Laugh-Out-Loud Cats Sunday Strip #1
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Click it to read it. Available as a poster here.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats Sunday Strip #1
SPOILER ALERT
SPOILER ALERT
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Here are the next two dozen or so, in a very preliminary stage. Attempt to decipher them at your peril.
One of these might even belong to you!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Cavalcade of Comics
Over the past thirteen years I've made several attempts at newspaper syndication. For those unfamiliar with the process, a syndicate is a company that sells and promotes comic strips (and other features) to newspapers, and splits the profits with the creator.
Syndicates typically receive thousands of unsolicited comic strips each year and can usually only afford to pick up and promote a few. Here's a sampling of my additions to their slush piles since 1994, in semi-chronological order. (Any of the images in this post can be clicked on to view a larger version)
Q-Hall
The story of a college dormitory full of young men and their exploits as brand new freshmen. (I don't have samples of the earliest ones, they're probably in a box somewhere and I'll be sure to post them if and when they are recovered.)
Zag
Similar to Q-Hall, but focusing on two recently graduated roommates and their attempts to make it in the real world. Zag was the name of the less-responsible, Oscar Madison-esque one.
Jim the Wonder Dog
This strip focused on a mad scientist and his dog-brained creation. There was also a love triangle involving the scientist's lab assistant. Jim also had ears like a dog.
The Further Adventures...
Captain Adventuresome, part-time superhero, part-time HMO claims adjuster. His boss is his former arch-enemy, his managers are demons from another dimension. This one was submitted around 1997, and one editor made sure to tell me he didn't see much of a future for the superhero genre among the general population.
My Evil Twin
Two high school-aged twin brothers: one's popular, one not so much.
Something about a zoo (I forget the title)
A comic strip about a zookeeper and her animals.
(Some of these were rejected for good reason, though all of them certainly had more potential than the stack of generic form letter rejections* gave me credit for.)
Bob's Honest Truth
A question & answer strip, in a larger format like you see in weekly alternative papers.
Something about a bunch of high school teachers
The art teacher's name was Mr. Crayon and the principal looked like a gorilla. That's all I remember.
Childhood's Zen
A one-panel cartoon with no recurring characters, about childhood and kid stuff.
Amos
A semi-autobiographical strip about a stay at home dad and his infant son.
Suitable for Framing
Another large format strip, this one was completely miscellaneous, though it did have a couple of recurring characters like Ace Poorman: Poverty Stricken Detective.
Lhakpa
The story of a sherpa exchange student and his adventures in America. A surprisingly shallow concept when it comes to attempting to wrap a comic strip around it, though the characters had potential.
Contemporary Commuting
A hapless bus rider and his travails. This one was actually published for a few months in a corporate newspaper.
Watson Elementary
This one focused on an elementary school and had a rather ambitiously large cast: an elderly school teacher who'd returned from retirement, a handful of kids, a sprinkling of other teachers, and a hamster. Watson Elementary was by far my favorite to write and draw up to that point. However, once the syndicates tell you no, there's really not much for a cartoonist to do but retool it or move on. Most of these were created in the days before I was very internet savvy, so the notion of producing them for an online audience wasn't even a consideration.
Words to Live By
A daily word definition followed by it being used in a situation.
Something about a 32 year old who returns to live at his parents house
This one didn't make it much further than the concept, some writing, and a few roughs. Before I ever begin to draw a strip, I typically write around 200 samples, and then winnow those down to the best 24 to drawn and submit for consideration.
Something about a tortoise and hare
They're roommates. The hare is dumb, the tortoise is a community college professor. The hare works for a robot at a fast food restaurant called Taco Village. Also there's a girl involved somehow.
The Laugh-Out-Loud Cats
I actually inherited this one and now offer it directly to the public through the wonders of paypal. And, despite accusations of "cashing in on the meme", I've immensely enjoyed producing it and have no plans of stopping anytime soon.
Several more samples of my rejected strips can be seen here, and I'll update it as I come across them in the archives.
*Not to sound bitter, I know the syndicates receive a deluge each year, so it's not very realistic to expect much. The one shining exception to this was King Features' Jay Kennedy. A true gentleman and fan of comics, he tragically passed away earlier this year. His rejection letters always included a hand-written note with insightful comments. He was always encouraging when 99% of the other syndicates were satisfied to send a form letter. Sometimes even a photocopy of a form letter.
