Law of Gravity
Happy today, Jazz Pickles! As a random, white-haired hippie once said to me in a parking lot, I hope you’re living, learning, and loving.
Those of you with a keener eye may notice that this week I went hog-ass-wild (as they say back home) on the art in both the title panel and the cartoon. The line art in the title panel is a detail of one of the pages in my Bizarro Land coloring book, which came out a few years ago. Honestly, the illustrations in that book are some of the coolest and strangest I’ve ever done. I’m so proud of it and so sorry so few people have seen it. By the time it came out, the market was already so flooded with coloring books that it was kind of a lost cause right out of the gate.
Nonetheless, I’m seriously digging the colors I used on this title panel. As you might notice, I typically dull the colors down for my Bizarro cartoons in order to make them look a little more realistic. As I think the barroom comic above illustrates, much of my humor is funnier if it seems to be happening to real people. If these were super-wacky, scribbly cartoon characters in an undefined space, it just wouldn’t have the same punch.
So my colors are usually muted, but in my graphic novel, Peyote Cowboy (no, I probably won’t stop finding a way to mention it in every post) I’ve been experimenting with psychedelic color combos and really loving it, so that kind of palette found its way into today’s title panel.
And, speaking of PeyCow (lingo for those of us in the know), in my barroom drawing above, the art on the walls is all from my novel. On the far left is our purple hero, the title character. To the right is a brilliant, sarcastic, mischievous skeleton dude on a skeleton horse. He’s the cowboy’s spirit guide of sorts. At least, that’s what we assume, given what’s been posted of the story so far. Lastly, on the far right, behind the woman contemplating the lofty dartboard, is the sheriff our hero runs afoul of as soon as he stumbles into town.
Lastly, the cowpoke with the gray beard standing at the bar staring at the dynamite in his glass is a little cameo of yours truly. These days, I can draw myself without even looking. (One of the few benefits of narcissism.)
If you’re thinking you’re not really into graphic novels, try mine for 10 minutes before you decide. My story isn’t violent, isn’t about superheroes or outer space, and isn’t simply a lame excuse for a book full of cool art. It’s something different, I’m proud of that, and I’d love it if you’d give it a glance. Lots of people are really loving it, I’m happy and humbled to say.
Now let’s find out what comedy Wayno stumbled into in his Bizarro cartoons from the week…
Are they still called “wee” wolves if they’re house-trained?
Obviously, Wood was heavily influenced by Robert Crumb.
Who doesn’t want to party with a big, drunken Roman in a dress?
I’m so sick of criminals and their baby pictures.
I have a feeder outside my studio window and have come to believe that hummingbirds have some of the best PR in the business. Everyone thinks they’re adorable but man are they aggressive towards each other!
Another fun version of our Bizarro Alien in this comic!
Speaking of the Bizarro Secret Symbols, Wayno and I were thinking that since we’ve all had such a challenging year, (read: steaming turd of a year) perhaps we could kick off the new year with a new vision for the future and a new Secret Symbol!
We’re going to announce what it is a few days ahead of its debut on January 1, but until then, Wayno would like to hear what you think it might or should be. He’s even offering prizes! You can read all about it on Wayno’s weekly cartoon post.
That pops the last pod of this week’s sheet of comedy bubblewrap, Jazz Pickles. If you’ve enjoyed our work and want to help us keep our site ad-free, please consider having a look at the links below.
Until next time, be smart enough to realize how little you know for sure.
BIZARRO SHOP We have new stuff in the shop that’s fun and cheap!
…Signed, numbered, limited edition prints and original Bizarro panels
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