Life On 66

One of the main ideas and a driving force of my cartoon is that I use a lot of real people in the strip. When I became friends with fellow humorous/cartoonist, Bo Lumpkin, I knew he was a perfect fit. Bo has a honest humor and a very funny out look of life. You can read his work here… http://gatorhead.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/life-is-good/

You might have noticed I am changing my drawing style.  I went from an old “Dick Tracy” (did I say that? hehehe) style to a more modern Manga style.  I like the fluidity of the new style and the crisper way I can draw my guys.  I am also trying a new drawing program.  I have been using Photoshop for the last 5 years but the new program, Manga Studio 5, seems to be working out.  I did this drawing in about 4 hours with this program.  Not bad for not knowing all the tools.

Help me come up with an idea for the 2013 Road Trip and you can win fame and fortune.  Just click on the ‘Contest’ button up on the menu bar and send me your idea.  Hurry…

…about the book will be, it’s here and who wants one.  Going to the printer this Wednesday.

There are still some little touches I need to do on the book. But when you see what is coming you will appreciate the wait.

It was in the back of my mind when I started Life On 66 and now with the events over the last year, I will NEVER have any of my characters use a gun for any reason.  Hunting, target practice, etc.  I do believe ALL guns should be banned and I will speak up for this from time to time.  I carried a handgun for 30 years as a cop and that (police, military)  are the only reasons a person should be allowed to carry a gun.  The  2nd amendment is not a freedom to carry a weapon article.  It was created to keep a militia active.  Well, I have not seen a Red Coat come down my street and if I did we have the National Guard to take of this now.

Have you ever wanted to watch me draw a life On 66 strip?  Well, even if you never did, here is me drawing the strip for 1/7/13.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/28298062

The story line of introducing Abra and her co-hort, Snips I guess was a little confusing to some readers.  And I see why.  I had it laid out in my head but I do not think it came across clearly enough.  So here is what went on.  Abra opened a new hair and beauty salon in Carbon Cliff.  She did that because (as we found out later) she was from Carbon Cliff and wanted to “go home”.  Abra met M.J. and didn’t know he was attached to anyone and flirted a little.  Rumors got back to Ginger and an instant hate/rivalry ensued.  The animosity built until there was a show down between the two girls.  When they met they recognized each other as long lost best friends from grade school.  Abra and her family moved away when they were little.   The “punch line” was to have the two girls run at each other as if they were going to battle but instead hugged and renewed a friendship.  I promise to re-read my stories a few times before I draw them.  :)

I drew this two years ago for Thanksgiving.  I still like it.

November is a fun month.  With the trees changing, the weather putting a little nip in the air and Thanksgiving lessening the population of the turkey herds I have always enjoyed this 30 day month.  I have great memories of going out hunting quail with my father as the turkey and all the fixings were being prepared.  I would like to run a November, pre-Black Friday almost Christmas contest here but I am at a loss for an idea.  I have a slew of coffee mugs, mouse (mice) pads, buttons, stickers, etc to give out but I need a contest to set it off.  So, if you have a good idea for one let me know.  I will send ya a set of buttons for the idea.  :)