New York City

True story.

So yeah, this weekend was all bout NYC. First, I accompanied Tara to Drink and Draw Like a Lady…at least until the event started. Then I had to go find a way to occupy myself safely for a couple hours. I mostly sat on a bench and people-watched, but I also drank a lot of coffee at a small-yet-cozy diner.

Then the next day we returned to the city to hit up MoCCA. What a totally fun and rockin’ con! Definitely more up my alley than big boy Comic-Con ever was. Lots of zines and indies artists and just an overwhelming sense of art love. Got to see and meet a whole slew of great comic artists such as Pranas T. Naujokaitis, Box Brown, Hope Larson, Raina Telgemeier, Lucy Knisley, and plenty more! Got plenty to read, for sure.

For a more accurate account of the day, check out Tara‘s journal comic: http://gingercurls.wordpress.com/2010/04/11/mocca-2010/

Now you know that you are real
Show your friends that you and me
Belong to the same world
Turned on to the same word
– “Have You Heard” by The Moody Blues

Rainy Weather Warms My Heart

Seriously, people. I’m like an alien or something. Or maybe it is my superpower? Being happy in the rain? Watch out, Heroes Season 23, here I come!

And I was breathless on a Sunday morning
And I was speechless on a Sunday night
For a lack of better understanding
Felt like an engine that just didn’t need a tire
I see your face, I hear your voice
I touch the screen and wonder
“Gimme a Sign” by Ryan Adams

#380 – Storm Watchers

This storm floated in the first night of vacation at the beach house. It was pretty cool, watching the lightning flashes and all, but being on the boards all by yourself (save for the lone bicyclist) around one in the morning is a wee bit freaky. Totally worth it though.

I guess I should mention that today I’m a wee bit older, even though I don’t really want to. Quarter of a century, folks. D got me this little book of Snapple Real Facts, which I’ll be tossing in these posts. So, you better enjoy them…or you won’t gain any knowledge! Take that!

And in future news, today I will eat some cake.

Snapple Real Fact #74: You share your birthday with at least a million other people.

On a Tuesday in the rain,
I never thought there’d come a day.
I never thought there’d come a day, yea.
If I put myself to the test,
would I ever raise a fist.
Would I just shut my mouth,
would I just block it out.
– “Nervous in the Alley” by Less Than Jake

#346 – Day with D and Momma Dukes

There were several other things that happened with my day of D and Momma Dukes. One, they brought the good weather with them, turning the gloomy morning into a beautiful afternoon. Two, we got to watch some stereotypical Italians be…stereotypical. And three, um…we split a sleeve of Thin Mints for dessert in my apartment. I know, I know. You’re jealous. Well, that’s just how things unfold when we all get together. We’re a party, I tell you.

So, generally speaking, I’m not a big fan of comic/art memes. Mostly cause I never have time to do them. And they are always, always popping up, and the latest one just could not be ignored. Dave Valeza started a thing where artists must draw their teen selves in comparison with their now selves. Who am I to say no to such a fun idea? Here’s what I came up with:

But if I built you a city, would you let me in?
Would you tear it down?
– “Ruthless” by Something Corporate

#245 – Too Many Things

I’m deeper than Mexico’s Cave of Swallows. I actually drew this one some time back, but constantly found ways to avoid posting it. Well, I’ve got a New Year’s resolution in the making and I figured why wait another thirty days or so to get started on it. I’ll explain more later on…

Anyways, this has been my favorite video all week long:

Lastly, weekend plans? I’ll be getting a haircut, which should please Momma Dukes to no end. How about you? Still doing that holiday shopping?

#202 – Muggers

Guys can get beat up for their money just as much as women.

If you’re interested in seeing how I make a comic strip, I’ve put together a little step-by-step of my process. Check it out, I say!

The weekend is looming just around the corner. I see a lot of sleep in my future days. What are your plans?