Tessera

Jay Eaton

@jayeatonart.bsky.social

An organism appreciator. Working on a hard scifi graphic novel. 🌈 http://patreon.com/jayrockin ☘️ http://jayrockin.tumblr.com 🏳️‍🌈 Bizz email: jayrock5858 @ yahoo .com

711 Posts7583 Follower 280 Folgt

Simon Roy @simonroy.bsky.social · 17h ago

This is from "the Kellerite", a part of the larger NIGHTSOIL comic im chipping away at, over the years, on my patreon - which you can find in the next post. A tale of a whole colony of clones of the same man, fighting for survival on a hostile world... 1/2

Sergei Nazarov (Available for a coloring gig!)@thenazavr.bsky.social · 17h ago

Maybe my fav comic we've made with @simonroy.bsky.social

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 2w ago

This week on #RunawaytotheStars: Imagine an 80km rollercoaster ascent, then a cable descends from the sky and yoinks you off the rails. Catch up: https://runawaytothestars.com Read ahead: https://patreon.com/jayrockin

A fleet of vehicles depart from the glowing airlock chamber of the recycling plant and head towards the Runaway, which is stationed on the rails outside with a towering delicate-materials hitch attached to the jack sled it sits on, and a construction elevator positioned outside its docking ring. A suited Talita is shown handing off pressurized canisters of luggage from the construction elevator to Gillie and Idrisah, who are standing inside the airlock of the Runaway. Inside the airlock, the sweaty trio take off their helmets and enjoy the cool air blasting from the air pumps. Gillie's hair and Talita's mane are rumpled and wet and flattened from being in the helmets. Talita stretches her arm and jaw as Idrisah signs thanks to her for doing so much heavy lifting. On the wall panel displays, Bip waves to them and prints the word "WELCOME!" The lifting isn't done yet, though, as the trio pack their belongings into the cargo bay. Luggage is held to the floor, walls, and ceiling with thick adjustable straps, then covered with netting. Talita brings in cargo while Gillie and Idrisah tighten straps. Finally, the three follow Bip's directions into a room of the third floor. They point down from the third floor ceiling and print the words "LAUNCH BEDS." They carefully climb down the ladder through the door of the sideways room.

Gillie, Idrisah, and Talita all lie down in cushioned launch beds that are positioned flat against the interior outer wall of the ship, and buckle their seatbelts. Bip's icon lounges on the wall next to them, as if also lying down. The floor of the room (currently a vertical wall at their feet) displays a countdown of 25 minutes and 32 seconds. The launch procedure begins, described in steps: 1. Dispatches on ground rail: the sled with the Runaway travels away from the recycling plant along the outside of the berm wall. 2. Transfers to access rail: the sled switches rails onto a path that takes it around the far edge of the berm, and into the interior loop. 3. Merges onto loop rail: the sled switches tracks onto the looped end of the launch highway. 4. Passes through magnetic bearing housing: the sled rounds the loop track along the inside of the berm and passes through one of the trapezoidal buildings powering the rotors of the launch loop. 5. Approaches loop ascent: the sled heads out straight towards the climb. 6. Ascends launch loop: the sled climbs the 80 km tall rail, the ground beneath it falling away to an inky black sky with stars. Direct message log: Calcery: Hey Talita, I hope you're doing well.

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 2w ago

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 3w ago

Loading any website without adblocker on these days is like walking open-mouthed into a swarm of gnats

ToughSF @toughsf.bsky.social · 3w ago

Deep below glaciers and ice sheets is pressure-melted 0°C water, thriving with life. But where does it get its energy from? www.nature.com/articles/nge... Mechanochemical reactions at the surface of crushed silicate rocks in water release hydrogen, which feeds chemotrophic bacteria.

