Please welcome to the blog ChrossxXxRodes, the writer who adapted Clean Sweep to comic book format with Tapas. Clean Sweep comic is not available for preorder but early content will be release on Tapas on 08/19 with the full release on 08/23.
ChrossxXxRodes has done an amazing job on the series. You can follow her work on Twitter at @chrossxxxrodes.
- What would you say your experience overall has been like adapting Clean Sweep from a novel into this comic?
In a word: Unbelievable. As a small-time fanfiction writer on Twitter and AO3, getting the chance to work on a project as big and exciting as this is something I’m still wrapping my head around. I’m so incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to help take such a fantastic novel and adapt it into another format. It’s been a blast.
- Do you have a favorite character to write? Who is it and why?
Honestly, all of them are fun in their own ways. I really enjoyed writing Sean though—with him I felt I could take a bit more of a comedic spin to things, have him make jokes in serious situations and fall back on sarcasm. His interactions with Arland were probably some of my favorites to write. I also really enjoyed writing Allivar—as a new character I created, I could be a bit freer with his characterization. [Allivar is a werecat – Ilona]
- Is there anything that you found challenging in adapting this story into a comic?
I wanted to do the novel justice—it’s a big responsibility, taking another person’s characters and managing to stay true to their origin, especially when we were adding bonus content. I stressed a lot over whether or not I was keeping the cast in character, whether my added content was fun or interesting, am I being funny enough, will the readers enjoy my take on things? It was challenging, but in a good way.
- Looking back to the early development stages, what would you say your process or approach was to adapt the comic in the early stages? Did you have a vision you wanted to bring to the adaptation?
My entire goal with this series was to keep the integrity of the original source material while adding my own Chross BrandTM flair to it. I wanted the series to be able to draw in faithful readers and new ones alike, by bridging the gap between comforting and fresh material. I don’t know if I accomplished it, but it was such a rush to try.
- Is there anything else you want to say about writing or working on this story?
This has honestly been a dream come true. I had so much fun with this world and its characters, and I’m very thankful to have been given an amazing opportunity like this one. I have so much respect for the IA Team and Tapas, and while I’m sad to be done with my part, I’m excited to see this project out there and getting the love it deserves. This may be good bye for now, but the Inn’s doors will always be open for those who need sanctuary—and I know I plan to return often.
- What was it like writing Arland?
Arland was very interesting to write—in the novel he’s very serious and has a sort of aristocratic air. I wanted to emulate that and add a sort of. . . carefree vibe to it. I always loved the serious, withdrawn, and cold characters in manga who later turn out to be a bit softer and warmer than you expect, so I wanted to give him that sort of feeling.
- What was it like wring Dina?
My favorite thing about Dina is how much of a strong, confident, magical badass she is! As a feminist myself, I love novels with strong female leads and Dina definitely fits that criteria. Dina is spunky, sassy, and not afraid to give Sean and Arland the business—taking those traits and indulging them was really fun. She’s an Innkeeper with a strong moral compass and a need for justice regardless of the rules—It was important to me to stay true to her character and I hope I accomplished that.
Innkeeper Chronicles: Comic Adaptation Artist Interview: Shinju Ageha from Kisai Entertainment
1. What would you say your experience overall has been like drawing this Clean Sweep comic?
It’s been a fun and challenging experience. Sci-fi and fantasy stories are my favorite, and I learned a lot from making this comic.
2. What do you like most about drawing Clean Sweep?
The settings! It’s really fun to imagine how magic works in this universe.
4. Do you have a favorite character to draw? Who is it and why?
Arland! He’s a nice combination of a fiercely devoted knight and a mature gentleman ^^
Thank you so much to ChrossxXxRoads for turning out book into a script. 🙂 We had a lot of oversight on the script, meaning that we would suggest revisions, and ChrossxXxRoads was always very gracious with implementing our suggestions. While ChrossxXxRoads is being very humble in the interview, their addition of the werecat was really well done and the episodes that deal with Allivar’s background are completely original. They had excellent pacing and compelling characterization and we are very fortunate to have such a talent adapt out work.
