Guest Comic Schedule For 'Another Comic Strip'

I will be in need of some charitable souls to fill in with guest strips in the near future.  If you would be willing to submit one, I will gladly post it on the Mondays listed.  If I receive more than the open dates require, I will still work them in:

October 28th, 2013
November 11th, 2013
December 2nd, 2013
December 30th, 2013

*** The Rules ***

Please make sure they are "all ages" appropriate. That's it really.

If you know my style at all, you're probably aware that I tend to stick with one panel comics most of the time, or comic book style panels within a fixed space (see my Batman series for reference). But if you will rather do a multi-panel strip, I would still be over joyed.

Simply send your guest strip to me via email: kparham@boilertubes.com (message me on Twitter so I'll know to look for it).

Thanks!

Trivial Post #7: So I Have An Idea

So I've been thinking, which is scary enough and maybe even illegal in 7 states - but I digress...I had an idea and I seriously need feedback and input from the webcomic community.

I want to attempt something to hopefully boost webcomic exposure.  However I don't know what that is, specifically.  I had thought of maybe organizing a "webcomic con" so to speak.  Something that would afford an opportunity for any webcomic artist to contribute a valiant piece of themselves and their art - in one panel. Why the one panel you ask? Well:

As I first went down this road in my head, my initial thought was that a one panel post would be a concise way to get involved, and keep the format rather simple.  The goal would be to have as many participate as possible, and having one panel per artist would create a clean gallery or "row" for viewers and other artists to absorb. But also, when it comes to comics/comic strips, I've always appreciated the one panel gag more than anything.  Don't get me wrong, I love comic strips and recurring characters, etc., but there is a certain challenge that exists within the one panel post.  To present an idea, set the idea in motion and resolve the idea in one panel (gag) is so satisfying to read.

However, the one panel comic idea is just that - an idea.  I have an inclination that the one panel exercise could challenge us as artists, producing some really great work.  I would even support the notion of competition - perhaps each entry could be voted on by the public as well as the participants.  Then again, it might be a bad idea with little to no interest.

This is why I need feedback.  Ideas.  Anything.  Does this sound like something that would be a fun way to boost the webcomic community, increase our own interaction with one another and even challenge us to improve at the same time?

This idea is in it's infancy, so it can be shot down with relative ease and little pain at this point.

What do you think?

Trivial Post #6: 'The World's End' And My Mid-Life Crisis

*The following is an off-the-wall post made selfishly by me.  I do not expect it to make much sense, as it is often just babbling with a keyboard:

After waiting 6 years for the next and final installment of Edgar Wright’s ‘Three Flavours Cornetto” trilogy, I finally had the chance to soak in ‘The World’s End’ with my wife on Saturday.  I am a ginormous, tool of a fan of Edgar’s directorial and writing sense.  Add to that the additional pen of Simon Pegg and you get a product that is brilliantly written, filmed and executed.  But there is something different this time.  ‘The World’s End’ seems to come from a different space and season of life.  It retains the same DNA that runs the Edgar/Simon continuum; however there exists a conspicuous and familiar haunt that is further separate from ‘Shaun of the Dead’ and ‘Hot Fuzz’. Quite frankly, it is older.  The dominant theme seems to be the inevitable reckoning we all face at some point of our lives.  That stretch of life when we become fully aware of aging, and examine ourselves honestly.  I wonder if it was easier to recognize since I am now pushing 40.  I'm sure it is the reason I appreciated the film so much. 

This is not meant to be a film review, but a reconciliation I’m working through.  I have been wading in waves of pause and consideration concerning my own life at this point. I interrogate myself with questions, as if I’m sitting in a room with a detective holding a hot lamp to my face trying to sweat the truth out of me.  “What were you doing during the years 1975 to 2013?”, and “What do you have to say for yourself?  You know you’re going to die someday, right?”.  If you’ve not reached this point in your life, be patient – it will find you.  I suppose the best way to describe such a phase is, well, you finally see that big picture that you’ve heard so much about growing up.  I thought I had, but I was wrong.  It is a genuine moment of abstract clarity; you are suddenly mindful of everything in your life – from past to present to future – and everyone in it.  You  clearly see the relationship it all shares (that Jedi symbiosis thing).  Then you really understand Pink Floyd. “When I was a child, I caught a fleeting glimpse out of the corner of my eye.  I turned to look but it was gone – I cannot put my finger on it now.  The child is grown the dream is gone.  I have become comfortably numb”.  You sincerely question whether or not your best days have grown and gone.

