So... For those of you who -don't- know (and still might care), the list of competitors for the Original Character tournament over at the Colosseum has been posted...

...And I'm on the list! Wow! How the hell did -that- happen? I mean, I know people kept saying they liked my stuff, but for it to actually be selected as competition-worthy? Just... wow. *bows deeply* I can only hope I live up to everyone's expectations!

I don't think my family quite understands why I've gotten so excited. "You wasted all that time drawing those pictures, just to get into a contest where you have to draw -more- pictures? Is there any sort of actual prize? Where are your priorities?" Ouch.

This... is more than just a hobby, for me. Every time I draw, every time I come up with a story or comic, a little piece of me goes into it. I'm not a talented artist by any means, and I can't just whip out those awesome sketches I've seen others do in five minutes or less, so when I manage to put enough time, love, and effort into something that I feel is worthy of public viewing -- and then get this kind of positive feedback! -- I feel... really, really good. Like I've done something worthwhile, and I should keep doing it.

Admittedly, entering this contest and doodling in general is not going to pay bills (which is, apparently, what everything ultimately comes down to), and I -know- I still have an actal job to find, classes to apply for... But what about self-confidence? What about feeling good about yourself and what you can do? How can anyone put that at the bottom of their list of priorities? If we all did that, we'd end up just trudging around, going through the motions, gray and miserble. Ick.

So there you have it. I wanna thank each and every one of you who -has- felt my art has been worth the time and effort. You mah buds. Hugs all around!

---

--COMISSIONS--

1) Bengalgod (Concept phase)
2) T'Chall (Concept phase)
3) Col (Concept phase)

PRICES!
- $5 for a sketch (Pencil only, no touch-ups with Photoshop will be involved.)
- $10 for inked (Black and white, great for coloring on your own, if you want. A preliminary sketch will be provided for your approval before completion).
- $15 for colored (Via Photoshop. A preliminary sketch -and- the inked version will both be provided for approval before completion.)
- $5 more for every extra character (Sketch, Inked, or Colored)

PAYMENT!
I'll only work through PAYPAL on this one, folks. If your commission is accepted, I'll give you the price and address to send to.

COMPLETION!
Once your commission is completed, I will send you a copy via email. I will only post the artwork with your consent.

---

--ART TRADES--

I'll never so much demand a trade of art as I will feel compelled to doodle for other folks. If you wanna return the favor, feel free! And just so you all know, if you doodle for me first, I might be compelled to doodle right back, so watch out! And if you wanna actually set up an official art trade, I'll mark it here!

---

--REQUESTS--

ATTENTION: there's no doubt there'll be requests. I know I've gotten a few of 'em already! Just remember, folks, that while I'd often love to draw whatever you ask for right away, paying custmers come first, and doodling customers right after! That doesn't mean, however, I won't keep your request in mind. If it's particularly intriguing, I just might do it during some downtime! You never know! I'm lazy like that! ...Crazy. I'm -crazy- like that!

Didn't take me all that long to break my New Year's promises, did it? No, I wasn't dead, just busy-busy-busy. Got me a job in retail that sucked almost all the creativity out of me, and I'm -just now- getting the drive to doodle back! So... yay!

Life updates? Quit that retail job. Not that I don't enjoy helping people find what they're looking for, but I was being asked to do a lot of stuff that one person can't do on their own in the same amount of time. Hey, it was only supposed to be for the holidays and was supposed to be something to keep me occupied, not frustrated and stuck in a creative rut. So, I decided to find myself some other part-time job I could enjoy. I'm still looking.

Got me a (cheap) PS3, which is not only woo'n'yay, but also helps with my volunteer job reviewing video games. Hey, if I wanna get into bigger and better writing jobs, I gotta start somewhere, right. Besides, I love video games. Love me some Ratchet and Clank! I also bought myself the Story graphics correspondence course from the Joe Kubert 'World of Cartooning' School. Comes with all the artistic tools and instructions you need to get started! I think I can have fun with that, definitely!

Aaaaand as I said before, I'm getting myself back in doodle-mode again! Entering the Original Character tournament over at http://thecolosseum.deviantart.com/. And hey, if anyone reading this wants to join in, the due date for applications is May 30th! I'll see you there, hopefully!

---

--COMISSIONS--

1) CroydCrenson (COMPLETE!)
2) Bengalgod (Concept phase)
3) T'Chall (Concept phase)
4) Col (Concept phase)

PRICES!
- $5 for a sketch (Pencil only, no touch-ups with Photoshop will be involved.)
- $10 for inked (Black and white, great for coloring on your own, if you want. A preliminary sketch will be provided for your approval before completion).
- $15 for colored (Via Photoshop. A preliminary sketch -and- the inked version will both be provided for approval before completion.)
- $5 more for every extra character (Sketch, Inked, or Colored)

PAYMENT!
I'll only work through PAYPAL on this one, folks. If your commission is accepted, I'll give you the price and address to send to.

