Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #456
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
This may seem a bit out of character till you consider Pip is a child. And a cat.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
w00t!
woot
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Have you used shirt.woot.com before? Basically, they offer a new t-shirt everyday for $10, then it's gone. Sometimes they don't even last the whole day. Some of the shirts sell out in a couple of hours.
Here's a shirt I designed for them that will be available very soon. Midnight Central to be specific. As in a little over a half hour. If you want one, get over there and order one while it's available.
If you miss your chance, I can help you, but it'll be a few dollars more. I'll post the link to the second chance when it becomes necessary.
Cookie Thief giveaway winners...
And the Winner Is...
Originally uploaded by Atwater Village Newbie.
In case you weren't here last week, I mentioned that I'd be giving away ten signed copies of a recent book I worked on, called the Cookie Thief, to fan club members. Here are the numbers of the fan club members who have won (these numbers were chosen at random, I promise):
54, 80, 49, 36, 88, 08, 37, 41, 60, and 64!
Congratulations.
The fan club memberships should all be in the mail by Monday the 5th of November. If there are any unforeseen setbacks, mishaps, or slowdowns, I will post about them here.
Thanks again!
One more thing: I bet the cookie depicted above will look better on a day when I'm not full of Halloween candy.
Happy Halloween!
Pip for Halloween
Originally uploaded by procrastinet.
This picture is all kinds of awesome! Thanks, RJ.
Are you dressing up tonight? I'm going to be a monk (a gyrovague, of course).
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #455
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #455
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
For Alex, of Neatorama fame.
This is what I watched last night while drawing...
If you haven't seen the Palm Beach Story, I recommend it.
Too bad that airport idea never caught on.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #448
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #448
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
You may notice a slow down in posts as I prepare all of the fan club memberships for mailing.
I'll probably post some pictures of my progress along the way.
Anniversary
Number 149 Blackbolt King of the Inhumans
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Here's my very first contribution to the 700 hoboes project, created two years ago today.
Thanks again to every single one of the 500,000 visitors who've dropped by my flickr stream since then, and to all of the bloggers who've shared my stuff elsewhere.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Simone as Kitteh, Ivy as Pip
Simone as Kitteh
Originally uploaded by juco.
Dan and Julie, who I've met in real life and enjoyed a pizza with, have posted a set of incredibly funny and awesome photos of their cats dressed as my cats for Halloween (though I see no reason why these can't be their permanent uniforms).
Here's the whole set. Go heap praises on them.
For the second time this week...
I've been forwarded a photo of a cat attempting to consume one of the comics I've sent. Laugh-Out-Loud Cats are part of a healthy feline breakfast.
Also, here's Cthulhu, looking right at home.
(Thanks, Julie!)
From Broadway to Balboa, I'm the man you ought to know-a
Please enjoy this hobo song Sam brought to my attention: here (I couldn't get the player to embed. Isn't that always the case? There's also a great Leon Redbone song in the discussion there.)
Lucky!
I'ze Lucky
Originally uploaded by Beth E. Dogg.
Beth added a printed copy of a recent comic to her impressive collection of lucky cats. And to her I raise a paw.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #434
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #434
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Note: I can't keep up with all of the comments posted here and on the flickr, but I do read and appreciate them all. THANK YOU!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
I ROCK OUT
I can has pumpkin?
Originally uploaded by rjevans.
Thanks to Ryan for sending along a photo of this seasonal creation.
Thanks Hal and Sub!
inkogneato.
Originally uploaded by halcyonsnow.
Look, it's a real live Kitteh!
Halcyonsnow provided the idea, Subspace does the modeling, and we all win.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Kitteh and Pip Halloween masks
Kitteh Mask
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Click on either one of these images for instructions on how to be Kitteh or Pip for Halloween.
Thanks to fellow hobo artist Halcyonsnow for reminding me to check the archives.
In time for Halloween: How to Hobo
Hobo costume essentials, Halloween 2007
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
The following items are generally considered essential in planning and assembling this year's hobo costume:
A. Hat: stove pipe, pork pie, fedora, bowler, etc.
B. Beard and/or stubble: women are not exempt from this requirement
C. Stogie: a Tootsie Roll or felt prop is acceptable for the underage hobo.
D. Bindle stick: may I suggest pine?
E. Patches: use in moderation please.
F. Bandana: for the neck sweat.
G. Bindle. Suggested contents: chalk, lint, inexpensive fruit-based alcohol, stogie butts.
H. Vest
I. Fingerless gloves. Always a classic touch.
J. Plaid shirt to be tied about the waist.
K. Trousers: the higher the level of disrepair the better.
L. This years hoboes are trending towards shoelessness. Blackened feet will make this a Halloween you will sure to remember for weeks to come.
