Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 OUT NOW!!
 

Attachment 100632
STORY
During the night drive to Cape Caem, Cindy Aurum gets stopped by a wild Voretooth in the middle of the road...which happens to be a trap for a Necromancer attack! Just as it's about to get her, Aranea Highwind comes to the rescue...or so she thought. Some strange mist from the Necromancer engulfs them, effecting both Cindy and Aranea. Now, they must get to Cape Caem and meet Noctis and his group that Cindy must meet in the morning...that's if they can make it before they get too small!

This adventurous and erotic 40-page comic tells the tale that takes an alternate take of one part of the main campaign.

CREDITS
Artwork - rillustrations

CONTAINS
Part 1: shrinking women, slow shrinking, MMMMF/ff, unaware
Part 2: shrunken women, unaware, F/ff, MMMM/f, unaware, licking tiny woman, vaginal insertion, handheld, bukkake

THIS IS AN ADULTS ONLY COMIC! DO NOT PURCHASE, IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF ADULT WITHIN YOUR COUNTRY'S LAW!

PANEL PREVIEW:
Attachment 100584

BONUS ARTWORK
The SFW and the NSFW version of the cover, as well as other scenarios involving Cindy and Aranea...including the shrunken Iris?

NOTE: Due to the artist's scheduling, the bonus artwork will be uploaded in a later date. You will be notified via email, once the artwork has been uploaded. Apologies in advance. ^_^; )

EDITIONS
Part 1 Regular Edition ($7.99)
-Contains the first 20 pages of the comic in both JPEG and PDF
Part 1 Special Edition ($9.99)
-Contains the first 20 pages of the comic in both JPEG and PDF
-Bonus Artwork and rough sketches of the pages
SEASON PASS ($14.99)
-You'll get both Parts 1 & 2 in both JPEG and PDF
SEASON PASS SE ($16.99)
-You'll get both Parts 1 & 2 in both JPEG and PDF
-Bonus Artwork and sketches that are contained in both parts
-Exclusive script of the comic

NOW AVAILABLE! https://gum.co/diminishFFXV1

Preview pages:
https://rillustrations.deviantart.co...extr-710810482
https://rillustrations.deviantart.co...shed-725169160

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Think I'll pass on this considering how there is more often than not some scat, piss, and other undesirable things in your past comics that when pre-ordered was not mentioned until after the work was made. And as for a comic. I would rather just buy said comic outright than pre-order as it's not an official production like when pre-ordering a WoW expansion, something guaranteed to finish production.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I have to ask you this, Doll-Elf: has ShrinkFan or Dreamtales told you EVERYTHING it has in their comics? Has any comic told you what it contains in it, ENTIRELY?

Most comics don't tell you what it contains until you read it. I saw some comics that don't describe the entirety until you pay them.

But, sometimes some mistakes are made and if I wasn't fully upfront with you, I apologize. It was one mistake that I corrected on for later releases. If you continue to not support my comics, I understand that and it's just one loss from the hundreds.

Besides that, this is one of those comics that I don't include the undesirable things...Part One especially!

Not EVERY comic will have those undesirable situations, so it'll most-likely be a hit-or-miss for you.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

While you do technically have a point, I'd like to counter that things like scat, piss, and diaper play are *definitely* things you should tag, as they are NOT the kind of thing most people want to be surprised by.

Also, as editor of Shrink Fan, I take a bit of umbrage to that. What objectionable content do you think we've had that we didn't sufficiently warn people about?

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I didn't say that you guys had objectionable content. But, it's about not mention EVERYTHING that's contained in it. Like a thorough tags of what to expect in it.

While we're on that, Undertoe 1 & 2 for "cum shower" brings to attention. You notice my comics on ShrinkFan do include that, and most comics just put little info, but not "handheld" or other things that certain fans like to see.

It may not be objectionable, but it's something that many people need to be aware about.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Cum shower and scat are very different things. One is something sexual by nature and the other is a bodily waste process that can cause disease and infection that most people desire to avoid as much as possible with only a very small minority not offended or actively seeking it.