COMPLETION!
Once your commission is completed, I will send you a copy via email. I will only post the artwork with your consent.

---

--ART TRADES--

I'll never so much demand a trade of art as I will feel compelled to doodle for other folks. If you wanna return the favor, feel free! And just so you all know, if you doodle for me first, I might be compelled to doodle right back, so watch out! And if you wanna actually set up an official art trade, I'll mark it here!

1) Luprand

---

--REQUESTS--

ATTENTION: there's no doubt there'll be requests. I know I've gotten a few of 'em already! Just remember, folks, that while I'd often love to draw whatever you ask for right away, paying custmers come first, and doodling customers right after! That doesn't mean, however, I won't keep your request in mind. If it's particularly intriguing, I just might do it during some downtime! You never know! I'm lazy like that! ...Crazy. I'm -crazy- like that!

...didn't it? But, as you now all can see, I -am- back from my stint in the military, and living it up in sunny (and often firey) southern California! I won't bore you with the deatils, but some highlights included waiting an entire month for my car and other stuff to follow me home, going to two different conventions (Nan Desu Kan in Denver, and FurFright in Connecticut), finding a whole slew of things to distract myself in general, and getting anew job, a new apartment, and enrolling in the New York Film Academy in Universal City!!

...Oh, wait, those last three haven't happened yet. But they will in the very near future (or I'll be out on my ass when my lovng and patient parents finally get fed up with me hanging around for so long)! Either way, things are looking up, and yes, I'm finally kicking my own ass hard enough to start doodling again! And there was much rejoicing! *yay...*

So, yes, I am -now- implementing my 'Draw at Least One Thing a Day and -Like- It, You Whiny Crybaby Procrastinator' agenda, where... well, you get the idea. I wanted to call it 'Operation: Freedom', but someone already took that name. Dang. So, here I am, doodling again for you guys. No, I haven't forgotten the Comissions I owe, as Nik Vulper already knows, so Fanimal, Croyd, and Bengal, your stuff is comin'! Thank for your inifinite patience! I also know I owe an art trade with Luprand, and I still wanna finish that Hatter comic for Bent... Am I forgetting anyone? If I am, Lemme know! Oh, and yes, I'm back open for commissions and the like. Details below!

---

--COMISSIONS--

1) Nik Vulper (COMPLETE!)
2) Fanimal (COMPLETE!)
3) CroydCrenson (Concept phase)
4) Bengalgod (Concept phase)
5) T'Chall (Concept phase)

PRICES!
- $5 for a sketch (Pencil only, no touch-ups with Photoshop will be involved.)
- $10 for inked (Black and white, great for coloring on your own, if you want. A preliminary sketch will be provided for your approval before completion).
- $15 for colored (Via Photoshop. A preliminary sketch -and- the inked version will both be provided for approval before completion.)
- $5 more for every extra character (Sketch, Inked, or Colored)
- 10% off your purchase if it's five pics or more
- 25% off your purchase if it's ten pics or more

PAYMENT!
I'll only work through PAYPAL on this one, folks. If your commission is accepted, I'll give you the price and address to send to.

COMPLETION!
Once your commission is completed, I will send you a copy via email. I will only post the artwork with your consent.

---

--ART TRADES--

I'll never so much demand a trade of art as I will feel compelled to doodle for other folks. If you wanna return the favor, feel free! And just so you all know, if you doodle for me first, I might be compelled to doodle right back, so watch out! And if you wanna actually set up an official art trade, I'll mark it here!

1) Luprand

---

--REQUESTS--

ATTENTION: there's no doubt there'll be requests. I know I've gotten a few of 'em already! Just remember, folks, that while I'd often love to draw whatever you ask for right away, paying custmers come first, and doodling customers right after! That doesn't mean, however, I won't keep your request in mind. If it's particularly intriguing, I just might do it during some downtime! You never know! I'm lazy like that! ...Crazy. I'm -crazy- like that!

Dun-dun-dunnnnn! But seriously, the 23rd's tomorrow, which is the day that I start shippin' all the crud I've managed to collect over to the US. Unfortunately, this includes my computer (darn airlines won't accept it asc arry on luggage for some reason), so yes, you unlucky people won't be seeing hide nor hair of me until at -least- the 30th, when I get back home to sunny (and mostly on-fire) California! I feel sorry for you guys already!

