This strip, in a way, represents a fresh start for OUTNUMBERED. Probably not one you’ll notice too much, but kind of big for me. The feedback I got from my recent pitch of this strip to Universal Press Syndicate was that the writing “wasn’t there” yet. The good news was that they liked the art and the concept though. That last one is a big hurdle, I think. But it was still a no go. I did two things after that, I tweaked the package a little and submitted it to their rival, KING FEATURES Syndicate. It got there last Thurs. so I assume I still have a few weeks before I hear anything from them. The second thing I did was sought some input from other cartoonist/strip buddies. I spoke with Greg Evans (LuAnn), Marcus Hamilton (Dennis the Menace) and Guy Gilchrist (Nancy, and The Muppets strip before that). All were very supportive of me continuing and pushing ahead on Outnumbered. (I wasn’t going to quit just yet, but its nice to hear.) Both Greg and Guy also gave me some great suggestions on how best to write a strip with the eye towards gags, but still adding the character development that Universal was missing. Greg even through out an interesting suggestion for a new character (that I think I’m going to do) and Guy spoke with me on the phone for about an hour about ways to write a “story” over multiple strips. Adding gags all along the way. He also suggested roughing the strips out quick, in pencil, so I can get through a bunch of them and concentrate on the story. I liked that idea too. So- this is the fresh start. With this strip, I have an overall story that I’m slowly going to tell while hopefully having some laughs along the way. It starts with Megan deciding she doesn’t like who she is and wants to “rediscover” herself. That will have a effect on the whole family and I’ll get to introduce a new character along the way. AND, artistically, I’m going much looser on the strip. These are basically digital pencils, with hand drawn balloons and thrown on tones. It took me about half the time to do the strip (maybe two hours) and I’m okay with the look. Let me know what you think.
- RT : The BBros bring our older sister on the show to talk about supporting 2 artist twins. And tell stories about …
- Mushu !
- Why artists need supportive people around them in our newest !…
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I still think it looks fantastic! The expression on his face when looking at the picture closely, is priceless haha. It’s great to know that even though you’ve been in the animation and illustration industry for years, that you’re still learning and growing. It helps to relieve some of the self criticism us newbies have, so thank you! All the best for the future of this strip and your other work! I look forward to seeing what comes from this.
Sure feels like a newspaper comic strip to me. I guess I don’t get newspaper comic strips. They take so long to get to the punch lines, and the punchlines are often so soft. But I guess that’s what is needed to be in the papers. I also prefer comic books with short/complete stories that don’t go on forever. So I’m probably not the target audience.
If you haven’t checked them out, the first book in The Complete Peanuts set blows my mind. Every strip is hilarious on its own, and more so when in a series. (the website URL by my name is a link to it now)
Thanks Tim! I have seen that early Peanuts collection and have it on my wishlist, but keep forgetting to buy it. I love early Schulz Peanuts, so thanks for the reminder!
It’s funny. I think the best Peanuts were the 50s/early 60s stuff. CS disagreed and that’s one reason they restarted in 1974 (that and the calendars lined up).
Another book that I really like that has the four panel humor beat while developing characters is Thom Zahler’s Love and Capes. You can read the four panel beats on his website – . I find it interesting that he can maintain that four panel beat for long story lines. In comic book form, it makes you feel like you got a lot more “story” in the 20 or so pages.
I really love your work and I really get a kick out of outnumbered! If Modern Family was a comic..? Definitely awesome!
Jasmine, you just made my day. I’ve thought of this strip as Modern Family (one of my fav shows right now) crossed with my crazy family. Thanks!
I am really digging getting to see the process of a strip being developed and refined to be accepted into syndication. Thanks for letting us in on the whole process. Looking forward to see where this strip goes!
i like your art alot.
but i wish the word balloons were smoother.
it’s distracting to have them sketchy like your art.
i’m wanting them to be smooth like the letters.
otherwise, it’s awesome!
can’t wait to follow this story arc!
I think it’s hilarious that the almighty syndicate said the writing was not there. This strip is hilarious. AND look at Garfield, it’s never had good writing
Thanks Scott, I appreciate that. Not sure Jim Davis would though.:)