I know we shouldn’t let regrets govern the life we live.  I mean, we all have them.  And now that I truly understand what that big picture really means, I can at least invest better moving forward.  Maybe I’ve hit that mid-life thing, and drawing comics is my version of a new corvette. It could be worse.

I can tell you that even though this part of life sounds like the complete opposite of delightful, it can be liberating.  There is a better sense of direction and meaning to be gained.  Wiser choices can be made.  This is the moment you untie the past – mistakes and all – and really begin; the first 40 years were practice. 

I know this wasn’t really art or comics related, but sometimes you just have to put your thoughts into words, you know?  I am willing to wager that anyone in my particular “season of life” shoes knows exactly what I’m talking about.

Trivial Post #5: Nine Web Comics I Love Right Now

It's no secret that I grew up reading the "funny pages" and caring about comic books. As an adult, that love hasn't faded into darkness as did many other childhood affections. In fact, with the abundance of comics available on the internet, it might be bigger now.

I do my own comic, albeit rarely. But in all honesty I spend more time soaking in the art of others, and I'm okay with that. I follow lots of comic artist on Twitter, etc - and there are even a few that I depend on in order to learn and create my own work, whether they like it or not. I enjoy the community of comics, so I keep tabs on hundreds of sites and artists. And even though I suffer the changing of tastes from time to time, here are 9 (because 10 is such an overused round number) web comics that I am really digging and keep close - as of today:

Jackie Rose: The Treasure of Captain Read - by Josh Ulrich

One of the main reasons I have an affection for 'Jackie Rose' is the fact that my kids enjoy reading it with me. It is a fantastic story of air pirates and adventure. And I absolutely love the way Josh draws. His colors are tight and accurate, and his story telling is thrilling. I am completely serious when I say this: 'Jackie Rose' could be pitched for screen rights. I'd watch it.

'Jackie Rose' was recently funded to become a printed book through a successful Kickstarter campaign, and we can't wait to get our hands it. You can follow Josh on Twitter here.



Yeti 4 Hire: Terror of Taco Tuesday - by Jeff Crowther

Yeti 4 Hire is a fun and fantastic looking web comic I have followed for a while. I was drawn to it initially by the allure of a Yeti - a legendary creature I hold in the same high regard as Bigfoot or Loch Ness - portrayed in comic form. I was hooked by Jeff's story structure and fun style. And for some reason, I feel hungry after reading it.

Yeti 4 Hire remains in my top picks consistently, and is the only comic I've ever drawn fan art for (insert geeky blush). You can follow Jeff on Twitter here.



Adamsville - Book 1: The Unknowns - by Michael Regina

Michael was one of the first comic artists I started following. We have common affinities for the mysterious - and the X-Files. Adamsville follows that same intriguing path, and it is fun to see the character development. Michael also writes with his daughter, and has successfully funded a children's book - which gave my wife and me the spark to create the kids book we are currently working on.  

You can follow Michael on Twitter here. 



Please Listen To Me - by Matt Lubchansky 

The true "Comic Strip" is what I gravitate toward the most. In my opinion it is a separate entity from the traditional comic book/graphic novel, and that difference is in the ability to get a concise gag across very few panels effectively. So even though Matt may not stick to an older fashioned 1-4 panels, the way they read is in that spirit. And Matt creates some of the funniest strips I come across. His art and style are unique to him, which is something I appreciate in the striposphere.

You can follow Matt on Twitter here.



