RustBucket and Rose

I’ve been able to pull off three of the web comics so far for RustBucket and Rose. I kinda just went for it, even though I really should have explored the designs more. That said, after making some adjustments and planning a few more in the future conveniently worked into the story, I’m pretty stoked to be doing the strip on these two characters. Tonight I wanted to do a model sheet for myself, but couldn’t help turning it into this. I think it’ll still work to keep them on model, but I got a fun piece out of it. Now off to sleep!

BTW…Big thanks to Dave for creating the logo for this series! He ain’t cheap, but he’s worth every penny.

Rustbucket & Rose: Episode 3

These are not easy. Frick! Trying to knock a Sunday strip out in the equivalent of a day’s work is nearly impossible. More like 2 days…how did the old school guys pull this stuff off.

Well, Rose has gotten down to business. Stay tuned for more!

Navigator

I have a terrible sense of direction. If you spun me around twice and pulled a sweater over my head, I’d be lost for days. Fortunately our space age world has provided all sorts of gadgets to help me find my way around. But what if I end up on some distant planet with spotty cell phone reception? The image above was based on the idea of having GPS bots who help map out new planets for all those directionally challenged space explorers. He’ll be making an appearance in the next Atmosphere strip (yeah, I fell off the wagon after one episode – how sad is that?? Thanks tax season.)

In other news, NC got a large helping of sleet and snow this weekend. I have to tell you, there’s nothing funnier than watching your wife slide down the yard riding a large Rubbermaid storage lid. Ahhh, winter!

Bandits!

I had three things in mind this weekend as I began this post. One: I wanted to draw some hands being expressive. Two: I wanted to do multiple characters in tough poses overlapping as much as I could without making it look like a mosh pit. And three: draw something that represented the severe rub I feel every time we begin to organize our taxes. So to that, I give you a small band of space bandits about to score some spoils!

Rustbucket & Rose: Episode 2

I had some time to stare at the first strip for a while as I planned out the next strip. When I was thinking through the design initially for RustBucket, I knew I wanted to make him relatably humanoid. One for clarity and two for being able to really hit emotions we recognize. So I went for a retro robot, and like what happens to all of us, I ripped off some of my favorite robots and had to return to the drawing board. Fortunately, as much as I hate this, it’s also a great reminder how easy it is to slip up.

I adjusted his chest to have a grill a’la TractorBot, and legs like Submarine. Gave him a coat of paint and overall I think he’s a lot more fun. I won’t say he’s the most innovative thing I have ever thought up, but he works for the character I have in mind, and that’s all I want. Dave and I came up with some new hooks yesterday for him too that should really push him in some cool direction. I’m gonna hit the first panel again this week so it’s consistent. So glad I work digital some days!