TURKEYxMISTLETOE

I've been thinking for years that TURKEYxMISTLETOE would be a great name for a band that did hardcore version of Christmas classics. But I don't think that people use x's like that anymore, so maybe it isn't funny... Not too sure about that.

Maybe if I called it "Turkey and Mistletoe" it would make more sense. Of course, the reference is to a song that i don't think about too much. In fact, there are many lines in Christmas songs people don't think about too much. I drew some pictures of these at the Comic Book Classroom Christmas Party [that's a lot of "c"s!] My favorite one tho not exactly a song, is a twist on O Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," although I now see from a photo that I made a spelling error.
Now for some actual updates. This later half of 2011 has been exceedingly busy and had some hang ups for my art. If you've followed my comics this season, you've read the autobio ones about my computer troubles. I haven't post this picture, however. But it should illustrate the general challenges I've had. [yes, those are two different computers, not an extra monitor on the laptop.]
So I got all my computer stuff worked out and better than ever, but now the hinge of my laptop, on which I do a majority of my artwork, is now loose. I could replace it and may one day, but for now, I have a piece of cardstock folded and wedged into the hinge, so that it will stay up as I draw on the screen. Who knows. We'll see how it goes.Anyway, I got behind on my artwork due to the computer hang ups and working many hours this past fall. But, I've finally gotten caught up on just about everything. I don't want to make a formal announcement until things are displayed, but I'll just say that these are prohighest profile work I've done, or at least among the highest profile.

I've also been able to do a ton of comic events. Since the end of October, I've done two signings at Mile High Comics, one at the grand opening of their new megastore, the largest comic book store in existence, and quite likely the best in many respects. I had a great time at the sketch off at the Christmas party mentioned above. Between these events was Cowtown Comix Fest in conjuction with the Wazee Union art show, which had an emphasis on local comic artists. I had 4 pieces of artwork in the show, which seemed to be met favorably by the folks who attended. This was my first time to have art in a gallery and I enjoyed it immensely.

I've also thought a bit about the state of my Heaven Forbid books. I've been working on the "Chelsea" graphic novel for just over a year now. I would have liked to be done with it, but I'm probably about half done or so. Anyway, I realize that it won't be done too soon. Maybe by like 2013 or so. But, on the other hand, I've realized that I do have about a full book's worth of the next HF book, apart from the Chelsea story. See, "Chelsea" is a full graphic novel, which was entirely written out before I began drawing it. It really is one complete story. As I've been doing it [and before it was started, after finishing book 1] I've been doing my regular 4 panel style comics, which can be a book on their own. So I'm announcing there will be a new Heaven Forbid book next year, debuting at a summer convention [probably either Denver Comic Con or San Diego Comic Con]. Right now, I'm trying to figure out how much more I want to put into it.

I guess that's it for now. 2011 has been great. I'm sure 2012 will be, too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!