While there is the obvious answer of "Can't tag everything" There are pre-determined tags the community has selected that are commonly used. scat and diaper Play are two of those and it is unfair to ask for pre-orders without tags or a proper preview of the content. What we see in your illustrated previews are fairly generic and show only that characters are involved instead of an example piece of what is inside the comic for us to understand what to expect and the general idea of the material. Your comic also doesn't seem to follow the character's mannerisms "Don't you dare harm a lady you freak"? It sounds like bad fanfiction to me

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

So, you're saying that I MUST show that content, even though so many site rules state that you can't. Seems like you didn't know much about how any site's rules work.

Also, what previews I show are the art style and SFW stuff that meet DA
& Gumroad standards. Showing a preview of what's really in it results in me having to blur such, just like DLsite's products, making the consumer confused or DA taking the previews down...and you know how DA is picky with content these days.

And, I have not heard one person complain about the writing and such of my works, until now. I wonder why? Maybe you should do the same to EVERY comic that you seek, and be critical on how one writes. Besides that, I'm not perfect in the writing department. That's why I found an artist who's also proof-checks my writing. I gave him the reigns to make changes here and there, and do some editing of his own.

Speaking of which...where did you get "Don't you dare harm a lady you freak" at? At no point in the comic did anyone say that. :confused:

Thanks for the advice, though. ;)

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I don't think it's that you need to actually SHOW the content in your previews (though I know from experience you can censor stuff for DA lol). It's more that you should always make sure that you tag anything that might be off-putting, and ideally tag anything that's a major part of the story. I'd argue that the cum shower in Undertoe 1/2 doesn't really meet either standard...

Anyway. If this comic does have slow shrink and DOESN'T have toilet/diaper play - which, based on your original post, is an accurate assessment - I'll probably be interested.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Okay,qzarr999. That was the one thing I forgot. I uploaded the panel preview that details what to expect. See top thread. ;)

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I'd want to be warned about either.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Where is my niece!? That's what I want to know!

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Big fish little fish swimming in the water.
Come back here and give me my daughter.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

If this comic has no diapers or something like this, this slowly shrinking comic looks like something I would enjoy reading. :D
Judging from the drawings, it looks awesome!

Greetings
Captain Ash

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

So, since there's a few who would consider getting it, and question what it contains, I will implement a content icon system. So, if a content has Diapers, it would say that under the MerComix/Adults Only logo.

Anyways, for those who did pre-order the Special Edition, I am delaying the bonus artwork, since the artist won't finish those on time. You will be notified when those art pieces are uploaded and ready.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

You are the only one who seeks pre-orders of a fetish based comic in which may not come to intuition. I get it for major companies that have the power and resources like WoW or Assassin's Creed, but this is just a single comic. I do not understand why you would want a pre-order unless you cannot afford to fund it yourself. Then I would consider renaming this to crowdfunding.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

With Gumroad, all pre-orders won't be charged until the product is released, as stated here: https://help.gumroad.com/11163-produ...t-card-charges

The purpose of a pre-order is a double-edged sword, to be honest. Some may take that chance and not have to worry until it's out, while others don't use it and wait until release day to get it.

I get that some say put up the pre-order, while others say don't, like you. I can't go both ways, can't I? *sigh* Right now, half of the funds from previous comics sold are used to make the comic, while the other half is from my own, since I have a part-time job.

Another reason is that if it were a crowdfunded comic, it would possibly get shut down by Square Enix. Just look at what happened when fans tried to crowdfund a Final Fantasy VII web series back in 2013: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sq.../1100-6412449/

Notice that Square Enix may regret that decision, but the damage was already done and the project was dead, a month later: https://joezieja.com/2013/09/19/the-...he-web-series/

In short, crowdfunding has it's faults that I cannot risk, just for a comic.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I'm excited to see this comic .. but I haven't preordered a comic before. Is there a current amount raised number and a goal number ?



I see a few other comics there... are they finished ? and which ones would have the most process and slow shrinking.. I'll pick them up to help you out

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

The page isn't a crowdfunded, so you can pre-order it, and it'll be charged and you'll get a copy once it's released.

All other comics are finished works. Senshi Dolls 1 & 2 have the most process and slow shrinking.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

The idea of something like a "season pass" for a fetish comic is perhaps the most insane pay comic concept I've heard for in the near 12 years I've been on this forum.