Coming Soon!
Watson Elementary
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Maybe today, maybe not:
A detailed list of my failed attempts at comic strip syndication, featuring the characters above and many, many others.
A Laugh-Out-Loud Cats Sunday strip recovered from the archives! Learn how Kitteh and Pip first met!
Monkeys!
Cats!
A vole!
And much more.
Friday, July 27, 2007
1982
Halloween 1982
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Halloween 1982, I was a hobo.
Little did my parents realize what that simple costume choice would lead to.
Guess where I'll be the rest of the evening...
Thursday, July 26, 2007
A loophole has been found
Someone has ordered a color version of the Laugh-Out-Loud Cats through the newest project. I guess they technically are varmints, so I can't say no. I would, however, like to know what color you think they should be. Vote here:
They don't really have to both be the same color, though that's how I originally envisioned them. If you feel strongly either way, feel free to post your thoughts in the comments.
Jackhammer Jill, a Squid
Jackhammer Jill, a Squid
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Ordered by the same kind soul who ordered Jackhammer Jill as a hobo a few months back.
Thanks!!!
This is the first in my new custom-named-postcard-art-project-dealie entitled "Critters, Creatures and Assorted Varmints" going on now.
The stream of Laugh-Out-Loud Cats will resume shortly, as well as a few monkeys, a vole, and more!
If you are unfamiliar with the real Jackhammer Jill, visit BoingBoing.net. She'll be there to greet you.
Another one spotted in captivity
ALL UR COMIX ARE BELONG TO HASSAN
Originally uploaded by David at Klockarp Foundation.
Mail really travels fast to Sweden! Who knew?
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #113
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #113
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
In case you haven't read the news yet, here's a link.
Rabid Children
they.
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
When I met John and John of They Migh Be Giants in 2000, I gave them a differently colored version of this picture.
Also, a new flickr group has been created where you can share your drawings and photos inspired by tmbg.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The 2 for 1 deal has ended...
Thanks to everyone who took advantage of the special offer. Watch this space for the results.
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #111
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #111
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
3 and a half hours till the 2-for-1 deal expires!
Thanks for visiting!
Another question...
I Know!
Originally uploaded by Mark Griffith.
Question: How long exactly will the 2 for 1 deal on teh cats, etc last, good sir Ape?
Answer: I dunno. Let's say midnight Eastern. Howzat sound?
Another clip before the cats roll in
From the film Sullivan's Travels, which begins with two hoboes fighting atop a moving train, only to plunge to their deaths in the murky waters below. If that ain't a great start to a movie, I don't know what is.
Two Mules For Sister Sara
Here's a music video based on the movie I'm watching while I draw today's batch of Laugh-Out-Loud Cats (to be posted later).
If you haven't seen the film, don't watch this affectionate tribute. There's a spoiler or two.
Also, the soundtrack by Ennio Morricone (in the movie, not in this video) will stick with you forever.
A word from Mr. Schulz
Yes it is.
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Good morning. The 2 for 1 offer has been extended through the rest of the day. Tell your friends.
There will be several cats here today, as well as a monkey, and probably the first varmint. Is a squid a varmint?
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
A special offer for the next 6 to 8 hours...
life drawing
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
I'm about to hit the hay for the evening, so how's this for a deal: two-for-one on either of the projects listed. Two Laugh-Out-Loud Cats for the price of one! Or, if you'd prefer, two critters for the price of one (color or black & white)---indicate the second name in the box for additional info on paypal.
This offer will last until I roll out of bed.
Also, the picture above is from my life drawing set on flickr. If there is any advice I would offer someone who wants to learn to draw, it's this: life drawing. Lots of it.
Also, did I fail to mention the interview posted on the Zazzle Blog yesterday? Here's a link.
Good night!
Another question and a concession...
Question mark
Originally uploaded by Emdashes.com.
emailer: Hey Adam, for the new project, why not offer black and white versions for less?
Adam: okay! Good idea.
Lil Monkey and his Dad Build Robots
Lil Monkey and his Dad Build Robots
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
3 Pin Juggling Monkey
3 Pin Juggling Monkey
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Created for the winner of last week's Neatorama.com Caption Monkey contest.
