…
I KNOW. I’ve tried to convince my younger brother to read so many books, but he insists he must wait several years after my older brother and I recommend things to him before actually reading. *shrugs* He should really take my recommendations; I’ve read so many good books!!
Mhmm. I just read that on the characters page. (Which is quite amusing.)
Me too! It’s a nice name.
Indeed. I adore him, but maaaybe wouldn’t want him as a roommate, 😅
Well, perhaps she simply does not want to admit it. I am unsure and must inquire further into this perplexing conundrum. . .
I started rereading it again today and everything makes SO much more sense!!!!
Ah, I know. My younger brother is convinced I have terrible taste, despite me recommending all sorts of great books that he now loves. Siblings!! *grumpy Apen face*