ToughSF @toughsf.bsky.social · 3w ago

A laser-guided magnetic grappling hook for use by astronauts. #space #art by Lars Sowig. www.artstation.com/artwork/L4a4nA

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 3w ago

i dont want to draw comics i want to go back to the flamethrower room and make more tiny fish out of soda lime glass

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 4w ago

This week on #RunawaytotheStars: Tragic irony, and epic babies reveal. Catch up: https://runawaytothestars.com Read ahead: https://patreon.com/jayrockin

Verengt: Do you know what they think of us? Talita: It's... similar? Your relaxed eyes and lips actually look like an "angry" expression to them. Talita points at her face, relaxing her eyes into a half-lidded position and her lip corners into a droop. The impression is similar to a human glower or displeased frown. Verengt: Is that why you're doing all this with your eyelids⁇ Their trunk curls into a smile, and they mimic the expressions Talita makes with her nictitating membranes, gesturing similarly with a hand. Verengt: I thought you were just very anxious! Talita glances away in embarrassment, rubbing her neck with a hand. Talita: Er... Well… It may be both. Verengt: I've never met another dwaull like you. I look forward to talking more!

Talita's expression falls. Talita: I’m so sorry, I don’t know what Mel told you… But I’m actually… leaving this place. Tonight. Verengt: Ah, so we won’t be working with you? Talita: No… Verengt: A shame! But we would never keep you from traveling. Talita: Is there any way I could contact you from space? I hate to leave you without any help adjusting to the job. Verengt grimaces and reaches underneath the cloak covering their back. Verengt: Partwack… my children are better with alien technology than me…

Verengt: But I do have this… They lift their cloak, briefly revealing the six larvae clinging to their back. They are round and chubby with vertical stripes, and each is chewing on the end of a silk thread produced from a pair of spinnerets emerging where a tail would be on a mammal. Talita looks down at them in delight and wonder. Verengt pulls a phone out of their pocket and drops the cape, peering at the screen with a monocle corded to the phone case. Verengt: If you give me the number of your phone, I can send messages to it. Talita: Oh! Yes! Of course. Verengt pops the monocle into the socket on the back of their phone and hands it to Talita, who enters her phone number on the screen's extremely large text input. She hands it back to Verengt. Talita: If you have any questions at all, contact me. The equipment is designed for humans, so you to have to be creative to get some of it to work.

Verengt: I will send messages to you, Talita. Have a safe migration! They step back to rejoin the three other centaurs, making a downwards gesture with an open palm. The other three repeat the gesture. Talita is slightly confused, but beaming with a returned trunk smile anyways. Talita: ...Yeah! Talita walks with a fleet of autonomously driven trucks full of luggage through the plant, and out towards the main airlock. There, near the same lockers that Talita used to suit up with the temp workers, Idrisah and Gillie are putting on their company-assigned exosuits. Talita: Sorry I'm late. Idrisah: No problem, you're... Ugh! She fumbles the ring of the hip gasket and her pants drop down to her knees, dangling by a fluid cooling linkup. Talita smiles, this time with her mouth. Talita: Need help? Idrisah looks at her, apologetic. Idrisah: Yes please.

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 4w ago

This week on #RunawaytotheStars: Tragic irony, and epic babies reveal. Catch up: https://runawaytothestars.com Read ahead: https://patreon.com/jayrockin

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · last mo.

This week on #RunawaytotheStars: A tapetum lucidum is a kind of mirror. Catch up: https://runawaytothestars.com Read ahead: https://patreon.com/jayrockin

Talita finishes packing the cart in the puddle of light by the apartment building's front entrance, then is startled by a movement to her left. Emerging from the darkness between the two buildings are four large shadows, with 7 eerie eyes flashing the artificial light back towards her. It's Verengt and 3 other centaurs, all barely visible silhouettes. One of them points their trunk to the matriarch and whispers something, causing them to take notice of Talita. Talita looks back at them, apprehensive. Her own pupils reflect the light too, the uneven angle causing one to glow, and the other to mostly remain dark. Verengt walks toward Talita out of the darkness, their body gaining detail as they slowly become illuminated by the door lights.

Verengt approaches Talita, who is hunched fearfully over the cart. Verengt: Talita. Good evening. Talita straightens up and nervously touches her neck. Verengt's trunk points up in a loose curl. Talita: H- hi Verengt! I need to apologize for earlier, I– Verengt: No, we should apologize. I believe we misinterpreted you. Do you speak human language with your face, as well as your trunk? They gesture with an open palm over their own face.