We will be posting more this week with answers to some of your questions regarding Tapas, adaptation, and future direction of the series. (There will always be books. We are not switching to only comic book format, no worries.) Clean Sweep comic will be available on August 23, 2022.
Can’t wait!! Such a confluence of my favorite things!!
So cool to read on how it came about from the creators and very excited for it to come out!!!
That was quite interesting. I’m looking forward to trying out Tapas and this webtoon when it’s out next week.
Thank you for this; it’s always neat to get insight into the processes of various creators.
I’m really looking forward to this! I’ve been checking out a lot of the material in Tapas from an earlier post and am finding it addictive!
Yay, I’ve been looking a episodes to get used to Tapas.
What a day 23 Aug will ge this year ????
Thank you everyone who got involved in this!
Beast is awesome!
Now, to just find patience for waiting another week…
*hearts in my eye*
Sounds like fun!
I am sure I will love it.
Many thanks to the guys from Tapas for the insight.
Thanks so much for this! I love getting this kind of insight. I’ve been meaning to try Tapas (and Manta) for a while and now have the perfect excuse to dive in! Been reading Lady Chef Royale and am totally confused lol! I’ll figure it out eventually (not Tapas, the plot!). Cannot wait until next week!!!!!
Where was the initial announcement of the release posted? I’ve tried searching on the Tapas app but it doesn’t show anything yet.
Hi Beth,
The release isn’t until the 23rd of August- there will be a teaser on the 19th , but until then it’s still a bit early for it to appear in the serches.
The initial announcement was made in the Tapas newsletter for August, which is mailed to Tapas subscribers and here on the blog https://ilona-andrews.com/2022/surprise-innkeeper-announcement/
Thank you! I was going crazy trying to figure out where tapas announced/teased upcoming releases.
So excited for both releases, can’t wait to read them! I am a big Webtoon fan, but haven’t tried Tapas yet – will def do so now. Also – love the artwork, especially Beast. Thanks for this!
I heard a rumor, I just made up, that Iron Rose is getting the next comic adaptation to lead into the new Julie books being comics.
😛 Rumours we just made up are always the best.
Yeah, me too. I just heard this rumor you made up @Naenae. Sounds completely legit 😛
If you hear it enough, it’s true.
I heard that rumour too, so it’s practically confirmed ????????
Squeeeee two releases on the same day! *happy dance*
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to turn such a phenomenal book into a comic!! It’s been a crazy and rewarding experience!! Huge thank you to you and the rest of the team! <3 Can't wait until August 23rd! xCxR
It already looks great! Can’t wait!
I think so too, thank you!! So excited!
Squeeee! Can’t wait, I joined Tapas just so I could read Innkeeper, but now I’m reading other things too, just need to be careful I don’t use up all my ink before Clean Sweep arrives.
I’ll just keep asking…
Can anyone tell me what this will cost? Not in “ink” but in US Dollars?
I’ve never used Tapas (obvs) and I’m not, generally, interested in the medium, but I’ll do anything for extra Innkeeper content.
Will I be able to…IDK…*pay* *cash* *money* to get this one book?
I understand (I think?) it will be released in installments. Okay, cool, but can I subscribe to this one thing?
I’m worried that it will be like all the other subscription services, that I’ll be expected to pay a monthly fee forever, even if I’m only interested in one thing. Like, Netflix. Hello. I just want season 6 of The Crown. I don’t want to pay $20 / month forever.
Hi Leigh Ann,
There will be another post this week going in more detail about how to use Tapas but I will try to explain here.
I am not able to give you an exact amount in US dollars for “the entire book”, because episodes will be available for free sometimes, there will be promotions on Ink (price variations on bundles), free deals to get Ink etc. I can tell you an episode for similar adaptations typically runs around 350 Ink, but it won’t be a fixed number.
You can buy Ink with real money- because the transactions are digital, from your bank account rather than cash.
