Okay, gang… even I’ll admit that it’s been a little too long between blogs, so before I start answering any questions, a brief explanation. I had some surgery in January and between the recovery and catching up on both Funky and Crankshaft, I just wasn’t able to get to this. Your e-mails have been wonderful and I really appreciate the thoughtful comments. Since there are way too many e-mails to deal with on an individual basis, and since many speak to the same point, I’m going to bundle them by subject matter and hopefully answer as many questions as I can that way. Wish me luck.
First out of the mailbox, I appreciate all of the kind comments regarding Harry setting his uniform aside and moving on in his career. Many of you are obviously in the same place in your careers, and I’m glad to can still relate to Harry’s life changes. Those wanting copies of the recent (or not so recent) Mid-West Clinic strips are going to have to wait until the next band book collection and that may be just a little while yet.
Regarding the questions about Becky, Wally and the kids… with the Christmas holidays, apparently some of you missed the fact that Becky had her baby. Wally Jr. was born on Christmas Eve and he, Becky, Rana and Wally are all doing fine. Yeah, I had the baby sitting up a bit soon, but cartoonists make mistakes too, and besides, he’s a very strong kid. Wally didn’t get blown up in Iraq, it just seemed like he did for a couple of days. It’s called writing.
The comments regarding Lisa’s story have been especially gratifying to read as I recuperated. To all of you who asked about a book collection, the entire story arc will be collected in a book by The Kent State University Press that will be published in October. There will be much more information on the website as that time draws closer. For those of you wondering if there were posters and T-shirts available of the March 4th Sunday, thanks for asking and we’re working on that. If something like that happens, it’ll be posted here as well along with any other news.
Will Darin and Lisa finally find out about each other? Inquiring minds want to know. All I’m contractually permitted to say on that one is… keep reading.
For those of you who have unfortunately moved to a culturally deprived area and can’t follow Funky in your daily paper anymore, check in at Dailyink.com where you can find both Funky and Crankshaft.
And finally, for those wanting prints of specific strips, go to Kingfeatures.com and nose around there a bit. They can help you get what you’re looking for. It’ll really help them if you know what you’re looking for. That keeps them from calling your humble cartoonist and asking; “Did you do a strip about pizza back in ’82 or ’83?” Life is too short if you get my drift.
Well, I think that about covers things for now. Hope it helps a little. Until later.