Talita: Oh! …Yes, I do! Verengt: Showing teeth means something very different to them, doesn't it? Talita: Humans pull their lips up and bare their teeth to show they're happy or friendly. She points at her face and pulls her lips back into a quick smile that mostly shows gums. Talita: I've lived with them so long that I do it habitually. Verengt: I see. I usually look for a trunk curl... They lift their trunk upwards in a relaxed curl. Verengt: Do humans not know what this means? Talita returns the curl, with a small closed-lip smile. Talita: No, they usually don’t. Verengt looks off thoughtfully. Verengt: They always seem so unfriendly to me, with their flat nose and teeth flashing as they speak. But I suppose that's just how they're built…

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · last mo.

This week on #RunawaytotheStars: A tapetum lucidum is a kind of mirror. Catch up: https://runawaytothestars.com Read ahead: https://patreon.com/jayrockin

Sennamatic @sennamatic.bsky.social · last mo.

Beaded artfight attack for @jayeatonart.bsky.social of Bip!

A photograph of a piece of beadwork forming a long teal rhombus. Across the band of beads, is a simple white figure of a critter with a triangular-shaped head, little eyes, big ears, and a long body that fills the entire shape. Three little legs stick out, sporting a simplified foot shape. The blue beads are shiny, and the white beads have a slightly pearlecent quality to them.

でんか @k-hermit.com · last mo.

今年もヒオウギ稚貝の季節がやってきた

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · last mo.

This week on #RunawaytotheStars: Idrisah caves, Tod don't care, the trio prepares for liftoff. Catch up: https://runawaytothestars.com Read ahead: https://patreon.com/jayrockin

Idrisah stares up at Talita, surprised by her response. Gillie nudges into Idrisah with a cheeky grin. Gillie: (ASL) I trust them enough to fly us to Nexus Jovia without murdering us in our sleep! Idrisah hunches her shoulders and grips her forehead, grimacing. Gillie: (ASL) If they want to avoid the law, us going missing after boarding their ship would be WAY more suspicious than just dropping us off and leaving! Idrisah: (ASL) BUT— She turns to Gillie, faltering, breaking up in a nervous sweat. Idrisah: (ASL) I— We... We would get charged a cancellation fee on our ferry ship booking... Gillie put her hands on her hips, looking insulted.

Gillie: (ASL) Idrisah, would you rather spend two weeks on a ship with this lovely woman and an AI that's been more considerate to us than our employers... Talita looks surprised, then glances away, cheek feathers fluffing up at the compliment. Gillie: (ASL) Or those obnoxious temps? Idrisah thinks silently, hands on her hips. Idrisah: (ASL) Ok. Alright. Yeah! She turns to Talita conspiratorially. Idrisah: (ASL) What do you need us to do? Talita: (ASL) I'll move your bags out if you two handle food and supplies…

Talita trots up to Tod, who has loaded all her boxes in the back of the truck and and is climbing into the drivers seat. Talita: Tod! Could I borrow a couple more trucks tonight? Tod stares, deadpan. Tod: You roped the Touati-Sharpe couple into coming on your custom ship, huh? Her eyes widen in horror as she watch Tod finishes climbing behind the wheel. Talita: Mel told you?? Tod: Sure did. Her gaze flicks nervously to the side. Talita: Oh. Are… you mad? About me quitting right after 3 other long term employees… Tod leans back comfortably into the driver's seat, one hand on the wheel, utterly unfazed. Tod: Nah. This kinda massive turnover happens every five years here. Though this is the ballsiest exit I’ve seen yet.

Talita stares as Tod backs the vehicle up to turn it around. Tod: Don't blow up in orbit. I'd be sad. A montage of panels show the trio preparing to leave. Idrisah packs food onto a trolley in the community walk-in fridge, assisted by Rasheed. He points out the meat and fish packages while Idrisah counts to herself on her hands. After gathering the food, she hands him a bag full of garlic crickets while making an exaggerated "shush" gesture. Rasheed takes the bag and gives her a thumbs up. The tower lets out a bing bing and the lights begin to shut off as Gillie, Idrisah, and Talita move boxes out of the human apartment building and onto another truck bed. It's now dark in the habitat dome. Gillie and Idrisah follow the autonomous truck out towards the recycling plant, signing to Talita that they will meet her over there. Talita packs the last few straggler items onto a rolling cart, and waves to them.

