What a Trip
Hi everyone, so here goes - I’ve been meaning to write a post specifically to apologize for the slowness on the updates, but I think I better touch on it now since I’m sure a few of you are wondering what’s happening. Unfortunately (and fortunately - really), I’ve been very busy with work. I’m usually pretty vague here by just saying “sorry, I’ve been busy”, so here’s a more specific explanation:
First, some big news - I landed my first fully illustrated childrens book deal with Ten Speed Press (part of Random House). I’ll be illustrating a story by another writer. This is a very big opportunity that I’m very excited about. The biggest challenge with the book is the deadline schedule I have to work with (32 pages of full color illustrations by April 1st). So yeah, I really don’t wanna mess that up!
On top of the book is my usual work with Dover doing coloring books, and my next story for the Flight series. I also have a couple commissions (which are finished and being sent off this coming week)- to those two dear patrons, I apologize for the delay, and promise an extra special something when I send the paintings off.
And finally, I’ve been going through the interview process with a pretty well known company. I don’t think I should say who just yet, but just a small hint : the name is big enough that it’s used as both, a noun and a verb (my wife came up with that - I thought it was clever).
All of this is to say that while Swoop is one of my favorite projects, it is a personal one. I love that I have readers who read and enjoy the story and have even become attached to their favorite characters (this is actually what keeps me going). I really wish there was a way the comic could sustain itself (and a living, even), but admittedly, the funds for marketing and merchandise are simply nonexistent. That will change one day, but I need to focus on the paying work in order to make it happen.
To wrap it up, I have to admit, I know it’s a somewhat bothersome trend that we webcartoonists fall into - at some point needing to explain why our updates are slowing down. But I feel like I owe it to you guys to let you know what’s going on. In no way am I planning on ending the comic - the updates will probably slow down for some time, but there will be no official hiatus.
Thanks for understanding (I hope).
November 21st, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I really like this one, the colors are beautiful.
November 21st, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I hope that we get to hear more about this children’s book of yours as it draws close to release. If your work on Swoop is any indication, I expect that your other projects will also be a joy to look at.
November 22nd, 2009 at 5:20 am
Great news! To have expanding work in this economy I’m really glad to hear that! =^^=
Good luck with the illustrations! And I pray that the negotiations pull through for you!
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:58 am
O-o Woah! Good luck with the famous search engine thing and the publishing deal. ^_^ Maybe Random House can get you to go on tour with the book or something, wouldn’t that be neat? Book readings for the win!
Again Mike, it’s totally cool if you slow down for a bit to get priorities straight. It’s very professional, so thanks for letting us know what’s going on.
Anyways, with regards to this page, it’s all up to your usual standard of awesome exceeept for the little Rico bubble on panel 3. It really feels tacked on, like it should almost be in panel 4…but that panel of silence is really cool too. I mean, I understand it’s part of Rico’s character to be a little awkward, but it kinda kills Mari’s moment too and garbles the panel. There’s a sorta dramatic silence that happens naturally when she looks upwards with a single line…and then in panel 4 Rico could break it with his “Waa waa” Again it’s REALLY tough to place that one so you don’t have to take my word for it if you don’t want to.
Also, as a side note I’ve always wanted to come across a sign in a forest that says “Way of the Force –>”
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Hi Shane, who said anything about famous search engines? … la la la
Book tours sound awesome, though I doubt I’d do any of the readings, since I’m not the author. Maybe I can do charades instead…
November 22nd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I HATE IT WHEN THE REAL WORLD INSINUATES ITSELF IN MY COMIC WORLD!!!!! I’m thinking on holding my breath until the next update. But then maybe not….and by the way what would Google want with your special talent and spirit????
November 22nd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
beautiful strip as always, Mike, and thanks for the update on what’s going on with Swoop and your career. congrats and good luck! i’ll be anxiously awaiting new strips, even if that means waiting a bit longer between them.
November 22nd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Mike, congrats on all the recent developments (no surprise, really)! I look forward to seeing all of it.
November 22nd, 2009 at 3:20 pm
If I’m not mistaken Turnip, Google is currently working very hard on a lot of design projects for certain programs and I believe they have some sorta OS as well that will need some design elements too. There’s also the ever-changing Google Logo art, which I think would be FANTASTIC to see some of Mike’s art on. They also have partnerships with Warner and Fox so it’s a great entry into either of those two companies, even if they only work on a marketing and advertising level.
November 22nd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Oh wow, I’m really glad to hear about all of this (especially the bit about you doing another story in Flight!), you definitely deserve it.
Nice page, I’m looking forward to the next one, no matter how long it takes!
November 22nd, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Thanks as always for the support, everyone.
Despite everything that is going on, I’m doing my best to stay on top of the updates… especially since the story is really about to unfold - many of the elements that inspired me to start the comic in the first place will soon be surfacing in the story, and the real adventure is set to begin. So don’t hold your breath too long!
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:31 am
Haaaaaw, I know Mari’s feelings TOO well, since I am right now in the same situation/mood.
Congrats about the compagny, and as many readers allready said, don’t worry ! You have also a carreer to manage, and priorities. I am very glad for you, mon ami ! ^^
That said, I still keep an eye on one swoop fell.
From France With Love,
Julien.
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Just discovered the comic today and caught up! I love the art, as many people have said, it’s just amazing. And the characters (even the random ones) are very distinct and likable.
November 24th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
“Waa-least you don’t have a black eye”
xD
A noun & verb..? The company’s name is… Google!
November 25th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Better a slow update than no update! Those of us who love the strip will understand. Congrats of your illustrating gigs. Let us know about the children’s book, okay? I, for one, would be interested in buying it for the artwork. Of course, if the story is good, that helps, too!
December 10th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Came here via Robot Beach. Your work is beautiful. I’m gonna dig into the archives.
December 16th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Damn. Nearly a month without updates. That’s sad.
December 30th, 2009 at 8:32 am
so…like…are you ever going to update?
Earth to Mike…Earth to Mike…why spend your time making a great comic and building a readership only to leave it for over a month with not a word?
How hard is it to put up a weekly drawing and say something like “I will be back soon, my life is caving in, earthquakes everywhere….”
Sheeeeesh!
Glad you traveled and have to do work that pays. I hope you end this year well and you have a great new one.
It is time for this swoop to fly!
January 2nd, 2010 at 5:19 am
In your own good time, sir…
January 4th, 2010 at 3:00 am
UUPPPPDDAAAAAATTEEEEEEEEEESSS!!!!1one!
January 8th, 2010 at 8:32 am
So uhhh…it’s been like a month and a half now…i realize you’re busy but…you’re killin’ me here. I’m not sure why i keep checking back, you’ve obviously lost any interest in this comic.
January 17th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
General consensus here is UPDATE!
Seriously, had a great comic going, and two months passed without a word or an update.
At least tell us you haven’t fallen out of a plane or something.
January 17th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Hey Everyone, I’m very sorry for the lack of updates. Just a heads up. The latest page is being colored. I’m still quite busy and will be until at least April, but Swoop will soon be updated regularly again. Thanks so much for your patience (and please don’t give up on the strip!).
January 18th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Don’t be pressurised dude, you said at the outset what was going on so people have no cause for complaint. Great to hear there’ll be updates forthcoming but personally I don’t think you have anything to apologise for. It’s a beautiful, brilliant strip and any time you can spend on it is a gift!