Published September 15, 2024
Ever wondered which projects hold a special place in my heart? Or why they mean so much to me? Well, wonder no more! In today’s episode of "Things I’ve Spent Too Much Time On," I’m diving into my top three. And no, I didn’t just pick them because they’re pretty—although, let’s be honest, they’ve got some amazing style. So grab some popcorn and let’s find out!
Hi, I’m Jaime Heathcote, and today’s blog is a real twist because I’m spilling the tea on why these three projects made the VIP list—and, more importantly, who my favourite characters are in each! Think of this as my personal Oscars, but without the awkward speeches or questionable fashion choices. Because all of my projects are so diverse and different, I found it very difficult to only choose three, which is why I made sure that each one of them has a special and unique quality.
Starting off with my number one favourite: Frods Season 2. Surprising? I know! Let’s be honest—if you put its artwork next to projects like Cambio or Cora, you’d think, “Yeah, newer is always better.” But Frods isn’t just about the visuals; it’s outstanding in how something that started small can go through a major glow-up in Season 2. This is the only project I’ve ever done a part two for, which says a lot because, typically, I like to keep things fresh with new characters and avoid the “been there, done that” vibe. But the second season of Frods? It’s like a sequel that actually gets it right—same characters, different story. Plus, Season 2 does a great job of rescuing Season 1 from being a bit of a hot mess. What truly makes Frods Season 2 my top pick is the story. It has a creative world of what happens when humans dream, and how Fred manages to turn Dreamlandia into chaotic confusion. It’s like watching someone try to put together IKEA furniture without the instructions—messy, unpredictable, and somehow more entertaining than it should be. Fred’s accidental screw-up turns Dreamlandia into the kind of place where logic goes to sleep.
Next up is my second favourite project: United Decay. This book was the best one to write, mostly because it gave me the chance to tie together all my other books into one epic finale event. Think of it as the “Avengers: Endgame” of my characters universe—except, you know, with slightly fewer superheroes and far more complicated character drama. What really sets United Decay apart is how much it evolved during the writing process. Trust me, the original idea and the final product were not even close to the same. (Seriously, read Episode 9 to find out more). I’m not joking when I say this book actually gave me chills when writing, just from how excited I was when everything finally clicked. It was one of those rare moments where you think, “Wait, did I just accidentally make something awesome?” This project worked out so perfectly that I started wondering if I’d somehow leveled up as a writer. I mean, I took my time with it, dove deep into the details, and—dare I say it—put more effort into this one than the others. (Totally kidding… kinda). But honestly, United Decay was incredibly complex and had a massive impact on every character in the universe, which is why it’s probably my favourite. Plus, who doesn’t love a good universe-shattering finale?
In third position, we have Space Panda—a story packed with limitless adventures, adorable moments, and the duo of a panda and an astronaut. Honestly, if you haven’t already fallen in love with that, I’m not sure what will win you over! So, what made this tale one of my favourites? It’s all about blending two worlds: the excitement of creating vibrant, out-of-this-world planets and solar systems, with a heartwarming story that’ll leave you smiling like you just hugged a panda. While the ending is, let’s say, a bit sudden (like when you’re watching a movie and the credits roll just as things are getting good), this book was by far one of the most fun to design and illustrate. Why? Because there wasn’t a long list of complicated things to squeeze in. I got to let my imagination run wild and experiment with space, which, let’s face it, is a win for everyone. In my opinion, it’s the perfect children’s book! Not too long, sweet enough to warm even the coldest hearts, and—best of all—the art. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to cross the galaxy with a panda? It’s basically the definition of “out of this world.”
Now, onto my favourite characters! It’s hard to rank them, so I’m just going to go with my top few.
First up, there’s Frods. This guy is unbeatable—literally. And his innocence just makes you want to protect him at all costs. Plus, let’s talk about how effortlessly he bonds with every other character—he just works with everyone. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the hair. I mean, he's obviously won the best-hair prize.
Another one I need to mention is Anton. I know, I know—he’s a robot, so it’s hard to picture him being so… human-like. But that’s exactly why he’s amazing. His intelligence is next-level, but what really interests me is his strong sense of morals and values. It’s like, “Who programmed him to be such a decent guy?” Even though he’s not technically human, sometimes he feels more ethical than some of the humans I’ve written!
And finally, it’s a tie between Cambio or Cora. Let’s start with Cora—the ultimate bad-ass. She’s got that killer instinct, but she’s also got the heart of a protective mother. The way she juggles being a secret assassin and a caring mother? Honestly, it’s like multitasking on another level. And I love all of it. On the other hand, there's Cambio, who has a lot of Frods’ traits but with his own differences. His humour is one of the things that makes him stand out, but it’s his kind acts for the people of Sombra City that really makes me like him. Oh, and did I mention his outfit? Definitely my favourite. If I could raid any fictional character’s wardrobe, it would be Cambio’s!