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · last mo.

This week on #RunawaytotheStars: Idrisah caves, Tod don't care, the trio prepares for liftoff. Catch up: https://runawaytothestars.com Read ahead: https://patreon.com/jayrockin

A.C. Esguerra @blueludebar.com · last mo.

work in comics in the U.S., or know someone who does? (self-pub and webcomics count) tell 'em to fill this @cartoonist.coop survey! sharing knowledge is power 💪🏽🔏 airtable.com/appLRxNDI7Yj...

the top of the website form for the 2026 Comics Worker Survey by Cartoonists United, showing an image of Inkling (a cartoon inkwell) holding Nibford (a cartoon nib pen) encircled by text reading "Cartoonists United". underneath the picture, body text reads "The 2026 Comics Worker Survey / -This is for comics workers who live and work in the US / -Please answer relevant fields with your earnings from 2025 ONLY"

Rev. Dr. Derek M Ballard PhD @derekmballard.bsky.social · 2mo ago

the Good Lord! He Done... Up and Quit!? a CARTOONSHOW collection by Derek M Ballard is now live on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/car... If you like my work consider supporting & take advantage of the early backer discount!

Good Lord! He Done... Up and Quit!? a CARTOONSHOW collection

take this job & shove it! a lean full color swan song career finale comics cache (maybe?) in 48 pages from America's #1 cartoon dad.

kickstarter.com

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 2mo ago

This week on #RunawaytotheStars: The ferry slumber party is cancelled, and Idrisah has serious questions before she'll reschedule it on the Runaway. Catch up: https://runawaytothestars.com Read ahead: https://patreon.com/jayrockin

Tod dismounts from the truck and Talita adds her box to the pile on the road. Gillie looks around and Idrisah jogs up to Talita. Idrisah: Is it true? You quit?? Talita: Yeah, I… had a big fight with Mel. Idrisah balls up her hands in glee. Idrisah: So you’re coming with us on the ferry ship this Sunday? Talita: Oh. Er… She glances at Tod, who is walking behind her with a folded hand truck. Talita: (ASL) I’m not leaving on the ferry. I’m leaving with Bip on the Runaway. Gillie and Idrisah look surprised.

Idrisah: (ASL) Oh... well... it IS a passenger ship on route to Nexus Jovia... Gillie turns to her gleefully. Gillie: (ASL) Idrisah, let's go with them! Idrisah grimaces and raises her eyebrows. Idrisah: (ASL) What⁇ No. No! We can't! I mean, it is a nice ship— With lots of room— She begins to sweat and look away nervously. Idrisah: (ASL) And private amenities— And it's faster than the conventional ferry— She avoids eye contact, falling into a suspiciously in-depth ramble. Idrisah: (ASL) And from what I've read of the federal code's subsection on spacecraft titleship, we have a decent legal argument that Ixion cannot implicate us in theft of the vessel as it is their responsibility to verify the SIMS status of craft before purchasing them as scrap— And they're unlikely to be litigious about the materials, energy, and work hours we stole because it would invite even more scrutiny from Jovian Public Utilities, who have been threatening to replace upper management here ever since the aluminum buyer incident.... She regains composure, frowning to herself. Idrisah: (ASL) But... it's not set up for human passengers. She turns back to Talita, squinting. Idrisah: (ASL) ...Right?

Talita: (ASL) It's a pan-sophont vessel. You would just need to pack your own food. Idrisah raises an eyebrow suspiciously. Idrisah: (ASL) And they're charging you HOW much for fare? Talita squints, confused. Talita: (ASL)...Nothing? Idrisah pauses, looking at Talita and thinking. She signs uncertainly. Idrisah: (ASL) And you... REALLY trust Bip? Talita is taken off guard. She mulls it over, then smiles softly. Talita: (ASL) Yes.

