NMSD.

Back in 1999, I contributed a 2-page comic to Not My Small Diary #7. Eight years later, here I am doing a three-pager for issue 14. It's been some time since I've done a straight autobio story, and the thing I noticed was how similar they seem - pacing and storytelling-wise. It makes me want to carefully consider new methods of narrative structure, new ways to roll out that story carpet in a less straightforward way.




Already 2008 is shaping up nicely. I've done more drawing since Tuesday than I did cumulatively in the last couple of weeks. I've spent quality (drawing) time with lots of comics buddies - shout out Greg! Alec! Ryland! Nick! I've got lots of you still to get in touch with. While they're still fresh in my mind, I can implement some new mental habits and keep them working on my behalf. New music and freshly-framed art on the walls are doing significant wonders for my serotonin levels, as well as appreciation for daily niceties: incredibly hot showers, coffee-based treats, quality shoes.

I wonder if I should make an attempt to review, or at least share my opinions on, the scads of comics and books I've been reading lately - Exit Wounds, Acme Novelty Library #18, the Schulz biography. Perhaps in a later post. I've been liking and enjoying the works, which is nice after several months of scoffing and fuming about the inexplicable lauding and artistic acceptance of certain "art comics" I'd also be best not naming. I may seem like a dismissive cynic with a lot of things, but I'd always much rather love something than hate it (even though it's so hard to find pure quality sometimes!). So I'll be a little more even-handed and carefully-considered in my criticism from now on. I need to let things sit a bit and sink in.