My 24-Hour Comic (pdf) and some thoughts
On Thursday (9 July), the first day of a six-day vacation from work, I woke up at 5:30am, had some breakfast, and by about ten after six I was on my way to writing this comic. I didn’t have a story planned, I just set pen to paper and started, and 21-ish hours later I had written a comic book. Here it is:
Download My 24-Hour Comic (12.5mb PDF)
The experience of this marathon comic project was everything I hoped it’d be. It was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time, and I came out of it different. These graphic essays are more meditation than tight thesis, but whatever they are, and in spite of any flaws I’m intensely proud to have done them.
After I finished I hobbled to bed and stayed there until afternoon, then hopped in a car to drive to Berkeley for a wedding. I haven’t really drawn anything since this, which I think is in part to regain some equilibrium. But I’m feeling very enegized about doing more. Not just more comics, but more art in general.
But this is all the stuff I talk about in the comic itself. So give it a read- it’s a big pdf, so make sure you’ve got some time to let it load.
This is my sketchblog, which is for doodles, comics, essays, and other stuff that an illustrator and comicker might blog about. I'm Veronica, and I run this joint. All the artwork is copyright Veronica C Guzzardi. Please don't use it without permission from me. Please contact me if you want to pay me to draw for you; that's my favorite.
First off, people are stoopid. I was commenting how I want to work in a company where I can speak Japanese to some folks (you know them) and a good number of them were like, “You are going to sacrifice the quality of your life for that?!” And then stuff about not taking care of my family properly and all that.
Then a good friend (you know him) said, “It’s Jesse. Trying to get him to change his mind is like trying to get him to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and wash it down with a tampico.”
Anyway, follow your dream. Never give up. I really admire you for that. Enjoyed the comic too. XD
There does seem to be a certain set of people who think that if they don’t understand what you’re doing, then you must not either. That’s a foolish assumption.
You are setting an extraordinary example for your son by being true to your passions, and making sure there’s room for both of your cultures in your everyday life.
I am impressed! You had me laffing by the bottom of Pg 2
Your intent may not have been humor, but humor is in you – it always has been. And it came thru here.
Stories that take place outside your head? Yah, that’ll happen. But remember the writer’s rule of thumb (or whatever it’s called): write (draw) what you know about. And what you know about most is you and your life, your surroundings. For instance, draw your goats! I think it’s awesome that you have goats. How many non-farming people have goats?!
Ya done gud gurl
*hugs*
PS – the nap was a good idea
Yes, those funny parts are supposed to be there. I had the good fortune of watching Brad read it, and he laughed where there were supposed to be laughs all the way through.
What I mean about stories outside of my own head is that this whole piece is pretty much an internal monologue. There are things that take place in the world that I know, too. Actual stories, where stuff happens. Holy crap!
I forgot to ask you about this at the movie. I haven’t finished it yet but the part where god says: “you guys do my work and you over there do whatever you want” had me laughing pretty good.
I’ll have to finish it tomorrow though, it’s ZZZzz time
Good so far though.
Wow Ronnie,
Excellent comic, I really felt like I was with you on the long journey every stroke and every panel. Well done, overall this felt very similar to Scott McCloud and it made me smile.
Big ups & mad props on a job well done. ;]
Looking forward to reading more in the future.
-G
PS. I like the kung fu moves you and Tori busted!