So hey, gotta quick semi-related question for you guys: Do you think people can get addicted to the internet? Is surfin' this big ol' series of tubes like some sort of crack? I know that I spend some time every day on the interwebs, and I tend to get a bit fidgety without all my friends to talk to 'n stuff, but I'm pretty sure I can occupy myself for an entire week without breaking down and resorting to sexual favors for five minutes on AIM or something. Pretty sure. >.> So what do you guys think? Is internet addicting? Should they send me away to some sort of rehab? Do -you- need internet rehab? Discuss. I'll be back on the 30th to see what you guys think! Up, up, and away! *runs in circles with his arms out* Wssssshhh...

Okay, so a few of you folks out there know that I've been in the US Army's active miltary service for almost five years now, and to put the experience in a nutshell, it's been... an experience. A learning one. (Groucho) Mostly I learned I don't like the army. (/Groucho) While the decision to join the military is one that makes me want to go back in time and pimp-slap myself before I walk through the recruiting office doors, the army -has- given me a whole new respect for the normal civilian life I took for granted, and I was fortunate enough to spend most of my time in Germany, where I met my dear friend and big sis, Caycay from DevART. ^^

Well, my five year active-service contract is up as of July 30th, and I'm twisting myself into a knot of anticipation just waiting. In about a month's time, I'll be back to having a normal life again! Whee! Of course, I'm gonna miss the heck out of Caycay, who I visitied every other weekend where we would proceed to hang out and temporarily forget school and the miltary. My leaving, atop with a few other things that have been happening this year, are hitting her pretty hard... So go! Go to Caycay's page at http://caycay.deviantart.com and send her lots of loves! Admire her artsiness! Thank her for keepin' a dude like me sane these past few years! Go! I'll wait.

..Back? Cool. So, this next month is gonna have me rushin' around (due to a bit of that good ol' military 'competence'), but I'm not gonna forget you folks! I'm gonna finish up the commissions I owe before I have to ship off my computer and scanner on the 23rd, so no worries there, guys. Alas, with my stuff getting shipped out on the 23rd, and me not leaving until the 30th, that's a whole week (or more) I'll be internet-deprived! That's a warning for those of you who might actually wonder where I've gone off to. All three of you.

Enough of the blather, though. lemme give you the low-down on my current art status stuff:

---

--COMISSIONS--

1) Nik Vulper (3 of 5 complete, 4th of 5 sketched)
2) Fanimal (Concept phase)

PRICES!
- $5 for a sketch (Pencil only, no touch-ups with Photoshop will be involved.)
- $10 for inked (Black and white, great for coloring on your own, if you want. A preliminary sketch will be provided for your approval before completion).
- $15 for colored (Via Photoshop. A preliminary sketch -and- the inked version will both be provided for approval before completion.)
- $5 more for every extra character (Sketch, Inked, or Colored)
- 10% off your purchase if it's five pics or more
- 25% off your purchase if it's ten pics or more

PAYMENT!
I'll only work through PAYPAL on this one, folks. If your commission is accepted, I'll give you the price and address to send to.

COMPLETION!
Once your commission is completed, I will send you a copy via email. I will only post the artwork with your consent.

---

--ART TRADES--

I'll never so much demand a trade of art as I will feel compelled to doodle for other folks. If you wanna return the favor, feel free! And just so you all know, if you doodle for me first, I might be compelled to doodle right back, so watch out! And if you wanna actually set up an official art trade, I'll mark it here!

---

--REQUESTS--

ATTENTION: I will not be accepting any more requests, for now... I mean, the whole reason I started the request list in the first place was because I didn't think folks would actually wanna pay for anything I drew, but now that I know that's not true, well, can you blame me for taking advantage of the opportunity? Don't worry, I'll finish the list off, though. ^^

1) Musclehead Bullies (liuxing-muscle)

Woo and yay, I'm back! For those of you who weren't paying attention (not that I blame you. After all, how often do I have interesting things to say?), I was recently visited and locked out of my account by a hacker-who-will-go-unnamed-because-they-don't-deserve-the-popularity. Quite a bummer indeed, although I only had myself to blame for having an easy password (something I've hopefully rectified).

But do you know what the -best- part about getting my account back is? It only took about a half-dozen emails to the specified inbox and a forum post by a friend (couldn't do it myself) over a period of -two weeks- before the admins gave me control again. Yay! Boy, if I had a toothache, and it took that long to see my dentist, that'd be pretty inconvenient! So thanks, DevART admins, for not being dentists! ^^

---

--COMISSIONS--

1) Nik Vulper (Sketch Phase)

PRICES!
- $5 for a sketch (Pencil only, no touch-ups with Photoshop will be involved.)
- $10 for inked (Black and white, great for coloring on your own, if you want. A preliminary sketch will be provided for your approval before completion).
- $15 for colored (Via Photoshop. A preliminary sketch -and- the inked version will both be provided for approval before completion.)
- $5 more for every extra character (Sketch, Inked, or Colored)
- 10% off your purchase if it's five pics or more
- 25% off your purchase if it's ten pics or more

PAYMENT!
I'll only work through PAYPAL on this one, folks. If your commission is accepted, I'll give you the price and address to send to.

