“The late show”

Long-time readers may recall that my Watusi comics began as jam comics created in conjunction with my fellow cartoonists. While I’m on my break from the weekly deadline merry-go-round (and doing a little retooling of Watusi’s cast while I figure out the next continued storyline), I thought I’d challenge myself to see where these vintage starter panels would lead me today. I’m trying to keep in the spirit of the early jams by writing each of my panels a few days apart, to force myself to approach it with fresh eyes each time…

Hope you’ll enjoy this run of “Done in one”s!

“Renewing friendships”

Hmmm … I wonder if everybody’s as glad to see Watusi as he is to see them?

“I guess you really did miss me!”

That may be the last time anyone throws a party for Watusi! Or at least buys a cake for one…

“The first time”

I can’t tell if the look on my face is me staring at Missus Moses’ hat, or realizing I don’t know what I’ll do without Watusi!

A special thanks to Keith O’Brien, Tom Cherry, and Brien Wayne Powell for allowing their respective characters Samurai Slate, Arlo Wazzo, and Magnet Man to make the trip to Wonder Valley for Watusi’s memorial service. Look for more guests in the weeks to come!

“One sunny day at the cemetery”

More familiar faces– and moments of levity, believe it or not– to come…

“Shades of sadness”

When, oh, when will I stop trying to manipulate your heartstrings? Would you believe next episode?

By the way, this is the first time I’ve actually drawn Kirby’s dad, even though he was mentioned in Kirby’s first co-starring role, the 24-hour comic that was published as Watusi #6, way back in 2003!

“Crank it up!”

… and that fluffy strip brings “Dance party on Barker Avenue” to a close! I had originally conceived this story for Bob Corby’s Oh! Comics music issue, but my move-related matters made meeting its deadline impossible; I was glad to use this style experiment as a way to get it finished.

Next week starts a new long storyline; hope to see you then!

“Working class dog”

Once I remembered this Rick Springfield album cover, I knew just which CD Mr. Johnson would want to play!

“A neighborly inquiry”

Different strokes for different folks, I guess…

Guess what? I’ve finally got something new out in print! Keith O’Brien (of Teebo infamy) just released a pun-filled minicomic starring his katana-wielding detective Samurai Slate: “PUNctual, or, Time & PUNishment.” Puns are hard to write without wearing thin, but Keith pulls it off in these six pun-packed comics featuring four guest artists and a cover by Tom Cherry. Thanks for including me in the fun, Keith!