Slice of Life

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[ RANT! ] 'Slice of Life's Mission.

mfc

on June 26, 2007

Sorry for the double-image post, but I didn't have any time to draw anything; I've been planning the first four or five comics for the last few days (the first one being a Sunday comic, with five panels). But, here's something I think you all would enjoy reading.

Just letting you know, I don't really rant often; but I felt like it this time, so thank you ahead of time for taking the time to read it!


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This is the so called 'Mission' of the strip "Slice of Life."

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For years I've wanted to be a cartoonist, web-comic artist, digital artist, you name it; but there was something that was keeping be from picking up a pencil and a piece of paper. I was unsure of what would happen if I showed the world what goes through my mind on a daily basis. In 2003, I started drawing comics in Photoshop Pro, and started to show them off, just to see if anyone would like them.

The reception that I got from my first legitimate series "Miso Soup," was almost overwhelming. However, I felt that it was not something that I could go forth with, and I cancelled the idea, the characters, and the concept. I felt that it was not 'original' enough, per say. The characters were original, but the jokes and the 'gags' that I used felt recycled, in a sense. I remember looking back on the comics one day (all fifteen comics) and thinking "I have to stop using references and quotes from other places to make my comic sound funny." That was the main reason why I stopped in the first place. I needed time to recreate, point the comic in the direction that I wanted it to go.

I realize that it was a mistake of mine to never read "Calvin and Hobbes," in the past. To me, Bill Watterson created the epitome of all comics. The characters were pure and believable; everything that a good comic should be. There were never any instances of recycled jokes or references to any other comics (if any, at all.). Now I find myself trying to accomplish what Watterson did from 1985 to 1995; to make a comic that is as pure and enjoyable. Not that every other comic that exists isn't. There are are at least hundreds of comics that have highly respected reputations throughout the internet (and I'm sure those of you know that a lot of people have already published their comics to paperback format.); that's all fine and dandy, but I'm trying to bring back what Watterson brought to the comic world. Something that can and will bring happiness and memories to everyone who reads it.

Sure, I've turned Johnny into a child; that's for a reason. As a child, I did not have many experience. If I did have any, they were usually uneventful and not worth remembering. The reason being was that I had a mild case of asthma, which dimmed my wanting to become an active child. This way, by drawing Johnny and his friends, I'm able to have a second 'chance' at a childhood, per say. I still have the imagination that I had as a child, and I'm very proud to admit that. I cherish the fact that I'm still considered 'cute' at the ripe old age of nineteen.

I'm sure you're all wondering who inspired this; and I'm glad to admit that my lovely girlfriend inspired me to do it, as well as Watterson's "Calvin and Hobbes" comic. First, and most importantly, my girlfriend has been encouraging me to live this 'second childhood' that I'm currently living. I remember sitting on a hill at the park with her a few days ago around midnight, and we were talking about our times as kids. She rolled down the hill, laughing and giggling; when she came back up to sit with me, she tried to get me to roll down the hill. At first I was reluctant, thinking "I'm too old to do that, I'm nineteen, aren't I?" When I straightened myself out, stiffened up by body, and rolled down the hill (which was a little steep), I realized THAT'S how life is suppose to be. I realized that my imagination was bound by my age prior to that moment. As for "Calvin and Hobbes," well, I'm sure you all can figure out it's fueled my passion for creating comics even further.

I want to conclude this rant by telling you all:

It's my turn to bring something great to the comic world.

I haven't been more excited for anything else in my entire life.

Thank you for reading!

– John