Can it really be? Have I really been doing this for two years now? Time sure does fly doesn't it? Yep, this week marks the second anniversary of the launching of Jon's Crazy Stuff, an event that came about after the sad realization that I'd never get into MAD and there were no other options out there for a funny cartoonist like myself. So sit back while I clean off all this make up (Those kids are gonna pay for that!) and enjoy some comics, plus a couple more Super Bowl ads! Enjoy...
Truth be told, this one feels a little bit unfinished to me. Looking back, I think I should have added another panel, one that has Mindy landing. Still, I think the expressions work well, and I'm stoked that I finally got to throw in a monster! I haven't put a monster in a story in a year, and I love drawing monsters! I'm making a late New Year's resolution: DRAW MORE MONSTERS!
And now, another serving of Mushrooms, courtesy of my failed attempt at the getting syndicated!
Once again, you'll see that this month's installment is in a strip format. I really thought that these were some of my best stories, but the people at the Union-Tribune thought different. I'm not really sweating it. Better opportunities are presenting themselves, and let's face it; newspaper syndication ain't what it used to be. Especially when there are only a handful of newspapers left in the country!
And now, in honor of this site's second anniversary, here are some more Frequently Asked Questions...
Q: What's the deal with Mike and Mindy? I mean, what exactly is their relationship?
A: They're both friends and rivals, if that makes any sense. Kids tend to be mean when they have a crush, mainly because they don't know how to express themselves emotionally. In a cartoon sense, it makes for some great story opportunities!
Q:What about the Mushrooms? Why are they just now being called Mushrooms?
A: What's with all these double questions? Oh well. The reason all of my previous Mushrooms entries had generic titles was because my original goal was to sell them to humor publications. Unfortunately, MAD Magazine is all that's left, and they weren't interested. When it came time for the U-T contest, I felt the time was right to finally give Mushrooms its proper title. While I'm on the subject, there will be times when another title is used, such as my Cheap Puns and Bad and Worse series.
Q: How come Mike and Mindy never talk?
A: It's actually coincidence. I was about three months into it when I realized that they'd yet to say a word. I decided then to see how long I can keep it up and so far, so good. Although I do admit, their silence does limit me story-wise sometimes.
Q: Will Mike and Mindy ever talk?
A: Maybe! I'm not opposed to it. I do feel the situation would have to be right. For now, I think they are much funnier wreaking silent havoc. And it's not like they're totally silent. I do use sound effects in their adventures!
Q: You're thoughts on WWE and TNA are well known by this point. What do you think of Ring of Honor (ROH)?
A: I like ROH! I don't get HDNET out here, so my ROH viewing is limited to what the internet has to offer. And I like everything I've seen thus far. What I like about ROH is that they're like a less violent version of the original ECW. They don't want to be number one or put anybody out of business. They simply want to exist and put on great shows. Plus, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan both started out there, so it's a breeding ground for greatness!
Q: You teased merchandising not too long ago. Will there ever be Mike and Mindy merchandise?
A: It is a dream, but that's all at the moment. I would love to see them on as many items as possible. Especially these PVC figures that have been getting pretty popular in recent years. We'll just have to keep our fingers crossed!
Q: Did you always want to be a cartoonist?
A: Actually no. Up until I was 17, I wanted to be a pro wrestler! As goofy as it sounds, I was a big dude, I was quick and agile and I liked fighting. It just seemed like a natural fit. I was even Captain of my team in high school. Unfortunately, I really screwed up my shoulder and my doctor wouldn't clear me for it anymore. Even now some ten years later, my shoulder still pops out every now and again.
Q: So how did you wind up cartooning?
A: That's a really long story. Too long for a simple FAQ session. But don't worry, that tale will be told eventually.
Q: You mentioned on Twitter that you like to listen to music while you work. Who are your favorites?
A: Too many to list here, but typically I'll listen to Steely Dan, Talking Heads and Oingo Boingo. I listen to all sorts of music, but prefer slower stuff while drawing just because it lessons the chances of making mistakes. Trust me, you don't want to listen to Metallica or Rage Against the Machine while doing your inks!
Q: Your a big fan of the movies by the ZAZ team (Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker). What's your favorite scene?
A: That's easy! The scene in Airplane! when all the passengers beat up the hysterical lady. No matter how many times I see it, it just keeps getting funnier!
Well, that's all for the FAQ's! Now it's time for one last run of Super Bowl Commercials! Enjoy...
This gem from the WWF came from Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, a game loaded with awesome commercials! And if I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times, the "Attitude" era was THE greatest time to be a wrestling fan! 'Nough said.
And last but not least, Garmin's entry into the Super Bowl with this awesome ad from 2007 (Super Bowl XLI)...
That's Steve Grimmett doing lead vocals. A lot of people didn't get this tribute the Japanese hero Ultraman. I had to explain it to quite a few friends and relatives afterwards. I still think that this is a pretty cool ad and the song was awesome!
Well, that's all for this week. I'll be back next time with some wrestling fun and more info on my book and hopefully my Wondercon booth. Until then, take it easy, and I'll catch y'all later!
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