The fan club lapel pins came today
Pip Fan Club Lapel Pin
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Let me show you one.
With coin for scale.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #415
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #415
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Advice from a Floridian: never visit the Everglades in October.
Gladys Knight & the Pips Fan Club, 1975
Gladys Knight & the Pips Fan Club (1975)
Originally uploaded by Soul Portrait.
Who wouldn't want to be a Pip for a day?
There are several comics on the drawing board and I just received word that the fan club lapel pins will be here on Wednesday. I'll post photos soon after they arrive.
Also, later this week: something special for Halloween as suggested by a fellow hobo artist.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Night of the Blood Beast
Presented here for your education and enlightenment: MST3K. A post-Frank, pre-Pearl episode to boot.
Another of my freelance projects to look out for
If you happen to shop at Wal*Mart, and if that Wal*Mart carries American Greetings cards (sometimes they don't), and if you happen to see two separate Halloween greeting cards depicting two separate monster puppets (male and female) in the style of the brown paper lunch sack puppets you may have made in elementary school, and if you happen to take a picture of them, I'd love to see how they turned out.
Fan Club Giveaway
I don't mention my other freelance gigs very often on this blog; sometimes due to contractual obligations, sometimes due to not being able to post images until they're published, and sometimes due to negligence. This is a case of the latter.
Earlier this year I worked on a project with internationally acclaimed speaker Kirk Weisler. It's a book called the Cookie Thief and it was a load of fun to help create. You may have heard the story before, but Kirk has given it a unique spin and together we made it into a charming all-ages tale. You can learn more about it and see several of the pages on this site.
Kirk was nice enough to give me a bunch of copies of the finished book, and I'd like to give some to those of you who joined the Pip Fan Club as an additional thank you.
I'll be giving away ten copies signed by me. The winning fan club members will be chosen the good old fashioned way, from a hat, and announced some time in the coming days.
My plan is to have all of the fan club memberships in the mail by Saturday the 3rd. I'll continue to keep you posted on my progress.
Thanks again and again.
Oh yeah, and you can buy Kirk's book directly from the site too.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
#300
The 300 stair walk
Originally uploaded by johntrainor.
The bidding has come to a close on #300. Congratulations to the winner.
To those of you who placed a bid, thank you. #400 is not too far away and I already have a pretty good idea what it will be.
After the fan club memberships have been packaged and sent, I plan on posting smaller color comics to ebay on a regular basis.
Also on the horizon:
Details on the fan club membership surprise giveaway thing
More swag on the Zazzle in time for the holidays (if there is a comic you absolutely have to have on a t-shirt or some other thing they sell over there, let me know)
Junior membership club details
...and the return of hobo naming.
The Mad Painter was a hobo
Ah, the good old days: when Sesame Street actively encouraged wanton acts of vandalism.
Friday, October 19, 2007
handy cellphone wallpaper maker
Hey look: you can use this site to make wallpapers for a whole bunch of different phones. Feel free to use any of the Laugh-Out-Loud Cats comics, they are all under a creative commons license.
There will be more comics posted tonight and tomorrow. I decided to hold off on announcing the aforementioned giveaway until after the weekend. I also have some other junior fan club membership ideas brewing and need to give them time to congeal in the stew that is my brain.
Wow that sounds really gross.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Jasper, Hobotopia spokescat
Jasper with Kitteh and Pip
Originally uploaded by kostia.
Cats love to cuddle up with the warm glow of Laugh-Out-Loud Cats! Consult your vet today!
Fan Club Update
Fan
Originally uploaded by gesteves.
Nothing too important to report on the fan club front, aside from the fact that half of the comics going to fan club members have now been completed. The lapel pins have not arrived yet, but as soon as they do I will post photos galore.
On a related note, there has been a significant outcry on the part of those who missed out on the opportunity to join teh Foundlings during the initial membership period. Enough of an outcry that I'm considering ideas for a junior memebership of some sort. It won't be as extensive, and won't include the pin, but it'll be something that lets everyone have the opportunity to hop aboard this crazy boxcar.
Also, as an added bonus to those who joined teh Foundlings during the initial phase, I will be giving away a surprise to a random selection of you. I won't tell too many details just yet, but it's a freelance project I worked on earlier this year. It's not cat related, but still pretty fun. Details will be posted in the next couple of days.
