ISSUE #8 - BIGBITE

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6*LAURIN CROZIER 8*HAND OF FATE 12*RWBY: VOLUME 3 - IN Memoriam 16*GRIFFON RAMSEY 22*Ask the community 32*Goeff’s drink ‘n’ mercantile 34*top ten 36*BIGBITE UPDATE

CREDITS Pg 1 (cover): Illustration by James Perrett (JP) Pg 2-5: Illustration and design by JP Pg 6-7: Interview by Mikhail Manuel, design by Monica Kani Pg 8-9: Words by Dan Cook, design by Monica Kani Pg 12-15: Words by Kelly Escalante, design by JP Pg 1 6 -2 1: Inte r v ie w by JP, Mon ic a Kani and Mikhail Manuel, design by JP Pg 22-23: Poll by John Byrne, design by JP Pg 24-30: Words by Matthew VanDeZande, desig n and i l lustrations by Monic a Kani Pg 31: Design and illustration by Monica Kani Pg 32-33: Wo r d s , s t o r y a n d i l l u s tration by Mikhail Manuel Pg 35: Research by Batara Mulya, design by Batara Mulya and JP Pg 37: Words by Joe Dalton, design by JP bigbitemagazine@gmail.com Pg 38-40: Design by JP

@BIGBITEmedia

/BIGBITEonline

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RW BY Volume 3 - in Memoriam WRITTEN by KELLY ESCALaNTE .12

RWBY volume three is undoubtedly the most experimental to date. It features highly in depth combat sequences that leave viewers speechless, introduces new storytelling techniques, and takes the series in new directions. Not only does it exhibit these changes, but is representative of them as a whole, which elevates and deepens the on screen transformation in which the series partakes.

astounding amount about those two characters in that singular fight, demonstrating excellent storytelling via riveting action.

Perhaps the best part of this fight its gravity. Being a contest between two adult and highly capable warriors, this battle is the first of its kind for the series. As the combat accelerates, the scene gains momentum, ultimately ending more abruptly than it starts. It should be the icon for all RWBY

Volume three showcases fight sequences. a multitude of fantastic fight sequences. In fact, if one were Per the norm, volume to stand out, the best have to be three has plenty of serious blended found in chapter three, involving with silly. A perfect example of Qrow. Not only was it a spec- this is the first episode, in which tacle showcase, but it portrays the show opens on Ruby visiting the severity of his and his oppo- her mother’s grave. We then hit nent’s feelings, as well as their the first battle scene, with a few skill and techniques. We learn an chuckles here and there, which

is directly followed by comedy and exposition. The first chapter sets the standard for the volume, continuing the tones and themes already established by the series.

But, something in RWBY changes during the course of volume three. Halfway through, the tone of the volume starts to shift.

As the audience watches chapter 6, they are experiencing an important turning point for RWBY. In one, iconic instant, we see the first in a sequence of nefarious attacks that belong to the culmination of schemes and plans that occurred prior to that point. Following this, the situation only continues to worsen, leaving our heroes broken and lost by the final chapter, thus leading expectantly into the coming volume.

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Despite one’s opinions on the events of the volume, there is a subtle beauty to how they transpired. Upon closer inspection, one can see that the transformative narrative on display during RWBY volume three is symbolic of the entire series. We already know that the first chapter brought with it an expected balance of fight and fun.

Mid volume, RWBY trades fun for solemn, an exchange that has brought on massive tonal change not only to the following chapters, but the entire series to come. By the end, the audience no longer knows what’s in store. Beacon and the Huntsman have fallen. The only knowledge the viewer has is that RWBY is no longer the same.

The tutorial is over, the rules have changed, the arc has ended.

If the rule of threes, Rooster Te eth’s stor ytelling history, and volume three’s narrative-structural parallel are any indication, RWBY’s coming arc will, in theory, also contain three volumes. Beacon was one half of

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the overarching story, full of educational innocence, and the rest has yet to come. Undoubtedly, the newly established tones will continue to develop along with each character, of whom will be pushed to their limits.

characters can die. While this may not appeal to the more familial audience members the show has accumulated, it does allow Rooster Teeth to present story in the best way it knows how, which is through more adult themes.

As for the new directions of the series, we’re left with more questions than answers. But, for the first time in RWBY, one feels as if on the precipice of these answers. The characters are no longer limited by their junior statuses. Depending on the course of the story, some may not even be restricted by conventional or established morality. The best part about leaving off with characters being broken down is the chance to discover what they will be molded into.

Hopefully, as the series continues to grow and evolve, an unshackled RWBY means a better RWBY. Noticeable or out of place static images (chapter: one), overindulged comedic irony and cartoonificaton (chapter: two), and constant use of what, by now, must be dummy rounds used in weapons (chapter: all of them) are all things that could easily fade away with the above shifts and the show’s continued development. That being said, although the future is murky for Remnant, it looks good for RWBY. Aside from the series’ beginning, never before has the show had so many directions to discover, and we look forward to the adventures along the way.