Lil Monkey and His Dad Fix a Computer
Lil Monkey and His Dad Fix a Computer
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
A few questions answered.
Iconscollection - Question
Originally uploaded by simiezzz.
What about my monkey?
If you have ordered a monkey, it will be posted here and in the mail within 24 hours. Or so.
What about the cats?
The remaining cats will be in the mail by the end of the week. I do not currently have plans to end the Laugh-Out-Loud Cats project, contrary to the wishes of some.
What about the Neatorama Monkey Caption Contest?
If you win the contest, I will still gladly draw a monkey for you. I am just as willing to do some other critter for you. Winners can be choosers.
HOBOTOPIA.com?
Yes, that URL now forwards here. Either way, thanks for visiting.
CRITTERS, CREATURES, and ASSORTED VARMINTS.
A new project!
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Click the image above to embiggen.
A new project from HOBOTOPIA.com
It's Philrilla!
Originally uploaded by devojane.
Here's another monkey spotted in captivity, possibly a library. A library of awesome. I own a copy of the book pictured and highly recommend it.
This specimen was ordered as a surprise gift and created in utmost secrecy.
Progress Report
Here are 6 of the remaining 8 monkeys currently in progress. They'll be finished and posted tomorrow.
Also tomorrow! A price increase* and a slight expansion to the scope of this project.
As always, thank you all so very much.
*Due to repeated questioning of my mental coherence. If you've been waiting to order a monkey, the time is now before the price jumps.
Monday, July 23, 2007
On the auction block.
The sketchbook shown in this video is currently up for auction on ebay, item 250146575786.
Hobo Matters
A resourceful youtuber named Zouyan has created (using the audio from John Hodgman's "The Areas of My Expertise" and one whole photograph) a primer for those of you who may still be unaware of the rise and fall of hoboes in the United States.
Watch and/or learn.
Zouyan, don't be surprised if Ken Burns gives you a call.
Another monkey spotted...
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Welcome, first time visitors!
How to get your very own.
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Click on the comic to view it in a larger, readable size.
All of the comics seen in this set have been sold to people just like you. If you have questions about the project, feel free to comment here or contact me directly through my homepage (or flickr too, whatever's easiest).
Thanks for visiting!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
step 3
Friday, July 20, 2007
Evening in the Hobo Jungle
step 2
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Over the next several days (or maybe weeks, I'm not sure yet) I'll be posting the steps in my process of creating a poster.
I'll try try to give a bit of a description as I go along as well.
This is the finished sketch phase, which you can click on to see it larger.
Flagrant disregard for your fellow man
Flagrant disregard
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Herein is recounted a true experience from earlier this evening.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Your questions. Let me answer them.
shirt!
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
As promised, there are a few more products available via my store on zazzle, including this shirt, suggested by a pal on flickr, which has an image on front and back. The previous post this evening shows the dizzying array of Kitteh and Pip swag now available. Also an apron suggested by a fellow flickrer.
Now, on to the questions that have made their way to me via flickr and email and comments here:
Q: Can I get [insert image name], on a shirt/cap/something on zazzle?
A: Sure! Let me know what you would like to see on what and I'll do it.
Q: Where is the cartoon I ordered?
A: There are about 4 left in the queue, so chances are it's in the mail or on the drawing board. Every cartoon posted here is in the mail.
Q: [Insert aggressive naysayer remark questioning the veracity of the history of these characters and the integrity of my personality. In the form of a question.]
A: [a hug]
Q: Can you help me get something posted on BoingBoing?
A: No. They have a submission form.
Q: Can you help me get something posted on Drawn!?
A: Maybe, but I make no promises. Your best bet is the submission page there too.
Q: Can you introduce me to John Hodgman?
A: No. We've never met in real life.
Q: When are you going to stop drawing monkeys?
A: Oh, I'm not sure. Is there something else you would like me to draw on demand? Something not pirates?
Q: Why not hoboes again?
A: hmmmm.... maybe eventually.
Q: Weren't you going to post some monkeys tonight?
A: I still might, but we keep losing power due to lightning. Central Florida is the lightning capital of the United States, or so I'm told.
Q: Did people really ask you these questions, or are you just talking to yourself?