COMPLETION!
Once your commission is completed, I will send you a copy via email. I will only post the artwork with your consent.

---

--ART TRADES--

I'll never so much demand a trade of art as I will feel compelled to doodle for other folks. If you wanna return the favor, feel free! And just so you all know, if you doodle for me first, I might be compelled to doodle right back, so watch out! And if you wanna actually set up an official art trade, I'll mark it here!

---

--REQUESTS--

ATTENTION: I will not be accepting any more requests, for now... I mean, the whole reason I started the request list in the first place was because I didn't think folks would actually wanna pay for anything I drew, but now that I know that's not true, well, can you blame me for taking advantage of the opportunity? Don't worry, I'll finish the list off, though. ^^

1) Musclehead Bullies (liuxing-muscle)

DeviantArt is really starting to piss me off. A week ago, my account there was hacked. Now, I can only blame myself since I was stupid enough to make it an easy password, something I intend to rectify... as soon as the administration over there does something about it! I've been emailing their helpmail inbox for a week now, with no response in sight, and they're starting to piss me off more than this hacker, who has proven they have some personal information of mine, now. If any of you folks have an account with DA, please-please-PLEASE find a way to contact these people (other than using their help[at]deviantart.com or violation[at]deviantart.com mailboxes) and help me get my account back! *sigh*

So.... Just a little poll, here. If you read this, gimme feedback! Let's say someone were to start a pro-wrestling-themed art war (cartoon violence and mayhem). Would you participate?

--COMISSIONS--

PRICES!
- $5 for a sketch (Pencil only, no touch-ups with Photoshop will be involved.)
- $10 for inked (Black and white, great for coloring on your own, if you want. A preliminary sketch will be provided for your approval before completion).
- $15 for colored (Via Photoshop. A preliminary sketch -and- the inked version will both be provided for approval before completion.)
- $5 more for every extra character (Sketch, Inked, or Colored)
- 10% off your purchase if it's five pics or more
- 25% off your purchase if it's ten pics or more

PAYMENT!
I'll only work through PAYPAL on this one, folks. If your commission is accepted, I'll give you the price and address to send to.

COMPLETION!
Once your commission is completed, I will send you a copy via email. I will only post the artwork with your consent.

---

--REQUESTS--

ATTENTION: I will not be accepting any more requests, for now... I mean, the whole reason I started the request list in the first place was because I didn't think folks would actually wanna pay for anythign I drew, but now that I know that's not true, well, can you blame me for taking advantage of the opportunity? Don't worry, I'll finish the list off, though. ^^

1) Musclehead Bullies (liuxing-muscle)

Aaaaaand... okay! I'll open up for commissions again, and this time I'll stay open, see whether I get swamped with clients or not. I'll do my best to get to everyone! *ducks*

--COMISSIONS--

PRICES!
- $5 for a sketch (Pencil only, no touch-ups with Photoshop will be involved.)
- $10 for inked (Black and white, great for coloring on your own, if you want. A preliminary sketch will be provided for your approval before completion).
- $15 for colored (Via Photoshop. A preliminary sketch -and- the inked version will both be provided for approval before completion.)
- $5 more for every extra character (Sketch, Inked, or Colored)
- 10% off your purchase if it's five pics or more
- 25% off your purchase if it's ten pics or more

PAYMENT!
I'll only work through PAYPAL on this one, folks. If your commission is accepted, I'll give you the price and address to send to.

COMPLETION!
Once your commission is completed, I will send you a copy via email. I will only post the artwork with your consent.

---

--REQUESTS--

ATTENTION: I will not be accepting any more requests, for now... I mean, the whole reason I started the request list in the first place was because I didn't think folks would actually wanna pay for anythign I drew, but now that I know that's not true, well, can you blame me for taking advantage of the opportunity? Don't worry, I'll finish the list off, though. ^^

1) Moogle Army (mookie)
2) Musclehead Bullies (liuxing-muscle)

Y'know, I never really thought of my artwork as good enough to get paid for it (and considering some of the talent I've seen around here, I've still got a long way to go), but recently a friend of mine, and then a co-worker, both offered to pay me (with real money!) to do some art for them! Wow, talk about an ego-boost!

