Verona Red.

 

Part 26 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

Three new characters in a brand new comic: Failure, Fortune, and Nigel’s occupational replacement to Randy, Verona Red. I figured I should add more angel/demon type characters (especially the latter).

So Verona Red, like the missing Randy, is a devil. She functions the same as Randy in the sense that both are meant to tempt humans and balance the universe between good and evil. Verona Red, however, has some feline-like characteristics to her look (like cat ears and whiskers). In terms of personality, she’s supposed to be sultry and somewhat seductive but, generally, with a good heart. If I can relate her to any celebrity, maybe Angelina Jolie or Madonna (how cliched is that?). And if I can give her a voice, she’d be portrayed by Kathleen Turner or Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (the voice actress of Julia in “Cowboy Bebop” or the lead role in “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex”) — Verona Red would have a deep, breathy voice, like a porn star or phone sex operator.

Yup, Verona Red, Failure, and Fortune have been in development for a long time. I’ve even made a plushie of Verona Red for Renegade:

Restoring the Cosmic Balance.

 

Part 24 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

Hmm, have you ever realized that the only difference between “cosmic” and “comic” is one, little “s?” That will make you think.

So yes, Nigel gets a new partner. Who will it be…? Stay tuned.

In other news, Jeffro has started a new indie music blog: indierawk.tumblr.com. On a design-standpoint, it’s not yet complete, but if you have a Tumblr be sure to follow him. It seems that lately Jeffro’s been promoting some songs and music videos relating to Halloween.

Speaking of Halloween, tune in tomorrow and Friday for some special Halloween comics.

Jeffro’s “…Top 20 Albums of 2007” Part 5.

Thanks goes out to Sara Kass, who was the first vinyl-collecting, indie hipster to answer my 5am text regarding whether or not vinyl records do come with liner notes. That should be a clear indication of: 1) how dedicated I am to making comics, even forgoing sleep, and 2) that I don’t own any vinyl.

So there you have it, folks: my favorite albums of the year. Feist’s newest album — which is a little bit happier and more upbeat than “Let It Die” — is actually frighteningly addicting, especially if you accompany her music with Patrick Daughters’ superb video-making abilities.

Of Montreal consistently puts on interesting live shows, and “Hissing Fauna…” was definitely my favorite album of the summer.

Now I fell madly in love with The National after repeatedly listening to “Boxer,” and even though I didn’t think so highly of them at the time, it helped me reconnect with “Alligator” (which I feel is a less cohesive BUT nonetheless better album).

Lastly, I started listening to The Arcade Fire’s “Neon Bible” as soon as I started my last semester of college and felt it was at least on par with “Funeral.” Even though it was a close battle between The Arcade Fire and The National for the number one spot, watching the former in concert immediately after graduation stirred up old feelings and rekindled my love of the album.

And just to recap my Jeffro’s Top 20 Albums of 2007, especially if you’re too lazy to check the archives:
20) Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
19) Justice – Cross
18) Band of Horses – Cease to Begin
17) Battles – Mirrored
16) Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog
15) St. Vincent – Marry Me
14) Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – Living with the Living
13) Radiohead – In Rainbows
12) Menomena – Friend and Foe
11) Stars – In Our Bedroom After The War
10) The New Pornographers – Challengers
09) Panda Bear – Person Pitch
08) LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver
07) Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
06) Kevin Drew – Spirit If…
05) Voxtrot – Voxtrot
04) Feist – The Reminder
03) Of Montreal – Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?
02) The National – Boxer
01) The Arcade Fire – Neon Bible

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.

Wilco.

His Head A’Splode.

Jen, coffee, and exploding heads… what’s up with that?

In the fall of 2004, the local college radio station changed its format to — well, college radio. Before, they played a lot of really poppy alternative rock (like Green Day, Blink 182, and Fall Out Boy). They cut down that sort of playlist and added “indier” bands.

Mary-Kate is a Sexy Twig.

I could see the Olson Twins turning into drug addicts; working with Bob Saget.

My favorite part of the comic: Chris’s reflection in the coffee. I think I executed that well.

Alcohol is Also Your Anti-Drug.

Anyone else find it incredibly ironic that Caffeinated Tim is telling Aaron that he has a drug problem? Oh, the layers of comedy!

Caffeinated Tim Returns.

This comic is one of many that shows Jen working at a coffee shop. I suppose, being the level-headed of all the characters, it’s not unusual for her to have a normal job. Oh, and frat boys really do snort coke.