This was a challenging page layout. In the end, I think the pictures say more than words. I alluded to this moment as far back as in Curly’s nightmares in Chapter 3, Stargazer. It has been a long road to come to this point and to tell Curly’s origin story, but I think it was worth the wait. 

I need more hours in the day, it feels like I barely get out of bed until it is time to sleep again. No rest for the wicked I guess. 

I started playing Scarlet Nexus recently and it’s pretty fun. I got interested in the quirky enemy design and art style. I’m not a huge manga/anime fan, but there are several titles that I enjoy and hold dear. Manga such as Full Metal Alchemist and Boku No Hero Academia has discreetly influenced my black and white art style over the years. I’m often in awe over the amazing backgrounds and screentones you can find in most Japanese comics. I also got some pro tips from my old buddy, the grumpy Mr. K who worked as an anime background artist for a while in Tokyo. 

When I was a wee kid, I remember having the telly on in the background while playing. I often played with cartoons like Transformers or just had it on for background noise. One day, a movie captured my attention and had me watching, forgetting my toys. Sure, I did not understand everything that happened but I got the gist of it. The movie turned out to be the adaption of Stephen King‘s Thinner. The movie stuck with me for a long time and recently I got my hands on a copy of the book. It also influenced me when it came to the slow thrilling buildup of horror, instead of jumpscares and slashers.  

I have a cold, a  man cold. Keep me in your prayers as I struggle during these trying times. 

Bugsy is a really messy, gross character. He lives on making moonshine, is exceptionally liberal when he needs to take a shower, and uses his floor as a wardrobe. In other words, he is pretty much as a college student, just without the school parts.  

Using a narrator like Crispin DeGol is fun and breaks up the story in excellent little segments. I have used the unknown narrator trope before but giving him a body and fugly face is fun. Here we also meet Curly’s loveable hick cousin Bugsy, in his swamp glorious residence (read: dilapidated shack). 

I have been playing Trover saves the Universe lately and it is a really fun, very weird little game by Justin Roiland and his studio Squanch Games. It is much in style and tone to Rick & Morty and Solar Opposites, only playable. I often find myself just staying behind listening to what the characters have to say, and they talk almost endlessly.   

Good news, everybody! Come check out the Hook Cove Gazette: Sizzling Summer Spectacular! A horror comedy magazine where yours truly have two short stories, a two-page comic, and some faux commercials in it! This summertime special is cram-packed with horrifically funny stories, anecdotes, and nonsense by a mess of talented authors and artists! I am humbled to be counted among them and had a blast working on this extravagant piece of a future cult classic! 

I always envisioned Curly’s grandmother as a fast-talking, ruthless but still loving con artist who could twist and turn every word against you until you just happened to agree on her terms. My mother was very good at this and an intimidating woman, so I guess some parts of Nana come from her. That poor principal got his bollocks handed to him in a gift wrapper. 

I have slowly been playing through Oddworld: New and Tasty lately, and it is entertaining how every area is like a puzzle. You have to time it just right to solve it, using your nogging, skills and a lot, and I mean a lot, of trial and error! I remember playing the original demo back when PlayStation was released but for some reason, I never got my grubby kiddie hands on a copy back then.  That is why I am so happy that Oddworld Inhabitants decided to do a remake of it and a reimagining of Abe’s Exoddus, now called Oddworld: Soulsstorm.