Aug19

Video: The Inspiration!

by Dan Long on August 19, 2009 at 03:00

How great is Pee Wee’s Big Adventure? I think scientists at Harvard actually proved that it’s one of the best movies in existence. I love the randomness, the creepiness, the funniness, and, well, pretty much everything.  Not to mention it’s by one of my biggest artistic inspirations, Tim Burton. I saw the “Large Marge” scene recently and just had to work it into the “Pillows and Rattlesnakes Company” story somehow, and I’m glad that it was well received and that others enjoy the movie (and the scene) as much as I do. Take a look below, and compare, if you will, to the strip it inspired!

Aug12

First Concepts: Trick-or-Treat Kid

by Dan Long on August 12, 2009 at 03:00

See why I need to document the first sketches of characters I use? Below is how they turn out, torn and under a stack of things. Here is the first sketch as I brainstormed the introduction to Fearville, in this strip. As a reader commented, he may have a slight resemblance to Calvin, of Calvin & Hobbes, but I think that was accidental.  Calvin & Hobbes is pretty much the reason I’m a comic strip artist, so I wouldn’t be surprised (nor ashamed) if little tidbits from it slip into my comic for many years to come.

Fearville Kid