NEWSLETTER 06 - TANXGIVING
I mean really? Again?
Last week was packed with “oh shit, I’ve got plans” moments, but this week is more relaxed as I’m in Atlanta, visiting family and on the road. I’m still working, but man, it’s a pain lugging all the stuff I need to make comics—plus, I forgot half of it! Still, it’s helping me focus on page layout and finishing lettering. I hope to have everything ready for December, so I stay on track to release three issues in 2024. Then, going into 2025, I aim for four issues.
I’ve also been working on TANX during my flight and downtime to get that down. It all comes down to drawing—just sitting with it. Sometimes, I work in a specific direction, but other times, it’s about moving the pen and seeing where it takes me. Some sketches are above.
3 THOUGHTS
“It seemed like a nice neighborhood to have bad habits in.”
-Raymond Chandler, The Big Sleep
There is talk about moving again. New opportunities have arisen for my lady and me, so we are hemming about it a bit, trying to see how feasible it is. Nothing concrete yet, but certain motions need to be made. This quote helped cement it in my head.
And
Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or have to explain modern art to 100 regular-sized ducks?
Also
What does it mean to pursue art in a world where algorithms decide what gets seen and celebrated? Can genuine creativity thrive when likes and shares often outweigh depth and originality? Are we losing the essence of art in favor of trends that cater to fleeting attention spans?
Why do so many people hesitate to create, fearing they’ll be lost in the noise of the internet’s endless scroll? Could it be that the mediocrity we bemoan is also a call to arms—to rise above and make something unforgettable? Can true art still be a rebellion against the flood of sameness, or is it destined to be buried under memes and mindless content?
What would happen if more people ignored the metrics and created for themselves rather than an audience? Is the key to elevating oneself through art to unplug from the chase for validation and rediscover what it feels like to make something real?
In an era where everyone has a platform, what sets apart those who indeed rise? Is it skill, perseverance, or something more profound—a refusal to conform? And, most importantly, can we, as creators, be brave enough to embrace our uniqueness in a digital sea of mediocrity?
Asking for a friend.
2 LINKS
Artist I dig: Molly Crabapple
There is something extraordinary when people cut through the bullshit. It’s hard because there is always some form of pretense or some fear of offending or not coming off as intelligent or selfish bullshit. When you have someone who gives a fuck and does what the fuck, you follow and hold on.
Molly Crabapple is like that.
BTW if you ever were or are into underground comics from back in the day and want some of that awesomeness, please check out what I just backed, Cherry Issue 24 by Underground Comics Legend Larry Welz, on Kickstarter:
Dive into the latest installment of America’s Most Notorious Underground Comic Book Sexpot, Cherry ‘Poptart’! Created by underground comics legend Larry Welz, this issue is a must-have for fans of bold, boundary-pushing storytelling.
Issue #24 continues the wild ride with CHERRYPOCALYPSE, a new ongoing saga filled with 48 pages of edgy, parody-packed erotica. This exclusive first edition features a thick, glossy cover, making it a collector’s dream. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Cherry’s world, this is your chance to grab a piece of underground comics history.
Don’t miss out on this limited print run! Wholesale options are available in rewards and add-ons. Snag your copy before it’s gone—because once it’s out of print, it’s gone for good.
1 THING
FWACATA Discord
I’ve always been saying how I want a “community instead of fans” that I d instead make friends than fans and more bullshit, but I never put it to the test. So, I’ve had this server in my back pocket to share work, have folks talk on there, etc. It’s always open, and I’ll be there all the time, ready to welcome you. I hope it can cross-pollinate folks into one place of comics for all to know. I think it will be slow to get up, but I’m interested in getting it going.
So that's all for now. I know most of us in the States are busy with Thanksgiving, our families, and such. If you are not planning to travel… WHATEVER. Remember, it’s about connecting first and foremost; the other stuff, such as food, shopping, etc., is extra. It’s better to share some shitty burgers and get to talk than be busy trying to get the proper ham for whatever.
Also, how about the Miami Dolphins, huh? I watched a game for once, and they won; maybe I was the critical factor, not Tua! (Yeah, right)
BE GOOD - Juan
