a Smeary Soapbox Press webcomic by Dale Martin
Needless to say, Jinjur and the Scarecrow share a rather contentious history. Baum wrote a whole book about it, in fact: The Marvelous Land of Oz, which you can read here courtesy of classics-illustrated.com.
(As with the other double-page spreads in this story, this episode can be viewed at a larger size if you’re interested (or want to read the text easier)– just click on the image.)
While Baum created too many characters for me to include them all in this story, I wanted to find some place for the Patchwork Girl. A big thank you goes out to Kevin Williams for helping me find an approach for the character beyond just “Scarecrow’s love interest”. Thanks, Kevin! By the way, Kevin and I are working on a collaboration that (pandemic willing) will see print later this year…
(As with the other double-page spreads in this story, this episode can be viewed at a larger size if you’re interested (or want to read the text easier)– just click on the image.)
One of the things about this story I regret not playing up more is the fact that dogs are not a native species to Oz, and so Watusi should’ve enjoyed more of a celebrity status than he did. Guess that’s price he paid for trying to keep a low profile while on the lam …
(As with the other double-page spreads in this story, this episode can be viewed at a larger size if you’re interested (or want to read the text easier)– just click on the image.)
A welcome moment of respite for tired feet, I bet!
(As with the other double-page spreads in this story, this episode can be viewed at a larger size if you’re interested (or want to read the text easier)– just click on the image.)
There are times when Dale the writer doesn’t play to Dale the artist’s strengths … and a crowd scene like this is one of those times! If this goes on for too long, Dale the artist may just quit!
(As with the other double-page spreads in this story, this episode can be viewed at a larger size if you’re interested (or want to read the text easier)– just click on the image.)
The Forbidden Fountain may seem like a deus ex machina, but at least it’s a genuine Baum deus ex machina …
More talking heads to come, as the council members weigh in with their counsel, and try to come to agreement on a plan of action! (Stay tuned anyway, because a big secret is about to be revealed…)
Boy, things have sure changed since I last wrote one of these blurbs! Hope you are all staying safe & adapting to the new new as best you can. Even though my day-to-day life as a cartoonist in the studio should be pretty much the same as before, the mood of the times is weighing on me (like with most of us), leaving me feeling scatterbrained & overwhelmed. Having my spring shows & upcoming release schedules thrown out the window hasn’t helped matters. Neither has the nagging question of how much this fanciful comic adventure really even matters in times like this. I can only hope it brightens your day in some way…
(As with the other double-page spreads in this story, this episode can be viewed at a larger size if you’re interested– just click on the image. Don’t worry, though– you’ll get a better look at this group in the episodes to come!)
