Strip Search 1.29: The Two Month Pant Kick
In what is surprisingly the last art-off between the contestants, the final three are left to compete for the top spot. And with Maki returning victorious, that means it’s him, Abby, and Katie for the final judging. It’s right after his return to the house that the next, and final, challenge beings. That’s right. No break. Nada. Jerry and Mike walk in to explain what’s going to happen next. In Project Runway style, the final three are being sent home and given two months (or, 86,400 minutes as Jerry so preciously intones) to complete the work for the final challenge:
An original comic strip that must have the following:
– A name
– Three character bios
– Six comic strips
– A t-shirt design
This last challenge basically requires the three remaining artists to utilize all the input they’ve received from the challenges and judges, sticking it into one giant, finale-laden, project. Katie is ecstatic while Maki’s head is just reeling. Abby is insensate! Even though she has already prepared for this possibility.
After being given a brief glimpse into their comic design and process, the three return to Seattle, Graham, and the gladiatorial elimination room. However, no matter what we want, we’re going to have to wait until Friday, June 14 and Tuesday, June 18. Ah, well, until then, here are some screencaps of the final three’s designs. I also say EAT CROW because two of my final three have made it to the end. Even my guess at Abby being the silent stalker has panned out. Way to go me. I mean them. No, I mean me.
Who will win? I know who I’m betting on after seeing their work…
In Brooklyn, NY – Maki
A close up of Maki’s new work.
Maki’s “fret board,” which he aptly frets over.
In Montreal, QC – Abby
The flying machine Abby’s new characters will ride in.
Check it, Abby’s comic crew. Maybe? Yes.
In Burbank, CA – Katie
Sketches of Katie’s new characters.
A glimpse into Katie’s story for the new comic.
My current top three are now just my top two:
Katie, Tavis, and Maki- though I think Abby could bag it all. Apparently I don’t think Lexxy will win it, despite my feelings that Mike and Jerry are a bit skewed towards her. Interesting.
New episodes air Tuesday and Friday on Penny Arcade and youtube.
Current Standings:
Abby Howard, 20, Montreal, Quebec.
She’s the youngest and has the least experience. But she draws dinosaurs! However, will any of those things even matter?
(Kept: Elimination #6)
(Social Game #7 / Full set of Jungle Speed games, and the final Redraw Ticket)
(Kept: Elimination #8)
(Social Game #9 / Dinner with Jerry, Mike, and Robert)
Alex Hobbs, 22, Tempe, AZ.
This swear-word dropping free-spirit is highly likeable, but will his work be up to par? Set to graduate post-Strip Search, it’ll be interesting to see where this will take him. Eliminated 1st Challenge
Amy Falcone, 24, Noank, CT
Gamer to the innards, Amy is serious and competitive to a fault. Will that fault be her undoing? Whatever the result, quitting her job to do Strip Search shows her passion.
(Challenge #1 Winner)
(Social Game #3 / Drawing Blind Winner – Intuos5 Tablet)
(Eliminated 5th Challenge)
Erika Moen, 29, Portland, OR
Proven work in social and sexual commentary brings her to the contest with a following that marks her as one to have eyes on.
(Social Game #3 / Drawing Blind Winner – Intuos5 Tablet)
(Challenge #4 Winner)
(Eliminated 6th Challenge)
Katie Rice,31, Burbank, CA
A soft-spoken artist with a following of her own. Some of those fans are also fellow contestants. Will she use the star power to stun?
(Kept: Elimination #1)
(Kept: Elimination #2)
(Social Game #4 / Street Art Winner – Artist Alley booth at NYCC ’13)
(Social Game #5 / Sculpt-Off Winner – Redraw Ticket)
(Social Game #7 / Table-Tennis-Off – unknown prize!)
(Challenge #7 Winner)
(Challenge #8 Winner)
(Social Game #9 / Dinner with Jerry, Mike, and Robert)
(Challenge #9 Winner)
Lexxy – Alexandra Douglas, 27, Carmel, IN
Also seen in Penny Arcade: The Series, she’s dealt with Gabe and Tycho’s reality egos. If that helps or harms remains to be seen.
(Social Game #2 / Seattle Trivia Winner – Wacom Cintiq HD Tablet)
(Eliminated 3rd Challenge – BARELY)
(Returned to compete after the double elimination #4)
(Social Game #6 / SS Grand Prix Winner – Penny Arcade “First Party” Wardrobe)
(Kept: Elimination #7)
(Eliminated 9th Challenge – FOR REAL THIS TIME)
Mac – Mackenzie Schubert, 26, Portland, OR
Quiet, doe-eyes Mac has a very defined artistic style all his own. It’ll be interesting to watch how his gentle soul deals with the mood swings a competitive show can bring.
(Eliminated 4th Challenge)
(Social Game #4 / Street Art Winner – Artist Alley booth at NYCC ’13)
Maki Naro, 31, Brooklyn, NY
While I sincerely hope this guy watches Psych, his cool logic and talent may very well be what brings him to the final set of competitors.
(Social Game #1 / Fax Machine Winner – Redraw Ticket)
(Social Game #4 / Street Art Winner – Artist Alley booth at NYCC ’13)
(Kept: Elimination #5)
(Kept: Elimination #9)
Monica Ray, 22, Northbrook, IL
While seemingly quiet at the beginning, Monica’s super-power of Always Doing Something And Befriending All seems a gift. Remains to be seen if that gift implodes or explodes.
(Challenge #5 Winner)
(Eliminated 7th Challenge)
Nick Trujillo, 30, Walnut Creek, CA
Something of a philosopher and jack of all trades, Nick’s ability to be alright with people and make good art is something to watch. But will his relative newness to the industry be a detriment?
(Challenge #2 Winner)
(Challenge #3 Winner)
(Eliminated 4th Challenge)
Tavis Maiden, 31, Mesa, AZ
Bringing the attitude only a parent can, Tavis wants this more than any five-year-old screaming for the last piece of cake. He may get it, too.
(Kept: Elimination #3)
(Challenge #6 Winner – Black Ink Pro Kit and Airbrush Kit from Copic)
(Eliminated 8th Challenge)
Ty Halley, 25, Portsmouth, OH
Clipped, dry witted Ty has no brain-to-mouth–filter. And, he’s using his time on Strip Search as material for his own daily life strip. That will be interesting.
(Eliminated 2nd Challenge)
All bios and links to the personal websites of each artist can be found here.
