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.

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:

Hiatus Daze #9.

Oh, where art thou, Randy?

I’m taking the week off to come up with more material and work on some personal projects. Don’t worry, I have three comics already written, and I do want to take the time and make sure the art meets my standards. In the meantime, do enjoy Jeffro’s Music Blog and his new 8tracks music mix — the guy is exploding all over the internet!

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.

Cheers, Folks.

A special announcement from me to you. Later folks.

Six Months Ago.

Part 16 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

Randy’s fate remained questionable after the end of this comic. Of course, even in this new one, his fate is unknown.

Also “Faust Pie” is a reference to another comic.

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!

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.