Well, after a lot of debate and talking with my friends, I've finally decided to open myself to commissions. Hopefully, my price list is reasonable. Depending on how well this goes, I may or may not -keep- myself open to such endeavors. :)

(EDIT: Boy, that was fast! This journal's not even half a day old, and I've already filled all five slots! Wow! Sorry I couldn't get everyone, but I have to pace myself, y'know? But thanks to everyone who expressed their interest in a commission!)

--COMISSIONS--

For now, I'll start with FIVE CUSTOMERS on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that because of my work schedule, I won't be busting these out left and right, but Ill finish them as professionally and quickly as possible.

1) Jahgo (COMPLETE!)
2) Foxcall (COMPLETE!)
3) Mr. Lean (Inked)

PRICES!
- $5 for a sketch (Pencil only, no touch-ups with Photoshop will be involved.)
- $10 for inked (Black and white, great for coloring on your own, if you want. A preliminary sketch will be provided for your approval before completion).
- $15 for colored (Via Photoshop. A preliminary sketch -and- the inked version will both be provided for approval before completion.)
- $5 more for every extra character (Sketch, Inked, or Colored)
- 10% off your purchase if it's five pics or more
- 25% off your purchase if it's ten pics or more

PAYMENT!
I'll only work through PAYPAL on this one, folks. If your commission is accepted, I'll give you the price and address to send to.

COMPLETION!
Once your commission is completed, I will send you a copy via email. I will only post the artwork with your consent.

---

--REQUESTS--

ATTENTION: I will not be accepting any more requests, for now... I mean, the whole reason I started the request list in the first place was because I didn't think folks would actually wanna pay for anythign I drew, but now that I know that's not true, well, can you blame me for taking advantage of the opportunity? Don't worry, I'll finish the list off, though. ^^

1) Garr Meets Conner (andarkwolf01)
2) Inflated FoxRoo (therealEricFox)
3) Moogle Army (mookie)
4) Musclehead Bullies (liuxing-muscle)

---

 foxamoore Fox Amoore did yet another awesomest-of-awesome commissions for me, which can be found here. Go listen, El Toro fans, and know the song of the bool!
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/440465/

Woo, feelin' good! Got my artistic inspirational stuff back, and pumped up on all the comments 'n faves you guys are sendin' my way! Thanks a ton, guys! It's 'cause 'a you that I'm feeling so inspired! So, since I don't wanna keep sayin' thanks a hundred different ways, here's that request list!

REQUESTS

So, what do you guys wanna see me doodle? Your character? An action scene? Some fanart? A one-page comic? Something abstract? Meaningful? ...Nude? Either way I'm puttin' in some ground rules, just to make things interesting and fair, as follows:

1) There will be five request slots, filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. When a slot becomes vacant, the next person to make a request will be accepted. Better be fast!
2) You cannot have more than one request on the list at a time, meaning you have to wait for your first doodle to be finished, before having a chance to request another. Sorry, Mr. Greedypants!
3) Try and make your request different from all the others on the list, especially the last request made. Keep things interesting! Challenge me! Let the creative juices flow! Flow, juices, flow!
4) I will NOT doodle PR0N, excessive gore, or anything involving bodily functions. Breathing, bleeding, and blinking don't count. Implied nastiness can be comical and is acceptable. Hey, if Disney can do it, so can I.
5) All requests, comments, critiques, flames, spam, and chocolate should be posted to this journal entry, please.

Also note that more complicated doodles will take longer to do (duh!) and I -will- still be posting my own desired doodles in between requests. I'm not an automoton, after all. ;) And now, without further ado...

--REQUESTS--

1) Dr. FranCoonFurter and Rocky (mtext)
2) Garr Meets Conner (andarkwolf01)
3) Inflated FoxRoo (therealEricFox)
4) Moogle Army (mookie)
5) Musclehead Bullies (liuxing-muscle)

Also of note: This invitation also extends to the folks over at DeviantArt, so don't be surprised if requestees you might not recognize show up on the list. I can't very well run -two- request lists!

So... I suppose some of you will be expecting an explanation of why there isn't a huge long list at the bottom of this journal entry. Well, the other night, I invited a talented artist friend of mine (some of you might know Sammy the S'moreSkunk) to browse through my gallery, and tell me what she thought. Her opinion? While my doodles have come quite a ways, maybe I should lay off the big ol' List of Self-Gratification (my words, not hers) and apply what talents I have to something other than raccoons, specifically me. and while I -have- doodled a few other species, maybe I should doodle a few more, eh? Maybe some humans, or something. Or a *blush* tasteful nude or two.

...God, I need to get laid. Preferably before I die and they put me in the ground. Geez, I'm almost *quick math* 5/8's a 40-year-old virgin! *sob* ...Although Steve Carrell -is- a pretty funny guy. Hehe...

