If you live in Cannon Beach and think to yourself, “Man, this barely looks like where I live at all,” I apologize. I am relying as much on reference photos as on my memory of the place, but mostly deferring to what I prefer to draw. What you get is more of a hodgepodge of Pacific Northwest architecture and coastal landscape, with a few Cannon Beach signifiers thrown in. (Mostly the rock.) Were I more true to the picture, there would be many more hotels, motels and condos in the scenery. But man, that is boring to draw.

The thing I like most about the Warthog is his adaptive delusionability. No, that’s not a real word. But you know what I mean: he can fit his illusions about himself to his situation, no matter how much it changes. Chloe was clever enough (and I think of her as a very clever little duck) to exploit that as a way of easing him out of her life. Some of you may think that cruel. But really, it’s a bit much for a near-adolescent duckling to tolerate the relentless affection of a much older warthog. And I don’t wanna turn this into anthropomorphic Lolita. Plenty of that on the Internet already.

Want a health update? Feeling much better. Holding strong. Everyone in my house is back to normal. Gonna consult with my ENT about the CT scan of my sinuses. We’ll see how that goes.

Larger, more legible version here.

To be more accurate, Timmy decided to stay when he realized that should a rescue team pull him out of the well, he would just wind up living in his parent’s basement. At least this way no one questions his competence or maturity or tells him to clean his room. His best friend from middle school, Trevor keeps him supplied with food, PS3 games, and bootlegs of popular movies.

Anyway, I am back after a few weeks off. Again. What was it this time, O feeble cartoonist? Herniated disc. Lasted a couple weeks until I found the right medication – Methocarbomol, a muscle relaxer – that had the side effect of increasing my torpor. All of my recent ailments left me pretty exhausted. This page, which ordinarily I would have completed within a couple days, took me several sessions, most a half hour or hour at a time, depending on how much I could either tolerate, pain-wise, or muster, energy-wise. Friends told me to cut it out and heal myself. For once, I listened.

Next week, barring any random strikes of meteorites or errant buses, there shall be another page. Thanks for your patience!

A day late. Came down with a herniated disc in my lower back over the weekend. Fortunately, the round of anti-inflammatory drugs I am using to fight this persistent sinus infection has had the added benefit of reducing the muscle swelling that keeps the disc misaligned.

Is that more detail than you wanted? Sorry. I feel like a punching bag lately.

Meanwhile, Warthog is about to experience his first espresso and scone. Hopefully that will ease the blow.

Well, how about that? I managed to post this on a Wednesday. Sure, it’s 8pm PST, but it counts.

Anyway, sorry for the delay. Had another bout with the asthma. I am consulting my doctor and referring to an ENT to deal with my sinusitis.

As for today’s page, that is indeed Haystack Rock, probably the most iconic geologic formation on the Oregon coast. I confess, I fudged a few details for narrative convenience. But for most Oregonians, and anyone who has paid a visit to Cannon Beach, it should be recognizable. I have not been back there in a few years. I hope to make up for that this year. I hate being away from the coast for too long. The ocean is grand, hypnotic, relaxing and a little terrifying. I love it.

Clara sleeps like the dead when she hibernates. Oscar, a little less so. Perhaps like the brain dead?

No, that was a bad joke.

Anyway, next week we’ll return our focus upon Sheldon, Chloe and the rest. See you then!

Here it is. I apologize for being so late. I got some last minute paid work that I had to focus on, on top of the usual disruptions of family life and fluctuating health. I’m fine now; and ironically, I still have the project to get back to. Hope you all enjoy this page, have a good weekend and come back at the usual time next Wednesday.

Also I was sick this weekend. What else is new? But I am better again. So see ya Friday!

Today’s page appears in black and white, because I ran out of time to color it. However, I will be adding color later today, so fear not that this will become a trend. If you want to see it in it’s colorful glory, check back later in the evening. Sorry for the incompleteness.

How do you know a nutjob when you meet one? I mean, some folks are obvious, but I think most sneak up on you. A friend of mine in college used to call them “freaks without warning,” normal seeming people who reveal through conversation a their personal disconnect from reality. In Mr. Guzek here, I think Liz is not sure what she has brought into her life: charming eccentric, mad genius, or just a looney.

Because I think of this webcomic as a kid-friendly adventure (but adult-friendly, too), I spared y’all the gruesome details of the kraken’s demise. Kinda sad, though. It was just looking for a bite to eat. I’m the kinda guy who roots for the predator on nature shows. “I know that bunny is really cute, but I don’t want the mountain lion to starve.” My kids do not share this sentiment. However, I make exceptions for elephants. They got it rough, man.