It's hard for me to also get excited for pay comics involving characters you don't own the copyright of.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Insane? Or genius? :D

Jeez, if you're concerned about that, ask J Yubari on his Growth Materia comics, when it first came out. :rolleyes:

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Fully agree on the former, it's like the only marketing strategy Mercomix uses are ones handed down from mainstream large-scale crowd-funding and video games that do this to bypass traditional financing barriers or build hype. These and other tactics from Mercomix are totally mismatched to the audience.

You have to have a brand people trust too. Mercomix has a lack of self-awareness about how much trust was lost and how their brand has been poisoned from the Sailor Moon series of comics; the creator made core elements out of their personal, hyper-niche kinks (diapers, scat) and exacting fantasy of shrinking characters from a notable 1980s manga/anime property and babying these characters rather than sticking to size differences and the interesting dynamics that can play out there when you aren't preoccupied with infantilizing. Something very rigid about their obsession. To their credit, at least Mercomix is not obsessed with something like Ranma.

Need to push back a little on the latter. Fair use allows the sale of those images. What pornographers don't do is slap a label on their product implying it is a branded product endorsed by the property owners, which Mercomix initially did.

Also, most people have moved on to more contemporary properties and characters like Overwatch or other video games for Western audiences and more recent anime characters (stopped paying attention years ago to what the zeitgeist is) or generic anime girls in Asian garb rendered in an Eastern art style for the rest. They stay on top of what's new. Sailor Moon has been dead near-on a decade.

I plan to buy the first comic based on the shrinking process alone; any excitement I might have is purely benefit of the doubt, but there is an element that is thankful that it isn't Yet Another Sailor Moon Comic (#YASMC). The recent preview showing hints of the shrinking cemented that decision, though I won't preorder. I will absolutely not get Chapter II or any subsequent chapter, but I could see myself commissioning the artist.

So, here's some constructive criticism, because I know Mercomix isn't going to stop: I would drop the preorder gimmicks and just release the damn comic when its done. If you release quality products, people will buy it and you don't have to work so hard to convince us with the money that what you have to offer is worth what you're charging. If you want to let people know ahead of time, fine, but months in advance isn't the way to go. A week tops. You aren't a pay site who has to cultivate a sense of the subscription website as a going concern and worry about subscriber retention.

Focus on the fundamentals and leave the advanced tactics to the experts who are trying to capture sales from demographics on gigantic marketing platforms that have more than a couple hundred people in it.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

How about a "Thank you for the feedback" and don't be so damn cocky. Your sales are tied up in your brand, and as far as most are concerned, you are your brand. Do you want me, the person purchasing your products, to be more encouraged to buy from you, or pirate you?

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

And, I'm getting those kinks out of the way, so later issues will be more serious and story driven. Or, just remove those hyper-niche kinks for the early issues in a redo (with the artist who did issue 6), up to issue 6, then maybe it'll have a different outcome and sales. But, the former gives some people that you don't want it to be boring, so you need to have a fine line between ones that don't want the sexual content and the ones that do. And that's difficult, these days.

There's stuff I still need to learn, and slap branding products is one of them. You make a good point on that, and I should remove any instance of such before release. I did say that I'm trying to remove the instance of such in my DA post. So...yeah.

There's still a Sailor Moon fanbase today. They didn't "die" at any point, just like other anime. I'm one of those die-hard fans, who knows the characters and stories. I wrote over 30 issues of this (true story), while editing some later on, before the artist goes and makes it. There's much more story to it that you want to explore as many possibilities as you can with it. That's why I'm taking advantage of the many possibilities with my adult comic series.

Appreciate your input and interest.

I'm glad someone gave some advice that I've wanted to hear. After hearing about that, you're right. I tried the "pre-order" idea, and a handful came forward to put their money down on it. So, going forward after this release...I'll alter the pre-order idea toward your suggestion of a week before it's out.

Someone told me to bring the pre-order idea back, after I stopped doing that before. I did take that advice for months, before I posted this product here, with the slow-shrinking part that you guys wanted. I never thought it would get much criticism about it, much more about my works. But, after what you said today, it makes much more sense than I imagined. Other fetish comic places never did pre-orders of their comics. So, maybe it's for the best to alter it to see if that works better for many.