RW B Y h a s n e e d e d a change of this magnitude for some time. Now, any character can go in any direction. With the introduction of real menace, the stakes are higher. Characters can lose and Written by Kelly Escalante

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James: How was your recent trip to Australia competing in the Chainsaw Carving Championship?

Griffon: I love Australia and will take every opportunity I can to visit. Also, I prefer traveling with a purpose, like carving in competitions instead of aimless tourism. It was a great trip!

cal, film and online entertainment projects. Four and a half years ago, I decided to try something a little more permanent. While I understand why some people love ephemeral art, I find that I prefer having an artifact that remains after so much hard work!

J: Do you feel that it has aided you in your career?

J: How did your piece ‘”Dancer” in cypress’ come G: University helped me develop a creative process about for the competition? that I can rely on to propel me through projects, actually finish them, and meet deadlines. Because of G: I was a lot more prepared this year, with multiple certain classes and the guidance of some professors, sketches and a starter template roughly the length even if I’m not feeling creatively inspired, I can get of the logs we had the previous year. Although I my work done and be professional. didn’t place, it was an honor to be a part of it. The competition was really good and I was one of the J: What would be some advice you wish you knew few to sell my piece at the auction, so I can’t com- when starting out as an artist? plain!

G: Take business classes! Find out what you don’t J: What’s your background in art, did you study know and either learn it, or find a mentor who can at college/university? help you as you muddle through. Get Instagram and start networking! Unless you are well-known G: I graduated with a BFA from Texas State in enough to have an agent, YOU are responsible for Technical Theater. After college, I designed and letting people know about your work. built sets, props and costumes for various theatri-

“YOU are responsible for letting people know about your work.” .18

“I love how I feel when I’m carving - powerful.”

J:Was there something specific that lead you to chainsaw sculpture?

G: I grew up in Oregon and saw chainsaw carvers working along the coast as a child. One of my grandfathers was a whittler, and carved small figurines with knives and chisel by hand. My other grandfather was a logger by trade and a poet in his spare time. Many people in my family were creative, self-taught artists in one way or another.

Carving was something I wanted to try for years but wasn’t brave or motivated enough to start until about 4 and a half years ago. There were a lot of big changes happening in my life at that time so adding one more thing that scared me wasn’t a big deal!

The chainsaw is an incredibly fast, versatile and powerful tool. I love how I feel when I’m carving powerful.

G: Looking around. People watching. Pinterest.

J: What lead you to start your latest creative project, a YouTube channel focused on ASMR (Autonomous sensory meridian response)?

G: My friend Max and I started Youtube.com/ DreamingASMR as a fun side project together for a few reasons. First of all, we love watching and experiencing ASMR ourselves. We like that our videos serve a greater purpose in helping our viewers relax and/or fall asleep. Lastly, it provides us with a great platform for collaborating with other artists and interesting people.

J: Do you have a favourite sculpture or creative project you’ve worked on?

J: Could you talk us through the process of creat- G: I am always looking forward to the new thing so ing a chainsaw sculpture? once I’m done with a piece I am happy that it exists in the world, but I’m not overly attached. It’s my G: Big cuts, medium cuts, small cuts. goal to always be making something, so the next project is usually what is on my mind.

J: What influences you as an artist?

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J: Will we be seeing you at RTX 2016 and have you got an special sculptures planned for the event?

get back into making weekly art videos, maybe with more of a tutorial leaning soon!

J: Thanks for speaking with us, Griffon! We look G: Yes, I will be doing one or more live carving forward to seeing you and your sculptures at shows at my exhibitor space at RTX 2016 and raf- RTX 2016! fling off whatever I end up making. Please come by if you’re at the event!

Check out Griffon’s artwork through the below links!

What does 2016 look like for you, The Fort, and facebook.com/griffonramseyrt your YouTube channel? Are you planning any twitter.com/griffonramsey new series/shows premiering? griffonramsey.com G: It’s possible the FORT might be moving to a new location. I am also in the process of migrating my online store and website to Shopify. I would love to

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Onto the quick fIre round!

Cat or dog?

They are both great for different reasons Chocolate or candy?

Marzipan is my favorite candy Red or Blue?

Well I have to say Red, don’t I? Movie or TV show?

ASMR videos Big sculpture or small?

Big! Pine or cedar?

Cedar Favourite artist?

Julie Taymor Favourite place to be?

Forest

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JDSchu (REDDIT) I’ve been an RT fan since the first season of Red vs Blue in 2003. I remember watching it with friends in middle school during class and gigg¬ling like idiots worrying that the teacher would hear all the cursing and bad words. Back then we were all obsessed with Halo, so RvB was something familiar yet different, and, no offense to Burnie and the guys, the humor was right up our alley at 13 years old. It’s been a wild ride ever since.