A: All of these questions are real, except this one.
Q: What are you doing?
A: *sigh*
Coming soon!
The Original Laugh-Out-Loud Cats, Film #2
Another film of the Original Laugh-Out-Loud Cats being drawn in an old timey fashion.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Hey, it's me!
Hey, it's me!
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Tonight I finally got around to updating my contributor profile on Drawn! Sorry for the delay, those of you who were wondering who exactly I am.
On a side note, this drawing is already out of date. I shaved my head completely bald this evening. Because I'm a man, that's why.
Also, I don't have that shirt anymore but I really miss it.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Another question or two!
National Archives - Public Vaults
Originally uploaded by melissaofthesea.
The archives. Where are they?
Here.
If I order one, how long will it take to get to me?
Anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks, unless of course you need it sooner. I am very accommodating.
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #100 and FAQs.
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #100
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Here it is, the 100th installment of the Original Laugh-Out-Loud Cats.
And, some questions:
I don't get these. Can you explain them all to me please?
Google the word "lolcats", or look it up on wikipedia. The information you find there will surely neglect to mention the true history of the internet phenomenon, but it'll give you a good background.
Can I have one of the ones I've seen posted?
Actually, anything you see posted here or in the set on flickr has been sent to the person who ordered it via the box on the right. But I got a million of 'em, so order one and see what I come up with.
Well, wait--can I have one similar, or one based on a particular lolism?
Sure! I don't really want to redraw an exact scene, but I'd be happy to reimagine something for you and will do my best to honor these requests. Or you can leave it all up to me.
How long do these take you to draw?
I do several at a time usually. Each takes about a half hour or so. I'll have a video up of my process in the coming days.
What about the archives? I thought these were found in your great-grandfathers collection.
Well, no. This project is an officially sanctioned extention of Aloysius' comic strip, fully licensed by the Koford Estate.
Is that true? I can't seem to confirm any of the history you've been spouting.
It is as true as you allow it to be.
Can I use these on my website/blog?
Sure. They're all under a creative commons license which allows you to share them as you like, with a credit back to my site. It doesn't allow you to remix or profit off of them though.
How long are you going to keep doing this?
As long as there is interest. I am having a wonderful time.
Why are you doing this?
I am a cartoonist.
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #91
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #91
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Coming sometime today: #100!
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #89
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #89
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
If anyone recognizes the quote, all I can say is I steal from the best.
Monday, July 16, 2007
International Trade Attorney Monkey
International Trade Attorney Monkey
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
all their elusive worlds
all their elusive worlds
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
For Ephraim, a teacher.
The official HOBOTOPIA spokesmodels
Visible Mug!
Originally uploaded by greyaenigma.
It's Glenn! Enjoying a beverage and looking sharp.
Seen here, Siobhan and her monkey. She's happy. I'm happy. If you have a picture of a monkey, cat, hobo or something else I've made, send me a link and I'd be happy to share it here. As for a progress report, expect the remaining monkeys in the coming hours, and several more cats (including the 100th!). If you ordered a cat on or before the fourth, it's in the mail. If after, it'll be in the mail within a day or so. Also coming up this week: some frequently asked questions. If you have a question you would like me to answer, post it in the comments. Finally: thanks.
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #86
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #86
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Good morning. In a moment, a progress report.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Leisure Suit Brothers
Leisure Suit Brothers
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Based on the fashionable chaps seen here.
Full disclosure: my mother once dressed me in something very similar, though with red stripes.
Clothe yourself and your family in Kitteh & Pip
Another Laugh-Out-Loud Cats shirt
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Another image has been added to my store on zazzle. Here's a link. You can customize the shirt color and size, and even add words if you want.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Of note!
Kitteh!
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
For those of you visiting from the blogger.com main page, welcome! I'm happy to be of note.
If you would like to order an illustration of the Original Laugh-Out-Loud Cats, see the info to the right. If you'd like to name a monkey for me to draw and then send to you, do the same.
That's how things work around here lately. Enjoy!
Caption Monkey!
Caption Monkey
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Alex of Neatorama fame has started a new weekly contest. He'll post a photo, you write a hilarious caption. If you win, I'll draw a monkey of your naming for absolutely free.
