Coffee Shop Classified.

 

Part 12 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

Sorry about yesterday; if you haven’t noticed, my sites were down since it seems the WordPress database crashed. Anyway, here’s a new comic, and probably a pivotal point in the storyline. We’re gaining momentum here, people!

Now, if there’s one thing I’ve noticed in coffee shop employees (at least back in my old schoolin’ grounds, the University of Illinois), it’s that a whole lot of them have nose-rings, love indie music, and are of the fine arts or literature major persuasion. It’s almost a proven stereotype, especially if you go to one of those small-chain or independent coffee shops. And I know my friends Christina (a coffee shop manager in real life) and Caroline had previously asked to appear in the comic; well, here you go.

And remember, there’s a contest going on for free books. No harm in trying.

Indie Snob.

 

Part 9 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

I’ll be honest, I did this comic at the last minute (script and photoshopped, archived material) and had not originally planned to use it in the storyline. I was more focused on revising my portfolio and resume than drawing new comics (scripts are done for the week, don’t worry); coincidentally, I myself am looking for a job/internship (with some graphic design firms, incidentally), and I have some nice prospects lined up.

Even though I wasn’t planning on using this comic, I wanted this week to represent the various jobs and ways of thinking surrounding work that Chris’ roommates share. And although Jeffro and ZCC weren’t scheduled to have any significant speaking roles (don’t worry — they both play an important part later in this story arc), it’s nice to see them somehow fit in this week’s theme.

As far as the content goes, I’m thinking that I’m becoming a self-loathing indie hipster (sic). You can definitely thank some of my friends. Going to a concert recently only reinforced my moderate contempt. There just seemed to be an air of arrogance and a need to maintain a certain aesthetic in what I feel are clique-ish social circles, and honestly, that kind of mentality had always bugged me ever since high school (read old Bluegoomba stuff). Now I’ve never genuinely claimed my music is hipper than yours, nor the clothes I wear and the books I read and the bars I go to are better. And if I ever do make those remarks, fucking give me a kick to the head.

Head On.

 

Part 2 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

Personally, I find those Head On commercials to be pretty goddamn annoying, but I find their advertising strategy to be effective. It’s like hypnotism, except without the act like a chicken part.In addition, the first panel includes a lot of references to past comics: Aaron’s bong as a decorative flower vase and the Xbox 360.

Also, if you haven’t noticed, I started using a different font for the comic’s text; “Comic Sans” was just getting stale. Anyhoo, I’d like to thank the good people at DaFont for providing the new font.

A Blind Date’s Shortcomings.

T.O.E. is a caricature of my friend Lil’ Tim — an electrical engineering grad student from Memphis (hence the slight Southern accent) who’s into death metal and is (surprisingly) pretty short. It’s his birthday today, and I promised him that I’d finally draw a comic.

Love it, like it.

Monster Mash.

Happy Halloween! Tomorrow, on actual Halloween, I’ll post another spook-tacular comic.In terms of updating on a regular basis, midterms are pretty much done, and I’ve almost recovered from the flu. In other words, with school and these mortal curses out of the way, I should be able to update regularly.

Nigel, Interrupted.

If you wanna grow in comedy, you have to take your shots at celebrities.

FUCK ALL Y’ALL BLOGS!

I’LL UPDATE WHENVEVER I WANT — which, luckily for you, is today. I’m continuing the whole “Oakley Cupid Introduction” story arc, starting with how Oakley lost his eye.

So what have I been doing during my unexpected absence? The usual, you know… drugs, sex, and marauding the streets with crowbars. I’ve also resumed working on the first official Sausage-Fest book, “Whiskey and Pills,” after my friend Allan kept asking me about it. It will definitely come out this late summer/fall since I have finally gathered all the comics I needed to include (for instance, the “Rules of Attraction” storyline). I’ve also decided to rework some of the material, like the cover and the written parts.

I’ve also drawn/pressed 7, 1-inch Sausage-Fest buttons. Now you can be stylish AND funny!

Once I get the store all set up, you can buy them for US$1.00 each or US$5.00 for all seven. More goodies, surprises, and news within the next following days, and I promise you, more art and comics!

Just Us Rabbits.

While writing the script for this comic, I realized that Nigel and Randy do look like rabbit heads when they’re upside down.

Did anyone spot the Neil Diamond reference?

And for a small treat, check out the 5 (of 6) promos I’ve created for the site!

Realizations Upon Realisations.

I really want to take a trip to Britain and see if the customs I’ve listed here really are true. For instance, I want to know — and this is an open question to anyone from across the Atlantic or just knows their stuff on British culture — if they celebrate their 18th birthdays like Americans celebrate their 21st birthdays.

Of course, we all know that Brit Pop Rock is grossly overrated. Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to finish listening to my Tom Vek and Bloc Party CDs…

Lunge.

In this comic, I tried to build some tension between Jeffro and Caitlin and even tried to allude to as-of-yet-unrevealed backstory to their history (like why Jeffro really doesn’t have a nose).

As for the Coldplay reference, I think a lot of music hipsters are saddened by the fact that they are getting really popular. For me, I’ve always have and always will support those awkward British chaps. I’m just sad that their concert tickets are outrageously expensive now.