But anyway, time to try something new! It's gonna function a lot like the Faces of Conner list, except with a lot more flexibility. My apologies to all of you who still had a Faces request coming, but this should make it up to ya! Heck you could still requests the Faces pic if it means that much to you, right? But what do -you- guys wanna see me doodle? Your character? An action scene?Some fanart? A one-page comic? Something abstract? Meaningful? ...Nude? Either way I'm puttin' in some ground rules, just to make things interesting and fair, as follows:

1) There will be five request slots, filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. When a slot becomes vacant, the next person to make a request will be accepted. Better be fast!
2) You cannot have more than one request on the list at a time, meaning you have to wait for your first doodle to be finished, before having a chance to request another. Sorry, Mr. Greedypants!
3) Try and make your request different from all the others on the list, especially the last request made. Keep things interesting! Challenge me! Let the creative juices flow! Flow, juices, flow!
4) I will NOT doodle PR0N, excessive gore, or anything involving bodily functions. Breathing, bleeding, and blinking don't count. Implied nastiness can be comical and is acceptable. Hey, if Disney can do it, so can I.
5) All requests, comments, critiques, flames, spam, and chocolate should be posted to this journal entry, please.

Also note that more complicated doodles will take longer to do (duh!) and I -will- still be posting my own desired doodles in between requests. I'm not an automoton, after all. ;) And now, without further ado...

--REQUESTS--

1) Character Pic (AirRaiser)
2) Interestingly Posed Snow Leopard (summercat)
3) Dr. FranCoonFurter and Rocky (mtext)
4) Garr Meets Conner (andarkwolf01)
5) Inflated FoxRoo (therealEricFox)

Also of note: This invitation also extends to the folks over at DeviantArt, so don't be surprised if requestees you might not recognize show up on the list. I can't very well run -two- request lists!

So recently, Ian (one of my friends over on the SMT MUCK) has been working on a comic/manga, or at least the script for one. I know how ya feel, buddy! The awesome ideas, the inability to get it down on paper properly... If only I could draw! ... Anyhow, he really wants his idea to reach more than a couple folks, and for some reason he thinks tons of people care about what I think, like I was popular or something (I think I'm more 'known' than 'popular', but what the hey), so he asked me to tell you guys what I thought about The Ballad of Koku High.

From what I've read, Ballad actually -is- an awesome idea. Original, too! Sure, it follows a lot of the 'Japanese school full of super-powered students and teaching staff' stereotypes, but how many of those have you seen that have a main character that's not only completely normal without any kind of ki-manipulating powers, but completely clueless as to the real nature of the school he's attending? Yeah, thought so! It's a good read, funny, and has (gasp!) actual character development, too! But I'm really not doing Ian's work any justice, so just go over to http://crowmagnon.deviantart.com and check it out for yourself, huh?

On a side note, the Faces of Conner continue, and the list is below! There's still plenty of slots left open, so don't forget to give me a head's-up or something with a reference for your character and the pic you'd like to be in if you want a cameo! And hey, if you have a good idea for a pic you don't see here but you'd -like- to see (nothing adult in nature, please), lemme know!

The Faces and their progress are as follows:

-Normal Conner (COMPLETE!)
-Matrix Conner
-Secret Agent Conner
-VanHelsing/Demon Hunter Conner (w/ HadesTheLeprechaun, in progress)
-Evil Dead/Ash Conner
-The First Conner
-Next Generation Conner
-Noir/Private Eye Conner
-Hippie Conner (w/ ShinAkira, in progress)
-Hitman/Number 47 Conner
-Straightjacket/Crazy Conner
-Supervillainous Conner (with Akari-Jaganashi, in progress)
-Gangsta Conner
-Leisure Suit Conner
-Heavy Metal Conner
-Final Fantasy/Cloud Conner (COMPLETE!)
-Psychonauts Conner (w/ Lunostophiles, in progress)
-Katamari Conner (w/ Caycay, COMPLETE!)
-Viewtiful Conner (COMPLETE!)
-Rocky Horror Picture Show/Francoonfurter (w/ MText, in progress)
-'The Mask' Conner
-TanukiCoon (COMPLETE!)
-Mech Warrior Conner
-Full Metal Alchemist Conner (w/ LinkTiger, in progress)
-Batman/BatConner
-South Park Conner
-Ancient Rome/Maximus Coonicus
-Pharoh/Coontekhamen (w/ Kairyu-shin, in progress)
-Muscle/HulkCoon (w/ Exatron, in progress)
-Tubby/ChefCoon (w/ Caleb, in progress)
-Macro/CoonZilla (COMPLETE!)
-MicroCoon (w/ BlazeKinser, in progress)
-Goopy/S'moreCoon
-Winged/AngelCoon
-ZombieCoon
-Cyborg/RoboCoon
-DragonCoon
-Byakko/TigerCoon
-BullCoon
-Female/Coonette (w/ Torren, in progress)
-Four-Armed Conner
-Coontaur
-Balloon/InflataCoon (w/ BlimpWolf, in progress)
-FlatCoon
-ChibiCoon
-Fire/PyraCoon
-Rock/TerraCoon
-Invisible/SpectreCoon
-Non-AnthroCoon
-Prehistoric/Connersaurus Rex
-Glo-stick/RaverCoon (COMPLETE!)
-HumanCoon
-Mario Bros./KoopaCoon
-Sonic The Hedgehog/MobianCoon
-KangaCoon (w/ Duncan, in progress)
-Jell-OCoon
-ElastiCoon
-Hellboy/HellCoon
-FishCoon
-Sly Cooper/Sly Conner
-Kingdom Hearts/Heartless Conner (w/ HungryJackal, in progress)
-Sky-Surfer Conner (w/ Vrghr, in progress)
-DBZ Conner
-Spider-Coon
-Dilbert/NerdCoon
-Stick Figure/CrayolaCoon
-VampireCoon
-Legend of Zelda/LinkCoon
-Inside-Out/Visible Conner
-BirdCoon
-Football Conner (w/ Luprand, in progress)
-Indiana Jones/Adventurer Conner

