Simply D.L.

Pondering about Panel Diet

I have been thinking and preparing a lot for a new blog on comics. I used to think comics were the only ones I saw from the newspapers and the typical superhero comics. But I learned it is a LOT more than that. I stumbled upon webcomics and graphic novels. So it’s called, Panel Diet, a clever name that means eating comic as a daily meal. And it is symbolic, not literal.

While there is always going to be new material to introduce new comics and such, I find it hard to find something to think to put on this blog. Maybe it’ll hit me soon. Maybe I’ll have to get used to writing in this tiny window that will send all of my words into this magical portal where all the faries and dragons live.

When Panel Diet is up and running, I’ll make an announcement about that and post the link to it.

Coming soon: a blog about comics

I haven’t updated in a few weeks. And I must give props to bloggers who always have something to say in well-thought paragraphs. I used to have a blog on xanga, but that was when I was in high school and just treated like some typical journal for people I know to read.

So, strange to write this… but realizing I have been reading lots of comics, webcomics and graphic novels included, I should have a blog more focused on a particular topic. I’d like for people to know there are other great comics to read. I’ll put up the link to the blog when it’s running smoothly, as in in getting the regular updates.

Gone driving this weekend

I won’t be here on Saturday to update since I’ll be helping my cousin to move into her dorm this weekend. And it’s around a six-hour drive.

School begins in a week (on Thursday) for me. Since my school is a quarter system, we don’t start in late August like semester-system schools.

Also, A Table for One webcomic will be up and running (mostly at drunkduck.com) next Thursday.

Political Circus

A comic I created two days ago and it’s up at Deadend right now.

It all began with someone titled a post called “Political Circus” and wrote that he hopes it ends. So I decided to take it literally and, it came out more clever than I expected.

Like most people out there, I am also jaded by the thoughts of politics. It actually becomes a circus when candidates run into controversies, accusations (from each other, the media, and pundits), and such.

It has this weird irony. To campaign for the primaries and if lucky, for president, one would have to spend millions of dollars. Wouldn’t it be cheaper (and more entertaining) to have the presidents and vice presidents run into these competition of playing Super Smash Bros. against each other, eat the most hot dogs, and give a 20 minute speech on why they should be president or VP. That would be only five million dollars at the most. And it’ll attract event he most cynical viewers to take interest, and definitely frustrate the political pundits who need some jargons to utter.

Birth of Summer 08

Less than a week ago, I’m finally done with school…until the fall quarter begins.

Because our school ended late (around June 12, depending when one’s last final is), it begins in late September. I have lots of things I plan to do in my vacation. First of all, find a part-time job. Not only would it bring a modest income I need to use for the upcoming school year, but it would force me not to take summer for granted.

I went to my cousin’s high school graduation. It felt awkward for me to stand in the midst of family and friends searching and finding their young grads. It also reminded me I am old, 22 years old and going to fourth year of college. Frightening.

My goals for this summer is to be productive and develop a daily routine of reading, writing, and drawing so I can continue to grow as a prolific artist.

I find there is so much to explore and from it, learn and apply it in my life. And if there is one thing I want to put to rest this summer, my dreaded procrastination. It had always caused a ruckus here and there while attending my classes.

Coming Soon: A Table for One

I like to announce my upcoming webcomic, A Table for One.

More details can be found at A Table for One.

Edit: Rather, this fall 2008.

Webcomic: The not so well-known medium

At first, my perception of comics was limited to the subscription of the Orange County Register and then later the Los Angeles Times. I had enjoyed reading good comics such as Peanuts, Mutts, Zitts, and FoxTrot. But later, I found out the comics written and drawn for the Internet are much better than most of the comics you find in the newspaper.

Webcomic is a dynamic medium. Here are a few characteristics I observed from reading them:

1. Availability: Because the Internet is becoming more prevalent and accessible, there is no excuse of not being able to read a webcomic because you don’t subscribe to a certain newspaper that carries that comic strip, unless you are deprived of the Internet.

2. Free: Webcomic is not only available, but it is free. There is no need to go to a bookstore to purchase the book or pay any sort of money. And webcartoonists themselves do not have to worry about someone illegally downloading their comics.

3. Lack of Censorship: This allows the webcomic to not be restricted to the format of the newspaper, and the jokes. The artist could try all sorts of colors and panel frames sizes. Of course, along with that artistic freedom, if one is prudish, he must be aware that a webcomic can be offensive in the eyes of the newspaper guidelines such as profanity, nudity, and whatever one would find offensive.

Of course, like certain music bands or TV shows, we have our taste. One might not like a webcomic about a beaver and a lizard (i.e. Beaver and Steve) or its style while another might enjoy it. A part of the excitement is when you finally find a good webcomic to read that suits your sense of humor.

In addition to this entry regarding the wonder of webcomics, I have added a page that lists my recommended webcomics that I read and enjoy to help you find a fun webcomic to read. Some of these webcartoonists do have merchandise such as books and t-shirts if you’re interested.

Do Justice in Small Measure First

It was a bit depressing yet convincing today. This week is Armenian Genocide awareness. On the field in front of the bell tower, there are what appears to be black balloons; each balloon represents a thousand deaths, I think (I didn’t get close enough look). But last year was more shocking as it was crosses planted on the field like a graveyard and yes, each cross represented a thousand deaths as well. And the embarrassing thing was that I learned about this tragedy last year. It’s not that well-known. The most well-known genocide is, well, the Holocaust. And along the walkway in front of the Rivera library, there are cardboard displays of other lesser-known such as the Bosnian, Rwandan, and Cambodian genocides.

And on the bench I was sitting at, there was two cards taped to it and it cried out against those in the Philippines with different political ideologies being tortured and killed for their beliefs, leaving their families without a bread-winner.

I feel overwhelmed and guilty. There’s almost nothing I can do to undo these tragedies. It had been done. And I’m just a suburban college student. Awareness and acknowledgment of these genocides and various forms of injustice are not enough.

So what I can I do? The least I can say is to contribute something you support through your finances, talents, effort, and time. It does not necessary have to be supporting the current crisis in Darfur (although strongly encouraged) or any mainstream or even a religious cause, but something you care and are willing to support.

For me, I am currently looking for a non-profit organization that promotes literacy and literature because I enjoy reading and books are awesome. Literacy is important not only for one to read novels and learn to sympathize with characters, but it would help him to get a better job.

It first begins in small measures. A small chat with a lonely stranger. Time spent at a local soup kitchen and the city parks handing out food. Money donated for supplies, sandwiches, and novels.

Compassion is one of the most difficult characteristics to develop especially those raised in the bubble-enclosed suburban world. It means to know and understand the suffering of others that it propels us to move into action rather than be bystanders who only think after their own needs.