Thank you, ShrinkingOne. :)

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

It doesn't do anyone any good to announce something which is often an impulse buy months before its release date.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Yeah, I didn't care for that one either. Which is a shame, since it had some nice art.

I once bought comics with licensed properties, but have long since abandoned that practice. Parodies or satires of various IPs is one thing. Using them for a quick buck for the fetish community is another.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Where are the Special Edition bonus artwork and sketches in the product page?

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I stated that the artist is working on one and I will alert you via email, once it's uploaded. I posted the status here: https://www.deviantart.com/mercomix/status/14018501 and on twitter: https://twitter.com/mercomixcomics/s...05857607782400

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

That's not sufficient. That's false advertising.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I'm sorry that you are not satisfied with my explaination. I did ask the artist about this to which he replied just now:

Please be patient on it, like everyone else. The artist is a busy person and making such takes time.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

"Please note that bonus content is subject to artist availability and may ship separately from the finished product."

EDIT: Just saw this:
Unless the offer pre-dates this disclaimer, the distributor owes you no immediate satisfaction, neither in a moral nor legal sense. Even then, given the history and bad blood here, you might try giving him the benefit of the doubt that such was a simple oversight. It happens.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

The offer predated the disclaimer.

This was not a simple oversight. This was typical for him, actually.

Are we done downplaying and circling the wagons?

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I am not blaming the artist. The artist didn't write the copy and make the release schedule. This is YOUR fault for jumping the gun. The issues I have with the comic? The writer and producer's fault, not the artist's. I am looking squarely at YOU, Merc, and nobody else, and the worst part of this and every other feedback that comes your way is the defensiveness and blame shifting, like nothing is your fault.

You left the preorder page alone and thought that Twitter and Deviantart postings were sufficient. They are objectively not. The source needed to be updated. Now, you *fixed* the problem after the fact, but did you post that here? No. Consequence? People not in the know (vincent) stepping in thinking I am a loon when I know exactly what happened.

So, yeah, I'm pissed because of how you conduct business, and not much interested in someone else telling me how to feel or see this situation otherwise.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I led with a suggested disclaimer for a reason, it wasn't to appease you.
I'm trying to help Mercurius to help himself, if he doesn't take that advice, that's on him.
Maybe next time you won't be so quick to assume you know my position?

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Stay out of it. Better advice for you than any you could give me.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Sure, I made one itty bitty miscalculation on this page. I forgot to add that in here, because I had work in the morning and couldn't get the time to do it. And I posted those links to my twitter and DA about it WAY before release day, but I assume you don't care about those. Okay, I give you that. But that does not mean you have to go on a rage fit over something that I couldn't edit ON TIME.

You want me to write it here now, since I got the time? FINE! HERE:

NOTE: The bonus artwork will be uploaded at a later date. You will notified when the artwork will be uploaded via email.

I will repeat this again: Please be patient on it, like everyone else. The artist is a busy person and making such takes time.

I'm not a perfectionist, nor is anyone else. We all make mistakes and we can correct them.

Which reminds me, how is my practices typical, when you are just complaining about this, not knowing about my life or my job? Please, answer that for me.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

You should have just waited until the comic was finished, including the bonus art.

Having sold comics on Selz and deviantART...guess what? I don't offer them for sale until they're 100% complete.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

You don't have a comic that's 40 pages long, do you?

If a project is that long, you do not want to sell the comic at a rate that the consumer won't like, or make them wait an eternity for. Also, if certain people like one half and don't like the other and you sell it as a whole, there's chances that they may turn away from buying it.

That's why it's best to sell the first half now and the 2nd later, with the option of the "Season Pass", because those who buy the comic as a whole can get the second half without having to pay again and at a slight discount.

Basically, the seller can choose this selling option, if one project is so long.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

We are not idiots, Merc, nor are we out of place for pointing out just how backwards you are on all this. Rationalizing bad decisions doesn't change that they were bad decisions.