Thank you. More comics tonight.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #402
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #402
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Here's how the thinking went on this one:
I thought it would be fun to draw one where the frame is tilted off the page.
I started drawing it and decided to put them in a tree so they'd fit.
I thought and brainstormed for at least an hour about why the heck they would be in a tree. I wrote a list of synonyms for tilt, sink, capsize, etc, but nothing came.
Then I remembered they are cats.
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #399
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #399
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
I've been reading this book, and it's seeped into my subconscious.
I don't mean to make light of the seriousness of such things, or to imply any racial component to the comic, it's just something that's been on my mind.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Teh Foundlings!
The official title of the Fan Club members has been chosen. Thanks to everyone who voted. I was holding out for Gladys Knight, but alas.
Meanwhile, I've set up a group on flickr where you can post your photos of the stuff I've drawn for you over these past few months. Here's the link. Join and post and ask questions or whatever. I'll try to participate as time and life allows. I've been a bit lax about following up on some of the comments on flickr, but I do read and appreciate them all. Thank you.
There's a fan club set up on the Facebook somewhere too (if someone would like to post the link in the comments that would be awesome). I have a facebook account, but it scares me and I seldom go there.
Meanwile, enjoy these photos of the cats in action under glass.
More comics tonight!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Pip Fan Club poll
Rusty Gate Hinge
Originally uploaded by Clearly Ambiguous.
To your right, please notice the poll wherein you are asked to vote for your favorite name for the members of the Pip Fan Club. It'll be open for 24 hours. The names, some with explanation, are listed in the comments to this post from a couple of days ago.
Expect more comics tonight sometime. Meanwhile, I'm off to go find out why my car sounds like a rusty gate whenever I turn a corner (hence the Clearly Ambiguous photo).
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Marvin the Paranoid Android
Marvin the Paranoid Android
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
A recent winner of the Neatorama.com caption contest asked me to draw my version of Douglas Adams' hapless automaton.
Henry the Sleepy Horse
Henry the Sleepy Horse
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
From the now-on-hiatus critter project.
Pogo & Pip
John sent me this picture of Pogo and Pip side by side. I think we can all appreciate his interior decorating sense. Thank you sir!
Condor Man
condor
Originally uploaded by jbarreiros.
I do not know if I am related to this fellow, but it looks like he lived an exciting life.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #300
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #300
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Here it is, at long last.
Currently up for auction on teh Echobay.
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #379
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #379
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Full credit for this idea and scenario goes to Gordon. Thank you, sir!
Friday, October 12, 2007
I have not forgotten about #300
Fan club business: what to call you
hello, my name is...
Originally uploaded by gregschmigel.
This is the post in which to comment on what you think members of the Pip Fan Club should be called. Several ideas have been suggested here and on flickr. Repost them here if you can and feel free to explain yourself (or not). I'll withhold my own comments and see how this plays out over the coming days. Once it looks like all suggestions have come in, I'll put it up for a vote~~probably early next week.
Thank you times infinity plus one.
Fan club business: keeping a lid on the worm can
Gummy Worms
Originally uploaded by merfam.
Two issues which have been raised over on teh flickr as of late:
I'm in the fan club, can I assume the comics are posted in the order in which they will be sent, and therefore somehow determine which will be mine?
AND
Can I lay claim to one of the comics I've seen come through recently?
The answer to both of these questions is a heartfelt and lovingly proffered no. I don't want to turn member against member after all. I've seen this sort of thing spin out of control before (elsewhere--it wasn't an art thing) and it's no fun for anyone.
You can, however, mark the comic(s) you like as a favorite, and when the time comes to assemble the membership packets I will see what I can do. I can't make any promises, as I'm not the most adept of logistical tacticians.
If this rubs you the wrong way or otherwise angers you, please feel free to email me and something can be arranged I'm sure.
That said, the next post will also be of interest to fan club members.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
BBtv!
Check out the opening I helped create with Syd Garon for BoingBoing TV! And watch the rest of the episode too! I'm going to make a boing box this weekend and I suggest you do likewise.
Convergence
Want
Originally uploaded by evil nickname.
Somebody tell Lawrence Weschler! "Evil nickname" caught a convergence with this snap of the comic I sent him.
I spotted one recently, and they posted it on McSweeney's yesterday.
Also, McSweeney's has posted a few lists I've submitted over the past couple of years, and one even appears in their book Mountain Man Dance Moves: The McSweeney's Book of Lists. If you can find a funnier book of lists about humorous things which also depicts a unicorn on the cover, YOU BUY IT!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Unicorm and Skullcrusher
l-o-lcats
Originally uploaded by NuckleheadEd.