Spud Comics - by Lonnie Easterling

Spud Comics is a recent addition to my bookmarks, and for a simple reason: I have rarely encountered the true comic strip that makes me feel like I did as a kid - when I would pester my dad to let me walk to the convenience store to get a newspaper. It was in those papers that I would find and save the "funny pages". Spud Comics is loaded with delightful and clever deliveries - often in one panel (a feat of intelligence in my opinion).

You can follow Lonnie on Twitter here.


The Underfold - by Brian Russell

Even though I mention 'The Underfold' in the title, Brian's website (here) is such a mega resource that it should be the lead off. His blog is funny and insightful. His artist interviews are great. And I highly recommend his book 'What I Remember About Dinosaurs' as my kids have enjoyed it (as well as me). But, The Underfold itself is worth a haunt in your browser.

You can follow Brian on Twitter here. 


Zorphbert and Fred - by Dawn Griffin

Dawn has created a gem of a web comic that mashes sci-fi with dogs (or at least dog disguises) - two of man's favorite things. Her ideas are original, and her deliveries are really quite impressive. Think about it...it can't be that easy to get a point across a few panels using aliens in dog outfits as the messenger. Yet we pay attention. Why? Because it's aliens in dog outfits. Very clever Dawn.

You can follow Dawn on Twitter here. 



Hijinks Ensue - by Joel Watson

I think most people know about this strip - it's a magnet to geeks like me, because it is easy to relate to.  Right now, every marketing firm's golden demographic is the nerd/geek/con culture. To me, it would seem hard to pull off a strip like this without appearing cliched or "just another geek joke" driven. Joel manages to deliver his panels without falling into a G4 show, which I appreciate. Plus, I really like the way he draws.

You can follow Joel on Twitter here.



The Graveyard Gang - by Rich Clabaugh 

I'll be honest and spill the beans: the number one thing I like about 'The Graveyard Gang' is the art itself. I feel like I should be able to watch this on one of the cartoon channels. It's beautiful. I also enjoy how things we were afraid of as children are re-imagined in a fun way. My oldest son (9 years old) has claimed this comic as one of his favorites as well (of course, I do a little censoring before he gets them), and when I can read them with my kids, well that's just icing. I am also excited to see Krampus injected into this world (see Trivial Post #2 for reference).

You can follow Rich on Twitter here. 

Honestly, I follow and read so many comics that it isn't really fair to narrow it down to nine. I think I'll start a monthly spotlight post for this - it was fun. 

I'd love to hear your comments or thoughts.

Trivial Post #4: Another Silly Doodle (Bigfoot Edition)

I believe in Bigfoot. It's true - and Loch Ness. But I have to wonder why the Sasquatch species is so difficult to find. I believe that at some point in recent history, some roaming bipedal bigfoot wandered across an outdoor screening of the old 'King Kong', and hid silently in the nearby brush in horror as the tale of the big ape unfolded. Word then spread quickly through the ape man culture that if caught, humans will do horrible things in the name of science, research and entertainment. 

There is evidence that these nomadic giants weren't as shy with the early civilizations (learn about the Hairy Man Pictographs as an example), so what happened? 

If I'm honest, I'm not sure I really want one to be found. We all know what we are capable of - the human race has proven over and over that we are not exactly kind to things we fear or do not understand. How would we truly react to such a discovery?

Trivial Post #3: Workin' On A Book

My wife and me have always wanted to do a children's book. And recently, after being inspired by Michael Regina and the Dragon Book he did with his daughter, we decided that it was no longer excusable to put it off. Ergo, Finnigan Frogmore was born. We hope he will become a figure that sparks some esteem and hope for kids who don't otherwise believe themselves to be capable or confident. Or possibly those who live with a bully in their lives. It is a particularly slow process for me, as I am creating all of the art digitally (see post #1 to understand why this is a challenge). Hopefully you will be able to have this in your hands one day.

