About

The Comic

Welcome to the immersive world of Pacifica, a fantastical adventure comic that draws its inspiration from the breathtaking redwood forests and diverse wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Set in an era reminiscent of the early 1800s, Pacifica weaves together elements of mountain men, monsters, and magic, crafting a captivating narrative that will transport readers into a realm where wonder and danger intertwine.

Within the pages of Pacifica, you will follow the extraordinary journey of a motley crew of outcasts, brought together by fate and circumstance. This eclectic group comprises humans, bird-people, beastfolk, and more, as they navigate their own personal trials while forming unlikely alliances. Together, they strive to find new purpose and direction in their lives, their paths illuminated by the light of camaraderie and resilience.

Beneath the surface of their everyday existence lies a world teeming with mythical beasts, cryptids, and arcane secrets. Our characters must confront not only external adversaries but also their own internal conflicts, delving into the depths of their beings as they navigate the intricacies of their intertwined lives.

At its core, Pacifica encapsulates the essence of mountain life, blending the rugged realities of survival with the allure of fantastical wonders. It is a tale where the extraordinary is woven into the fabric of everyday existence, where the mundane and the magical coexist.

Pacifica stands as a proud addition to the rich tapestry of online comics, webcomics, webtoons, and the vibrant realm of independent creator-owned comics. In a digital landscape brimming with diverse storytelling, Pacifica emerges as a distinct voice, offering readers a fresh and immersive experience. It embraces the dynamic nature of webcomics, weaving together visually captivating artwork, engaging narratives, and a serialized format that keeps audiences eagerly anticipating each new installment. As an independent creator-owned project, Pacifica represents the untamed spirit of artistic freedom, allowing me to delve deep into the recesses of my imagination, unencumbered by external influences. This creative independence shines through in the unique blend of genres, the rich character dynamics, and the unexpected twists and turns that shape the narrative landscape of Pacifica. By carving its own path in the vast online comics community, Pacifica endeavors to carve out a space in readers’ hearts, offering an enthralling journey that resonates with both seasoned comic enthusiasts and newcomers to the medium alike.

This project is a labor of love born from my cherished memories of exploring the redwood forests and beaches of northern California with my cousins. The seed of Pacifica took root within me, nurtured by my passion for comics and the immersive realms of tabletop Role-Playing Games like Dungeons & Dragons. These formative experiences instilled within me an unyielding desire to share wondrous stories, and this webcomic has become my chosen medium through which to embark on this adventure.

It is my fervent hope that the adventures within Pacifica will captivate and enchant you, offering a unique and unforgettable experience unlike any other fantasy comic found online. Journey alongside our characters as they navigate treacherous landscapes, unravel ancient mysteries, and discover the untamed magic that lies within and around them. Together, let us embark on a thrilling odyssey that will leave an indelible mark on your imagination. Welcome to Pacifica, where the extraordinary awaits.

The Artist

Tait, hailing from the picturesque Humboldt County, California, is a multifaceted artist and author. As a child, Tait’s fascination with comics ignited a lifelong passion for reading and drawing, providing an outlet for self-expression. An introvert by nature, Tait found solace in the enchanting realms of fantasy and fairy tales, often immersing himself in their pages or embarking on solitary hikes amidst the serene woods.

Fueling his creative spirit were the captivating narratives of 80s cartoons, video games, and the immersive world of Dungeons & Dragons. This convergence of influences propelled Tait towards pursuing a BA in Art from Cal Poly Humboldt, where he honed his skills and expanded his artistic horizons.

Now, Tait aspires to ignite a similar passion within others, sharing the boundless wonders of comics and empowering them to weave their own compelling tales. With a fervent desire to cultivate a community of storytellers, Tait embraces the role of a mentor, guiding aspiring artists and authors on their own creative journeys. Through his endeavors, Tait hopes to spark the love for comics in the hearts of others, fostering a vibrant tapestry of imagination and narrative expression.

Questions & Answers

How often/when does the comic update?

Due to various things making life chaotic right now, the update schedule is sporadic. I am trying to get back to a monthly update schedule, but it’s not clear when this will be possible at the moment. I am continuing work on the comic though.

If there are no comics this week I may post previews, sketches, or other goodies to pass the time to the next update. There is also a link page where you can find other fantasy webcomics to pursue until the next update of Pacifica.

How long have you been working on Pacifica?

I’ve been toying around with the basic ideas behind the comic since the late 1990s. I wanted to create comics online that incorporated nature, wildlife, fairy tale stories, the adventures of heroic fantasy characters, and everything else I love. It probably wasn’t until 2004 or so that the core ideas for what’s actually here on the site started to come together as the recognizable fantasy world it is now.

If a tree falls in Pacifica and you’re not around to draw it, does it make a sound?

I believe the answer to that is “No.” Unless you believe it does, in which case it might if enough other people believe too. Isn’t that usually how magic works for fairy tale characters? 😉

Do you use references when drawing the comic?

Yes. In fact I use my own nature images whenever possible. I invested in a Digital Rebel camera and have literally thousands of beautiful nature pictures that I’ve taken myself. I highly recommend using references to up the quality of your comic drawing.

Is there a world map of Pacifica/Urth somewhere?

While there are a number of fantasy world generator apps that would make this quite easy, I have mixed feelings about actually mapping the world out. I have mapped out certain areas, but I think sharing those maps would take away some of the mystery surrounding my fantasy world.

I would prefer that readers imagine their own relations between the various locations visited in the story.

Will Pacifica be made into a book?

Yes! Issue one, Finding a Path is available now! If you’d like a physical copy of the book you can order one from my Etsy shop. If you’d like digital copies of the issues you can find them in PDF format on Gumroad or itch.io.

Will an anthro __________ show up in the story?

Pacifica will feature a wide variety of anthropomorphic species that appear, but I can’t make any promises about what animals you will or won’t see. I started with only a small number I was going to include, but it has been growing as I come up with new ideas that would be fun. In general, I want to focus on animals actually found in the Pacific northwest. That’s not to say that others can’t show up, but I’m not actively looking for ways to bring them into the story.

Can I create fan art of your characters?

Yes! If you do draw my characters I’d love to see your interpretation of them. Please send me a link through social media or e-mail so I can check out and share your work. I might even put up a fan art page on the site at some point.

How can I support Pacifica?

The best way to support Pacifica is to follow the comic on social media and share links with your friends. Be sure to let your friends know why you enjoy the comic when you link it.

If you’d like some rewards and don’t mind spending a little money then check out Pacifica’s Patreon page. There is also a Ko-Fi page if you’d prefer to leave a one time tip.

Patreon and Ko-Fi both allow you to get your name on the Legends page if you like. I’ll try and give those people a shout out whenever I can.