It helps if you don’t think about this as a book though, but as a magazine, with weekly issues :).
It is not a subscription service, you can stop buying the episodes whenever you want. Btw, with subscription services you can usually unsubscribe or cancel contracts too with a notice period, depending on the plan you signed up for 🙂 , there should be clauses relating to it. You do not need to pay forever.
Thanks.
350 ink per episode.
How many episodes is this first book?
I think I remember it being 52? 52×350 = 18,200. Currently they are selling 22,500 ink for $19.95 – which, fair. I would easily spend twenty bucks for a year’s worth of Innkeeper.
And, obviously I can cancel subscriptions. But, as a practical matter, it’s not that simple. There are entire services dedicated to helping people cancel subscriptions that they have totally forgotten about, but keep paying for anyway. It’s a general issue, not just a “me” problem. One example: subscription boxes for kids (Kiwi etc) are auto-renewing, and there is NO WAY to subscribe without auto-renewal. So if I want to give a 1-year subscription, and have it NOT auto-renew, I need to set an alert and cancel at exactly the correct moment. Aw hell. Audible has made an absolute fortune off auto-renewal. I’ve been trying to cancel for a decade…but…I just always have credits left over…
It’s funny – My husband’s credit card just got compromised, and I was like, “Oh good! This will cancel all those recurring charges.”
That’s how we finally got rid of Netflix. Which, of course, I’ll have to sign up for again if I want to see how The Crown wraps up.
Yes, 52 episodes. But remember the first 3 episodes will be free, to give everyone a chance to decide if they wish to read and the format is for them 🙂
I want to clarify that the 350 ink number is not officially what an episode will cost, I am merely basing it on speculation based on similar Tapas novelisations.
And again, the Ink will have promotional sales where it will cost less, as well as free methods of obtaining it as well.
That’s fine! Any ball-park estimate is fine!
It’s the difference between $20 per year, and $20 per month.
It sounds like this will be closer to $20 for the whole thing – all 52 episodes. That’s great. If it turns out to be closer to $15, awesome.
Having just started on Tapas myself, you might want to take advantage of the initial starter special. Logging in every day for 7 consecutive days results in a 50% coupon, so you can get 22,500 ink for $10 (plus tax).
Of course the hard part is not spending it all but the bonus ink and Wait Until Free really helps reduce the cash outlay.
Thanks!
I’ve downloaded the app, and created an account. I’ll faithfully log in daily.
Honestly. It’s NOT the money I’m worried about. For me, $10 or $20 is fine, and I WANT to support all the House Andrews projects.
What concerns me is Tapas lack of transparency. I’m not about to buy into something I don’t understand, and where prices are not posted. That’s just…adulting 101.
– I understand the concept of loss-leaders.
– I understand intro pricing.
– I understand volume discounts.
None of this is new. I even understand gamified purchasing. I work in retail FFS. I get it. Furthermore, the fact that I can afford books at all is thanks to a career in e-commerce. Like: I GET IT. I understand how to buy things, IRL, online, in-app purchasing. I get it.
But the fact that I can’t click on an episode (any episode, any title) and find a price raises my hackles. Am I not looking in the right place? Where is the ink?!?
Again. I’m happy with Mod R’s estimate that an episode is about 350 ink. Fine. But where is that posted on the app? Bc I’m not seeing it anywhere. And when I ask about pricing, the answers I’m getting are all about the discounts. Awesome. Great. But, without a basis, I can’t do the calculation. That’s just…basic.
Hi Leigh Ann,
I have emailed you privately.
None of this compulsory. It sounds like it’s creating you so much grief and frustration, and I’m so sorry about that. *Hugs* .
The price for the Innkeeper episodes will be about 30 cents per episode, after the free trial of 3 episodes, but there may also be further freebies down the line. The episodes and Ink have varying price due to promos because that is the business model. You are not agreeing to anything ahead of time, you can assess every week if you want to purchase or not. For example, you are not seeing a price atm because you are a new user and the episodes are free for you so you can make up your mind on whether you like them. You are not signing up to any subscription.
