(Diabolus) Ex Machina.

Part 32 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

***The sidenote is a reference to this comic, all the way back from 2007. I know the business cards look different, but between then and now I actually made a logo and an entire brand identity for IPAWD. I also purchased the URL, IPAWD.org, long before the iPad was released. Hopefully people with poor spelling skills and a penchant for typing “.org” will generate more hits once that site is up and running.

Lastly, our enigmatic character SPUD (“Some Peculiar, Unidentified Dood”) is taking a more active role in the storyline. Things, characters, everything — they’re finally being woven together!

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.

Normalcy is Scary.

Part 25 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

Happy Halloween, folks!

As you can see, this comic sort of correlates to the general storyline. Plus, it’s a little homage to the times when Lindsey, Jen, and Chris visit Christian haunted houses.

I’m thinking that next week I’ll post some Presidential Election-based comics, but who knows. It’s going to be a busy weekend.

Be good this weekend!

Frighteningly Semi-True Story: Life As A Cartoonist.

Part 17 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

A quickie comic featuring my old newspaper editor, David Chen. You can say that this particular strip is a tribute comic. For one thing, Chris’s comic “Tim Vs. Tim” is a spoof of the spoof “Felicity Mills,” and the dialog is based from this comic.

Furthermore this comic essentially recounts my days working for the college newspaper: it did take me at least 3 hours to draw a strip (which, nowadays, it takes more), and I did only get paid $8 per strip. Of course, would I trade my days at the newspaper for anything in the world? Hell no. I enjoyed what I did, I did get a little fame from the public, and I met some really creative and interesting people in the process. Of course, I wouldn’t recommend that job if you really needed to financially support yourself. You’d seriously get more money as a crackwhore.

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!

Triggered (Click).

Part 14 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

I’ve been meaning to put this specific comic up for at least two weeks, but I was trying to save it so I can release at least a full week of comics. I’ve been pretty uninspired lately, but I am the midst of inking a comic I hope I’ll publish tomorrow.

Anyhoo, so here’s a new comic — continuing from over a month ago.

If there’s one thing that I find funny on a personal level, it’s mental health. And honestly, if Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper” can’t prevent you from committing suicide, you might as well kill yourself.

Hiatus Daze #7.

Professional/Interview Chris & Dark Chris

A sketch of what is to come while I get my scanner fixed.

Hey, remember that contest I had about the free books and pins? Well, here are the results.

Oh, Ceans!

Part 13 of the “Occupational Hazards” Story Arc.

Word of advice: always know the details of the job you’re applying for, especially if it’s in the mental health field. If Sigmund Freud is your interviewer, you know you need to be ultra-qualified.

It’s been a while since the character Lindsey appeared (I think since Halloween 2006). Like the real life character she’s based upon, I drew Lindsey with a cat named Shiar.

Lastly, I’ve drawn some sketches of what Chris would look like if he cleaned up a little and didn’t stuff his messy hair underneath a cap. I think he looks more professional. Now I don’t know if I did it subconsciously, but he looks eerily similar to Jim Halpert from “The Office.”

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.

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.