Lower Rung.

 

Part 31 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

Drawing Autumn is fun.

 

I’m switching back to the main story: Chris’ search for a job (and trust me, his quest is pretty appropriate for my current occupational situation). His statement of “5 years” is a reference to when I last released a comic. Anyway, like all aspiring professionals, I’ve experienced the internship path both as an intern and as someone who had them as minions. Both scenarios in today’s comic — where you either do a ton of actual work or none at all — are pretty accurate. There was one time I held an unpaid internship and a low-paying job at the same time, and I had to reduce my work hours; I figured the internship will lead me somewhere or at least give me some kind of learning experience. Nope. For a week and a half, my supervisors gave me absolutely no work or any mentorship, and instead of sitting at a desk looking at YouTube videos, I just quit and returned full-time to my job. Now at my last job, I actually had (paid) interns to command and do as I please. Of course, I didn’t whip them physically but asked them to help in production work. Needless to say, interns are the un-and-underpaid backbone of our society.

ZCC and the Deathly Deaths.

 

Part 20 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

It’s been a long, long time since I’ve drawn ZCC’s real, human form and Death. Death has always been a fun character to draw, and this time I made her wings more bone-ish rather than just weird-looking spikes. Her character’s design has, in Project Runway speak, been “fashion forward,” and I like drawing her with today’s trends in mind. And don’t expect this to be her last experience; I have big plans for her and nearly all of the main cast in a future, very significant storyline.

As you might know from “The End Of The Road” story arc, ZCC’s body was blown to smithereens. I took notice of the fact that his body doesn’t exist anymore, making it impossible for him to return to his original form. Of course, that’s not going to stop him from being reincarnated.

I’m playing around with the concepts of physical death, the afterlife, and even theology a little, and ZCC’s storyline is just a way to fully express my creative writing skills.

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.

Occupational Hazards.

 

Part 1 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

Yes, I am going to draw comics full-time again now that I no longer have to worry about school (although finding a real, professional job may take some importance — but not really). As such, this entire storyline revolves around the search, the discovery, and the trials of working. The arc will tie up some loose ends from other arcs, create new plot threads, bring back some old characters, and introduce new ones. I have a lot in store for this comic, so be prepared… or afraid…. well, whatever emotion comes naturally to you.

And Happy Birthday to TWLSB Friend, Tom and fellow cartoonist, Marty. May old age bring wisdom and happiness to your remaining years.

Once You Pop…

You know, I had always found that Pringles were addictive — hence its slogan, “Once You Pop, You Can’t Stop.” Honestly, it’s crack in the form of tasty potato crisps.

Wear a Coat, Goddammit!

Alright, alright — I’m back in the game for real this time; I already have a few comics inked and uploaded to the server. So what’s the inspiration? Well, for one thing, my friend Tim Eggerding has been EGG-ERDINGING me on to get off my ass and draw some. Also, friend and fellow DI cartoonist, Joe Martin, is planning to make a comic comeback, and like a comic vampire I am revitalized by the art and skills of others.

So yes, in regards to today’s comic, college girls like to go out to bars wearing nothing. Sexy as it may initially appear, watching naive freshmen and sorority girls get pneumonia is kinda funny.

Love is in the Air.

The thrilling conclusion, kinda! More characters, more questions, and more lovesick drama with a mix o’ humour!

I really enjoyed drawing this comic, although inking everything was a bitch — especially when my hand and arm were a little shakey after drinking a lot of caffeine (damn your delicious addictiveness, Full Throttle!). The guns, in particular, were really fun to draw just because drawing firearms asserts my masculine and violent side.

Other small details:

The boarded up hole in the guys’ apartment is a result of a giant, toaster-headed robot breaking through the wall.

The “Doran” sound in the fourth panel is a tribute to fellow cartoonist, Pat Doran.

Both Kyle and reincarnated ZCC are visible in Chris’s photo, indicating that Chris and Lizzy have retained their friendship after “The Rules of Attraction” Storyline (in which Lizzy hardly makes an appearance after its conclusion).

There is a Broken Social Scene poster on Chris’s wall. I am seeing them tomorrow, and I am very excited.

I just started watching “Veronica Mars.” Damn you Christina and Shane!

Though I do want to slowly ease myself out of the usual college humor of my older comics, it’s obvious that all events still take place at my University, U of I.

Random, non-linear comics starting Friday (minus Randy of course), so stay tuned!

Cherub Downe.

Sorry for the delay. A certain coffee-shop manager had my sketchbook, in which she ransomed it for 100 dollars and my formula for eternal life. Next time you see Christina Head, remember the only way to kill her is to chop off her Head (Head, get it?)

So I introduced a new character, Cherub Downe. She’s the young, overly cute and adorable intern of Oakley Cupid who talks with a heavy lisp and wears a Rambo-style headband. She was definitely a fun character to develop, and hopefully you’ll enjoy her as this particular storyline progresses.

Also, this comic marks the reintroduction of Chris and his crew. For those of you who’ve missed the human aspects of the comics, don’t worry; they — under Oakley, Nigel, and Randy’s meddling — all have a major role in the future.

Hiatus Daze #2.

Some character sketches/lineups of the main characters: Chris, Nigel, Randy, Indie Rawk Jeffro, and Aaron. You may notice that Jeffro has very tight indie pants whilst Aaron has very loose hippy pants.