This Charming Lady.

 

Part 27 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

Here’s a brief history of Verona Red. The guy chained in Hell is supposed to be Pat Doran of the comic, “The Way Life Should Be,” and I haven’t decided yet whether the other demons will be featured in future comics. Lastly, the title is a reference to The Smiths’ song, “This Charming Man.”

Stay tuned soon: 2008 Holiday Cards. Expect them this Friday.

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.

Crossing Paths in the Waiting Room.

 

Part 23 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

Just to let you know, guys, but this is apparently my 400th comic I’ve published since August 2003.

Anyway, my marketing adviser and close friend, Allan, gave me the suggestion of releasing a new comic every Wednesday. Since it’s about the same day that The Onion releases its new content, Allan says that most people will most likely check out (read: “not work and dick around on the internet”) their favorite websites and consequently associate my comic with The Onion. It’s worth a shot, I say.

In lieu of Halloween, however, expect some at least two comics next week: one pertaining to the story arc and another loosely based on the story arc but has a general Halloween “feel” to it.

If you haven’t noticed the difference from today’s comic and last Friday’s, I decided to color Nigel’s wings blue instead of yellow from now on. This change, in my opinion, is more graphically cohesive and corresponds with the plushies I’ve made over the years:

Storywise, this is the first time Nigel (kinda) interacts with another main character other than Randy. Of course, both Nigel and Randy are “invisible” characters — in the sense that they’re never seen but guide humans in conflicts of morality — but in unearthly realms (like Heaven), they can be seen clear as day. Then again, it seems that Nigel vaguely knows ZCC.

There you go.

Punny Mummy.

 

Part 22 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

Hello all. Greetings from beyond death and obscurity…

So yes, I decided to draw comics again, and let me tell ya the rest of 2008 and the following year are gonna be big: new comics, new web design, and one huge, HUGE surprise regarding the series as a whole. In fact, if you haven’t noticed or are colorblind, this comic is colored — and god willing, the rest of them will no longer be in black and white. Yes, I’m putting in the extra effort to keep the comic interesting both for you and myself. That’s not the real surprise, however; let’s just say I’m tired of certain elements in this series, and there will be some significant changes. Of course, I’m absolutely terrible at keeping a secret, so I’ll be leaving clues to the big surprise within the new material.

I actually drew this comic in May, but if you remember the storyline: 1) Chris is looking for a new job, 2) Jeffro and ZCC are trying to start a new band, so ZCC strikes a deal with Death and Jesus, and 3) Nigel has been depressed ever since the disappearance of his friend/partner Randy. I’m going to continue the storyline “Occupational Hazards” all the way through, because — to be frank — the events happening in this arc are going to shape the way this entire series progresses. Yup, I have some intricate plans for my characters…

This comic marks the debut of SPUD, an enigmatic being a lot like Nigel and Randy — perhaps a little too much. At his initial conception all the way in March, I was thinking of naming him either “Scarf and Bandages” or “Mummy.” However, after talking to my friend Dave Chen, I decided to name him SPUD, an acronym for “Some Peculiar, Unidentified Dood.” What lies underneath his bandages? Perhaps he’s someone you know, perhaps he’s a completely new character. Ah, secrets and plot devices!

So why update now? Well, I have some material I’ve compiled since dealing with real life, and in lieu of Halloween, I think it was the perfect time to introduce SPUD. He looks like a mummy, after all, and if I recall I set the “Occupational Hazards” arc during the autumn season. Now I haven’t figured a specific time table of how I want to release these new comics (one new comic a week, at the very least), so all I can say is check back soon.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that I did release a new book, The Book of Luv (And Other Ways Not To Die Alone), since I presented at Renegade Craft Fair Chicago. It does contain over 20 new pages of comics (which I will publish online during the Valentine’s Day season), so it’s worth checking out.

Deal With The Jesus.

 

Part 21 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

Continuing with the “Occupational Hazards” storyline from, oh NOVEMBER, Jeffro smashes his roommate ZCC (reincarnated as a talking toaster) into pieces. You see, after watching their other roommate, Chris, strive so hard in his hopeless job search, it’s Jeffro and ZCC’s intention to start up a band and prove they’re doing something with their lives. Of course, that means ZCC has to bargain with Death so he can be reincarnated into something that can actually play the guitar. In the afterlife, ZCC reunites with Death and tries to persuade her to give him a human body again. She replies she has a plan, but they need to see someone “higher up…”

Up to date? Good.

In this comic, I brought back Jesus’ angelic secretary, Ms. Milligan — a rarely seen, minor character that has popped up in a few comics. Also, the angel with dark hair and a scruffy beard is supposed to represent friend and fellow cartoonist/artist, Shane Pangburn, and NOT a relative to ZCC (although, in retrospect, that could become an interesting yet nonsensical plot device). Of course, my depiction doesn’t give him justice: he does have arms, shins, and a nose, and as far as I can tell, he doesn’t have wings. It’s actually Shane’s date o’ birth today, so if you see him, wish him (and his twin brother, too) proper congratulations for giving his mother what I can imagine was a most prolonged and excruciating labor process.

Another birthday comic next week, though I can’t promise it’ll relate to the storyline in any way.

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.

Occupational Funks.

 

Part 15 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

 

Oh, hello. Long time no see. With Halloween coming up, I’m really excited to produce some themed comics. The problem is, there are a few new characters in this particular storyline (“Occupational Hazards“) that I want to introduce before I draw any Halloween comic. Simply put, I don’t want to show new, pivotal characters without a proper introduction. Consequently, I’m forcing making myself draw enough “Occupational Hazards” comics just in time to take a break from the arc and produce strips for All Hallow’s Eve.

With that said, I intend to put out a new comic every weekday all this week and the next. No bullshit, just art and humor. I already have a few done and/or planned out, so stay tuned.

Also take notice of a lot of old characters popping up in the next few weeks. Nigel, for instance, hasn’t officially appeared since last summer’s “Love Is In The Air” storyline. Big things are planned for many of these lost and forgotten characters. Big things, indeed!

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.

Christmas Cards 2006!

No, I’m not dead. I’m like the Jesus; I always come back.

I Saw The Sign (Or Pie).

Coincidentally, as I was drawing this comic, there was a History Channel documentary on Hell and Satan. I believe I saw a clip of Dave Grohl as the devil on there.

In other news, go watch The Departed. If Martin Scorsese doesn’t win an Oscar this year, then the Academy can suck a fuck.

…but how do you suck a fuck…?