Fun_Pangolin.2-3

Page Two

Pangolin Falls continues with a layout homage to the incredible Winsor McCay to unveil our creature, a noble little kappa.

Easter Eggs: The shadow in the biggest left panel is our hero, the kappa.

Fun Facts: The creature was originally a pangolin, but I pushed for a kappa for simplicity (and fun)'s sake, although the kappa's hair proved to be a hassle!

I'm not too handy with sound effects but took the opportunity to invent some. The middle bottom panel is based on a pose in a Yakitate!! Japan sampler. The final panel pose is based on how dogs shake off water.

Page Three

This page is Eisner influenced in the way we have seemingly identical stuff (like trees) shift perspective and usage between panels.

Easter Eggs: Loria is the name of the building our class met in, Kira's from Chushingura and/or Deathnote, Ono sweatpants.

Fun Facts: Lynn Zee's first name comes from pangoLIN, her last name comes from my collaborator's first initial. I used my gummy eraser to figure out Lynn's pose; really happy with how it turned out.

This page was probably the most fun.

Happy New Year,

Reuxben

Fun_Pangolin.0-1

Cover Page

"Pangolin Falls" was my final paper for LITR 493: Graphic Forms, Fall '08.

This was my first time collaborating on a comic, and although all the meticulous planning took place well in advance, the actual, physical drawing took place mostly in the last 24 hours; I had to budget only about 4 hours per page!

So after a couple Monsters, no sleep, and a camp out at the Davenport computer cluster on a rainy Thursday night slash sunny Friday afternoon, I finally penciled in this final page, the cover, which happily took under half an hour.

Page One

The original idea involved a pangolin, so as a testament to how radically this project changed from all our original concepts we kept the seemingly random title.

Unfortunately, my original of this page, which had the correct lettering, has gone missing, leaving only this proof version, relettered by me (we had thought it appropriate if I penciled only the non-Lynn text).

Easter Eggs: 493 is the seminar's class number.

Fun Facts: This is my favorite page so of course it is the one that gets lost.

Canadian geese, eh?

Reuxben

Fun_FallOutStrokes

These are two graffitis from summer break. First up is a Strokes piece for a Strokes fan.

This is the replayable version:

And here's a couple of Fall Out boys for someone who got to touch Pete Wentz! Their new album took a couple of listens to really get into, but it made my Christmas list. Bonus points for mentioning the Ivy League, pretty neat.

And this is the replay:

So there you go. My hobby when on break: graffiti. But more people really need to get the graffiti app...

Reuxben

Penny_LittleRedSanta

Here is an illustration for a last minute short in the Penny Dreadful's first issue this year.

Easter Eggs: "LOL" in the boa.

Fun Facts: I couldn't tell who was speaking a sarcastic sounding line in the draft they sent me so I wasn't sure how to dress the kid; they also never used pronouns so I went with a girl dressed as Little Red Riding Hood because I was writing a paper on that story for my Tales of the Strange lit 'nar (Perrault vs. Grimm).

As an added bonus, here's an updated color version I did this past Saturday night, my last night at Yale for Fall '08.

Fun Facts: I haven't used markers to really color in years, but I used every one that came in the little pack my brother got me for Christmas last year. This is also the first time I've really posted on-theme for a major holiday...kinda (the story was about Santa trying out Halloween).

Merry Christmas!

Reuxben

Fun_WhyDraw

I really don't like being so upfront like this, but I don't want to regret not putting this out there if it would lead to some personal improvement, so, regarding my reclusive nature, please consider the following:

Thursday night someone who humbles me with the amount of effort he's invested in me, asked me point blank why I draw.

In a one-line nutshell:

I draw because I believe drawing will solve all my problems.
But there's a bigger answer, too. It starts like this: Michael Gerber once came to speak to us at the Record and said something incredible. Although he was speaking to a room of writers, the sentiment extends to artists of any sort. He said,

There must be something fundamentally broken in ourselves to have a desire to recreate the world just as we wish.
As another preface, I also recommend listening to Chris Ware's intro segment on This American Life, which is incredibly relevant to me, as is his Jimmy Corrigan book, too.

So why do I draw? This is an overshare in no particular order:

-I can't talk to people, but want to, and drawing is the most comfortable way for me to open up since I don't know how to approach people otherwise
-I can't do anything else; I need to get better so I can be a pro because I'm not cut out mentally or physically to do any other kind of work
-I hope to become famous so that people will have to come to me (fans into friends into more), and I won't have to do any of the nerve-wracking socializing work
-I'm in control of more through drawing than through anything else
-I can safely be as fictitious or true as possible
-I can break ice or introduce myself passively in frightening group settings
-I can retreat behind it when I'm nervous or uncomfortable
-I can express my opinion without rudely imposing on people
-I can assert or defend my self-worth through others' approval

Whenever there was show and tell in elementary school, I always brought in artwork. That's how I used to get people to talk to me without having to start up a conversation.