Not an apology in all that defensiveness and excuse-making for misleading customers. Oh, and apparently Merc doesn't know a damn thing about how to mitigate angry customers. Sure knows how to shift the conversation to be about them, though.

Your attitude is disgusting for a producer.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

You've dealt with precisely how many artists in your life?
Count them on one hand, can you?
The handle can't be a coincidence, he's dealing with people who are mercurial on their best days.

I'm only offering a bit of understanding, taking the position that no explanation will suffice and nobody should ever try to defuse the hostility is uncalled for.

(While we're on the subject: false advertising? Have you ever even been in a civil court? "My subcontract wasn't given a schedule and/or wouldn't adhere to one anyways" would pretty much see that dismissed straightaway with advice to refile against the sub.)

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I've done any possible way to mitigate angry customers. You are the only problem here, trying to make me look bad by raging over simple, yet fixable mistakes. No matter how I try, nothing will convince you.

Continue to be one-sided, I don't care. It's one less jerk to deal with out of the hundreds who purchased my works and enjoyed them.

But, I kinda wonder...

Have you ever dealt with angry customers? If so, I'll play a role reversal:

How did you deal with me who won't listen to you, no matter what you say or explain your reason with me, even if you forget to add about the slight delay on a bonus material, that's on an item you sold, until a day later?

Like, all that you said is me telling you. What's your response to it?

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

No, I don't. Mainly because of six reasons:

1.) I only do comic commissions once or so a year.
2.) My comics cover a much more niche fetish (uneven growth), and most of my comics don't even crack 30-40 sales. I've only ever broken even with one of my comics. What's the point of making longer comics if I don't make back more than two-thirds my money at max?
3.) All my comics use original characters. I'm sure I could make a killing doing uneven GTS comics with, say, Asuka from Neon Genesis Evangelion or Sakura from CardCaptor Sakura, but I don't (and won't) do that.
4.) I only commission sell comics when I have the money beforehand to do so.
5.) I don't do things like special editions to further delay the releases.
6.) I don't put hidden fetishes in my works like diapers or spanking.

You could point fingers at us for being in the wrong all you want, Mercurius, but we've given you advice on other threads on this forum before, only for you to disregard them.

Oh, and vincent_richter, I've been commissioning artists since 2009, and have commissioned literally dozens of people.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I'm not pointing any fingers at anyone, but those who are complete biased jerks who can't get through their thick skulls.

And I told people what is contained in them. When I show what's going to be in there I put it in the discription. And if I miss any, I can correct that. Mistakes happen. Understand that.

But you do your thing, while I do mine. Every business is its own, not to match with others.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Hey I bought the special edtion and you had no disclaimer that the bonus stuff was missing. I thought I was given the wrong version or just thought you meant the clean pages were the bonus. Something absolutely should have been posted to the site as soon. As you realized what was going on. How the hell am I supposed to know to check twitter. This is really being mishandled shitty to put it nicely.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

NOTE: Due to the artist's scheduling, the bonus artwork will be uploaded in a later date. You will be notified via email, once the artwork has been uploaded. Apologies in advance. ^_^; )

https://media.giphy.com/media/B2TG4Rx3gPuMw/giphy.gif

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Just tag the disclaimer on all Special Editions in the future.
"Please note that bonus content is subject to artist availability and may ship separately from the finished product."

This acknowledges the concern without committing to a date when you don't have that information.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I will. Thanks.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

The point is already missed and the lesson not learned should such a disclaimer ever be considered an option.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

A reminder to all users that naked hostility and personal attacks will not be tolerated in the content forums.

Merc, you probably could've handled this issue a bit better and made sure your customers were properly informed. However, that doesn't justify what was being said to you. Please be careful not to retaliate - you didn't, but "biased jerks" was leaning in that direction.

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

Jesus Christ, thank you.
Nobody is ever beholden to deliver strictly on a consumer's schedule, period end-of.
Were mistakes made here? Yes.
Does that entitle anyone to dictate artist scheduling, especially once the mistake is acknowledged?

Re: Secret Episode: Diminished, Part 1 PRE-ORDER NOW!!
 

I'm very sorry for such. I tried to handle it to the best of my abilities, but I will learn and try to be more professional next time.