Cover art for a children's book I'm currently working on

I would love to know what you think - feedback is massively valuable

Trivial Post #2: The Creepy Vibe

I kid you not. This might qualify as the most frightening holiday "fun fare" since people of the Alps blessed the world with 'Krampus' (if you've never stretched your knowledge base to know who Krampus is, I beg you to do so by clicking here). When I see these little monsters in the homes of my friends and family, I become anxious and think that one night, after all are sleeping, my loved ones will meet their demise at the tiny little devil hands of this toy. 

It's entirely possible that the clown from 'Poltergeist' was a heavier influence on my childhood than previously thought.

Trivial Post #1: Artist Perspectives

I love comics. It is a simple fact of my life. The fantasy of it is grandiose. It is a special brand of art. However, my own creative endeavors are quite different. And bridging that divide consumes me.

I grew up drawing. There was a pencil and a plain bit of paper. That would evolve into painting. There was a brush and a canvas. But there always existed a common perspective as to how my creations would materialize and become something I would refer to as "my art". To me, everything is a product of color and light. And in the spirit of honesty, I've always viewed the graphic arts in that perspective. But recently I have been challenged artistically in ways that I am ill prepared to reconcile comfortably.

In the past two months, I have accepted a personal dare to step into the digital octagon. It seems logical enough. But it is very raw and unfamiliar. The fact that this is the first "blog post" I've typed in my life should be ample evidence that I'm the new guy in this digital university. Even more absurd is the reason I'm doing it in the first place. As I stated in the first line of this post, I love comics. Of course the logical next step is to create them myself.

Oh my. What did I get myself into? Right from the start, I'm staring at a monumental obstacle. The perspective I've lived and breathed - my very school of thought throughout my artistic life - is being questioned. Growing up, we didn't really use words like "inking". I know, I know. Up hill both ways etc, etc. We made drawings. Then we made..well...colorings (which I am aware is not a real word). My art stood on the foundation of impressionism and the idea that every shape in this world was evident because of color and light. Now this new world - this MARVELous world of indie web comics - wants me to suddenly outline my environment with life or death giving ink lines?  

Let's be completely honest here. An artist can create anything with color and luminosity. Lines that outline everything around us do not occur naturally. Light and color do. Simple enough. 

That has been ingrained in my soul. In the back of my mind I think, "Sure. In the comic world inking is extremely important. But how many masterpieces exist out there that do not have a single inked line?" Color has always been the valuable crown jewel. Then I had what Agent Mulder calls a praying mantis epiphany.

Artists have differing perspectives and ideas amongst themselves regarding what is and is not "art". But what I'm encountering now seems especially sensitive. This "inking" word I see throughout my Twitter feed and hear in cartooning circles carries a deity-like weight. I see illustrators and comic artists use that word with such reverence and passion. Essentially, it appears to be the Yin to my Yang. So why am I not so captured by it? It's intimidating. I wonder if I my decision to try what I've always loved is folly. 

And therein lies the real challenge. Comparison. Insecurity. Pride. All of the things that are intrinsic to the artist personality. At least to some degree. I have failed to demonstrate the one steadfast thing I know to be true:

An artist has only the responsibility to create what the artist intends. Appreciation is theirs first, the viewer second. And categorically, "viewers" includes other artists. 

At the very least, I am content with my own style. I can also say that I'm quite at peace with the three or four digital attempts I've put out there (one of which is Trivial Post #2). They obviously have a color/light bias. But I want to do comic work and nifty children's books . In fact, I will. Anyone who has found my shoes to be familiar has felt the same way, I'm sure. 

So that's it. It's a large learning curve. But I am fascinated by the perspective of artists who come from a different school of thought, and I pay attention to them because of it. Inking is what separates the comic world, and since I come from a color perspective, it remains my toughest challenge. I am convinced however, that the best art will be a natural product of both methodologies. We are looking at the same coin, just different sides. 

Many comic artists and cartoonist may wonder why I have so many questions, or forever inhabit their web sites studying and scouring the contents. Maybe this honest admission will explain why I might look like the puppy sitting with his head askew, as if to get another angle on something he is still trying to understand.