I like to joke that I'm the only person who could lose a popularity contest to himself, since I always assume I'm pretty boring, but if for some reason you do want to get to know me, please know that I really dislike beginning conversations and usually need others to take the initiative.

The thing is, though, when people do approach me, it really weirds me out, and then I begin wondering why they are talking to me, which invariably kills the conversation. But please know that I don't mean to, I'm just that bad at socializing and need practice and patience. Even if it's something important to me, I'd rather write an email than talk to someone.

So the take-away here is that I am probably scared of you and have difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations, relationships, or anything else beyond myself. And so I rely on drawing to help me interact and relate with humans.

Thanks for your time, patience, and support,

Reuxben

Fun_TheSpaceRock

Here are sketches from The Space's rock show in Hamden, CT last night.

We arrived just as Goodbye Terminal was wrapping up, but they sounded great (top right guitarist).

I went for The Sandy Gill Affair, who did just great, although it sounds like they changed the intro to "Winter In Westchester" from its old "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" sounding version. Anyway, I might be a jinx for them because they always have really weird audio whenever I'm around. Their first song was really wacky, but they recovered fast and well.

Article 19 had some incredible songs (top left, Seth Green guy).

The final singer, minus her saxophonist, was a tedious listen, reminiscent of the anti-climactic finish at last year's Battle of the Bands.

Frankie concluded my drawing session, but not before getting some audience shots. The center guy was even kind enough to talk to me. He asked me a question I'll answer on Monday.

Also, many people enjoy wearing those hiker hook keychain deals.

Reuxben

Fun_GreatC

This is a sketch that didn't come out too well. With that in mind, I won't say who it's supposed to be, but you can listen to his genius here.

In personal news, I went to this psych study today.

It was the most disturbing one I've ever done.

They pointed guns at my face.

Yale 2013, come to Yale: they point guns at your face (but in a good way, only not really).

In even more personal news, jack kelly offers these bonus comics.

I don't think they'd print this in the Herald.

Everyone needs a hug, jack kelly. Everyone.

Reuxben

Penny_Jackalope

This is a jackalope for the Penny Dreadful.

Our semester finale should be out by now...

In any case, when next we meet, I'll be done with Yale Fall '08.

Edit: Hey Yale 2013 is on its way to being formed! Congratulations!

Reuxben

Fun_BoardingSchool

Finally done with that Lit Comic, but for now, here are some more whiteboard drawings, which I drew over Thanksgiving break while in the ghost town of JE.

First up is a man in black. I was really hungry at the time, and didn't know what to do for food, so I drew food in the background.

Fun Facts: I don't usually drink soda ever.

And then here's a little Zuko.

Math final tomorrow. Then a paper and then we're done!

Reuxben

Fun_Table42

This is a costuming exercise featuring our Quarters Crisis heroes, originally meant to be a restaurant scene with Ben ordering a table for two.

Easter Eggs: ELLEGARDEN and Makishimamu Za Horumon!

Fun Facts: Ben is short and wearing a jacket based on one of my Spanish classmates. Also, I bought both bands' CDs in Japan, in Japanese.

Erregahden wa doku desuka? Yosh!!

Strawberry, strawberry pie.

Reuxben

Fun_PangolinConcept

This is a sketch of characters for my lit seminar's final paper, nicknamed "Pangolin," which'll have a comics component.

If everything went perfectly, the first day of finals would also end my semester. But it'll still end shortly after that, just not before Reading Week tears me apart.

It's 4am, I'm working on my impossible math/art project; cue no sleep.

Reuxben

Herald_QC.Beginning

Last change: Ben loses everything.
Now change 13!

That's it.

Easter Eggs: Change 13 in panel 1, thanks in final panel.

Fun Facts: Ben's shirt logo means irony, the series theme (nothing actually happens).

THANKS: ロト６で３億２千万円当てた男, JAPN S-275: Japanese Cinema and Culture, Eiichiro Oda, Toshihiro Ono, LeSean Thomas, Chamba, J, LITR439: Graphic Forms.

I'm sure people simply picture-view here, which is fine, but I would sincerely appreciate feedback via any method; I really need to know how I'm doing.

