Their Reasons (Or An Introduction to IPAWD).

Part 11 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

So here we go again after a week-long hiatus.

I wanted to have Joe Stalin, an old fan favorite, make an appearance after his departure as Chris’ roommate. I also wanted to further explore Chris’ rationale for getting a job and introduce IPAWD as an up-and-coming evil organization that will be the driving antagonistic force behind the comic.

In regards to the first panel, a friend told me she went to a shooting range that offered zombie targets. I think that is awesome.

Job Discrimination.

Part 10 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

Another quickie with a reference to this comic. I’m almost done with my resume; better art, better jokes next week! I swear!

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.

Drug Trafficking Is A Job, Too.

Part 8 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

This comic is dedicated to a certain former roommate who happened to dread a certain drug test after being exposed to some certain second-hand marijuana smoke at a certain music festival.

I’m starting to think it’s time to give a sense of space and geography in regards to the comic, especially the space within Chris’ apartment. So yes, his roommate Aaron has a bunch of drug crops in his bedroom. Big deal. The real character he’s based on is apparently a drug dealer now, but you didn’t hear that from me. Especially if you’re a cop.

The “I Heart Drug” poster is a reference to a past comic. Originally, I couldn’t fit the “s” at the end of “Drug” due to a lack of space, but I think it’s exclusion adds a little charm to a poster that advocates casual to heavy drug use.

And lastly, I’d like to mention that I am absolutely in love with the band Voxtrot. I saw them live recently, and I strongly urge you to listen to them. Of course, I only mentioned them here to either generate discussion or successfully get some hits from wayward visitors searching for “Voxtrot” on Google.

Fuck This Shit, I Need A Fucking Cigarette.

Part 7 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

Because Tourette’s and nicotine addiction are funny. And as for the title, “Fuck This Shit, I Need A Fucking Cigarette,” I was thinking of making that slogan into a pin (the second set of SF pins).

And if you don’t recall, the reason Aaron is stuffing sandwiches into ZCC’s toaster slots is this. See? Full circle.

The Beginning of a Goodbye.

Part 6 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

You know you can’t have a good and proper storyline without some sort of complication between the main character and his love interest. So there; some idea where this arc is heading.

The Footlong As A Euphemism.

Part 5 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

Likewise, it’s been awhile since Duder made a formal appearance in the comic (although his Harem did appear sometime in early February). Plus, it was kind of hard to make Subway sandwiches even remotely sexual, but I feel I accomplished it here.

Sandwiches.

Part 4 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

Being poor sucks, but what’s more blowful is having really over-protective parents. I remember back in high school, when I’d simply go out to Steak n’ Shake with my friends, my dad would warn me not “to do the ‘X'” (as in “ecstasy”) as he saw the dangers of teen drug abuse on 20/20. Furthermore, back in my younger, fashion-forward college freshman days, I’d wear a sweat-wristband, in which my dad warned, “kids wear those things to say, ‘Hey, I’m available for sex’!” Or so says Barbara Walters.

Fatty Fat Fat Fat.

Part 3 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

A little bit more information on Lizzy’s personal life. Actually, it’s been quite some time since Chris’ unattainable love interest made an appearance in the comic. As for Jared’s cameo, doesn’t he look rubber-faced even after losing all that weight?

One more thing: for all you web-savvy people out there, there is an RSS feed for the comic. You can either find it on the menu to the left or simply click here.

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.