Thanks again Ed!
I'll be posting a few more similar photos in the coming days. Thanks to everyone who has emailed me their photos of teh framed comics!
Happy Birthday Pac-Man!
Here's a video of a bonobo playing Ms. Pac-Man. It's obvious he will never beat my high score.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Monday, October 08, 2007
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #348
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #348
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Created for Derek, who really does have a kitty named Pip.
This is the last of the general queue. The next 100 you see will be for Pip Fan Club members!
You can still order a comic if you would like, but it won't be done until the fan club memberships are fulfilled, which is probably about a month.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Mojo!
Mojo in front of Teh Foundling
Originally uploaded by mlecompt.
Seen here, Mojo in front of the poster available at my Zazzle store.
Mojo is looking into my very soul.
Must. Do. Mojo's. Bidding...
I curse cursive
cursive
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
The remaining critters and cat comics will be up over the course of the weekend. I'll be sure to announce when the official Fan Club comics begin.
Meanwhile, here's my entry for last week's Illustration Friday, which I just now got around to scanning, coloring, and posting.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Member emails have been sent!
Membership numbers and further details have all been sent via email over the past couple of hours. If you joined and did not receive an email, let me know. 2 bounced back, so if your name rhymes with Fleeve or Meesa, email me.
Fan Club emails will be sent throughout the day
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #337
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #337
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
I bring you sad news. Old news, but still sad.
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #334
Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #334
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Teh cats visit Wills Point.
Sold out!
Pip Fan Club Membership Card
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Thanks everybody! You have made this cartoonist very happy and excited. This is going to be a fun month.
If you missed your chance to join, remember: all comic orders after the Fan Club Memberships are fulfilled will include a signed and numbered membership card.
Fan Club Members: we need a name for you good folks. Also, I'll send an email at some point tomorrow with membership numbers and such. I was going to do that tonight, but got caught up in inking the comics that will be posted in a moment and in the morning.
Since you're up, be sure to watch BoingBoingTV when it's posted.
And now, some cats.....
Final memberships are up!
Pip Fan Club details**UPDATED**
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
apelad.etsy.com!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Lenny is famous.
Do you watch Dirty Jobs? My buddy Len Peralta of MonsterByMail.com/Jawbone Radio fame is expanding the scope of his empire with this parodically funny video he wrote and produced. You should watch it!
Also: less than three hours till the final memberships go on sale over at apelad.etsy.com, so do their free sign up early.
I think I told everyone I would have their member numbers and stuff tonight, but it will probably tomorrow. I have like 12 comics to ink and post tonight whilst I stay up into the wee hours. FOR YOU!!!
More soon, my pretties.
THANK YOU!
Pip Fan Club Membership Card
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Here's a preview of the Pip Fan Club membership card!
Thanks to everyone who signed up! The initial memberships sold out in a half hour! I am shocked, humbled, and grateful.
An email will be sent later tonight with membership numbers, and other info. I certainly have my work cut out for me, but I'm ready and excited.
If you missed your chance, 25 additional memberships will be available tonight on apelad.etsy.com at 11pm Pacific.
Thank you times infinity.
With a little over three hours left...
Bouquet of Booms
Originally uploaded by jurvetson.
...I'm hoping this doesn't blow up in my face.
At approximately NOON PACIFIC, a paypal link will appear at the top of the column on the right. I will be watching closely to see how fast or slow memberships come in. I'm hoping slow, but I haven't been able to gauge what'll happen. Ideally the memberships will be available for a couple of days at least.
Once the 75 to 80 membership mark has been reached, I'll remove the paypal link, and post an update.
Additional memberships will be available on apelad.etsy.com at 11PM PACIFIC for those who prefer money orders (paypal will be an option there too), etc.
Meanwhile, may I direct your attention to this enchanting ditty that's taking the internet by storm? Please forgive me. All the kids are doing it these days.
This is the last post till the boom.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Info about tomorrow and changes on the right side...
Tomorrowland structure
Originally uploaded by FreaksAnon.
Here's how things will proceed over the next day: I'll post the remaining orders for comics and critters throughout the day, and maybe into the evening. There are about 12 or so in the queue, but I've got lots of suggestions and roughs already planned, so it's just a matter of drawing and posting them.
You may notice a couple of things have already changed on the right side of the blog: the critters project has been put on hold for the duration, and there is a note regarding "regular" orders of comics. They will be drawn and sent after the Fan Club orders have been drawn, assembled, and sent, which could take up to a month.
