I realize that I was MIA last week and I feel pretty lousy about it. In some ways, I feel like I’ve completely lost my momentum, which sucks, because I’m still excited about the story I have to tell!

It’s pretty much a problem with the process at this point. I knock out the pencils and inks no problem. But once I bring the comic into the computer for coloring, shading, background and lettering… everything s-l-o-w-s d-o-w-n.

Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of that part of the comic-making process. But lately, I’ve been fussing with it too much in an effort to make the last few comics good and I’m approaching burnout.

My mentality is that I don’t want the last 10 comics to look like crap. Makes sense, right? But since I don’t particularly enjoy the finishes, it’s become a convenient excuse to draw out the conclusion of the comic. It’s inefficient and a little selfish.

Although, honestly, things were much easier when it was just a couple of talking heads against a green background. These last few comics have been all fire, smoke, sparks, glowing lights, textures, different costumes, action, etc… a real challenge.

But enough about my whining. Let’s take a look at this fantastic guest strip from my good friend Indigo! Indigo’s imagining a time in the near future where Tom and Cami are pregnant (remember that was the genesis of this “good bye” arc back in January?)

Incidentally, she’s not too far off from how I reacted when Cami was first pregnant with Henry back in 2007. 2007, people! Can you believe it’s been almost 6 years?

Indigo is a classy lady, by the way. A great confidant and listener. We chat from time to time on teh Twitterz and she always knows what to say go get me into gear. Great resource for a reality check when I need one.

She produces her own comic as well. It’s called Orchid Coloured Glasses and you should check it out. She pulls no punches. It’s great stuff!

Looking forward, you’ll be pleased to know that I have the pencils, inks and color flats down for this week’s Theater Hopper. I hope to do the shading, background and lettering tonight.

Thanks again for everyone’s patience. I’m trying to avoid limping across the finish line, but the last few months have been hard. You guys are very awesome for putting up with it!