...So, hey again, everyone. Yeah, my artist get-go's come back from the dead, and this time, it wants brains! BRAAAAAINS!! Or chocolate pudding, if that's more readily available. Anyhoo, just so you folks know, there are stil -plenty- of slots open for those of you who wanna guest star on one of my 'Faces', so send me those messages and notes, and I'll pencil you in! Also, if you don't see an idea down below here that you'd like to see, tell me about it! No idea's too strange (but no adult stuff, please). So, go little doodling hand! Doodle like the wind!

(EDIT: Whoops! Can't believe I forgot! If you wanna be part of a 'Face', please tell me which one, and please provide a reference for your character, like a written description, or a picture or something! One per customer, batteries not included, offer available only while supplies last. Don't forget to tip your waitress and drink your Ovaltine. Thank you.)

The Faces and their progress are as follows:

-Normal Conner (COMPLETE!)
-Matrix/Neo Conner
-Secret Agent/007 Conner
-VanHelsing/Demon Hunter Conner (w/ HadestheLeprechaun, in progress)
-Evil Dead/Ash Conner
-The First Conner
-Next Generation Conner
-Noir/Private Eye Conner
-Hippie Conner (w/ ShinAkira, in progress)
-Hitman/Number 47 Conner
-Straightjacket/Crazy Conner
-Supervillainous/Evil Clone Conner
-Gangsta Conner
-Leisure Suit/Larry Conner
-Heavy Metal Conner
-Final Fantasy/Cloud Conner (w/ Leon-Heartilly, COMPLETE!)
-Psychonauts Conner (w/ Lunostophiles, in progress)
-Katamari Conner (w/ Caycay, in progress)
-Viewtiful Conner (w/ Chase-Fox, COMPLETE!)
-Rocky Horror Picture Show/Francoonfurter (w/ MText, in progress)
-The Mask/Mask Conner
-Tanuki Conner (w/ SchwangerD, COMPLETE!)
-Mech Warrior Conner
-Full Metal Alchemist/FullMetal Conner (w/ LinkTiger, in progress)
-Batman/BatConner
-South Park Conner
-Ancient Rome/Connericus
-Pharoh/Coontekhamen (w/ Kairyu-shin, in progress)
-Muscle/HulkCoon (w/ Exatron, in progress)
-Tubby/ChefCoon (w/ Luprand and Caleb, in progress)
-Macro/CoonZilla (w/KingDead, COMPLETE!)
-MicroCoon (w/ BlazeKinser, in progress)
-Goopy/S'moreCoon
-Winged/AngelCoon
-ZombieCoon
-Cyborg/RoboCoon
-DragonCoon
-Byakko/WhiteTigerCoon
-ElToro/BullCoon
-Female/Coonette (w/ Torren, in progress)
-Four-ArmedCoon
-Coontaur
-Balloon/InflataCoon (w/ BimpWolf, in progress)
-FlatCoon
-ChibiCoon
-Fire/PyraCoon
-Rock/TerraCoon
-Invisible/SpectreCoon
-Non-AnthroCoon
-Prehistoric/CaveCoon
-Glo-stick/RaverCoon (w/ Verace, COMPLETE!)
-HumanCoon
-Mario Bros./KoopaCoon
-MobianCoon
-KangaCoon (w/ Duncan, in progress)
-Jell-OCoon
-ElastiCoon
-Hellboy/HellCoon
-FishCoon
-Sly Cooper/Sly Conner
-Kingdom Hearts/Heartless Conner (w/ HungryJackal, in progress)
-Sky-Surfer Conner (w/ Vrghr, in progress)
-DBZ Conner
-Prehistoric CaveCoon
-Spider-Coon
-Dilbert/NerdCoon