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 2mo ago

This week on #RunawaytotheStars: Time to go. Catch up: https://runawaytothestars.com Read ahead: https://patreon.com/jayrockin

Mel folds their arms grumpily. Mel: Well, I’m asking now. Talita: I want to quit. Mel presses a hand to their temple and inhales deeply, as if about to go off on a tirade. Then they sigh, too tired to argue further. Mel: Sigh. Well, if you’re fast… You’ll get to leave on the ferry ship with the temp workers and your friends this weekend. Talita walks past Mel.

Mel looks up at Talita's back as she brushes past. They are barely taller than her midshoulders. Talita: No thanks. She smiles slightly to herself as she strides away confidently. Talita: I have my own ride.

Text exchange: Talita: Hey Bip. Is the habitat module passenger ready? Bip: Pretty much. Why? Talita: You know why. Bip: I'll make sure the fridge is cold and the water is potable. You better pack up fast! A wide overhead shot shows Talita moving boxes out of her storage unit onto the road. Tod pulls up next to the growing box pile with a cargo truck. Talita looks over as Idrisah and Gillie arrive from off screen, Idrisah running and Gillie walking. Idrisah: Talita!

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 2mo ago

This week on #RunawaytotheStars: What do you want, Talita? Catch up: https://runawaytothestars.com Read ahead: https://patreon.com/jayrockin

At this, Talita's fury boils over. Teeth bared and trunk raised in an S-shaped snarl, she grips her bristling mane with one hand and gesticulates wildly with the other. Talita: Oh! My bad! I guess I forgot we live in a fucking neolithic society– where the person with the biggest stick makes all the rules! Scaring people doesn’t make them respect you, Mel! It makes them want to GET RID OF YOU. Adam already felt threatened by me, and he was retaliating with harassment and reckless disobedience! Scaring him wouldn’t have kept him out of the hospital today. You listening to my warning would have! Mel watches her outburst with an expression of sadness and surprise.

There is an awkward silence after Talita finishes shouting. Neither of them look at each other, Talita bitter and Mel downcast. Mel: I’m sorry, Talita. I guess I didn’t realize it was so serious. I suppose it must be a relief switching over to the new crew. They should be easier to get along with. Talita meets Mel's optimistic gaze with an exhaustion too deep to politely avoid the truth. Talita: The centaurs? Mel, I– I have almost nothing in common with them.

Mel's brow furrows in confusion, as if Talita just told a situationally inappropriate joke. Mel: What do you mean? Talita: I mean I don’t foresee there being less communication issues! We don’t even use the same facial expressions! Mel sweeps out an arm out in a frustrated gesture. Mel: So you don’t want to work with humans and you don’t want to work with centaurs. What DO you want? Talita pauses, a humorless grin spreading on her face. She rubs her forehead and looks away. Talita: …Haha. For you to have asked that? At any point before now.

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Just an HOUR LEFT on the Almost Real kickstarter and not only have we hit all the stretch goals, we hit a fourth artist bonus?? That wasn't even on the worm! Thank you so much, everyone!! www.kickstarter.com/projects/alm...

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 2mo ago

24 HOURS LEFT on the Almost Real Kickstarter!! And, incredibly, we only have A SINGLE stretch goal left! Help us hit it, and in exchange, you'll get hundreds of pages of beautifully illustrated speculative biology! www.kickstarter.com/projects/alm...

Almost Real: A Speculative Biology Zine • Vol 6 & Book 1

The spec bio anthology series is BACK with its sixth volume all about POP CULTURE, and a REMASTERED HARDBACK COLLECTION of Volumes 1–5!

kickstarter.com

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Thumb tabs are within reach.... yes... YES.....

🌿🔮😈FORTUNA MEDIA 😈🔮🌿@fortunamedia.bsky.social · 2mo ago

48 HOURS REMAIN! Our THIRD STRETCH GOAL unlocked MINUTES before crossing the two-day threshold! Have YOU 🫵👁️👁️reserved your copy (or *copies?!*) of Almost Real: the Speculative Biology series powered by an all-star cast of creators? www.kickstarter.com/projects/alm...