If you would rather catch up at a later date once the episodes are released and you can estimate the exact price for each, or skip this format, I promise absolutely no one will be upset.
There are a lot of Tapas users in the comments that stand witness they have not been scammed and they are enjoying the app, the learning curve is not very steep, but not everything is for everyone and that’s ok! Ilona is always the first to say that in this house we value wellbeing before all!
I already have bookmarked this comic. Can’t wait to read it.
Everyone loves Arland! Of course they do!!!
True that it is hard to estimate what the cost will be. Have joined tapas to figure it out. So far playing with 8 or so titles, have over 3000 ink and have not spent a dime.
How wonderful! Oh I’m so glad that ChrossxXxRoads got to work on it. <3 So excited to see the final product!
Thank you, I’m so grateful I was given the honor!! The project has been amazing, I can’t wait for you all to read it!! xCxR
I’m so excited about this !
Will it be available for European readers ?
Hi Hyna, yes, you can absolutely use the Tapas website or app from Europe! https://tapas.io/
Hi mod R 🙂 that wasn’t my question. Will the serie be available for European readers? They are a lot of series in tapas that is not available in my country
Are* not
I will ask! Thanks for bringing this up, I hadn’t realised and I’m in the UK!
Thank you ????????
I just confirmed, yes, the comic will be available globally on the 23rd of August! Including the early content teaser this Friday!
For new tapas readers :
You can have free ink every Monday (check your gifts inbox on tapas with the Monday cookie) that expires at the end of the week. It is often enough to buy an episode ????????
Beast is so darling!! She reminds me of the terrier mix my family had many years ago.
Congratulations to the creative team on a very cool new version of Sweep adventures!!
P.S. Was the moon-lit Inn drawing previewed in a post last fall? It looks familiar.
Yes, it was one of the mysterious teasers 🙂
I was a little nervous when I heard this was being adapted to comic format (I’m always leery of adaptations), but it looks like it’s going to be really fun. I’m definitely going to give it a shot. I’m looking forward to the new werecat episodes.
Hmmmm, now I want to know how they deal with the scene where Arland drinks coffee, takes off his clothes and runs around the orchard. I bet they left that scene out!
Now I imagine a drawing of Arland running around naked in the background, while Dina is standing in the foreground with an “oh no” face, her hands halfway in the air in a gesture of “ugh, stay away”, thereby blocking the view of critical parts 😀
Already downloaded Tapas just waiting for the 23rd to get the story.. waiting patiently (not)(jumping up and down impatiently )
I am happy for My favorite authors to have so many looking forward to this format of their stories.
I make a point to buy all the books and ebooks. Gonna skip the toons.
I’m really looking forward to seeing this new adaptation!
Beast was exactly how I pictured her, heehee. Oh boy, new readers are in for a surprise with her hehehe…
I gotta say, I was having a hard time with the original preview drawings, was finding it very jarring to see them in Anime format. When I read so many webtoons that’s a separate compartment in my brain, and graphic novels are another.
But now that I see Dina, Sean and Arland being themselves, that kinda clicked. Their characterizations were good. Arland and his princely beauty (that bounces right off Dina’s head, don’t think I didn’t see the stars) and Sean’s handsome casualness, and Dina’s simple getups as well but transformed expression and body language when she means business like a BOSS.
I may have to give the webtoon a try….
Looks fantastic! Can’t wait!
will this eventually be put into a printed graphic novel?
I am so pee my pants excited for this! 2 of my favorite mediums combined!
Mod R – Appreciate your thorough answers to everyones questions. Your fantastic
Not going to lie, I wasn’t as interested in the comic book adaptation but after reading this interview….I’m now curious.
I hope if you give it a shot that you enjoy it!! It’ll be worth it, I promise! 😉 xCxR
I am not much of a comic reader, by this seems intriguing. Seeing visuals and new content for one of my favorite series, YES. Also hoping if it is a success maybe we will see KD????????
Awesome! I can’t wait!