In the better-late-than-never department, it’s time for me to reflect on what 2008 was like, in an effort to assess what I was able to accomplish (and what I have yet to) in an effort to push further ahead in 2009.
So, without further ado:
1) In late December 2007, I had made the decision to switch from a single panel format to a multi-panel format. Initially, it was intimidating. Gradually, though, I gained some footing with the new format (and actually prefer it!). All that and being a new parent, to boot!
2) After a raft of problems with my host, Lunarpages (which I don’t feel like linking), I made the switch to a new server, and – concurrently, brought the pcweenies.com domain out of its 4 year “retirement”. I’m very happy with the uptime of my new host, Rampage Network.
3) This year I had the pleasure to virtually meet several cartoonists of like mind. My biggest goal for 2008 was to network among the cartoonist community, and make some friends. I feel like I’ve finally found that with fine folks like Mark Rudolph, Jerzy Drozd, Javier Hernandez, and many others.
4) 2008 was the year I figured out Twitter. Twitter has helped me forge new friendships and networking contacts. It’s been invaluable. (follow me on Twitter: kms007)
5) 2008 was the year that PCW made it to the front page of Digg.com. I learned a lot of valuable lessons from that experience. Namely, the importance of using Wordpress-SuperCache and not using Lunarpages.
6) 10 years of making a webcomic. I learned a lot of lessons along the way and I’m really proud of myself for sticking with it, through thick and then.
On the “things I have yet to do” area:
1) I still want to make a PC Weenies book. Finding time for it has been ridiculously difficult. Which leads me to…
2) I need to make a buffer of strips. Working week to week on strips is fun, but is undeniably grueling.
3) Spread the word. One of my mantras in 2009 is to spend more time marketing the strip. Word-of-mouth has been good, but I see a lot of room for growth this year. Perhaps some marketing campaigns will help?
4) Take more time off. It’s nice to be busy, but I could use a break every now and then. Aarti and I are planning a vacation this year (leaving the baby with my parents), so this goal has a strong likliehood of happening.
-Krishna
Well, for starters, it features some very cool work by KC Green, Nick Nitro, Riot, Mike Moss, Chuck Rowles, and much, much more.
And if you need more convincing, it also features a cover design and comic strips by a certain crazy artist who draws a certain tech ‘toon and autobiographical strip. This issue is significant for me in that it marks the first time that both the PC Weenies and UNcubed have EVER appeared in a comic book.
The folks at NightGig Studios are currently taking preorders for The Nightgig Sampler #4. There are two covers to choose from – a “Mint” condition cover and a convention exclusive “distressed” cover (pictured above).
Pop on over and order yourself a copy! (And tell ‘em Bob sent ya!)
-Krishna
It’s been quiet here for a few reasons:
It’s been a stressful three days, and at this point I’m not sure where I’ll find the energy to make comics next week, but I’ll give it my best. The show must go on, right?
Thanks for understanding!
-Krishna
My copy of “John Oxbow: Man Out of Time”, by Mark Rudolph arrived this weekend, and I finally had a chance to sit down and read it. I first came across Mark’s work via Sugary Serials – check out The Curse of The Pharoahs to get a brief taste of Mark’s stellar art.
Anyway, back to “Oxbow”.
This book has everything – dinosaurs, caves, lost ancient idols, time traveling, mystery, serious moral struggles, adventure, fighting — the works. The story itself is about a selfish thief named John Oxbow who gets some serious karmic payback for all the unscrupulous things he’s done in the past.
The script is evenly paced, fun, and conjures up adventure in the style of Indiana Jones, Twilight Zone, with a little Quantum Leap thrown in for good measure. The tone of the book is reminiscent of comics from the 1970’s. The artwork is crisp, meticulous, and vibrant – thanks to solid inks and the judicious use of tones.
All in all, John Oxbow is a FUN book, clocking in at 20 pages – and I eagerly look forward to reading issue #2. I enjoyed this book a great deal! What could make it better? I actually had a difficult time coming up with that. I’d love to purchase a full-color version, maybe when Oxbow is collected as an album.
“John Oxbow” is a fun read – it encompasses everything I enjoy about the sequential art medium. It’s all-ages friendly, and features amazing work by an incredibly talented artist. Help support independent artists like Mark – purchase your copy of “John Oxbow” today!
-Krishna