Y’know, I’m never really happy with these things when I’m all done with them. I was actually loving this strip while I was inking (which is generally pretty rare as well), but the second I scanned it, I couldn’t look at it anymore. I guess it’s just part of the whole artist thing. What are you gonna do? Fact of life.

But, as much as I don’t like looking at my work after I’m done with it, I do like hearing from all of you – meaning, don’t be afraid to leave comments. There is the usual (and very much appreciated) cast of characters around here, but please don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard if you happen to be new, or just shy. I always feel intimidated by leaving comments on the blogs I hang out on. I shouldn’t, I’m sure, but I just get this feeling of being outside of things, like I don’t get it. But whether or not that happens to be true elsewhere, it’s not true here. You get it. Trust me.

Hey you guys! I’m going to be at the Wizard World Chicago comics convention this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you happen to come on down, stop by and say hi. Apparently I’ll be at booth #3124 – which puts it right up front. Seriously though, come see me and Seamus of Oh Goodie fame. I hate these damn things, so I’ll need as many distractions as possible.

Oh, and before I forget — if you like this comics, why not become a fan of Billy the Dunce on facebook? I know it’s not cool, but I does give you insight into…ummm…nothing. I just like to see the number of go up. It validates me. Twitter, too.

What can I say, I’m shallow.

Cheers,

J.

This storyline begins here.

Keeping it short tonight – my gosh darned damnable brushes made me hate inking tonight, but the comic still turned out pretty okay. But because of this, I am drained. So, instead of sparkling commentary you get:

Billy the Dunce #46 Playlist:

Gremlins
Hot Rod (again, I think)
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (whatever the three or so most recent episodes are)
Pitchfork’s top 100 tracks of 2009 (I think I got up to #80 or so)

This storyline begins here.

Holy cow it’s finally over. Not this week’s first comic (he says ominously), but the semester! No more presentations! A whole month to spend making comics and working part time, without all that pesky learnin’ to get in the way. Well, it’s learnin’ about comics, but still.

And I shall celebrate by growing a magnificent beard.

I’m really sorry that there’ve only been two updates in two weeks. No excuses. But to promise a second comic before this Sunday would be foolish. I could barely muster enough energy to sleep last night, and I still somehow managed to ink half of this thing. So, here’s the deal. I’ll give you a new comic on Tuesday. Sound good? I’m quietly hoping to have another one up on Friday, but seeing as how that would be christmas day, the wife might not like it if that one goes down to the wire. So, two next week, One tuesday, the other by Sunday, and from there on I am going to get ahead if it kills me.

Which leads to the question, what days would you guys like to see updates? When do you like to crack open your fresh, steaming webcomics?

Don’t be strangers,

J

This storyline begins here.

Well, I done it. And even though this one looked like it was going to be a total fiasco, it turned out all right. In fact – it may be one of my favorites. I still can’t wait until my new brushes get here. Oh for a point that works.

I’m feeling particularly superhuman right now, to tell you the truth. I survived the thesis presentation at CCS, and now I’ve got one comic in the bag. Do you guys think I can do two? Finish a whole nother’ strip by sunday? With work, collective meetings (oh, you’ll be hearing about the collective soon) and all that between me and success?

I tell you what – start clapping your hands. Real Loud. Maybe you can wake this old fairyyyyyy…um, no. On second thought, you should just cross your fingers. I’m going to try. But it’ll probably be so late on sunday, that it’s technically monday. You’ll love that monday morning. It’ll be awesome.

Oh, I am so done right now.

Later,

J

Here it is. I am tired. Hope you like it!

So that’s done.

I just want to point out that it’s currently 3:39 in the am here in loverly vermont, and I am busted tired. Really.

I just want to point out- this is what you do to me, internet hobby.

Maybe it’s the tired talking, or maybe it’s the Stewart’s Key Lime Soda Pop – but I think I may actually like this strip. Obviously it’s a bit of a cliffhanger, but it just feels so…you know – arty.

Thanks to Jose for the new Zip-a-tone patterns. They’re fun to play with.

I told you it would be up LATE on friday. Even though it’s saturday. It’s still friday to me.

This one was pretty fun to draw, despite the lack of movement. It’s fun just getting to know the lines of each character and their expressions. Plus, this marks my full conversion to brushwork. I didn’t pick up a nib for a single line. I did use a pen for the lettering, though. Letting which I’m still not quite happy with. Any suggestions?

Well, here it finally is. Aaaand it’s the conclusion to this first little storyline. Look for some new non-continuity by friday!

Credit to Nile for noticing the Tank-o-phone might have some trouble maneuvering. I stole your observation for a joke. In the first panel. I’m not paying you.

Another new comic…yeah, it took a while, but I didn’t have a lot of time this week to pump these things out. Next week is another long work week, so it might be a few days before you get a new one. Be patient – both of you.