Long Story Alert!

Don't freak out... but I'm updating this blog.

If you're freaking out now then STOP IT - I told you not to! Why don't you listen? Jeez!



So, it's been ages since my last post. Sorry about that. In a nutshell, I've been working really, really hard at my non-drawing job. It's been a very interesting experience - I think I've learnt a lot and I've done all sorts of new things. But it also means that I'm exhausted and a little strung out.

But whatever. You didn't come here to read about my actual life. You just want funny/cute comics. Don't pretend it isn't.

So, as you have been reading, I was ill for a bit and now I'm not. I've started on making new comics but I sort of fancy doing something different. I went through my files and I found a 26 page story I had printed off as issue twelve of People I Know.

Here is the original front cover!

People I Know #12 was made two years ago - in early 2011, and featured two wizards trying to navigate the perils of the heart. I've been thinking about uploading it onto the website for a while so now seems like a pretty good time.

However, there are a few things that I wanted to flag up before it goes online...

For starters - it was made two years ago and, believe it or not, my drawings look different. Maybe not HUGELY different, but different enough.

I mean, you can still tell that they are the same characters... they just look a little more polished.

Another difference is the characters themselves. In the two years since I drew this story, the wizards have evolved as characters - which is only right. They've got names now for a start! Jones is bossy and desperate to assert himself. Curly is easily led and upset, both a symptom of his sad backstory. Both wizards in the current webcomic are students, whilst in the longer story they have jobs. Maybe it's just a Summer job. Yeah - let's go with that.

The tone of the story itself is markedly different from my regular pun-filled comics. This whole story was made to me read in one sitting, rather than across a month. I've tried splitting it up into sections that make it work as a daily strip, but it isn't big on the laugh front.

This probably all sounds like I don't want you to read it, but that's certainly not the case. It's a good story and I'm proud of it. I just don't want any regular readers (or new readers!) to be weirded out by the sudden change in tone and look.If you really can't cope with it then come back in a month and it'll be business as usual. Or don't come back. I'm not the boss of you.

Enough about me, what about you? Have I missed anything exciting? Will I see you at MCM Expo in London?

Stay out of trouble
TWx

Angela Lansbury Week 2011 - Day Four

Remember how I said I was trying new things - well check it out! It's a drawing for Angela Lansbury Week that doesn't actually involve the actress herself. Plus, I'm double excited because I heard the phrase "character correct," this week - which means that the way a character does/says something is in keeping with who they are as people. I think the fancy dress costumes are all "character correct." But whatever - we're not here to watch me justify drawing teapots, you want Lansburys! Well, you're in the right place...

If you make comics then you’ll no doubt already be aware of Dan – what with him making comics, teaching about comics and eating comics. Oh wait. I made the last one up (I think). Dan has chosen to draw a very serious-looking Lansbury. The hair. The necklace. The sassy jacket. The only way she could mean any more business would be if she was the guy from Monopoly! I know Dan’s super busy what with comics and comics and more comics, so I’m really excited he found the time to do this. Thanks Dan!

Do you like unicorns? If you’re using the Internet then the answer has to be YES YES YES – because unicorns are ace. But you know who doesn’t like unicorns? Mommy Fortuna – the evil witch from The Last Unicorn! This spooky drawing was sent in by Angus – a cool dude/animator I met at a thing in the Summer. I remember watching The Last Unicorn as a little person…but I don’t actually remember anything about it. I think it involved the song Sleeping Satellite by Tasmin Archer, but I’m not sure. Maybe I just made that up? What I didn’t make up is how ace this drawing is. Thanks Angus! 

One of the questions that has often plagued the greatest minds throughout history is “what would Angela Lansbury look like if she was a cat?” Well, thanks to this super cute drawing by Rus, we finally know the answer! It’s good to know that if Angela Lansbury was a cat, she’s still have accepted the role of Jessica Fletcher. In fact, I sort of want to watch a cat-remake of Murder, She Wrote. It would be a massive hit on YouTube! Plus! FUN FACT! Jessica Fletcher didn’t drive anywhere in Murder, She Wrote – she always got rides from pals so they could have a gossip. And the cat version of Murder, She Wrote (Meow, She Wrote?) could be just the same. Amazing. Thanks Rus!

Avast, me hearties! Set sail for shore – and don’t forget to pack the picnic. Oh. I got the last bit wrong, didn’t I. Boo hoo. But you know what isn’t wrong? This drawing of Ruth from The Pirates of Penzance was sent in by Carl. It’s nice to see Angela with a sword instead of a typewriter…although I can’t decide which one is deadlier. I know people say “the pen is mightier than the sword,” but I reckon Ruth would probably take Jessica Fletcher in a fight. Not that they ever would fight, but still. Thanks Carl!