Also, WRITERS: I'd love to collaborate on a comic over break; please contact me if you'd be interested in working on a comic.

..So this comic basically defined my semester week to week, a key memento from Japan, but I don't really cling to it, which makes me think it's sort of like MCR's Black Parade: admirably high concept but not as enjoyable as prior work; I didn't even feel anything after finishing inks. Next semester's a return to punk rock.

Here's jack kelly's season ender, "monopoly."

So again, Quarters Crisis feedback would be wonderful, email or whatever; everyone's a stranger to me, so I already don't know you and won't look you up.

Reuxben

Record_PokemonHunter

"The Pokemon Hunter," for the Yale Record's Sustainability Issue.

I haven't really felt too happy with my Record work lately, but this one's an improvement.

Easter Eggs: Pushing the owl on screen 1, "Wah" on screen 2.

Fun Facts: This is my second Record piece involving pokemon (Charizard was a boring choice made only for readability's sake), and only my second actual Record comic.

Reuxben

YDN_ZLM.ArtMan

No, Jack Wills, I will not buy your clothes.

<- Previous Comic...Next Comic ->
-First Comic-
Easter Eggs: "Yale" in panel 1, end of semester "Thanks" in panel 2, and jack kelly everywhere.

Fun Facts: I want to make a j< THIS?

Ok, that's it for the YDN for now.

Until next semester,

Reuxben

Fun_トラブルメイカーGirl

Here's another drawing of a girl to wrap up "girl week." What began as hair practice, became a costuming exercise, then a full drawing.

Fun Fact: I bought Weezer's Red Album in Japan and the opening track is called トラブルメイカー, or as I would infer, a phonetic approximation of "Troublemaker."

So most of Yale is deserted during Thanksgiving break, but of course BOTH scanners at Connecticut Hall are taken (and neither person is actually using the scanner, naturally). Thus is Yale. So I'll scan later.

Being alone at Yale all week has been...kinda ok. But scary.

Reuxben

Fun_RumpusGirl

While I was selling shirts, Rumpus set up shop across the hall to sell theirs. So a Rumpus-er came over, checked out our designs, then asked me for a sketch. She was wearing a really cool hat so I drew her throughout her shift. She checked in a little later but we agreed to let it be a surprise.

I started this new angle before she left. There's also a little bulldog which didn't come out so well. Anyway, she forgot to pick up the sketches afterward, so this sketchpage is currently homeless.

If you're out there somewhere, Rumpus Girl, these are your sketches.

In related news, my last post actually made a dent.

Probably just due to the two buzz words, "Harvard," and "Girl."

The above is from the college.alltop display page.

And to the left and below are from TCBN, which was pretty neat.

The site feels pretty inactive, but then it just springs to life sometimes.

I don't think I'll ever stack that high again, so it was cool when it happened.

Reuxben

Fun_HarvardGirl

Harvard (plus Yale's coach) embarrassed us at The Game, but I did get some nice drawings out of it.

I felt too insecure amongst jovial JEers at our sister house, Eliot House, so I retreated upstairs, sitting in the stairwell generally feeling lonely. My defense mechanism is drawing, so I just started drawing until the party ended. "Harvard Girl" is obviously a Yalie.

Many passing Cantabs dropped compliments, regularly pausing their trips downstairs. One guy even just stood there watching, then--gasp!--talked to me! Ironically, I felt more welcomed from that Harvard guy than by the JEers. I kinda wanted to give him this URL, but figured it bad form. He did ask if I drew for Yale, so maybe it was fair.

One Harvard girl passing by complimented the work then asked me if I went to Yale (I was wearing my Yale sweater and scarf...). Then as she headed on down, she yelled back, "Sorry you go to Yale." I felt sad because a part of me agreed.

A Yalie stopped by since she was waiting for someone from a nearby room, but I was just her time killer, so I didn't know how to respond.

It was freezing in the Eliot Junior Common Room, so I slept in every single thread I had. The next morning, waiting for a herd to follow to the stadium, I began drawing. Some JE girl checked these drawings and some of my sketchpad out, but it felt like I was her toy, so it was a bittersweet art show. I did see someone wearing my bulldog shirt in the JCR, though, which was nice. Too bad coats covered shirts at the icy tailgate.

So most humans have left Yale for break by now, but that's ok, I guess.

Reuxben

Herald_QC.Ending

Last change: Ben discovers Ipu, the artificer genie behind the bill.
Now change 12!

Real men cry...at least I hope that's true.

Easter Eggs: Change 12 in blood!

