About the Comic
Lighter than Heir's setting is a fictional Germanic fantasy world. The story begins with a young volant girl named Zeppelin Von Schultheiss. She's the daughter of her country's greatest war hero, Hemmel Von Schultheiss. All of her life, she was surrounded by love from the public and the media due to her father's great accomplishments, but her own efforts always went overlooked. With resentment for her father and an inflated ego, she signs up for the military on her 19th birthday in hopes to outshine her dad. Little does she know the military is the last place for a self-centered brat. |
From its first update [May 24, 2011] til December 2012, the comic updated every Tuesday and Thursday. In December 2012, it started updating every Monday- Friday. However, due to the author's health complications, as of August 19th, 2013, the comic went down to Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Now, the comic updates every Tuesday and Friday at 1pmEST.
The comic is loosely based on a novella I wrote in college about a volant named "Zeppelin" who resented her famous father. The novella's name was "The Fantastic Von Schultheiss," but the name didn't really sound good as a comic. During a conversation, the title "Lighter than Heir" was pitched by my friend Noah and that's how we got the name. Thanks, dude!
My name is Mel, aka nalem, I'm a college graduate originally from New York City. I moved out west in 2006 and received my BFA from Thomas More University in Spring 2011. Now, I spend my free time drawing to my heart's content. I love drawing, comics, drawing comics, cartoons, drawing cartoons, baby animals, chocolate, and hand puppets. |
Spanio is the other half to Pale Dog Studios and the co-writer writer (as of November 2013) of Lighter than Heir!
You can find him in other places too. Herbie and Jeff- A webcomic about a man and his man bot. He's also a member of various social networks such as DeviantArt, Tumblr, Twitter, and Youtube. |
When does the comic update?
Tuesday and Friday!
How do you make the comic?
I use a Fujitsu T730 Tablet PC custom made PC, a Yiynova MVP22U, and Clip Studio Paint EX to make the comics and illustrations. For my coloring, I use Adobe Photoshop CS6.
Are you German/do you speak German?
I'm not/I don't, sorry.
Your German is incorrect.
Thanks for telling me! If you could, drop me an email with the correction and the page number and I'll go change it! I've been teaching myself for the story so I'm no pro. I would greatly appreciate it!
You used the word "Schadenfraude" incorrectly on page 42.
This is one usage of German that's used more like a silly interjection. Think like the "Team Girl Squad" usage of ARROWED.
The military knowledge/procedures are incorrect.
When the comic first started, it was more of a comedic parody of the military. As it's progressed, the trajectory of the comic's tone has shifted to a more serious one. The comic's a work in progress and we strive to improve all the time! Thanks for reading, your input, and support!
I like your art! Do you take commissions?
Thanks! And yes, I do! If you're interested, email me at nalem29@gmail.com!