This drawing was made by the dreamboat duo of Simon and Tom. I was hounding them for ages about taking part in Angela Lansbury Week and when I saw them recently, they sat down and played a game of Exquisite Corpse to create this. Except that’s where it all got a bit…wrong. Urnk. I’m not normally one for censorship but the lower portion of their drawing got a bit too…um…tentacle-friendly? I hope they don’t mind that I cut that bit out – it just seemed a little…intense. I bet if you asked Simon and Tom to show you the whole thing, they’d be up for it. Thanks Simon! Thanks Tom!

Cute as a button describes two things – Mrs Potts and Lizz, the sweetheart who sent in this comic about her. You’ll remember Lizz from her previous drawing of Mrs ‘Arris – but she clearly couldn’t decide which Lansbury role she liked the best. Hence, two drawings! Not that I’m complaining – I get double the Lansburys and Lizz gets double…the…uh… I don’t know? Something cool. But, we mustn’t be distracted! Lizz’s comic raises a very important question: what is inside Mrs Potts? If she can talk, where is her voicebox? And if she has memories, where are they stored? Hmmm… While we ponder those. I’ll say thanks to Lizz. Thanks Lizz!

Uh oh! Watch out! There’s a Lansbury about! This one was sent in by James who decided to go for a Lansbury/mouse combination. I can’t say it’s a combination I ever expected to see (like prawn cocktail flavoured crisps!) – but I like it anyway (just like prawn cocktail flavoured crisps). It goes without saying that no mice or Lansburys were hurt in making of this drawing. Phew. Thanks James!

This drawing, by the frightfully talented Joe, raises one of the most often-asked questions:

”What would Angela Lansbury look like if she were a giant inflatable head? Would she still have accomplished so much as an actress and a woman?"

It is my personal opinion that Angela would have accomplished just as much if she was a giant inflatable head. It is also my personal opinion that Joe has done a great job with Angela’s hair! It’s a pretty tricky hair style to depict. I seem to talk about her hair a bit too much, eh? Huh. Either way, thanks Joe! 

Hey! Everyone! Get yourself onto the dancefloor! This Angela wants to boogie! Sent in by the charming Sammy, here we have Angela playing Eglantine Price – from Bedknobs and Broomsticks. If you’ve seen the film then you know who she is dancing with. And if you haven’t see the movie then I won’t ruin it for you. Also, I’d quite like to borrow that brown jacket – especially if it was tweed. But yes – Eglantine is good fun and it’s nice to see her do something other than fly around on a magic bed. Thanks Sammy!

The world of comics is full of lovely people and one of the loveliest is Sarah – the person responsible for (amongst other things) this brilliant drawing about the important role Angela Lansbury had on her childhood. Sarah’s Grandma has a good point though – how does she keep looking so well? I have a theory. You might have one two. Maybe we can swap them one day? The important thing is that everyone’s childhood was probably improved in some way by Angela Lansbury! Thanks Sarah!

It’s nearly Christmas so there’s a certain someone up in the North Pole who will be pretty busy. Nope – not Father Christmas. It’s Mrs Santa Claus, as played by Angela Lansbury in the 1996 movie, Mrs Santa Claus! See what they did there? This drawing was sent in by Rick who, at the time of writing, is the only person to send in a drawing of Angela’s most festive role. Bonus points for you! I haven’t watched this movie for a while – something I intend to resolve this Christmas. Thanks Rick!

The dainty figure! The spout-like nose! The cute little eyes! It can only be everyone’s favourite singing teapot – Mrs Potts! YAAAAAAAY! This cute drawing was sent in by the lovely Dan (who still owes me pancakes). I like the fact that we get double Lansburys in one picture. It’s like buy one, get one free! Or a bonus Lansbury! Speaking of bonuses, Dan has really highlighted what a snappy dresser Angela is. Thanks Dan!

MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT! MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT! Watch out world, we’ve got another Mrs ‘Arris in our hands. And what a looker she is! This one was sent in by Britain’s rising star – Luke! And let me tell you some hot gossip – I heard a rumour that Luke used real inks for this! I don’t know about you but I’m crazy jealous…but not of Luke! Oh no! I’m jealous of Mrs ‘Arris and her devotion to her dress. I wish I felt that passionate about something… *sigh* Thanks Luke!

And so, another day of drawing is at an end. I hope you've enjoyed them. Due to some late (but amazing) entires, today and tomorrow have more drawings than I expected. I hope you don't mind having all the extra drawings cluttering up space in your brain. You'll thank me for it one day. 

Have a lovely day!

Angela Lansbury Week 2011 - Day Three

I don't know whether you've noticed...but I've tried something a bit different with this themed week. Normally, I just concentrate on the central character and do some jokes. BUT! This time, I've tried to concentrate on getting the People I Know characters involved. It has been a new experience! I hope you've enjoyed it. But whatever - you aren't here for my stupid words. You want some Lansburys! And who am I to refuse you? Prepare yourself!!!