A screenshot of the Almost Real Book 1 and Vol. 6 campaign funding bar, reading "$57,030 pledged of $40,000 goal, 764 backers, and 47 hours to go"

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 2mo ago

This week on Runaway to the Stars: Mel knows too much, and yet understands nothing. Catch up: https://runawaytothestars.com Love spec bio? Check out Almost Real zine! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/almost-real-book-1/almost-real-a-speculative-biology-zine-vol-6-and-book-1?ref=5jyrq9

Mel walks up to Talita with an uncertain expression. Mel: Talita… How did this happen? Talita pulls her hands off her face, gripping her neck and shoulder like she wants to vanish behind her arms. Talita: I don’t know, I turned my back, and... Mel puts their hand on their hip and rolls their eyes. Mel: Were you distracted by your repair project? Talita looks up, stunned. Talita: …Project?

Mel: Don’t play dumb. I do geosurvey more often than I do geosurvey reports, you know. I can see that ship you’ve programmed the RC vehicles to work on every night in satellite images. Talita stares at Mel, almost frozen except her hands slowly falling away from her face. Talita: …Why didn’t you say anything? Mel rolls their eyes again and scowls. Mel: I’m not a tyrant. You’ve been a dedicated and responsible employee. I thought letting you have an outlet for tinkering couldn’t hurt. After this… I’m not sure that was the right move.

Talita: I– I wasn’t even working on that today! I was with the crew the entire time! Mel: Then why is one of them in the hospital? Talita throws up her hands in frustration. Talita: I told him not to climb on the tower! He didn't listen! Mel sneers and folds their arms. Mel: Oh, please... How hard can it be for you to be authoritative, Talita? You’re 3 meters tall with sharp teeth! Talita stares at Mel in wide-eyed disbelief, mane beginning to flare out in anger. Talita: …You think that makes this EASIER!? Mel: It couldn’t hurt to lean into it! You’re so shy… it’s ridiculous seeing you get pushed around by your subordinates!

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Pterosaurs: The Field Guide @pterosaursfieldguide.com · 2mo ago

Pterosaurs: The Field Guide is live on Kickstarter. 252 species, every one illustrated, in one book. Back it: https://fossi.ls/ks #Pterosaurs #Paleontology

Pterosaurs: The Field Guide is live on Kickstarter. fossi.ls/ks

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 3mo ago

YIPPEEEEE

$50,124 pledged of $40,000 goal, 572 backers, 5 days to go

Jay Eaton@jayeatonart.bsky.social · 3mo ago

AAAAAAAA we're so close to second stretch goal

Jay Eaton @jayeatonart.bsky.social · 3mo ago

AAAAAAAA we're so close to second stretch goal

🌿🔮😈FORTUNA MEDIA 😈🔮🌿@fortunamedia.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Our stretch goals are finally LIVE! Check out the update link and see what other wonders await if you back our spec bio zine series... it ain't over until the fat worm sings 🪱🎶 www.kickstarter.com/projects/alm...

'A Volume 6 cover critter "gachapede" emerging from a light blue capsule. It has 5 pairs of paddle-like appendages in rainbow colors that look like little wings. Each segment holds a different amount from $67,000 at the top to $47,000 at the bottom, with tiers of "Third artist bonus, book 1 thumb index, second artist bonus, book 1 dust jacket, and first artist bonus" on one side, and the other complimenting the main items, being "Triples the extra pay, free 6x9" sticker print for all physical backers, doubles the extra pay, and Volume 6 cover upgrade"'

Kasey Gifford @kaseygifford.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Im not only in this I painted a tier reward! Please go check it out! We've made our goal but theres a week left!

Jay Eaton@jayeatonart.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Almost Real's POP CULTURE issue and the collected book of the first 5 volumes of speculative biology madness are now live!!! Go check it out, fans of all that wriggles, squirms, grows and multiplies! www.kickstarter.com/projects/alm...

🌿🔮😈FORTUNA MEDIA 😈🔮🌿@fortunamedia.bsky.social · 3mo ago