...Kind of an odd title, huh? Well, for those of you not in 'the know', back on on DeviantART, I posted up a list of ideas, intending to draw myself in some of the many predicaments and forms the Blue manages to get me into, and even some that folks suggested! Well, I'm just now finally getting my lazy 'coon butt into gear and actually doodling some of those scenarios, but it's kinda narcissistic to just draw myself, right? So, I'm makin' this offer, as a kind of partial-request thing: if you'd like a character of yours to star in one (note: Just one per person, folks!) of the themed pics I intend to draw, send me a heads up! First come, first serve, and don't forget to send me a good description of the character, or at least some reference pics, eh? Also, if you have an idea for a 'Face' that isn't already on the list, I'll be glad to put it up as long as it's nothing too explicit. Thanks!

The Faces and their progress are as follows:

-Normal Conner (COMPLETE!)
-Matrix/Neo Conner
-Secret Agent/007 Conner
-VanHelsing/Demon Hunter Conner
-Evil Dead/Ash Conner
-The First Conner
-Next Generation Conner
-Noir/Private Eye Conner
-Hippie Conner
-Hitman/Number 47 Conner
-Straightjacket/Crazy Conner
-Supervillainous/Evil Clone Conner
-Gangsta Conner
-Leisure Suit/Larry Conner
-Heavy Metal Conner
-Final Fantasy/Cloud Conner (w/ Leon Heartilly, COMPLETE!)
-Psychonauts Conner
-Katamari Conner
-Viewtiful Conner (w/ Chase-Fox, in progress)
-Rocky Horror Picture Show/Frankenfurter Conner
-The Mask/Mask Conner
-Tanuki Conner (w/ SchwangerD, COMPLETE!)
-Mech Warrior Conner
-Full Metal Alchemist/ FullMetal Conner (w/ LinkTiger, in progress)
-Batman/BatConner
-South Park Conner
-Ancient Rome/Connericus
-Pharoh/Coontekhamen
-Muscle/HulkCoon
-Tubby/ChefCoon (w/ Luprand, in progress)
-Macro/CoonZilla (w/ KingDead, COMPLETE!)
-MicroCoon (w/ BlazeKinser, in progress)
-Goopy/S'moreCoon
-Winged/AngelCoon
-ZombieCoon
-Cyborg/RoboCoon
-DragonCoon
-Byakko/WhiteTigerCoon
-ElToro/BullCoon
-Female/Coonette (w/ Torren, in progress)
-Four-ArmedCoon
-Coontaur
-Balloon/InflataCoon (w/ BlimpWolf, in progress)
-FlatCoon
-ChibiCoon
-Fire/PyraCoon
-Rock/TerraCoon
-InvisiCoon
-Non-AnthroCoon
-Prehistoric/CaveCoon
-Glo-stick/RaverCoon (w/ Verace, in progress)
-HumanCoon
-Mario Bros./8-BitCoon
-MobianCoon
-KangaCoon (w/ Duncan, in progress)
-Jell-OCoon
-ElastiCoon
-Hellboy/HellCoon
-FishCoon
-Sly Cooper/Sly Conner
-Kingdom Hearts/Heartless Conner (w/ HungryJackal, in progress)
-Sky-Surfer Conner (w/ Vrghr, in progress)
-DBZ Conner
-Prehistoric CaveCoon
-Spider-Coon

So, yeah, here I am again, postin' art like I haven't been gone for, oh, forever and a day! Sorry folks, but work's been hittin' me hard, and when that isn't art-block is! Bad block, bad! So, some of these submissions are a little out-of-date by a few months, but if I don't tell you that, it'll be like they're brand new! Ooooh. ...Unless I -have- told you that, in which case, see the above explanation.

Just wanna thank all of you out there who've been supportive of my humble little doodles, 'cause you're the ones that've inspired me to keep at it! And a big thank you to all those great artists I happen to be watching! I wanna have that level of artistic ability some day!

Well, catch you folks another time! Hopefully not in another four months, right?

So, here I am, once again! The good ol' Affin's back, and so are plenty of my favorite artists that I don't see of DevART! but where's my stuff, you may ask? Well, if you wanna see all my old stuff, just follow my website link to my DevART page. Anything new that I doodle will go up on both pages, so keep an eye out! ...As soon as I get back from holiday vacation with my family, that is. See you all on the 5th of January!