Here's a link to this weeks ballistic photo. I am not involved in the judging in any way, so don't attempt to curry my favor with cupcakes and such. I'm glad not to be involved, I would have a very hard time deciding.
If you don't win, or don't even want to try (I mean really, some of those are pretty danged funny), but you still want a monkey, you know what to do.
Also, for all you wonderful orderers of Laugh-Out-Loud Cats, expect more tonight. And tomorrow. And the day after.
Plus a couple more monkeys.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #55
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #55
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Many more in the coming days. Mark my words.
From now on....
Die Hard Monkey
Die Hard Monkey
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
There are two more monkeys in the queue, one pair with impeccable taste, and one group portrait. Watch this space for their appearance.
Kenneth J. Lewis, RN AKA Murse Monkey
Kenneth J. Lewis, RN AKA Murse Monkey
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Kenneth J. Lewis, RN AKA Murse Monkey
Kenneth J. Lewis, RN AKA Murse Monkey
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Hi Monkey!
Hi Monkey!
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
See www.himonkey.net for more info on the terry cloth globe trotter.
yoga loving, organic cooking, unemployed lawyer monkey
yoga loving, organic cooking, unemployed lawyer monkey
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Midget Busdriver
Midget Busdriver
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
To answer the obvious question, I have no idea how he uses the brakes. Perhaps there's another monkey under his chair.
Monday, July 09, 2007
What to expect in the coming days
great expectations
Originally uploaded by 楊曼妮的閒晃世界Mani Yang's lounging world.
If you have ordered a monkey, you can reasonably expect to see it posted here and put in the mail within the next 24 (or so) hours.
If you've ordered an Original Laugh-Out-Loud Cats illustration, my goal is to have them all posted here and in the mail within about a week (or so). Hopefully less. There are about 50 in the queue, and most are written and ready to be drawn. Also, they're sent in the order they're received.
And finally, thanks once again to one and all.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
and what of the monkeys?
Monkey Pile
Originally uploaded by Monkey River Town.
I failed to mention in the previous post that all of the remaining monkeys are in progress.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #43
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #43
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
There are ten more where this came from, and they will be posted within the following 24 hours...if the creeks don't rise (as the country folk say).
Hooray!
here we remember those who have gone before us
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Beginning Monday, the barnacle-like hand, wand, name, and stars will begin to be removed from Spaceship Earth at Epcot.
This makes me very happy.
Next up? Hopefully the tombs of the Epcot War's fallen heroes, seen here in the foreground.
Tonight, tonight, toni-hite! Whoa-hoa...
GK 133 Phil Collins auf Leinwand
Originally uploaded by Karoline Amm.
Gonna post some cats, some cats, some cats, me-ow.
Sorry for the delay, the move to the new HQ is complete, including the jumbotron featuring a live feed of Phil Collins head (seen here).
Several cats and many monkeys are "in process" as Gareth Keenan would say.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
1 year old!
Fireworks over Magic Kingdom
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
This blog turned a year old last week! I would have said something at the time, but I was in the middle of moving. The move is done now, and I'm ready to get back to business. You know, the monkeys and cats and such.
I have a few ideas on the burner for the coming months and am excited to fling em around and see if anything sticks. You may want to duck.
Thanks to everyone who has supported my crazinesses. I heart you all.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Boy's Radium Wrist Watch
Boy's Radium Wrist Watch
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
From wikipedia:
Radium was formerly used in self-luminous paints for watches, nuclear panels, aircraft switches, clocks, and instrument dials. More than 100 former watch dial painters who used their lips to shape the paintbrush died from the radiation. Soon afterward, the adverse effects of radioactivity became widely known.
I found this ad in a stack of old Sunday comics. It's dated Oct 3, 1926 and you can see the rest on flickr, including this one (a detail of Polly and her Pals by Cliff Sterrett, one o my heroes of yore):
Monday, July 02, 2007
Hamlet Monkey
Hamlet Monkey
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Congratulations to Susan, who won the caption contest on Neatorama! Look for another chance to win soon.
Donald Chimpsfeld
Donald Chimpsfeld
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
I'll let you guess what he is flinging.
Are you familiar with this symbol?
h in sunrays
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
If not, please see page 123 of John Hodgman's book, The Areas of My Expertise, for a full explanation.
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