Much like in rewriting not everything is done at once in comics. Start with the story. Get it done, perhaps try a strategy of having a day dedicated to certain parts may be beneficial. Such as a day for backgrounds, or details, or shading may be something to try. Motivation is lost in seeing the looming chore instead of the passion.
Nonetheless, I understand that art differs from writing and I apologize if my advice is utterly worthless.
The dialogue seems very random and out place, although we still have no idea of where this is going or have any evidence for characterization at this point.

Hmmm, yes. I have the story boarding done for about a dozen strips, and the basic writing for about a dozen more. Trying to make the panels visually interesting is what kills me.

This was actually supposed to be a bit of characterization, though maybe it fell a bit short.

Often simplicity is the key. The greatest comics often have been simple things. From Maus to the Sandman that rule is golden.
The emotion is there and the movement, and the atmosphere. The dialogue is what strips the characterization, it's unexpected and seems unreal.
The Lizard is the big fat question mark? He may spell doom to the work if he’s this mind lost and random. Still, the audience has not enough evidence at this rate to draw formidable conclusion.

Heh, slightly scatterbrained lizard then.

Indeed. =3