If you are considering ordering a comic for the holidays, it might be a good time to so, in order to be at the front of the line after the Fan Club. I will keep everyone posted on my progress as things move along.
Also, there is still #300 to look forward to. Another teaser: lots and lots of leafs.
Also, I will continue to participate in the Neatorama Caption Monkey Contest, so sharpen your caption writing skills and post over there for a chance to win a drawing.
Finally, to recap how the Fan Club orders will work:
a) be here tomorrow at NOON PACIFIC to order one of approximately 75-80 memberships via a paypal button at right.
b) if* you miss the chance here, visit apelad.etsy.com at 11PM PACIFIC to order one of the remaining memberships.
*This might not be an issue, I really don't know how fast or slow things will go. If you want them to go slow, please do not tell your friends about this groundbreaking opportunity. That way you can swoop in and reap lapel pins and membership cards!
And lastly, of course, my humble thanks. Your support and encouragement and comments mean a lot to me.
Boing Boing TV!
I'm excited and honored to be part of the inaugural transmission of Boing Boing TV. You can watch it here! See if you can spot my contribution.
I can't wait to see what else they have in store.
Wallace and Gromit are returning to TV!
Wallace and Gromit Train
Originally uploaded by Giles Hitchcock.
Cats in the yard
Fight Club (Laugh-Out-Loud Cats #296)
Originally uploaded by Lucius Kwok.
See? Suitable for framing! Also effective against voles and other garden intruders.
UPDATE: A solution to the Fan Club membership issues has been found.
Again, sorry for the previous confusion. Here is how the membership offering will work tomorrow:
1. Approximately 75 to 80 memberships will be made available here tomorrow beginning at NOON Pacific. They will be available for $35.00, which includes shipping. Watch for a post and a new paypal button in the right column.
2. The remaining memberships (for an overall total of 100) will be made available at apelad.etsy.com beginning at 11pm Pacific. This is being done for those who do not have paypal or who may be at work during the initial roll-out, or who are outside the US of A. (I really don't know how fast the initial phase will sell out, so it's likely this step won't be necessary). The Etsy price will be $36.00 to cover the listing and selling fees there. Also, you will need to sign up on etsy. It's free and easy.
I sincerely hope this adequately addresses all of the concerns that were raised.
Allow me to recognize the two main concerns
step 2
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
So far, there have been two main concerns regarding the fan club:
What about non-PayPal orders?
and
What about non-US orders?
I am attempting to address these concerns and hope to have a resolution by the end of the day, if not sooner.
Thank you for your patience.
The image above has nothing to do with the information presented in this post.
More soon.
Monday, October 01, 2007
robots and monsters for a good cause
Here's one of five robots and monsters I created for Joe Alterio's Robots and Monsters: a Charitable Menagerie. Click and learn.
The rest can be seen on flickr.
Pip Fan Club announcement
Coming this Wednesday: your opportunity to join the Pip Fan Club.
The details: this phase of membership will be limited to 100 and will include:
1 4x6 black and white Laugh-Out-Loud Cats comic
1 .5" nickel lapel pin featuring Pip (pictures forthcoming)
1 membership card, signed and numbered by A. Koford and Pip
1 copy of Pip's newsletter, the Leaflet
1 super special secret to be made known only to Pip Fan Club members
3 color printed postcard updates to be sent quarterly over the coming year
All for the price of $35, postage included.
Additional details:
Turnaround time will be approximately one month. Comics will be posted as they are drawn, but not sent until all of the fan club paraphernalia is produced and packaged.
Unfortunately, I won't be able to honor special content requests for the comics.
These memberships will be made available beginning Wednesday October 3 at noon Pacific and will conclude when membership hits 100.
If you have already ordered a Laugh-Out-Loud Cats comic, it will be sent by the end of this week. I will keep the regular orders open, but please note that any comics ordered after Wednesday will not be produced or sent until after the Fan Club memberships have been sent (that is, early November).
Also please note membership cards will be sent with regular orders until they run out, but they will be numbered over 110.
Please feel free to post questions in the comments on flickr or here if you do not have a flickr account.
Thank you all.
Epcot is 25
Epcot
Originally uploaded by Ape Lad.
Today Epcot is 25!
It could possibly be my favorite of the Walt Disney World parks, but it's a tough call. There is so much potential and there are so many misfires that I love it more for it's potential than what it actually is at the moment.
Hope, it seems, is on the horizon.
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