Fun Facts: The final scream was one of the first "audition" sketches I ever drew while designing Ben.

I'm not sure I'm happy with the ending.

And here's jack kelly's "hahvid." Meh.

Update: these are officially SOLD OUT!! I cackle thinking that people paid money to wear something I drew!!

See you at The Game,

[UPDATE: my, that was embarrassing...the coach is so fired. --11/23/08]

Reuxben

Record_Medusa

My piece for the Yale Record's latest, the Philosophy Issue.

Dare I say it...The Record's...funny...!

I'm scared, too.

Reuxben

Fun_GoingPro_Preview

I just got an email from my Penny Dreadful EIC saying a publisher is interested in seeing my portfolio!!!!!!!

If this leads to a real job (some day), it would be a dream come true!

Now to construct a portfolio...!

Also: this piece (pictured pre-ink) or this piece (used for a new story) may be what caught their eye.

ALSO: the Catalyst shirts are in, and our first day of sales was incredible!

PEEP. GAME. -->

[UPDATE: SOLD OUT!!]

Yeah!

Reuxben

YDN_ZLM.Boom

Boourns goes the dynamite.

<- Previous Comic...Next Comic ->
-First Comic-
Easter Eggs: "Yale" in panel 3, Ben Roku's undershirt, Clifton Dawson and Max Newton cuz I'm pretty sure one would likely tackle and one would be tackled in a real game (I don't know much about football).

Fun Facts: Tons of research for one comic (three websites on helmets alone). Mr. Newton talked to me once. I think he was drunk. Only drunk people talk to me.

Don't forget to BUY SHIRTS for THE GAME! Buy at Commons all day Tuesday.

Reuxben

Herald_QC.Ipu

Last change: While Frankie handles the Ka'Orum duo, Ben discovers an odd fortune-teller machine.
Now change 11!

If you want this to mean anything, read up on what's happened so far (easier browsing at deviantART).

Easter Eggs: Change 11 in panel 3.

Fun Facts: The currency of India is the rupee; Ipu's original name was Bill up until yesterday. Last minute rewrites thanks to the Herald's "DK."

Next, jack kelly appropriately tears into one pathetic excuse for a comedian in, "dat sham."

I never tire of noting how pathetic this idiot is (Dat Phan, that is, although jack kelly sickens me, too).

And it's (unintentionally) funny how he mentions people not being to tell different kinds of Asians apart and one of the first things out of his mouth is a remark, after an "Indian" fellow in the audience snapped a photo with the flash on, to please turn flash off all cameras. Well that perceived fan was actually taking a photo of Dat Moron in the same way one takes a photo of a car crash or a zeppelin aflame: proof that you witnessed such a disaster.

How do I know what that "Indian guy" was thinking? Because Mexican-me was that Indian guy.

And here I thought this would be the year I didn't get confused for an Indian...Unrelatedly, I didn't give Ipu an Indian-theme until a little over 24 hours ago.

Reuxben

YDN_ZLM.Cheekies

Jingoism is the first half.

<- Previous Comic...Next Comic ->
-First Comic-
Easter Eggs: "Yale" in first panel, a plug for Catalyst Apparel, (preorder T shirts for The Game today!).

Fun Facts: I honestly don't care about Princeton; it never even occurred to me to apply there. And I didn't even know it was an Ivy, let alone our pseudo-rival, until I got here.

Also: I just did the math...this is post 200. Hooray for me. It all started a little over one year ago, back when I could still smile about it all.

Reuxben

Catalyst_PlayItLoud

This is my second design (colors pending) for Catalyst Apparel, where you can now preorder all the new designs before prices go up starting Wednesday. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Also, you can now preorder this fellow, which is a redesign of this. Note: we redesigned it yet again to now read, "Bring It".

Finally, as a Catalyst Designer, I am available to design shirts for interested parties, groups, and peoples; just use the site or send an email.

Reuxben

Herald_QC.Split

Last change: The Acolyte's interruption prompts Frankie and Ben to split up.
Now change 10!

I tried to experiment with a couple of techniques.

Easter Eggs: Change 10 in panel 4, and secret message in panel 2.

Fun Facts: Having lines from different objects match up confusingly in comics is called "parallax." Estonian currency is called "krooni," so "Koonik" is pronounced KOO-neek.

Not to be outdone, jack kelly offers some stylistic experimentation himself in "peepoo."

Yeah. He should be fired.

So I think jack kelly's my date to The Game again. In a related story, I got a haircut today (from someone new, too) and the first and only adjective I can think of to describe my hairdo is this: "lumberjackal."

Reuxben