I’d say Violets Dungeon was definitely Sleepy’s darkest story. Just cruel, not erotic, just Violet being drunk and abusive. Sleepy has always been clear the world of these characters is a dark one, they’re Femme Fatales for a reason, meaning quite a great deal of them, Carmilla most definitely, has killed, we even see her do that in her own prequel story. These stories have kidnapping and rape, though Sleepy has said there’s more consent from the victims than we see. Then we have the Thief story, Trixie was arrogant and went up against VERY dangerous people, so how her story went so dark makes sense.
Sleepy has always been clear that these characters are dark, but has always loved mixing more comedy styles with his work, like how somewhat cartoonish Evie can get, which is why he’s switched up gears and going for a more lighter edge, apparently more similar to Evie during her Family Values adventures, where she’s more playful, mischievous, cartoonish, colourful, and Sleepy did start out his whole world with a more mysterious noir type feel to it, but he was finding his footing at the time. The direction he’s going now feels better. His time off worked to his advantage, and it’s clear he’s more refreshed.
I’m looking forward to the works he will post in the future. If anyone here has a problem with Sleepy’s new direction, then find another artist instead of complaining. You’re not the ones making this art, Sleepy is.
I think it’s easily possible for Sleepy to retain the same kink/fetish themes that made him so popular while toning down the darkest elements that apparently made him uncomfortable, but that what he’s doing lately is an overcorrection that removes what made his work stand out in the first place.
If this is his primary source of income, I think it’s the ethical thing for his fans to discuss their concerns if his new direction might end up hurting him financially.
Artists change and grow and adapt, and have outside lives that inform the art they are called to make. I love the really dark shit. But I also adore how Sleepy has noir and comedy elements, Easter eggs in the background that weave through other stories, excellent writing, gorgeous art… even if not all of it is my cup of tea, I am along for the ride and deeply respect Sleepy as a visual storyteller.
But when an artist starts to make work with the primary goal of pleasing an audience, they lose their spark. Creativity can’t thrive long when one creates to please other hearts, it is at its best when the creator creates to please themself first.
I was also a bit worried with the change in direction at first, but Sleepy’s artwork lately has been phenomenal — especially with the lush, fantastic nature scenes, and hybrid watercolor and digital painting techniques. I see someone inspired and having fun again, creating something for the joy of it, and getting to know Evie all over again in a new way, one that focuses less on her lore and more on her personality.
I can’t wait to see what happens with Trixie and Nancy. I am sure when the time is right, Sleepy will revisit them and bring a spark of something new and wonderful to the work.
Can tell you aren’t into BDSM. For those of us who are… it’s one of our favorite issues.
Edit: Violet’s dungeon that is*