AWildDorkAppeared (REDDIT) It really depends. I started watching RvB when it came around but -eventually stopped watching and went away and then eventually came back around the time Rage Quit started. So I could say I was a fan since the beginning but I took a hiatus and came back.

Kicking222 (REDDIT) I loved the first season of “RvB”- I was one of those initial 10,000 DVD salesbut I lost track of the show. Years later, I used Jack’s map for “Crackdown 2”. Slightly after that, I stumbled upon AH’s Let’s Plays and soon realized that all three of those things had come from the same company.

Poncho44 (REDDIT) Been a RT fan since season 1 was released on DVD. I remember a buddy of mine telling me about the scene where the Blues assault the Reds in their “black armor.” I found his reenactment so hilarious, I had the see the show for myself. This was before I realized that you could watch videos on the internet, so I spent about a week searching for it in all the various obscure video stores at my local mall.

Found a copy of season 1 at a Suncoast, and its been amazing watching everything as the years have gone by! :D

Psychlopic (REDDIT) I’ve been a fan since around late 2010 or early 2011, I believe. I somehow

found Fails of the Weak on Youtube (I think it was around nr 20 or so), and after I watched every episode of that I started watching more of their stuff, like HORSE and (WHAT IS) Game Night. Then it became more “regular” RT things since it was all on the main channel, and it basically snowballed from there. Ironically, I actually didn’t start watching RvB until almost 2 years ago, between season 11 and 12.

Stanty16 (REDDIT) As as active fan, since March/April 2013.

I was watching the Slow Mo Guys for a couple of years prior to that, but during a rough time I was marathoning their videos and the FAQ Mentioned that Gavin was from Rooster Teeth, which sounded familiar. I checked them out, and saw RvB (Which I had been shown an episode of in 2004-5).

I checked out some of the Lets Play videos, Minecraft mostly, and they helped to cheer me up. From there, I became a regular watcher of their content, and have been in the community ever since, making fan art and designs, as well as a couple of painted items sent to them, which could often be seen in the background of AH videos xlaxpizeta (REDDIT) I’ve been a fan since season 1 of RvB aired back in 2003. My best friend at the time sat next to me in a computer class, and we would always show each other the cool stuff we found online. He showed me episode 2, which had just come out. From then on, the two of us, along with a growing group of friends, started watching the episodes every week at the end of class!

Giries (RT SITE) Middle school was a weird time.

Watching Red vs. Blue: Reconstruction back in 2008 made it weirder. It was the perfect blend of slapstick and compelling plot,and is still my favorite season of RvB. I never looked back after that.

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Dear Readers, When we started this magazine, our mission was to feature as many of the awesome content creators in our community as possible. We’ve had the privilege of working with countless writers, illustrators, graphic designers, and more! We are so fortunate to have such wonderful people working with us, and are truly thankful for all of the fantastic talented people we encounter on a daily basis.

Over the course of our journey, we’ve learned two really important things. 1) The Rooster Teeth community is filled with more talented people than we could have ever imagined. 2) BIGBITE Magazine was able to take care of our writers and graphic artists. But what about our actors? Our musicians? Our animators?

We realized that we were not serving a huge portion of the creative geniuses in our community. And that just wouldn’t do. But how could we do all of that?

A few months ago, we realized it was time to evolve beyond just BIGBITE Magazine. We realized that in order to serve our community, we needed to develop a multimedia strategy, which ultimately gave way to BIGBITE Media. At current, we have a number of community projects in various stages of development, including original animated series, podcasts, radio shows, and more!

February 2016 saw the first of our BIGBITE Media projects come to fruition. We recently launched the BIGBITE channel on Youtube! We currently have 3 shows in production, and are already releasing videos! If you follow us on Twitter (@BIGBITEMedia), you’ve probably seen that Super Best Friends is already being released. If you’ve seen our website lately (www.BIGBITE.online), you’ve likely heard about our second show, Nihilo. If you’ve been reading my thoughts, you know about a third, unannounced series. Also, if you’ve been reading my thoughts, please stop. That’s creepy.

Of course, what would the point of all of this be if we just made all of our own shows ourselves? We want to get the community involved! We are currently actively recruiting animators, voice actors, writers, musicians, and anyone else who wants to find a way to help! If you are interested in helping us out, either drop us a line on Twitter (@BIGBITEMedia) or shoot us an email (BIGBITEMedia@gmail.com).

When we started this magazine, we never could have imagined how big of a part of the community we would eventually become, and can’t wait to see how far we can go in our mission.

Thank you for joining us on our journey!

Sincerely, Joe Dalton Editor, BIGBITE Magazine Chief Operations Officer, BIGBITE Media.

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