As all things must end...

Apparently there was some sort of debate a few nights ago. I didn’t see it because I was too busy watching “Degrassi” reruns on the Internet, but I’m certain it was exciting. Tom Shales certainly thought so!

 

(“Degrassi” by the way has always been the secret influence to “No Exit Nearby.” Next time you read the strip, keep a look out for all the hidden references. You won’t be disappointed.)

 

Oh, and then there’s that weird “bitter” controversy that’s been going around. Everyone’s discussed the issue to death, but I can’t be the only person that thought when they heard Obama’s remarks, “Well isn’t that true?”

 

But this, my friends, this is the greatest news story of the week: Paulville. Yes, a community in Texas based on the ideals of Ron Paul.

 

That’s it, there’s nothing more that can ever be said about Ron Paul and his supporters.

You win. (Will you use the gold standard as the basis of your monetary system?)

Today’s cartoon is the final part in the epic “Political Cartoonists” miniseries; I think it ends it on a good note. After political cartoons, manifestos are really the next logical step.

 

Timing’s a funny thing because when I wrote the roommate’s punch line about gun rights, it was just meant to be a joke, not something that referred to anything currently going on. Then I found out my strip was going to run during the week of the anniversary of the Virginia Tech Massacre and after another “Daily” editorial about letting students carry concealed weapons.

 

It’s a good thing guns aren’t a controversial subject so that this won’t be considered a problem.

 

Jillian’s roommate (whom I haven’t named yet) is a character I’ve had for awhile that I’ve never been able to get into the strip. I’ve mentioned this before, but the strip serves two masters: it must be politically relevant and it must be character-focused. For the past year and a half I’ve mostly focused on developing Jim and Jillian’s character traits, so the idea of another reoccurring character at the time seemed preposterous. Expect to see her again, maybe with a name next time.

 

The last panel was a headache to put together, because I needed four speech bubbles, Jim and Jillian in silhouette, and Jillian’s roommate under her blanket with her eyes visible, all at night. Many, many sketches were done to figure out the most logical way to put it together, and I still think it needs a bit more work.

 

I’m certain no one else thinks it’s that funny, but I always laugh when I read the dialogue exchange: “…and we can call it, " The Anarchists Cookbook!”” “That’s already taken,” “Not it’s not.” The utter denial amuses me greatly.

 

Fun Fact #38: I like to think I put a lot of effort into my work, but then I read a story like this and I begin to question myself.

 

Dedication, my friends. She has dedication.

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