This February I will be teaching a class on becoming a professional cartoonist, and there are still spots available! If you live in the Albuquerque area and have any interest in expanding your skills as a cartoonist, you should consider signing up. Or, if you know someone that might enjoy this class, let them know! Here’s the course description:

When you open a newspaper, do you immediately flip to the comics section? Do you enjoy graphic novels or manga? Have you ever wanted to launch a webcomic? Have you ever wanted to draw comics for a living? Whether you are an accomplished artist or still struggling with stick figures, this course engages people of all abilities. By the end of the semester, you will have an intimate knowledge of storytelling, composition, penciling, inking and the business of comics. Please bring a sketchbook and your preferred drawing implement to the first class.

We will meet Thursday nights from 6:00 to 9:00pm, starting on February 4 and going for 8 sessions until April 1. The tuition is 100 dollars, which I believe comes out to only 12 dollars for each 3 hour class. We will be using Scott McCloud’s book, Making Comics, as a textbook.

This course is being handled by the UNM continuing education program. To register online, go here, and to find out more, go here.

Also: new journal comic.

Here’s a delightful cartoon based off a Dr. Seuss cartoon. I love the simplicity of the line work, and also how it’s easy to identify with the characters.



I’ve been sick recently with a cold that just won’t go away. It’s frustrating, but I actually feel pretty happy about how things are right now. I feel like I’m finally starting to adapt to the independent, solitary, cartoonist lifestyle.

I’ve been developing a new style recently, which I’m excited about. It is kind of a progression of the style I used in the college 101 series. I like it because, unlike my recent Mal and Chad style, it seems able to handle darker, more serious stories. I’m hoping I can develop a good story that syncs with this style.

Progress on the Mal and Chad book is going at about its usual pace: slow. To let the story breathe a bit, my editor decided it would be good to add a couple more pages to certain scenes. So the new page count of the book is 221 pages! I’ve got about 50 pages inked so far, and I am itching to see the book finished. In spite of how long this is taking, I really feel confident that the book will be some of the best work I’ve ever done, and that people will enjoy it. It’s hard being patient though!

Thanks to everyone who has been reading the journal comic. Here are a couple new ones.

Hey everybody!

I haven't been on the blog much lately, but I wanted to let you know I'm still alive.

If you're curious as to what's been happening for me lately, there's a new journal comic for you all to check out.

The comics for kids workshop went well-- thanks to all the kids and parents who showed up! I may have pictures of the event up later on.

The Mal and Chad book is going well, but the process demands a lot of endurance. I've got 50 pages inked, but it looks like I'll be doing another round of edits with the team at Philomel before further progress is made on the final art.

I'll keep you updated as things develop. Cheers!

This last week I finished penciling the Mal and Chad book. I've saved small jpg versions of each page in a file folder, and when I scroll through, looking at the 215 little thumbnail images of each one, I feel really proud of myself. My editor has liked what he's read so far too, which is a good sign.

To celebrate the milestone, I took this week off to get a second wind, celebrate Halloween and attend and help out at my best friend Phil's wedding. Some of you might know Phil from the Stalking Japan movies. Well, he got married this past weekend to his high school sweetheart. I'm happy for them.

Now that the week of celebration is over, I'm throwing myself back into the fray, ready to bring this book to completion. Thanks for all your prayers and support! Wish me luck!

Mark your calendars for a free, one day class I'll be teaching on Comics for Kids! All 7-12 year old kids are invited to the White Rock Public Library for a session on how to draw comics taught by yours truly. We'll be learning the basics of drawing comics, as well as what it takes to become a cartoonist. The event will last from four to five-thirty pm this November 19. Please spread the word! It's going to be a blast!

As of today I have 32 pages left to pencil!

So close! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! And you know what’s waiting for me outside?

Another tunnel.

The Mal and Chad graphic novel is over halfway penciled.

Naturally, I’m way behind my original estimate about the time frame I thought I could complete this book in. Theoretically I could pencil ten pages a day for six days a week and be finished with the roughs in less than a month, but life doesn’t play out like that.

But I feel proud of myself.

This week I spent time getting my second wind before advancing forward to conquer the last half of the book. I’ve been dealing with this thing called life. Apparently, you can’t get away with drawing comics in a dark little room for three weeks without the to-do list lengthening significantly. My little fortress of solitude doesn’t insulate me from responsibility. So I’ve been cleaning, setting up doctor’s checkups, and grocery shopping and stuff.

Thanks for tuning in! I’ll try to keep you all updated on the progress!