Angela Lansbury doesn’t always play cute and cuddly characters. Fine, her better known roles (Jessica Fletcher, Mrs Potts et al) couldn’t be any nicer…but she’s played her fair share of scary characters too. And, I’m of the opinion that even characters like Jessica Fletcher aren’t pushovers. I mean, you couldn’t solve that many murders if you didn’t have a steel backbone. But that’s a whole other post – this drawing of a pretty sassy Lansbury was sent in by Tom, someone I was lucky enough to sit (almost) opposite at this year’s Thought Bubble. Tom has done a great job of reminding us that one should never underestimate a dame! Thank you Tom!

You know who likes cycling? Jessica Fletcher in the opening credits of Murder, She Wrote! And my pal Jon! YAY! He drew this sassy looking Lansbury with a lovely collar and some smashing-looking earrings. What a dame. And what a guy Jon is for sending it in. Not many people know this, but Jon is pretty much in charge of the Internet. Well, when I say “not many people,” I actually mean “everyone that I introduce Jon to.” It’s become a bit of a running joke between us. Well, me. Thanks for this Jon! And thanks for all the burritos you’re going to buy me!

This drawing was sent in by Jack – a man who promises he did this from memory, without cheating. Jack has made use of two Murder, She Wrote costume classics: a nice pearl necklace and PERFECT HAIR! Do you see a hair out of place? No you don’t! Because Jessica Fletcher AND Angela Lansbury always have perfect hair at every moment. It just happens! So yes – thanks Jack! (Nope. Not mentioning the dragon)

RUDE WORD WARNING! Avert your eyes if you don’t like swears. But this excellent drawing by Becki is so cute (SO CUTE!) that maybe that will counteract the rudey? I don’t know. I’ll let you decide yourself! But yes – Becki has chosen to draw everyone’s favourite witch, Eglantine Price! What a vision in purple she is! Great work, Becki!

I work with some pretty cool people…which you may or may not believe considering how often I come home, exhausted and emotional. One of those cool people is lovely Neil – an ace guy who is always happy to help me with things. Hooray for Neil. And Hooray for his drawing. Neil has opted to depict two of Ms. Lansbury’s biggest roles – the magnifying glass represents Murder, She Wrote whilst the bedknob obviously represents Se7en. Haha – only kidding. It is actually for Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Thanks Neil!

MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT! MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT! That’s right! It’s that time of the day when we all go on a money-saving montage before getting the ferry over to Paris. Oh no – have I said too much? Have I spoiled the plot? Well, you should have watched the film! It’s so good! But yes, this drawing was sent in by Sara – a friend of a friend that I haven’t seen draw before. But judging by this, she should do it more often! I love the eyes and nose – very Mrs ‘Arris. Thanks Sara!

FUN FACT: I don’t drink tea. But you know who clearly loves tea? This Angela Lansbury – sent in by Dan! I was going to say that Mrs Potts loves tea too…but then I thought that if I had been transformed into a magical teapot, I would be SO SICK of tea. The smell. The constant sloshing around my innards. Bleurgh. No thanks. But still, excellent work Dan! Thanks for sending this in! 

Pirates. What a bother they can be! All that cursing! And what about the parrot droppings?! Plus, you need a beard to be a pirate so I wouldn’t be allowed to join up. Jon, who sent in this drawing, has a beard. But you know who doesn’t? Ruth from The Pirates of Penzance! Whether it’s because she can’t grow one or just doesn’t want to – who knows? The important thing is that she gets to sing some sassy songs whilst wearing a giant hat. Score. Thanks Jon!

Angela Lansbury’s fame and influence isn’t just limited to my heart/England. Oh no. She is a big name pretty much everywhere! Including Canada – as demonstrated by this lovely drawing by Canadian-born, snappy-dressing Jordan. This drawing involves two iconic pop culture references – the magic scene from Bedknobs and Broomsticks AND Kylie’s Locomotion. Unless I’m just completely wrong? I don’t think I’m wrong. But you know what isn’t wrong? Those sensible shoes! Perfect for everyday situations from broom-flying to deep sea diving! Thanks Jordan!

Ha. I just realised that this batch of Lansburys features THREE from gentlemen called Jon/Jonathan. And this is one of them! This Angela GLAMSBUSY (see what he did there?) was sent in by the professional drawing dude, Jonathan! Clearly, Jonathan knows a looker when he sees one – and as you can see from his drawing, Young Angela is a very pretty lady. If you don’t believe me, check out this clip from the 1948 film Till The Clouds Roll By – where Angela does a great rendition of Spoon With Me… in a very fetching outfit. Such a great song! I wish someone would sing it to me. But I’m getting off track. Go check out some of Angela’s early films and be dazzled by how accurate Jonathan’s drawing is. Thanks Jonathan

Wowsers. I think that's another day done for Angela Lansbury Week 2011. I hope you were dazzled by all the drawing skillz... And by Angela's acting skillz too. She makes me feel like such an underachiever. Sigh. Come back tomorrow for some more brilliant drawings! There are some proper crackers on their way!

Halloween Time

Here is a drawing of some of my characters dressed as people from Adventure Time - one of the best things ever! If you haven't watched it then you really should...